I want to learn how to fish.

[Vicious89x]

I fished like 3 times my entire life, and it was in South America and I was about 10. Lately, I always think back to it and I want to do it, partly because i believe it would be something great to do with my son when he gets older. I just have a couple of problems:

- I know nothing about it

- I don't have anyone to teach me

- I don't have a boat or the spare $$ to drop on a 20K boat.

Any advice on equipment, brands, technique, anything would be appreciated. I'm not looking to be out there every weekend. Maybe once a month, twice max.

[Bruce Banner]

I think you said you live in Oregon. There and in WA you can get paid to catch pikeminnows, which used to be called squawfish until the Indians complained. The gov gives you something like $5 for each one you turn in.

[AFJF]

I'll have to keep an eye on this thread now that I've noted how much I love camping. I'm going to want to learn as much as possible about outdorrsy stuff. I think it's someting I can really get in to.

[PatriotReign37]

Where do you live? Youll need a fishing license and get a state regulations booklet. They should be free.

Start off with a closed face reel. They sell the pole and reel together at Walmart for not much money. Use 6 pound test line for pond or lake fishing because it casts easier. You can use 4 pound test if youre trout fishing.

If youre going to a pond. Use mid size hooks and worms to catch: Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Perch. Just cast it out there as far as you can and hold the line between your fingers. When you feel something tugging on the line, yank the pole up in the air and set the hook.

If youre going to river that has trout and it allows natural bait. Use smaller hooks. Worms will work. Power Bait and Salmon Eggs as well. Trout like oxygen, so fishing below waterfalls is usually a good spot. They also like to be around logs or big rocks. If you cannot see the bottom of the river, thats good.

Some rivers or lakes may have restrictions to where artificial bait is only allowed. Be sure to check the regulations on whats permissible.

[Vicious89x]

Where do you live? Youll need a fishing license and get a state regulations booklet. They should be free.

Start off with a closed face reel. They sell the pole and reel together at Walmart for not much money. Use 6 pound test line for pond or lake fishing because it casts easier. You can use 4 pound test if your trout fishing.

If your going to a pond. Use mid size hooks and worms to catch: Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Perch. Just cast it out there as far as you can and hold the line between your fingers. When you feel something tugging on the line, yank the pole up in the air and set the hook.

If your going to river that has trout and it allows natural bait. Use smaller hooks. Worms will work. Power Bait and Salmon Eggs as well. Trout like oxygen, so fishing below waterfalls is usually a good spot. They also like to be around logs or big rocks. If you cannot see the bottom of the river, thats good.

Some rivers or lakes may have restrictions to where artificial bait is only allowed. Be sure to check the regulations on whats permissible.

Thanks very much PR37. I live in Oregon, right outside of Portland in the burbs. Someone recommended an Ugly stick to me, have you ever heard of that? I think there is a good amount of trout out here, I'll probably start small. Are there any kind of fish that you can fish for just off the shore? Or would that be the river fishing you were talking about.

[PatriotReign37]

Thanks very much PR37. I live in Oregon, right outside of Portland in the burbs. Someone recommended an Ugly stick to me, have you ever heard of that? I think there is a good amount of trout out here, I'll probably start small. Are there any kind of fish that you can fish for just off the shore? Or would that be the river fishing you were talking about.

Youre in a great area to fish.

Ive heard Ugly Sticks are very good rods that will last.

Yes, trout can be taken right off the rivers edge and theyre the perfect fish to start out on. Make sure youre fishing from a spot where you can bring the fish in. The more you fish the better youll become.

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/

[war ensemble]

I wish I could rollerblade...

[Vicious89x]

Youre in a great area to fish.

Ive heard Ugly Sticks are very good rods that will last.

Yes, trout can be taken right off the rivers edge and theyre the perfect fish to start out on. Make sure youre fishing from a spot where you can bring the fish in. The more you fish the better youll become.

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/

Thanks a ton PR37. I appreciate the input

I wish I could rollerblade...

LOL. Wait, I hate you.

[Fishooked]

Thanks a ton PR37. I appreciate the input

LOL. Wait, I hate you.

Eric,

This link is a little more specific to what you are looking for, as far as fishing in Oregon:

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/easy_angling/index.asp

This is also a great site for anyone looking to learn and a tremendous resource:

http://www.takemefishing.org/state/page/overview/state/OR

For the record, I am jealous because I live in this pit called New Jersey, and you live in an outdoorsman's wonderland of Oregon.

To simplify some things, think about what types of water you'd prefer to fish:

-small ponds & lakes

-larger lakes, reservoirs

-streams, creeks, and rivers

-inshore & offshore

Smaller lakes and ponds are your best bet. Sometimes fishing a stream or anything with a current could be a detriment for someone just starting out.

You can practice your casting there and from there decide which reel is best for you. Forget those baitcasting reels, they are overpriced junk for professional tournament fishing wannabees. Spincasting reels (closed faced) are the best bet to start, until you move up to a spinning (open faced) reel which is your best all-around reel IMO.

Forget buying a boat - especially anything new - big mistake. Start off with a canoe or used jonboat or rowboat. They are kind of hard to find because people rarely get rid of them, but never buy one new - waste of money. Check ebay and craiglist for them, but never in the spring because that is when everyone is always looking for them.

I could go on and on - which water(s) are closest to where you live?

[Vicious89x]

Eric,

This link is a little more specific to what you are looking for, as far as fishing in Oregon:

http://www.dfw.state...gling/index.asp

This is also a great site for anyone looking to learn and a tremendous resource:

http://www.takemefis...erview/state/OR

For the record, I am jealous because I live in this pit called New Jersey, and you live in an outdoorsman's wonderland of Oregon.

To simplify some things, think about what types of water you'd prefer to fish:

-small ponds & lakes

-larger lakes, reservoirs

-streams, creeks, and rivers

-inshore & offshore

Smaller lakes and ponds are your best bet. Sometimes fishing a stream or anything with a current could be a detriment for someone just starting out.

You can practice your casting there and from there decide which reel is best for you. Forget those baitcasting reels, they are overpriced junk for professional tournament fishing wannabees. Spincasting reels (closed faced) are the best bet to start, until you move up to a spinning (open faced) reel which is your best all-around reel IMO.

Forget buying a boat - especially anything new - big mistake. Start off with a canoe or used jonboat or rowboat. They are kind of hard to find because people rarely get rid of them, but never buy one new - waste of money. Check ebay and craiglist for them, but never in the spring because that is when everyone is always looking for them.

I could go on and on - which water(s) are closest to where you live?

Yes, the man! I'm about an hour away from the Oregon Coast and an hour from the Columbia River Gorge.So to answer your question, I think it'd be easier for me to get to the fresh-water as there are a lot of streams, lakes, etc. by me. I live in Beaverton, Oregon. I think I'd like to start with trout, as it seems to be abundant out here and I hope being that they are smaller, they may be easier to catch. So would you recommend looking for a jonboat rather than trying to fish off the shore? Thanks for the info.I knew I could depend on you

[Blurredorunfocused]

Forget the boat, get yourself some decent tackle and sit on the bank with a beer and have a go for some carp.

They are out there and might be something different to the Bass fishing which seems to dominate fishing over

there, a much villified fish in some places the carp, but cracking fun to land and they`ll eat anthing.

Found some links that might help you out, good luck!

http://www.oregonfishingforum.com/fishing-other-species-oregon/6425-good-lake-pond-fishing-around-beaverton.html

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=3127085

http://www.oregoncarp.com/

Woohoo! football is back!!

[Fishooked]

Yes, the man! I'm about an hour away from the Oregon Coast and an hour from the Columbia River Gorge.So to answer your question, I think it'd be easier for me to get to the fresh-water as there are a lot of streams, lakes, etc. by me. I live in Beaverton, Oregon. I think I'd like to start with trout, as it seems to be abundant out here and I hope being that they are smaller, they may be easier to catch. So would you recommend looking for a jonboat rather than trying to fish off the shore? Thanks for the info.I knew I could depend on you

Well a boat would be the way to go if you're fishing 'still' waters such as lakes or ponds; fishing smaller running waters like streams or rivers abundant with trout, you might be better served from fishing from shore, depending on the size of the stream or river.

The one thing with fishing a stream or river is you may be limiting yourself to only a few types of species; whereas an average sized pond or lake will have a lot more diversity of species to target and potentially catch. If it's deep and cold enough it probably has trout or other salmonids in it as well.

Start off with shore fishing and decide if you like it enough to make the investment into more equipment like a boat, canoe or kayak, and then go from there. You can also get a casting or practice plug to practice casting in your yard, before you head out in 'public' - then again being a bad fisherman in public isn't nearly as embarassing as being a bad golfer, where you have people waiting behind you on each hole or anything, lol.

The Ugly Stik is made by Shakespeare, and are decent rods for the money, usually under 40.00. Depending on your height and what you are comfortable with, a rod about 6 feet 6 inches with medium action should do in just about most applications.

If there is a Dick's Sporting Goods anywhere in your area they usually have plenty of stuff to overwhelm you, but it's good to see what they have to get some ideas.

Don't even get me started on lures, I am kind of a lure whore, so I obviously use more artificial lures vs live bait...

[Fishooked]

Yes, the man! I'm about an hour away from the Oregon Coast and an hour from the Columbia River Gorge.So to answer your question, I think it'd be easier for me to get to the fresh-water as there are a lot of streams, lakes, etc. by me. I live in Beaverton, Oregon. I think I'd like to start with trout, as it seems to be abundant out here and I hope being that they are smaller, they may be easier to catch. So would you recommend looking for a jonboat rather than trying to fish off the shore? Thanks for the info.I knew I could depend on you

Carp are awesome and vastly underrated, and a sh*tload of fun to catch. They can get monstrous and fight like hell!

[Vicious89x]

Again thanks for all the information fish. I'm 5'7 so a 6 foot pole still ok?

[PatriotReign37]

I think I'd like to start with trout, as it seems to be abundant out here and I hope being that they are smaller, they may be easier to catch.

Hatchery trout will be easy to catch, but youll be surprised how much a 12" trout will fight. Trout that have been in the river or stream a long time are hard to catch.

The nice thing about river fishing is that you can also camp most of the time. I dont know if its that way in Oregon, but wouldnt that be cool to camp and fish with your son?

[JerryK]

89x, sounds like you're hillsboro-ish. I live in Michigan, but spent a couple yrs in Beaverton during my college days.

In Oregon, you're pretty much locked into river fishing or heading to the ocean. In the rivers, there's a lot of salmon (BIG salmon) that travel inland. Ask around and you'll find guys that know how to find them. The salmon only come in once a year, but the various types mean there are several opportunities to fish for them.

You can use a boat and troll out in the Columbia, but it's also fun to get some waders and catch them when they gather in the streams that feed the Willamette.

Drop by any bait shop and they guys there will get you started.

[Fishooked]

Also keep in mind that most fishermen are pretty good liars by nature, so take any advice from old timers at the bait shop with a grain of salt. Some guys are protective of their 'home waters' so it is always possible they may steer you in the wrong direction...

[Vicious89x]

Hatchery trout will be easy to catch, but youll be surprised how much a 12" trout will fight. Trout that have been in the river or stream a long time are hard to catch.

The nice thing about river fishing is that you can also camp most of the time. I dont know if its that way in Oregon, but wouldnt that be cool to camp and fish with your son?

I think it is kind of the way. The Columbia river has these big sand banks in the middle of it that people like to go out on and camp on. My son is 2 now, so I figure I'm about another 2 years away from camping/fishing with him. I want to learn how to do it in the mean time though

89x, sounds like you're hillsboro-ish. I live in Michigan, but spent a couple yrs in Beaverton during my college days.

In Oregon, you're pretty much locked into river fishing or heading to the ocean. In the rivers, there's a lot of salmon (BIG salmon) that travel inland. Ask around and you'll find guys that know how to find them. The salmon only come in once a year, but the various types mean there are several opportunities to fish for them.

You can use a boat and troll out in the Columbia, but it's also fun to get some waders and catch them when they gather in the streams that feed the Willamette.

Drop by any bait shop and they guys there will get you started.

Thanks for the info Jerry. I actually live right across the street from the Nike Campus if you know where that is.

Also keep in mind that most fishermen are pretty good liars by nature, so take any advice from old timers at the bait shop with a grain of salt. Some guys are protective of their 'home waters' so it is always possible they may steer you in the wrong direction...

Haha, I would've never have considered that. I guess for me I figure that will come in time. I mostly just want to get the right set-up for the cheapest price, and find a place and just throw my reel into the water and learn from there.

[JiFtheOracle]

Find a piece of string or line, tie hook to it, put bait on it, drop in water, wait for tug, pull line in.

Some people use their hands, but they are crazy and typically toothless.

[PatriotReign37]

Find a piece of string or line, tie hook to it, put bait on it, drop in water, wait for tug, pull line in.

Some people use their hands, but they are crazy and typically toothless.

There is a way of fishing called "Noodling"

Im telling the truth. One guy holds another guys legs and they dunk him down along a river bank. The guy in the river is feeling around the nooks and crannies along the bank for big catfish (Im talking 4' and beyond). Most times visibility is terrible. When he finds a catfish, he shoves one hand in the fishes mouth and pulls him up and out of the river. Somehow, the guy holding his legs knows that he has one and yanks him up.

[JiFtheOracle]

There is a way of fishing called "Noodling"

Im telling the truth. One guy holds another guys legs and they dunk him down along a river bank. The guy in the river is feeling around the nooks and crannies along the bank for big catfish (Im talking 4' and beyond). Most times visibility is terrible. When he finds a catfish, he shoves one hand in the fishes mouth and pulls him up and out of the river. Somehow, the guy holding his legs knows that he has one and yanks him up.

Thats what I was referring too.

[Larz]

nothing better than worms and bobbers on lake around dusk

yeah, it aint fancy, but it never fails me

[Vicious89x]

Find a piece of string or line, tie hook to it, put bait on it, drop in water, wait for tug, pull line in.

Some people use their hands, but they are crazy and typically toothless.

KTHXBAI

[PatriotReign37]

Again thanks for all the information fish. I'm 5'7 so a 6 foot pole still ok?

My fly rod is 9'.

Youd be fine with a 6' rod, but also check out the ultra light combination's. You can catch some big fish with an ultra light combo.

[JerryK]

I want to amend the 'fly rod' stuff.

Those 5 and 6 foot rods are for small trout in little streams, where the fish go in a little wicker creel.

If you're in the river during a salmon run (LARGE FISH), you need something different. (this might be where the 'noodling' jokes above came from).

Rod: You want a 9 or 9.5 foot light floppy rod called a 'noodle rod'

Reel: Flyreel or spinning with 6 or 8lb test. (thicker line will spook them)

Lure: A fly (flyreel), or light spinning tackle, or bottom-bouncer + spawn rig (ask baitshop guys).

Landing a 25lb fish in a shallow river is tricky. You gotta use the light line, and the floppy rod is part of this strategy. When the fish bites, you put a nice big bend in the rod, like the St Louis arch. This way when the fish flies out of the water, your line stays tight because the rod straightens out -- taking up all the slack as the fish thrashes in mid air.

-this is a very cool thing to behold, worth the trip even if you lose the fish.

After that, you have to be an artist with your drag, following the fish when he runs and ever so gently taking up slack when the fish takes a break. A 25lb fish should take about 5-10 minutes to land. Any sooner and he'll run and snap your line.

In about 40days, the kings (chinook) run here in michigan. I'll be doing all of the above, and it usually works!

[PatriotReign37]

I want to amend the 'fly rod' stuff.

Those 5 and 6 foot rods are for small trout in little streams, where the fish go in a little wicker creel.

Ive caught 3 lb trout on an ultra light set up. You have to tire the fish out and let him run a bit.

[Vicious89x]

My fly rod is 9'.

Youd be fine with a 6' rod, but also check out the ultra light combination's. You can catch some big fish with an ultra light combo.

I went with a 5 foot ugly stik with a Shimano reel. Should get my license this week!

[JoeC36]

I went with a 5 foot ugly stik with a Shimano reel. Should get my license this week!

ugly sticks are the bomb. ive used them my whole life and plan to use them till i die.

[Vicious89x]

ugly sticks are the bomb. ive used them my whole life and plan to use them till i die.

Yea, the guy at the store spoke pretty highly of them. Just said that the only time they aren't useful is when you need a lot of action from the rod because they are build so sturdy. But he said he catches 50lb sturgeon with his ugly stik. Pretty incredible the amount of fish they have out here.

[Fishooked]

5' rod? A little too short, IMO, but then again I use almost exclusively 7' or 6'6" rods.

When you're ready to pick up some artifical lures, and when you know what you plan on going after, give me a shout...

[Vicious89x]

5' rod? A little too short, IMO, but then again I use almost exclusively 7' or 6'6" rods.

When you're ready to pick up some artifical lures, and when you know what you plan on going after, give me a shout...

Why do you think it's too short? I'm not sure if rod length is more or less based on height or type of fish you're fishing for. The guy who helped me out at Dick's is hardcore into the fishing out here, had a bunch of pictures up of him and his catches this year, and even offered to take me out. From what I gathered he said for trout I want a flexible rod. Anyways, should I be using lures for trout or just rocking artificial bait? I picked up some Powerbait synthetic salmon eggs and some of that stuff you just rub on the hook. I am such a n00b it hurts.

[ZachEY]

your rod is too short...

heh

heh

heh

[Vicious89x]

your rod is too short...

heh

heh

heh

[PatriotReign37]

I went with a 5 foot ugly stik with a Shimano reel. Should get my license this week!

Perfect Bro.

Shimano reels are good. Now, find the right bait and youll be in business. Lures work too.

Panther Martins

Rooster Tails

Rapalas

[Vicious89x]

Perfect Bro.

Shimano reels are good. Now, find the right bait and youll be in business. Lures work too.

Panther Martins

Rooster Tails

Rapalas

Awesome, I'll look into them, thanks PR37!