boat fishing newbie

[N6REJ]

I could really use some help fishing from my boat. I've never gone boat fishing before. And would'nt consider myself an expert at all in bank fishing. About the only fish I've ever caught is trout and catfish. I really enjoy fishing but don't catch fish like I see on TV. I've been in a boat fishing before and saw a monster bass right below me and watched the bait bounce off his nose and yet he didn't show any interest. I love fishing at all time of day, especially night, and like catfish, bluegill, trout. I've never eaten walleye. Or large mouth bass. Growing up we caught a lot of stripers, but we always put them back as they were small.
My main place to fish now is Lake red Rock as I live in knoxville, iowa.
I have 2 lightweight rods and one heavy rod 9'? I use either firewire or spiderwire depending on the rod. All my rods are spinning rods. I generally use an ounce and night crawlers on my lightweight rods, and 2 oz and same on my heavy rod.
I've never caught anything on my lures, though I do have some and have a full set of artificals for crappie/bluegill.
I'd really appreciate any and all tips on just what to do. I also have a fish finder ( old one ) though I've never used it yet, because I've never had my old boat in the water. its a 15' 1963 glastron 4 seater. With a 40hp johnson.

Troy

 

[gonefishie]

Re: boat fishing newbie

I've never eaten walleye. Or large mouth bass. I generally use an ounce and night crawlers on my lightweight rods, and 2 oz and same on my heavy rod.
I've never caught anything on my lures, though I do have some and have a full set of artificals for crappie/bluegill.

Troy

First of all, you've got to promise me to leave the bass out of your stomach, they're nasty tasting anyway. Secondly, get rid of the 1oz and 2oz weight. You're not fishing for striper or blue fish in the ocean and are not fishing for sturgeon or monster catfish in strong river current. Lastly, my best advice to you is to join a fishing club. Go as a non boater, you will learn a lot as those guys normally would be more then willing to show you what they know.
One last thing, watch as much fishing shows as you can, especially In-Fisherman and In-Fisherman Critical Concepts.

 

[N6REJ]

Re: boat fishing newbie

Didn't know there were such things out here. I'm used to fishing the oceans & rivers.

 

[rndn]

Re: boat fishing newbie

Bass are very good eating. I usually catch and release, but do like the occasional dinner. There is nothing wrong with a small take for an occasional meal. It sure is better than ripping spawning bass off of the beds.