Getting into fishing?

So I'm not much of a fisherman and my step dad never really took me fishing. I've been a few times with Friends over the years and had a decent time. Here recently I have really acquired a taste for fish and my 5 year old son wants to go fishing. Well, daddy isn't all that good at it and I wanted to talk with some of the more experienced guys before I jump into this blindly and possibly ruin it for my son and myself.

For starters we will just be fishing in Lakes around our area either off a pier of just off the bank. I haven't a clue what to get when it comes to gear and could really use some advice. Also, the times I did fish I was horrid at tying my hook on my line and then getting fish off the hook, any pointers, books or videos to assist with this? Any help on how to filet/de-bone a fish would be great as well. I can break down a pork belly so I do have some experience with a "fillet" knife.

Any and all help/suggestion are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

You don't mention where you live, but I would suggest looking at your state fish & wildlife department website. They usually have fishing resources like where and when to go, any free family fishing days, and some videos as well.
Youtube is your friend for knots and fishing rig setups. Bobber fishing is probably easiest for the kids since they have something to concentrate on and when the bobber goes down it means "reel em in". Maybe you have stocked trout lakes to go to.
Again, don't know where you are but judging by your name you're not here in the Pacific NW.
Cheers to you for trying to get the kid fishing.

 

YouTube is your friend. It has answers to all your questions.

 

If your in Florida or the gulf coast, Shrimp are always a good bet in saltwater. Usually best fishing is in the hours just before and after sunrise/sunset. The mullet run is ramping up so the mullet are travelling south along the coast to warmer waters. This is a great time to fish under some bridges/docks in saltwater.

The guys at Bass Pro Shops and Dicks Sporting goods are always helpful when it comes to buying gear. Let me know if you're in Central Florida.

 

Check with the local fishing gear suppliers for recommendations on where to fish, when to fish, and what you'll need.

The other stuff can be found on youtube.

 

Thanks for the replies y'all. I'm in South Texas, Houston area. Probably start off fishing some of the closer lakes (Conroe, Bryan, Bastrop...)

Can I utilize the same gear for fresh water and salt water fishing? Ill have to pop into my local Bass Pro Shop. I was just afraid they would see how green I am and try to sale me the name brand high dollar stuff. I know some coin will need to be dropped to get into it, however I'm not wanting to drop a grand.

 

You would think that in this day and age I would remember that EVERYTHING can be found on youtube...lol.

 

find a small local shop and just go shoot the shit the old timers. they'll tell you all you need to know and much much more! you know its a good shop if its got a couple of old people just sitting there and not working. just talking.

 

You can get a rod/reel combo for light duty saltwater/freshwater for around $30

If you want to land a large fish in saltwater, you'll want to get something more heavy duty for closer to $100. when fishing in Saltwater, use a leader at the end of your line so fish wont bite through the line.
I know in Florida, we do a lot of Bass Fishing in lakes with artificial frogs or shiners. Just cast along weed lines and around lilly pads.

Good Luck man!

 

30 second google search - http://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_k0700_0639d.pdf
and if you are going to fish in the salty stuff, I say go for Redfish. One of my most favorite fish to catch.

 

Good ol' Wally World has a decent fishing supply to get you started if you don't want to drop a lot of money. They likely won't be the most knowledgeable, but you'll be able to get most of what you need

 

OP go join 2coolfishing.com , it's a fishing forum with mostly members around the Houston area. It's a great resource for Salt fishing and they have quite a bit of freshwater stuff as well.

 

Snoopy Pole, worms, sunscreen and a 6 pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon and you are a pro!

 

figure out what kind of fishing youre doing first. large mouth, small mouth, pike, trout,... then are you casting, trolling, jigging? where are you fishing from? boat, kayak, shore,? location is a big key too.

 

every fisherman needs a pair of pliars and a tackle box so you can start there. not to mention a pole. Its easiest to learn on a spinning reel.

 

We will be starting off just fishing in local Lakes from the bank/pier. Pretty sure most of what we will be seeing is going to be Catfish, Crappie & Bass. I could be wrong on that, however that's what I recall catching the last time I went, which was probably 12-15 years ago.

 

LOL. I'd have a sixer of either Lone Star or Pearl, put I like your thinking.

 

I fish for Largemouth. Start out getting a couple spinner baits, some top water lures (i love the booyah frogs), and maybe some hard lures. I always have luck with the jointed firetiger. Thats a good starting point. Read the packages, they usually tell you how to use them too. Also, braided fishing line is awesome. I don't use mono. And snap swivels are the best invention ever.

 

Heads to google to decipher this coded message...lol. Thanks for the advice. Its greatly appreciated.

 

basic set up, pole, reel, bobber, hook, sinkers. bait--worms. With that basic start you can catch something like panfish or even catfish. you can bottom fish for catfish. Id go with at least 10lb test line. You will have to gain experience to target specific fish. and thats where you will start getting more and more gear.

Also learn the Palomar knot and Berkley knot. they are easy and strong holding. and have patience