FS Digest

Basically, I have a lot of issues with going out alone and doing things wrong and ending up getting myself in trouble. I live where a lot of water is on private land, or is almost inaccessable due to its location. There are a few areas that run straight through the city near me and i was planning to just go there, but i dont know if that spot is illegal due to it being in city limits.

Ive looked everywhere and cant find any info on where i can and cant fish, and the facebook groups i have posted in have been absolutely worthless for help, minus one guy who took the time to tell me "everything im doing wrong and what i should do to better it".

Im kind of in an anxiety rut with going out by myself, but I also just want to fish and im going insane trying to figure out what to do.

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by Sayble_XIII

FS Digest

What state?

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by H3BREWH4MMER

FS Digest

Im in Maine

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by Sayble_XIII

FS Digest

Have you checked your state fish & game website? I'm sure you have a city/state park with river access or a stocked pond nearby.

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by Cilosybn

FS Digest

Most places that are owned by the city should have "No fishing allowed" signs. When it comes to trespassing on private property, use common sense. If its on someones property or fenced off its safe to say its off limits. If you live in the united states and fish somewhere you're not allowed and the police end up being called, you may be issued a "Criminal Trespass" which basically means if you come back to the property you will be arrested. If you can narrow down what area you live I can try to help you more.

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by Palemom

FS Digest

I had the same problems when I used to go out by myself. But now I just go alone entirely. I love it. Fishing is a weird sport where there is a feeling that people are watching and judging and there seems to be a lot of knowledge thrown around that can make new people uncomfortable but don’t fret. Most people in person will gladly help you out and explain the difference between things if u ask. And you gotta forget all the pressure and just enjoy it. After all you are there to learn and to enjoy tranquility. You can’t do that with anxiety nagging at you. Leave that at the shoreline and just dive in bro. As for the fishing spots, what area u in? I just go where I want so long as there aren’t any explicit signs or fences. You can find lesser known spots by exploring old threads or especially using the government websites that list the spots and what recreation is allowed there. That’s your best bet. As for city limits I have never heard of there being any restrictions on lakes or ponds unless it’s just not a fishing spot at all and mainly restrictions apply to rivers and streams depending on the season but that info is on fish and wildlife site for your state /area too.

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by Jollybluepiccolo

FS Digest

I prefer fishing alone too. Well, just me and the dogs.

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by bushcrapping

FS Digest

Thank you. Im in maine, and for me a lot of stuff is closed. Ive checked the sites and ive been on google maps. Ive gone for 2 or 3 hour drives a couple times with no luck at all.

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by Sayble_XIII

FS Digest

Dont let it get to your head and get so worked up about it. Try to find some local numbers you could call for whatever authority manages the are you area interested in for info.

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by Soviet_Union100

FS Digest

I kind of found myself in that rut for over twenty years. I loved fishing as a kid, but as soon as I was an adult I didn't want to bother with licenses or figuring out where I could fish. Deciding that I wanted to fish with my son got me that mental inertia to get back into it. Honestly it only took me a week of online research to figure out the laws, a dozen local spots, and some general tips for how to get back into things.

Check online for your state fish and game website. They will have the state laws including where you can fish. In most places if it doesn't have signs saying no fishing, no trespassing, or posted you should be fine. If someone confronts you on private land, just apologize and leave. Public land should be accessible unless they post rules saying no fishing. Boat launches are also probably a good spot since they are public access.

State websites for me also had information on the local waterways so for my nearby river I know where to go to find which fish.

Lastly, everyone else fishing that I've talked to has been friendly and helpful. It's only been a year since I got back into things and I really am re-learning it all from scratch, but I haven't run into an jerk yet.

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by Mapefh13

FS Digest

Yeah, ive looked at all the sites, and everything around me is closed. Ive been on a couple 2 or 3 hour drives just looking at places on google maps and its either on private property, or closed off, or signs posted not to enter or something.

Its just difficult because I just want to get out there and fish but everytime i go and try to find a new spot, it seems like im just let down again.

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by Sayble_XIII

FS Digest

Be nice, apologetic if you make a mistake, ask to use pond if on private lands, and all else remember we are human the rules aren't always clear, and if you make a mistake make an honest one and people will understand.

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by AFSierra

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

You want to fish alone. So are you avoiding places where other people fish? I'm not sure I understand what it is you're looking for. And I'm not at all familiar with the state of Maine. Have you tried just talking to people at the local sporting goods store or bait shop? Where do they fish? As far as that stream running through the park, if it's not posted, go ahead and fish.

fast_randy Loc: Blackfoot, Idaho

I was in the Air Force and stationed at a radar site north of Bangor for a couple years in 1973,74. And there was all kinds of lakes, rivers and small creeks to fish. Big rivers had great small mouth that were easy to fish with a canoe. Small creeks had lots of small trout. Big lakes had great perch and huge Brook trout and bass.
It was a long time ago but I bet there is still some great fishing.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Check with the local sport store. Best time to strike up a conversation is while paying for something rather than just asking for information. Buying a soda or pack of swivels can go a long way.