FS Digest

Hello!

My love for fishing has been re-kindled recently due to the Coronavirus.

I used to do a lot of bobber fishing with my grandpa when I was a kid and I've been trying to get into more "active" fishing.

So I went out and bought a Black Max baitcaster and have been trying everything from Texas Rigs, Jerk baits, frogs, spinner baits, etc.

After 5+ fishing outings, I've caught one 1/2 pound largemouth on a spinner bait and I'm getting kind of discouraged.

I think the issue is that the places I go to are pretty over-fished. There are always tons of people out with lines in the water, and I think the fish are spooked.

I've been using Fishbrain and Google Maps to search for bodies of water, but I'm never sure if these ponds/lakes/creeks are on private property or are pay-to-fish spots.

And most of all, I'm never sure where to park to fish these spots.

Does anyone have any tips for trying out new locations?

Do I just drive up, park on the side of the road, and march down to the water?

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by specter376

FS Digest

Google maps helps a lot. Look for areas that are in parks or designated natural areas, these generally won't be private property. Check your state or region's department of natural resources (or equivalent) website, they often have lots of info about access points for fishing and other outdoor recreational activities

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by _fnt_

FS Digest

It's a hunt to find a fishing hole. I've forged new trails on public land to get to spots that no one fishes. Do they produce fish? Sometimes they do sometimes they don't. I find it cathartic to be outdoors so a no fish day ends up being relaxing anyways. I also bought a kayak for those heavily fished areas. It gives the fish a chance to see a different perspective of the baits being offered. Sometimes that's all it takes. Good luck out there. Tight lines.

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by theewlk

FS Digest

Google Maps

Navionics Chart Viewer, if you are near a larger body of water.

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by EmbracedByLeaves

FS Digest

A wacky worm rig is effective for me and easy to learn.

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by slip3rysl0pe

FS Digest

google maps. try to find the fun in the exploration of finding the spot. fishing is only 50% of the experience anyway

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by Rescusitatornumero2

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

My Son turned me onto onX, it is a hunting app, but shows public pieces of land and their access points. I can’t see why it wouldn’t work for fishing, too. It also tells you who to contact for permission, too, if you find a landlocked body of water you may want to try.

Buck Snort Loc: Flori-duh

I hop in the truck and go check out places if it looks good enough to try it out 👍 I give it a shot. Remember the worst day fishing still beats the best day of work.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Since we have no idea where you are in the wide world, "cultural acceptance" may come in to play....... LOL ! Seriously, river ? lakes ? ponds ? Food or sport ?
"Spots" are best found by chatting with the tackle shop guys, or buying a guy his next beer. A service the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife provides is a "50 places to fish within an hour from......."... pretty much every city of any size in the state. Check with your state or county. For some reason, fly shops always seem to have better maps, as well as tips, for " that spot has been warming up, I hear", than non-fly shops... might just be this area's demeanor. Good luck... especially figuring how/where to park, so you can get to that water you spotted driving past last week. Lol.