FS Digest

I know there’s tons of lakes and ponds and rivers near me but how can I be sure what I’m allowed to fish on and not? Some are hard because some lakes are all lined with houses. So that’s obviously all private land. I don’t have a boat so I’m only able to fish from the shore. It’s the biggest question I have that’s kept me from actually going out and fishing. I want to start fishing because it seems fun and relaxing and just a way to escape the day to day. But I just don’t know where to go or how to know where I can fish.

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by SconnieLite

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

considering you've been with us three years, why haven't you brought this up before? go to your local tackle shop and ask!

FourchonLa. Loc: Fourchon Louisiana, South Louisiana

I believe all the FS Digest posters default to the day the stage was put online. You rarely ever get a response from them.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Am I the only one on the forum who finds these kind of questions a bit frivolous and naive ?
You don't buy a good pair of hiking boots and walking sticks and a backpack and THEN decide to ask if there are any trails nearby, do you ? Of course not. You buy a book on hikes in your chosen area, you read the rules posted at the trailhead.
In today's world, rules, regulations, maps, restrictions.... you name it, are available with a Google search and a click. With fishing, that's most easily obtained by going to the state DNR or Fish & Game website. In Oregon, our ODFW publishes a pamphlet for most every area, titled "50 places to fish within an hour of....(your town).......".
Obtaining a copy of the current year's regulations is also an informative source, including maps of areas and special regs for a particular body of water.....one should ALWAYS grab one when obtaining your license and read it carefully BEFORE going.
I don't mind being asked for advice on specifics for a species or timing for best results, but to know if a pond or lake in your area is even approachable has got to be on the fisherperson.
You didn't buy a car and THEN ask if there are any roads and gas stations, did you ?
Sorry if I seem harsh, but it does get old, telling "newbies" to talk to a local source like a tackle shop, read a weekly fishing report in your local newspaper, quiz a buddy from work or church, make friends with a neighbor who has a fishing boat in his driveway...... rather than ask the entire country & world, "what's going on in my neighborhood ?".
We'd absolutely love to help, but you don't even tell us WHERE YOU ARE !..... how can we possibly guess what you MAY need to know ?

whtoak Loc: South Carolina

I see a pond I'd like to fish. I go ask if it's ok for me to fish it. Frequently, the owner is hesitant. I simply tell them that they do not owe me an explanation. It is their pond. I also let them know that they DO NOT have to worry about me leaving any garbage at all and I will pick up any garbage I see. I will never fish there without checking in with them first. They almost always then agree to let me fish. Most of them do say that their biggest concern is that folks who have fished their pond before left bottles, cans and other garbage.

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

I’ve come to believe they are plant questions from the administration to get us talking about questions they think will spark new user interest. I can’t remember ever seeing on of them respond!! Often they get great answers from knowledgeable folks!!! And nothing.......

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

And some states harshly punish you for fishing on private land without permission, so do your research like Fix says. Start by going to your local tackle shop for a copy of the regs, then ask them questions which I am sure they will be glad to answer.

MarylandFish Loc: Maryland

I don’t ask anyone unless there is a barbed wire fence and big No Trespassing signs. If you see water and it’s accessible then throw in a lure. I’ve fished all my life and have never been kicked out of anywhere.

Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.

I'm glad you brought this up!!
Is this a real person ?
I feel the same way fixorfish!
Good fishing 🎣 and safe trips on the water
Andy
Bassman

Captain Lahti Loc: Kennewick, WA

Perhaps you’ve been lucky or in an area where virtually no one cares or no place is closed. However, in Washington State and perhaps others, failure to secure permission to hunt or fish on private lands is trespassing and you are subject to a tcket or fine and the property does not have to be posted.

hemihappy Loc: pawleys island s.c.

Go on line to your DNR they have lists of all fishable waters in your area then ask around at bait shops you'll have your answer in one afternoon. Private waterways are out but public waters are in.

Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.

J
I agree with you!!
I started asking myself who is this person?
Two many ?
From who ever it is and never ever any return back
Or thank you!!
Good fishing 🎣 to you and safe trips on the water
Andy
Bassman

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

I think we are on to something! I’m not a conspiracy theory kinda guy. Figure 99% of the time if something goes down and more than one person is involved they get caught. Thus making vast conspiracies quite hard to pull off. But there is something to the FS Digest post thing! Lol THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE!!

If I’m never heard from again you all know the truth! Spread the word!!😂😂😂😂😂😂

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

I think that there is more than one way to use the forum, as in "visitors" who have not filled out a profile nor made steps towards being "a member". The questions are often rather naively stated, revealing a "passing interest", as opposed to being one of us die-hards. They always have some kind of moniker, but NEVER a location, # of posts or 'date joined'. If you can't share your location, I have a hard time thinking that you truly seek a legitimate answer. There are a number of blatant instances, like the person who wanted "to catch fish, but without that 'cruel hook' as a method".....yeah, right..... Hey everybody...TROLL ALERT !

Let us hope that Admin doesn't throw up posts, just to spark responses. I believe we have PLENTY to discuss without being 'punked'...... that would be quite distasteful, and for me, unforgivable.
'Nuff misinformation out there, these days....no need to pile on.

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

You know way more than me but I remember signing up and there was no way to ask a question without giving an email. When I post I then get an email after every response. Is it different girl these people? Just asking not being confrontational. Was trying to be funny earlier!