RickHutch

I’m in So Cal. After 45+ years fishing in the eastern sierras and so cal basseries, I just recently stumbled on to saltwater fishing. I’ve fished off the coast on big boats and done deep sea excursions to the tip of Baja, but I never realized the saltwater bays in my own back yard.
I took my lake gear including waders and float tube and now am fishing every week in Newport and Huntington Harbors and Alamitos bay. There are too many fish there!
I don’t know exactly where you are but the central bay around Oakland and Frisco will be loaded with spotted and striped bass, Halibut and an uncountable amount of other species. Find a dock and do some shore fishing. Mostly the gear changes over for saltwater, you just need to keep it cleaner every time you go out. I’m still using some of my trout gear for the ocean.
As far as fresh water I’ve fished at Shasta and Trinity by Redding and the American River for
Trout. The western Sierras have great lakes as well. I’ve caught some pretty good size large mouths out of Bass Lake near Oakhurst.
The guys are right about YouTube. I’ve spent countless hours in class at YouTube University finding out tips and tricks for locations, gear, techniques and baits. Don’t give up. We all have gotten skunked, more than we care to say. I’m also all in favor of a guide or a local fishing club. Should be able to find a buddy there.
My attitude is, it’s called “fishing” not “catching”. I’d rather be out there for a few hours or a day and not catch anything than pretty much anywhere else. The “catching” gets better as you learn more about it. You definitely have to have patience.

Big A Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Although you may meet some jerks occasionally who will just give you the 'brush-off', most fishermen (and women) are usually friendly, down-to-earth folks who would be glad to share tips or information with a newcomer ! Failing that, your
local bait/tackle dealer can
usually be a great source of information as to where/what people have been catching and what bait they've been using or
is currently the most productive !
Once you catch your first decent bass, trout, etc., you will be the one who's 'hooked' !

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Where exactly are you located around Ca central bay? saw1

Jeffchow88 Loc: San Francisco

Besides YouTube, books. Read. Either buy or check out from your local library.
Copy articles. Build your own reference library. I have one that I always add to. I had a box of Bassmaster magazines. That dated back years until I had to get rid of them.
Information like this could be invaluable, especially when your first starting out
Join a local fish club. Hang out at a local bait shop. Be a sponge.
Tight Lines,

Er1c Loc: Ocean City, Md.

Whenever I go out to a place, I check it out smartfishingtides.com . Then I go to a local bait and tackle shop. I'll buy a few things and ask what's hitting and what do you recommend. They are a wealth of information and I'll buy the bait they recommend. Even if it's something to attach to a jig. I also throw out a deeper pro+ sonar out I keep on a separate rod. Normally they go about 230.00 to 239.00. but I bought one on eBay for 170.00. And it still had the manufacturer seals in place. Yeah it's probably an overkill but it works for me.

A couple weeks ago I just used a finding fish rig off the Rt. 50 Bridge in Ocean City Md. I pulled in about 18 black bass just using blood worms and sand flees. I've gone out a few times after that caught one small flounder and nothing my last few times out.

stuco Loc: Northern Utah - Salt Lake City

This has been a great discussion. You’ve received a lot of really good tips. I totally agree with those that have advised you to not give up. I’ve only been fishing for a couple of years myself. Last summer, I caught fish nearly every time I went out. This year, I’ve been skunked almost every time I’ve gone fishing. I can say that I’ve had just as much fun not catching as I did last year catching. My favorite thing in the summer is to take off to the lake well after most people would consider going and fish until well after the sun has gone down. It’s so peaceful and beautiful that catching a fish almost wrecks it. There are always people who are willing to give advice and help. Don’t stop asking, and don’t give up. There’s way too much joy to be had.

Jer Loc: N. Illinois 🇺🇸

Do you have any bait shops near or on your lakes? Go in and ask them what to do and how to do it.
They have always been helpful to me on new lakes and on seasonal change. Don’t give up, there is a lot to enjoy down the road.

PeteS Loc: Wisconsin

Pick one of those lakes and go fish it late afternoon through evening. Throw wacky rigged senkos around docks. This should get you started with some action. Then you will really be hooked.

Victoryjoe

Did you try fishing when tide is coming in in late afternoon. My experience is you catch more the 2 hours before high tide in late afternoon. If high tide is 6:pm start fishing at 4:Pm except when the wind is Nor’easter. Then nada. Get a tide chart for your area and watch the wind. You should catch something. I would say is a nice place to do it or any inlet.
Happy fishing!

WildBillDesigns

Don't quit!

It is why We call it **Fishing and not Catching**

Jer Loc: N. Illinois 🇺🇸

Exactly.

kvothe Loc: West Deptford new jersey, but the salt calls

Something smells

Mitch fish Loc: Frankston TX

Hello Mitch Fish from N cal. You can go to San Francisco bay and find a slew and with the right tackle and at night get some sharks or stingray big fight squid bait and moving water tides

Master Sergeant Loc: Ohio

NEVER QUIT FISHING!!!
Try live bait. It's a whole different ball game.

WildBillDesigns

I didn't mean to sound brash by my reply. I have spent many hours with out even a bite. I have spent many hours with lots of bites and no hook ups. I fish for most species in my region (WNC) but mostly fish for Catfish. One day they may take a particular bait and the next day won't touch it. I always have multiple baits on hand in hopes that one will attract a bite. I am also reading forums and watching videos on the particular species I might want to target, always trying to improve my chances..

Fishing is good sport in teaching patience. (Example) The other day I spent 12 hours in the same place on the bank of a lake. I had several bites during the day,but No hookups. The fish were just pecking at the bait but not *taking it* . I was keeping my bait fresh, resetting every 45 minutes..At 11 hours and 30 minutes I got a hit that fully loaded an 8' heavy action rod.. 5 minutes later I had a 29.5lb Blue Cat..

I try not to get frustrated over *dry spells* they happen! I, instead, enjoy the fresh air and peace..

I love ** Catching** but mostly I enjoy **Fishing** and the anticipation of ** Catching**

Rigging,bait, lures,technique, equipment, barometric pressure, temperature,moon phase, time of year, quality of the fisheries,etc. ALL play a part in success or failure.. PATIENCE and PERSISTENT!!

If you like to Fish and enjoy to Fish then Fish.Watch videos, read forums, take classes, hire guides, etc. If you only get enjoyment out of Catching, then *Quit* because as I said.."This sport/pass time is called *Fishing not Catching*

And, (kvothe) what smells, is my bait.*It smells really bad!!!!

TIGHT LINES!!