FS Digest

So basically I don't know anything about different types of setups for different situation. I have this creek that goes through my town that's fairly fast and small...do I use a bobber? Do I just let the worm sit there?

I went to a lake to fish and I was on a boat and we went really close to the shore and I was using a bobber and just letting the worm sit there and got absolutely nothing. I got one bit and the bobber dunked under the water, is that when you whip your rod around to set it? because I was always under the impression that it has to like actually take the hook and then you set it, not just a bite.

When do you use just a worm or a bait and like drag it across and reel it in? What situations do you use that for? When do you and don't you use a bobber? Do you always cast and reel it in or do you ever let it just sit there? Sorry for so many questions but whenever I go fishing I feel like im doing things wrong which is why im getting nothing. If anybody can answer any of that I would appreciate it a lot. Thanks

--
by cropdust6

FS Digest

There are some good videos on YouTube for just starting for the person who knows nothing. But generally, a bobber is for live bait. Worms, grubs, minnows, crickets. You wait until the bobber goes down completely and stays down before setting the hook. The fish will be relatively small, so don’t yank the rod, just a firm, short tug.

Cast and retrieve is going to generally going to be for artificial lures and that’s a hugely broad topic to broach. Can you define someone who can teach you hands-on?

--
by SaltyAgua

FS Digest

Bobber or not is really dependent on the fish and the fishery. When I bluegill fish in a pond or a lake, I will use a bobber to entice the fish and put the bait right in their face. When i fish rivers, I rarely every use a bobber (but there are exceptions). I see that you have a ton of questions so it might be easier to communicate over private chat on here. If you want, feel free to hit me up and we can discuss in greater detail

--
by TheForrestWanderer

FS Digest

Thanks for the response and help. I just feel like I never know what and how to cast based on location and water condition so I end up screwing myself over. The setting the hook thing will probably come more off of experience and time on the water. I have a creek that is pretty fast right now because of rain, and it’s only a few feet deep so I was wondering what bait I should use. And whether I just let it float down stream or up stream or just cast and reel in. I looked up the creek and it says it has sun fish, blue gill and small mouth bass

--
by cropdust6

FS Digest

No problem. And yeah, the hook set really does come with time. You really start to get a feel for how hard (or not hard) to jerk, when you set it, etc. and live bait is kind of tough for high muddy water. Worms would work good when the water slows down. Do you have any lures?

--
by TheForrestWanderer

FS Digest

Yes I do, I have a variety that my father used to use. Are there good lures for the fish I stated?

--
by cropdust6

FS Digest

Bobber or not also has to do with targeted species. Bluegill and trout don’t mind a worm hanging out but catfish rarely come to them. I say rarely because my kids have caught one that way, it was pretty weird.

Try not to think of setting the hook as a yank. My husband grew up fishing in the ocean and is bad at lakes because he rips lips setting too hard. I hold the actual line in my fingers to feel the bite and pull gently by hand often to test if it’s got a bite.

If you can find a fishing buddy it would be great. You learn a lot more with others. Even going to a popular spot and chatting up fisherman who seem to be catching. Some might not want to talk but my experience is most will gladly throw a couple tips your way.

--
by Mazziemom

Jeremy Loc: America

Setting the hook...A jerk on one end of the line hoping for a jerk on the other. The fish in that creek would all bite a worm. If it is shallow. might need just a worm on a hook ...reel it in. Lures may work there too in the current. Bobbers are usually for still water or deep water. I agree you can watch some youtube on different species. google different types of fish and you will learn a bit. Go to where you want to fish and ask what people are using there. Some might be jerks but some may tell you and show you their set up.. do the same.

Pettyrj1

I use bobbers for many applications. It's great for steelhead and shad fishing in rivers also for bait fishing suspended bass. As far as the hook set goes, trout take a bait, fly or lure and they turn 90 degrees away from where they took the bait. So all you have to do is raise the rod tip, when you feel the fish, pull away from the fish. Bam, you'll hook them. Also, I use a circle hook and this technique works better than most. TIGHT LINES!