Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

It's Steve's secret and if I told you he would make me kill you. I don't wanna do that, so..............
Anyway, I don't remember, so it's still Steve's secret. I do remember him talking about it, but I don't remember where he said it was.
I'll tell you one of my secret lakes if you want. PM me if you're interested. I don't want to broadcast it.

CarolynA Loc: LA, CA

I’m new to fishing and want to learn and practice skills at good fishing sites near me. I’m in Torrance CA. Any suggestions?

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Welcome to the stage Carolyn. Are you talking about fresh water or salt water fishing? You're in a great spot for salt. Fresh, not so much. Let us all know and hopefully we can help you out with some information to get you started.

CarolynA Loc: LA, CA

Hi, I’m new too. Live in Torrance and looking for some starting tips to fish for food when I travel cross country. Want to compare newbie tips? CarolynA

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Carolyn, not sure who that was directed at. Hit "quote reply", then post and we'll all know who you're talking to.

CarolynA Loc: LA, CA

Thanks for the welcome! I live near a couple piers, so they might be a first try. However I hope to travel and fish my way up the inland waterways… fresh water. But I just bought a rod and reel yesterday so I’m not even sure of regulations, best types of fish to focus on and where.

I need a Step One primer…🙃

CarolynA Loc: LA, CA

Sorry… I’m just learning the interface…

CarolynA Loc: LA, CA

Thanks… I’ve heard that pier fishing reaps polluted fish that should not be eaten… is there a way to test fish for pollution?

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Not that I'm aware of. But the Department of Fish and Wildlife ( California version ) puts out information on which fish are safe and which ones should be avoided or at least limit the intake of. I'm sure most states do that, and you can go online and check that out. As far as providing yourself with sustenance over a long period of time, like you're talking about, I would certainly speak with someone who knows a thing or two about nutrition and the intake of heavy metals - that's what you need to worry about, lead, mercury, things like that.
The piers around where you live will be a good place to start out learning the basics of fishing. You don't even need a license in California to fish piers. Head to a pier and watch how other folks do it. Don't be afraid to ask questions - fisher people are generally pretty friendly and willing to share information. Go on the internet to YouTube, there are tons of videos that will teach you the basics. And this site is a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to ask us questions, we're happy to help. We all started out knowing nothing, so don't be shy.
Once you're comfortable fishing the piers we can talk about some of the fresh water lakes you might be heading to to camp. We can help with that too. Just let us know what you're interested in. And you can pm me anytime, I'll be glad to help you out.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

The first step is to lay out your travel route. When that's done you can look at nearby lakes and rivers. Research them on the internet to find out what species of fish you can expect to catch.
If you want to do the opposite by picking places to fish as your route, wow, I wouldn't even know where to start. Good luck!

CarolynA Loc: LA, CA

Thanks…. You’re probably right…plan a destination first…and then research the fishing spots. Are these spots listed by city, zip code, county… or lake/river?

CarolynA Loc: LA, CA

I had seen those lists of fish to not eat at the piers… that’s what caused my concern., I will do that…go to the pier and ask questions! Great suggestion! YouTube is also a good suggestion. I looked up some videos a few months ago…so will have to get busy learning how to make line ties, etc! But first it is practicing casting in the back yard 👍 … thank you, I appreciate your offer to give me some tips!

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

There are so many questions you need to answer. Is time an issue? Do I want to fish many places or do I want to catch a lot of fish? Fishing from a boat or shore? Do I have the financial resources to use a guide? Do you want to catch trout/salmon (cold water) or bass/catfish (warm water) or stick to the coast (salt water). Here is an idea...pick one place that has what you'd like to fish. Book a guide or a charter boat and let a local expert show you how and where to catch them. Then, especially fresh water, if you don't have a boat you can rent one and fish on your own. There are many good trout streams not far from you. Try that kind of fishing and find out if you like it. The sky is the limit but I would try different fishing styles first and not try to learn everything on a big trip. Be sure to start posting pictures of the fish you catch.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Hey Carolyn, I would suggest that when you start freshwater fishing you concentrate on catfish. For a number of reasons. Number one, they're tasty. They're plentiful. They're fairly easy to catch. They're not very picky when it comes to bait. They're available in most water just about anywhere you can go, east or west, north or south. If you want to catch a BIG fish, you are much more likely to catch a big catfish than just about any other species you can think of.

mrfisherman1 Loc: Bakersfield ca

Carolyn lake Lopez arroyo grande CA Bluegill, crappie, catfish easy picking at this lake also good campground me and the take the grandkids every week good angling