I will never get integrated bifocals again.

The biggest issue I find is that I use the same area of the glasses to see where I am trying to step. So, I have to take off my glasses in order to get down steep bank or, even worse, trying to find my footing while wading.

Another issue is that my close vision seems to be degrading faster than my benefits can keep up with my prescription. So, it only too me 1 year to need a more powerful set of close glasses in order to tie on sz16 or smaller flies.

So, I have resorted to carrying a pair of cheap reading glasses in my chestpack. A 3 pack from Costco costs $18. I keep a spare set in my backpack, because no glasses means the day of fishing is over. This is a brute force solution, but it works for the time being.

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by DrSkunkzor

I bought a Shakespere Ugly Stick Catfish rod for around 40 bucks at Walmart. Pretty good and affordable catfishing set up.

Currently have 25 lb mono spooled up though that may not be heavy enough if you get onto some heavier cats.

Circle hooks I hear are pretty recommended because they tend to set themselves and don't gut hook fish as much.

Bait wise I use chicken livers. Just be aware that chicken livers are very soft and can fall off the hook easier. So I use an egg loop knot to attach my hook so that I can use the line to secure the liver onto my hook without flinging it off.

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by XTraumaX

I'm new to fishing and can't seem to catch anything, I've been skunked everytime I've went fishing. Today i was at a neighborhood lake for 2 hours and i only got 1 bite or at least i think it was a bite since i set the hook way too late, i know its not the lake that's the problem its me because there was another person fishing that caught 2 bass and i was there way before him. The bait I've been using is Yum dingers 5" in green pumpkin and zoom u-tale junebug, the only one i think i got a bite on was the u-tale. I also have a small wounded shad crank bait and 2 spin baits, what are some baits and rigs that work best for beginners. I know all this sounds stupid but i really want to get into fishing i really enjoy it even though I've never caught a fish but if i don't catch one soon I'm afraid ill quit.

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by Dreaming_in_the_wind

If you are invited to go fishing with someone in their boat there are a few things you need to know up front. Everyone, please add to the list if you think of something. It makes for a better trip plus being asked to go again.
1 Wait to be asked by someone don't ask them to take you. You can suggest, maybe we can go fishing together sometime.
2 Ask where and for how long you will be gone so you can be prepared with food and drink. Don't ask to stop at the store for snacks or Hardees for a biscuit
3 Ask are there any special baits that will be needed to have with you. If so get them ahead of time.
4 Be on time with your equipment ready, food & drink and life vest if needed. Being prepared makes the trip fun. Not having hooks, weights, etc ruins the trip.
5 At the ramp ask if there is anything you can help do. Take off tie downs, unhook lights, put the plug in the boat.
6 If you know how to back a trailer down the ramp do so if you do not know DON"T OFFER to do so.
7 Be prepared to deal with your trash and dispose of it properly on return to the ramp.
8 If you spill a drink be aggressive in cleaning it up and don't act like it is no big deal.
9 Do not offer to go get the trailer if you have never backed an empty boat trailer down a ramp. Do offer to hold the boat at the dock for the boater to retrieve the trailer.
10 Offer to help tie down the boat to the trailer and clean up the interior/exterior as needed.
11. When the boat owner stops at a gas station to refuel the vehicle and boat offer to pay for the fuel if not discussed earlier. I always tell them they can pay for the gas that the boat used because I always have the truck and boat full before leaving. It is always best for the boat gas tank to be full to stop moisture from getting into the fuel.


I am not doing this to be mean or anything but to give guidance to both boater and nonboater. Even if someone's boat is like mine a junkyard dog or a brand new 20 ft. Ranger Bass Boat they are both the pride of the owner and needs to treated as such. Please understand it is not cheap to own and operate a boat.
Please add any more that you can think of from both sides.