Hey guys, I currently am living in Northern Louisiana and have been chasing big fish in some of the lakes and bayous in the area. I just wanted to know if anyone has any experience or any tips for fishing alongside our scaly water neighbors, especially while using live bait (catfishing) and while fishing at night? Is it something I should pass on? I'd rather not end up dinner. Thank you!

--
by Born_Paper_61123

Rookie question. I was wondering if soft plastics such are used just once, or if reusing them would affect their action somehow.

--
by JoseRum1

Ive been traveling to community parks/recreational areas to fish. Back when i went up north to Paysons manmade lakes i would atleast get periodic bites every now and then. About 80-90% of the time id get a bite id get a hookset.

Catfish baits consist of bottom fished chicken liver-koolaid- /catfish nuggets
Trout baits consists of rooster tails/spoons/kastmasters/bobbed artificial gulp worms/ bottom fishing powereggs-powerbait/
Bass baits consist of crankbaits/bobbed artificial gulp worms/ texas rigged 4-6inch worms/ jigged paddletails

To this day ive caught 1 yellow bass (by luck on powerbait as i reeled it in). I have about a dozen or so trout under my belt and 4 catfish.

This morning i went out to the river. It was low but i found a nice pool of calm water where i could steady see fish making a moderate splash every now and then. I tried everything in my bag and got 0 bites. I even tried adjusting the bobber to different depths as well as different length leaders when bottom fishing.

Last morning i went out to the same river but a different area with another calm pool. No bites. Then some dudes come in waders and fly rods and pulled around half a dozen very large fish (18-20inch) in the same spot i was at. It made me sad.

Ive gone fishing 3 days in a row to a variety of community parks (like 6 of them). 0 bites. Ive gone mornings and evenings. The park fish arent necessarily splashing like the recreational lakes/rivers but i would have hopped to atleast get a damn bite visiting 6 different parks. Out of the 6 i visited 1 of them i actively saw other people catching fish. I didnt want to go over to were they were though as it was already crowded.

Usually i only have about a 2-3 hour window where i see fish being active. Short of walking all along the river/lake what can i do to improve bites? I usually bring a backpack and set up station somewhere and walk around 100 feet back and forth trying different areas. I have different flavor/brand powerbaits.

--
by darealmvp1522

I hate not being able to see my braid above water, especially during night.

Do you think bright braid color spooks fish? Does fluorocarbon leader help?

What would you say is the brightest color? Red, yellow?

--
by nthprime5217

I started to tackle different species of fish. What do you do to keep it organized or comedically exploding out of a tackle box? I use to keep to small plastic sing tray cases for the yaks for ease of storage. I then bought a boat so I got a larger tackle box that comes with me in that.

Also included is a bucket with all the ice fishing gear. Now I can't even fit everything in those 4 combined. I was debating breaking things down into species but then I feel like I am either going to be taking 10 boxes with me on the boat or I am going to wish I had grabbed a different box/setup when I get on the water. Just curious what everyone's different setup is and hoping someone has a great idea.

--
by ohiostate115612

It’s currently $80 at my local bass pro and I’ve been needing a new combo. I know the reels on those combos are OK but I was wondering what the rod strength was?

--
by Sideal-Deena1114

I have taken up fishing as a hobby this year and truly love it. Unfortunately because of some injuries and arthritis in my fingers I am having a very hard time tying the improved clinch knot suggested as the "fishermans knot" to always know and use.

I recently switched my reel line to braid and can't believe how easy and painless the the Palomar knot is to tie. It has me really hoping there is an easier knot to tie that doesn't sacrifice too much strength so I can enjoy fishing more and not dread tying up my line as much. Thanks !

--
by JimbosChoice8133

Thinking about adding a fish finder to my kayak. Does anyone have any recommendations?

--
by antikytera6111

Just broke down 90% of my rigs for winter. spinning. baitcasters.

obviously i cleaned em up before box storing but wondering what peoples thought are on greasing and oiling. do it now for storage? or. lube up in spring when re assembling the arsenol for upcoming battle?

thanks. fish on

--
by gougedaway9114

I want to try using 12lb mono on one of my reels, but I'm not sure if the line can handle the abrasiveness of their mouths. Any advice?

(I'm using goofy jigs btw)

--
by JshBbKns61212

I’m just curious if you had to pick one out of your collection what would it be and why?

--
by bwakong22347

I just picked up a lew’s xfinity combo on clearance at Walmart for $40. Super excited about it - I purchased one for a friend at full price as a gift who was just getting into fishing, used it a couple times and was totally blown away by the quality of the combo for the price.

It was missing some of the tags and the ones it did have didn’t have any information on the reel itself. How can I find out the drag rating for this reel? I have tried to google it for 10-15 minutes and can’t find anything. Any information would be much appreciated!

--
by MaximumForsaken1156121

I have a question. What are the best lures for fishing in the fall?
Thank you.

--
by gregklumb722

For those of you who carry your tackle in backpacks, do you use a purpose built tackle backpack or a general use pack?

--
by Azelkor111

I've been using the Gamakatsu EWG hook and it's done well, but I'm thinking about trying something new. I'm considering Decoy. If there is a hook out there where the hook point is not on the same plane as the eye, I'd love to know.

--
by PearlTrade212