Tips on pond and lake fishing for newb wanted

[heclaboy82]

Hi folks, so the last two days I tried fishing at a lake and at a pond. Iyesterday I went to wawayanda lake in Hewitt nj. Unfortunately I didn't catch anything and this morning I went to gofflebrook pond in Hawthorne, had two bites but I guess I didn't hook the fish. Also caught nothing.

So my fishing situations are these; I take my kids with me so they are not early risers.Also no boat, so I shore fish.I have senko baits, a spinner bait, buzzbait, and a frog.

Yesterday we got to the lake by 9:30am by the time I threw the first cast it was about 9:50am. We tried the right side of the lake close to the beach, no luck. Then we took a break and ate , swam the back to fishing like at 2pm.we tried the left side by the boat house and there was a wall. No luck there. Then we went further down the trail by the wall and there was a spot in the lake that there is a rock and two small islands. Also no luck.

Today I got to the pond like at 9 and started fishing under a underpass, didn't get anything. Then I saw some grass kind of growing from the left side of the pond so I tried to fish that. I got two bites but, didn't hook the fish. I know the fish bit the bait cause the line was swimming in the water and I felt it on the rod.

Now my question is this, when you fish what do you do to locate detect, draw out fish. Do I start using one lure for a few cast then switch it up. For example, yesterday I started with a buzz bait to see if the fish would come to the bait. After a half hour I put a senko. I didn't notice any fishes or saw any in the water. Today I just used a Texas rigged weightless senko.

I looked in the water to see I I see a fish but couldn't. The lake had lots of vegetation under the water where I was fishing and the pond had lots of vegetation as well.

So how do I start my fishing expeditions. Is there a bait that I can first use to detect or call fishes over then another to get them to bite. What do you do? How do you start your fishing trip. Also I'm new to fishing so I guess how would you shore fish a new pond or lake or whatever freshwater location.

Many thanks in advance.

[Skunk City]

My advice for you would be:
-This time of year with the heat and water temps, your best chances of catching something is as close to sunrise and sunset as you can get. The rest of the day, these fish are lethargic, especially the big ones. Getting them to commit to chasing after a lure is no easy task. By 10am, the sun is already high in the sky and the fish tend to hunker down under weeds/structure or in the deepest, coolest water they can find.
-Low light, use the frog and buzzbait. The fish will be more willing to strike a surface lure at these times. When the sun is higher in the sky, go with the senko and spinnerbait, as they get down in the water column better.
-Bass usually prefer the Senko over anything else this time of year. Try wacky rigging also (hooked right in the middle) if you haven't already, it's deadly.

[youngdumbandfulloffish]

Originally Posted by Skunk City

-Bass usually prefer the Senko over anything else this time of year. Try wacky rigging also (hooked right in the middle) if you haven't already, it's deadly.

^^^^^ 3in Black or Watermelon Senko

Also you mentioned seeing the line move. A good hookset and sharp hooks will turn that into a caught fish. Most importantly shade, cover, deeper water, and slow it down. I've caught a lot of bass on senkos while lighting a cigarette not moving it at all.

[ScowardNJ]

Sounds like you should start with a garden worm on a hook with a bobber. Can't go wrong with that!

[Eskimo]

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Originally Posted by ScowardNJ

Sounds like you should start with a garden worm on a hook with a bobber. Can't go wrong with that!

Yup. Don't over-think it. They're just fish.

[MudCat08]

I also think you should start fishing with a worm and float/bobber. One thing i notice my friends do (those who do not fish a lot) is start reeling in the fish when they have a bite. You should learn how to properly set the hook on the fish first, before you reel it in. Sometimes the fish will get off the hook before you bring it in, that's common when the hook set wasn't ideal - not your fault, just something you have to get lucky with.

When i first started fishing I found soft plastic baits like senkos hard to use because you actually have to be familiar with the subtle "take" of the fish. It is usually a few light taps on the end of your line, as the bass or some other fish grab the senko worm and then proceed to try and eat it. It is much simpler to use a live worm and float to get started and get a feel for fishing