N.E. Fishing Newbie questions

P

Prospective

Active member
Joined
Sep 7, 2006
RO Number
23085
Messages
1,343
I've promised my son that we would get some fishing gear and, at least, attempt to fish from the new boat. Problem is I know zero about fishing. This is nothing serious and would more likely be while cruising and not as a dedicated activity on its own.

My main question is what initial gear should I buy in the way of rods and reels? I would be fishing Narragansett Bay and near off shore waters for whatever.. Blue Fish, Striped or Black Bass, or Fluke. Don't want to spend a ton, just have something I can use to throw hook in water and not look like a total fool. Plus have some chance of actually catching something. Frankly my biggest fear is catching something because I would have no clue what to do with it. Clearly I've got a lot to learn.

I'm planning on a visit to the local bait and tackle for advice but would welcome any thoughts up front.
 
How old is your son? If he's very young and you are inexperienced, you can have some fun just fishing for snappers (baby bluefish). They're in around middle-late August. You don't need anything fancy and can fish off the dock if you want. A light spinning rod (or a bamboo pole) a float, a small hook and baitfish (spering or shiners) and you're ready to go. As you get more adept at the spinning rod you can even try casting with a lure (sidewinder). Just have fun and a good time bonding with your son.

As for what to do with your catch.....we use them for crab bait.

Lady C
 
Agree totally with the previous post.

In addition, this whole process can get pretty expensive pretty fast. If you son is older and you want to do a variety of fishing, I would speak to your local tackly shop as you plan to. You will want 2 modestly priced rods with matching reels. Something on the order of a Shakespere Ugly stick with level wind reels. Two light weight Penn or Shakespere spinning rods, a net and a variety of bottom hooks, sinkers and casting plugs. With these, you will be able to bottom fish for Fluke, Striped Bass, Blue Fish, Black Fish and Sea Bass as well as being able to cast for surface Bass or Blue Fish action.

The tackle shop can give you advice on what is being caught where.

Good luck. This will be fun.
 
quote:
Originally posted by mintregila

....
In addition, this whole process can get pretty expensive pretty fast. ....
Click to expand...


I can't think of one sentence that describes my boating experience to date better than this.

My son is 8. I don't really have a ton of interest in this but then again I've never really done it. But my son is so excited about the prospect that I'm looking forward to it. I appreciate the suggestion very much. The snappers sound good. Small blues/smaller teeth I guess!

I will definitly hit the tackle shop.
 
Another suggestion...... Are there any local charters you can go out on? Not to catch, but to learn.
 
"....this whole process can get pretty expensive pretty fast."

At 8, your son should be old enough to go with you for a half day on a party (aka head) boat for fluke or blues. See if you and he like it before spending any money on equipment. Just make sure that you pack enough snacks, drinks, and stuff to keep him busy if fishing doesn't turn out to interest him for the whole time you're out.

Lady C
 
Porgy fishing is also fast and easy and is great for an 8yr old to tie into. Couldn't be any easier fish to catch, plus they give a good fight and taste great too. But...bony. If you have a fish finder on the boat which I'm sure you do, finding a spot is easy. Consult a local tackle shop and they will give you a general idea, use your FF to find either a marked school or fishy looking spot. Chum with a chum pot on the bottom and the fish will come to you fairly quickly. Figure an 8yr old will give an hour to an hour and a half of focus before they are onto something else. If I catch something of interest like a kingfish, blowfish, etc, I turn on the live well for some serious bait poking and inspection.

Once he's done with that, release the fish and you are on your way...

lot's of other great techniques to catch nice fish from an anchored boat. Unfortunately, I do not know your bay to give you any direction there but your local tackle shop would...especially if you make that initial purchase at their shop.
 
The best way to learn fishing, other than your dad, is to go out on a charter. You can watch all the techniques. My son is actually teaching me!

TJ
 
Visiting the tackle shop is on the list for this week before leaving on a week long cruise. I appreciate all the help. Needless to say my son is very excited.
 
good luck and tight lines...you'll need to learn some knots like the palomar and improved clinch. Those two should get you by just about most connections.
 
Since your son is only 8 years old, you should consider a combo set-up that includes a closed top spinning reel. That should be good enough to teach him how to cast, but also work well enough to catch fish. They make combos for kids that retail for under $20. Sports Authority type stores would be a good place to pick up an inexpensive combo for him and one for you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top