Every time I take less experienced friends fishing, it feels like the “fishing gods” reward them with the biggest catch of the day, sometimes even biggest catch of the summer.

I’ll be out there thinking about presentation, structure, proper motion with each lure, all that… and my buddy who barely fishes and doesn’t even know how to tie a knot or setup a rod just chucks out the same rig setup I’m using , lets it sit, and suddenly he’s got the bass I’ve been dreaming of. Meanwhile I’m grinding away catching smaller ones.

It’s kind of hilarious and kind of frustrating at the same time. Like, I know this is just how fishing works sometimes luck beats experience but man, it feels like the rookies always get the trophy when I’m around.

Anyone else deal with this? Is it just luck on my part when I bring a new guy? or do beginners stumble into some secret “big fish cheat code” without knowing it? Just think of all the young kids you see online or at the lake who are using a 20 dollar Spider-Man rod and catch a giant.

I believe it is a fallfish but not 100% sure

I bought some gear to go fishing for the first time. I live in upstate NY and am hoping to catch small-medium size freshwater fish. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

I have a rod already and plan on getting shears pliers and gloves as well, so I’m really looking for things along the lines of line hooks and lures that would be good for the fish I’m targeting or would help the stuff I already bought synergize better.

Ive never caught a catfish. I like bass fishing but he hit my chatterbait. It felt like it weighed at least 8 pounds. For size reference im 6 ft. I dont think bullheads get that big but it doesn't look like a flat head to me.

Hoping for LMB...you get what you get ...I dont make the rules.

Hello, I was wanting to know if python lake in Kamloops BC had any fish and what kind of fish in it, if anyone knows please lmk

Thought I had a good one, but it was just Patrick

My son and I have had a hard time catching anything at this location. We’ve targeted catfish and carp - would love to catch a spotted gar!

Does anyone know how high the water level is at Little Bow Provincial park? Also, anyone know how the beach is? Looking to go out next weekend.

Hey y’all,

I’ve got two trips coming up — one to South Carolina and another to St. Croix — and I want to make sure I bring the right setup. I’ll mostly be fishing from shore/inshore, and the species I’d love to target are:

• Speckled sea trout
• Red & black drum
• Snook
• Tarpon (up to ~80 lbs, not the 150+ giants)
• Maybe some small/medium sharks if the opportunity comes up

I’m trying to keep it to one “all-around” combo that won’t leave me undergunned on tarpon but still lets me enjoy trout and redfish. My budget for rod + reel is around $700–800 total.

What I’m looking for:

• Rod length/power/action recommendations (7’6 MH fast?)
• Reel size (thinking 4000–5000)
• Best line + leader setup for this multi-species approach
• Any specific brands/models you swear by for saltwater durability

Right now I’ve been eyeing:

• Rod: St. Croix Avid Inshore (7’6 MH fast)
• Reel: Daiwa Saltist MQ 4000D-XH

Would love to hear from anyone who’s run this combo, or if there’s a better “do it all” setup for the species I listed. Trying to avoid overpacking and just bring one solid stick that can handle it all.

Appreciate any advice 🤙

Photo by Esko Keski-Vähälä

I got this for my ATV and I love it but I wanted to see what else was out there but when I type in telescopic pole nothing but the ones with the eyelets pop up

I want one just like this that has the fishing line through the rod

How would I search for this specific setup?

I have my old Firebird 10 Closed Bale Reel that has been my frequent flier since I first started fishing as a kid back in 2007 and the combo this reel came in was $20. I can’t find any information on the original rod length for that combo model, so when it broke 3 years ago I stuck it on a 7ft Shakespeare Durango Rod, but ever since then I struggle heavily with casting out further than 25-30 feet and the line won’t hold memory well as I’m constantly unwrapping it from around the rod tip when it gets randomly twisted around the eyelet for no discernible reason. I always run 8lb line since that’s what it was originally loaded with. But since I’m mainly targeting sunfish species with this setup, (hence running 8lb as it’s the perfect size for bluegills, crappie, and smaller bass) I find the rod it’s currently on just a little bit too long and stiff for that, and if I’m not super vigilant feeling taps on the line can be a bit challenging. Especially when tossing a spinner or crank and retrieving

Is it wrong rod length? Or maybe an issue with the reel itself as it’s a closed reel from 20 years ago. But I wanna keep it as one of my reels I keep on regular rotation for just heading out and hitting panfish, small crappie, and the stray bass when I pop on a jig head.

Also recommendations of what kind of reel to put on the 7ft Durango since the rod is an absolute tank and I’d love to make it my catfish/travel saltwater pole.

Asp. Best river rival

Hello, my husband and I just inherited my dad’s fishing boat and all his tackle. We are going through and sorting and organizing and can across these, but we are sure of what they are. Does anyone know what these are and what purpose they are for? Thanks!

I've just bought a conventional reel that i use in saltwater. The only problem is i don't know wich types of grease or oil to use to prevent rust. Does any grease work? Like this one: https://www.biltema.no/batutstyr/batpleie/skrogpleie/marinfett/marinfett-200-ml-2000055234 Or do I need one of those expensive greases specifically made for reels? if so, does anyone have a recommendation for cheap grease and oil for reels?

I want to create a spinning build and idk what reels are good for spinning i know tho that i want to fish bluefish,sea bass,cathfish and pikes.

I live just over from the Ohio River and I am going fishing (shoreline) tomorrow at the Falls of the Ohio just below the dam.

The water is very low right now, and I’ve only fished creeks and lakes. I like to throw jigs mostly with curly tails. Targeting any fish, but not after catfish for sure.

Any tips?

I can’t believe I’ve lived here this long and are fishing the river for the first time. 😂

Tight lines everybody.

Hi everyone

Hope all is well

I am a beginner fishermen who enjoy surf fishing

I am from South Africa

I am looking to invest in a new wader

I am looking something like the tummy and chest area is wider I do have a belly

Do you get chest waders that wider than normal or adjustable around the chest area

Would appreciate some feedback from fellow south Africans

Thanks

Going to OBX, south of Whalebone Junction (family trip every year as my parents are getting old) next month for 2 weeks. Bought a cast net to use for the first time for catching shrimp and welcoming any and all advice on it, from fishing laws to best techniques/whether to use chum bait, etc. I will already have a 10-day out-of-state fishing license ready to just do regular surf and sound fishing.

I also will be catching blue crabs with a crab net during my trip. Trying to make a nice family meal for my siblings and their children and my parents.

Thanks y’all!!

Hello I’m looking for tips and info on fishing while I have done it before I’m still pretty inexperienced but am trying to get back into it and know like most things it’s more than just a google search for good info. Ik some basics but would love to know more like good stuff for beginners maybe how to tell good spots or any other knowledge I’m from central Cali about an hour south of sac and know there trout/salmon, bluegill, as well as bass and catfish. While ik there is also sturgeon I feel like I’m to inexperienced for that. My pole is medium and six-foot with what ever monofilament came with it the pole says 8-12lb