A Return to Fishing?

[DogDad]

Maybe, I have not fished in almost 60 years, did both freshwater fly and spin cast fishing and salt water boat rod fishing as a kid/teen. Used to love fishing, but stopped at one point and never resumed, other than taking my kids out occasionally when they were young. I no longer have any equipment, but I do have several nice ponds close by and good sized lake about 5 miles away, so was thinking of returning for some freshwater fun: bass, trout, catfish, crappie. I was looking at getting into a 2500 series open face reel and 6.5' to 6'10" graphite rod either medium or medium/light action. I understand that newer reels and braided lines are much less prone to tangles than the gear from years ago and the new rods have much better action and sensitivity. Does anyone have any suggestions gear wise for a decent setup and getting back into fresh water fishing in general. I probably do not remember everything I knew back then like tying different knots. Also, I am just a catch and release type guy, so need to relearn unhooking the different fish types safely for them and me, LOL.

 

[rk911]

I also have not wet a line in 60+ years. I gave most of my rods and tackle boxes to my neighbor and his son.

 

[pb4uski]

Something I am pondering as well so I'l be following this thread. I fished a lot as a kid and teen. I would tie my pole to my bike and head out for an afternoon or take our canoe up into the brook that feeds the pond and fish.

My interest dwindled to one bass fishing trip each year with the guys, and for a few years an overnight fishing trip with a couple friends and all of our kids.

The neatest one was where we had a campsite right on a lake and had a nice fire going. The kids caught a perch and we should them how to clean it and then cook it and they were eating it 20 minutes after they reeled it in.

The shame is that I live 20' from a pond with yelow perch, smallmouth bass, pickerel, sunfish, pumpkinseed, and an occasional trout and could catch a bucket of yellow perch from my dock.

 

[Luvtoride]

Let me ask my 7 year-old grandson who fishes with his dad several times a week and knows more about fishing than almost any adult I know. Lol Good luck…popular hobby again these days!

 

[Aerides]

Not sure where you live, but you probably need a license now, which you might not have 60 years ago! (learned the hard way a while back).

 

[sengsational]

I did most of my fishing in lakes with a US/Canada border in the middle. Fished on the Canadian side with the Canadian license and Canadian minnows. This was in the 1970's. We were completely legal as long as we didn't land our boat on Canadian land. We did that, though, to buy the license and minnows. The US game warden would show up twice per summer and we temporarily tied our minnow bucket to a buoy because you couldn't import minnows (even though we would fish the next day in Canada again). That was absurd enough, but now you need remote area border crossing permits and it's more enforced. So now the people at that resort fish on the US side. I'm going up on August and might not even fish because I only know where the spots are on the Canadian side. Been a long time since I reeled in a walleye, but wouldn't mind doing that again, and of course eating fresh walleye!

 

[ferbm]

The funny thing is that after that much time out of the game, almost anything you buy will be as good or better than the best stuff you fished with back in the day. An important question you need to answer is what type of fishing do you plan to do? Freshwater vs salt, panfish vs large gamefish... If you want to have a versatile rod for many different conditions, I would focus on an open face spinning rod, graphite, medium action, 6-6 to 7 foot in length. If you find yourself targeting specific types/species, you can grow your collection from there.... and you will! Rods, reels, and luers are designed to catch fisherman as much as they are to catch fish! Enjoy!!!!!

 

[Route246]

Maybe, I have not fished in almost 60 years, did both freshwater fly and spin cast fishing and salt water boat rod fishing as a kid/teen. Used to love fishing, but stopped at one point and never resumed, other than taking my kids out occasionally when they were young. I no longer have any equipment, but I do have several nice ponds close by and good sized lake about 5 miles away, so was thinking of returning for some freshwater fun: bass, trout, catfish, crappie. I was looking at getting into a 2500 series open face reel and 6.5' to 6'10" graphite rod either medium or medium/light action. I understand that newer reels and braided lines are much less prone to tangles than the gear from years ago and the new rods have much better action and sensitivity. Does anyone have any suggestions gear wise for a decent setup and getting back into fresh water fishing in general. I probably do not remember everything I knew back then like tying different knots. Also, I am just a catch and release type guy, so need to relearn unhooking the different fish types safely for them and me, LOL.

Like you, I have not fished for probably 55+ years but got inspired to go again. I still have some old high-end gear but I'm not sure how well it works. I picked up two reels while was passing through Japan on my Asia trip earlier this year as I know Japan-made reels are the gold standard and extremely expensive because they are not exported and only grey-marketed by resellers. Most of the ones that are sold overseas are made in the Philippines or Thailand, too. I looked at rods but they are too problematic to bring back in luggage. I also picked up a ton of Japan-made hooks, swivels, line (braided and monofiliment) and a travel rod (Japan-made). With the exchange rate this was a real/reel bargain, less than half-price.

I'm tied up with our remodel now but I hope to escape and get in some serious time with the line in the water. I'm closer to the Pacific than any fresh water fishing now. Rockfish, surf perch, jack smelt, etc. for now. Have to drive 3+ hours to get decent fresh water fishing from where I am.

 

[street]

I fish some each year but when I was in my 20s' and early 30's I fished a lot. My son was young and got him hooked as a kids and he fishes as much as he can now. He does tourney's with a friend and has been to two this year. Came in 3 and 16 and won some nice money.

I like fly fishing the best but have been so busy doing other interest now I haven't went this year yet.

 

[JackJester]

I'm an avid fly fisherman. But I also have a spinning rod I use sometimes for bluegill, crappie, and bass. Here in the PNW, we mostly fish for trout, steelhead, or salmon on streams, lakes, and the Puget Sound. But we also have some desert rivers in eastern WA and Oregon with excellent smallmouth bass fishing that I fish every fall stripping poppers on the surface. I spend the month of June fishing in British Columbia for some amazing Kamloops rainbow trout on the lakes. If you have learned to cast a fly rod in the past, then I'd suggest jumping right back in. Casting a fly rod is very mentally therapeutic; it takes practice, but cheaper than golfing . While fly fishing equipment is much more expensive than spinning gear, you can get a good Redington 5wt rod, reel, line kit for $280 that will be all you will need; ORIGINAL Freshwater Kit - 590-4 | Redington You mentioned some nice ponds in the Dallas area, and they are probably packed with bluegill and bass. So casting a little surface popper fly into the weeds and lilly pads and stripping it back to you will produce great fun. Of course, you can always add a little bobber to your line and dunk a worm as well. For spinning gear you can get a nice Ugly Stick rod and real combo for $80. Ugly Stik NEW GX2™ Spinning Combo | Ugly Stik®

 

[ransil]

a snoopy pole from Walmart will catch as many fish as a $500 setup.

I haven't fished in many years but carrying about 6 rods one is a 50 year old fly rod.

 

[Koolau]

I used to use a cane pole and bobber. Never owned a rod/reel. Never had a problem catching blue gill and bass on local ponds. BUT that was a long time ago. I think I've lost the urge but miss the solitude and lazy days when I could steal the time. W*rk, kids, life kinda interfered. Now I'm surrounded by deep water and seem to have lost the interest. Sad.

 

[aja8888]

I fished a lot as a young teen in Connecticut in local lakes and ponds. Later in life, I fished the great lakes for Coho, Steelhead and Northern Pike from my boat. Once my daughters came, I pretty much stopped fishing.

 

[Car-Guy]

Fishing is pretty far down my list of fun things to do... Probably in the same area as golf. Now hunting dove or quail, I'm in.

 

[CRLLS]

I fished as a boy and not much since. I did fish the Chippewa Flowage for a few years with my BIL. No longer. My 2 sons still fish. One currently fishes in a kayak off of Oahu. The other just came back from his annual trip to Minnesota where he landed his first Musky at 55". I get my fishing highs vicariously thru them both.

 

[sengsational]

It's been probably 15 years since I used my gear, and before that, probably another 15. Everything would probably work fine except that I wouldn't trust the monofilament line. My gear was a little rough around the edges and not high end. But I was never one of those "have to have the best equipment" people. My little brother would occasionally put fish me with his Popeal's Pocket Fisherman, hehehehe!

 

[DogDad]

Not sure where you live, but you probably need a license now, which you might not have 60 years ago! (learned the hard way a while back).

Texas, license needed, except for private ponds which I have access to. Senior get a discount on the license.

The funny thing is that after that much time out of the game, almost anything you buy will be as good or better than the best stuff you fished with back in the day. An important question you need to answer is what type of fishing do you plan to do? Freshwater vs salt, panfish vs large gamefish... If you want to have a versatile rod for many different conditions, I would focus on an open face spinning rod, graphite, medium action, 6-6 to 7 foot in length. If you find yourself targeting specific types/species, you can grow your collection from there.... and you will! Rods, reels, and luers are designed to catch fisherman as much as they are to catch fish! Enjoy!!!!!

Mainly interested in bass and trout, but there are crappie/bluegill and catfish in the ponds. Yes, right now focused on a open faced spinning setup and probably a one piece rod, medium or medium/light, 8 lb braided line and some lures vs live bait.

I'm an avid fly fisherman. But I also have a spinning rod I use sometimes for bluegill, crappie, and bass. Here in the PNW, we mostly fish for trout, steelhead, or salmon on streams, lakes, and the Puget Sound. But we also have some desert rivers in eastern WA and Oregon with excellent smallmouth bass fishing that I fish every fall stripping poppers on the surface. I spend the month of June fishing in British Columbia for some amazing Kamloops rainbow trout on the lakes. If you have learned to cast a fly rod in the past, then I'd suggest jumping right back in. Casting a fly rod is very mentally therapeutic; it takes practice, but cheaper than golfing . While fly fishing equipment is much more expensive than spinning gear, you can get a good Redington 5wt rod, reel, line kit for $280 that will be all you will need; ORIGINAL Freshwater Kit - 590-4 | Redington You mentioned some nice ponds in the Dallas area, and they are probably packed with bluegill and bass. So casting a little surface popper fly into the weeds and lilly pads and stripping it back to you will produce great fun. Of course, you can always add a little bobber to your line and dunk a worm as well. For spinning gear you can get a nice Ugly Stick rod and real combo for $80. Ugly Stik NEW GX2™ Spinning Combo | Ugly Stik®

I thought about that, used to tie my own flies and fished some of great trout streams in Catskill Mountains of NY. Just not sure how an old shoulder and elbow would hold up, plus some areas have trees too close behind.

I fished a lot as a young teen in Connecticut in local lakes and ponds. Later in life, I fished the great lakes for Coho, Steelhead and Northern Pike from my boat. Once my daughters came, I pretty much stopped fishing.

Got my introduction to fishing at Candlewood Lake, I really miss those times with my Dad.

I've always had some pretty good equipment, so will look into better quality gear that I can pass on when I'm gone.

 

[audreyh1]

Texas, license needed, except for private ponds which I have access to. Senior get a discount on the license.

Did you know that in TX you can now fish in state parks without a license?

 

[Qs Laptop]

It's been probably 15 years since I used my gear, and before that, probably another 15. Everything would probably work fine except that I wouldn't trust the monofilament line. My gear was a little rough around the edges and not high end. But I was never one of those "have to have the best equipment" people.

I'm in the same boat as you.

I haven't fished for about 15 years. My gear is mid-level but I would worry about the line not holding up if I were to tie into a decent fish. My kids have grown up and my friends that had boats have either sold them or died(!).

I'm in Minnesota, land of 10,000 fishing regulations lakes. You'd think I'd be eager to fish, but there are so many rules and regulations, including lakes that have the fishing limits and sizes changing by the month. The Department of Natural Resources can impound your boat if you are caught with lake water in your live well, the wrong minnows, or if you have certain weeds in your boat motor prop. It's a chore to keep track of all the rules. And the crowded lakes are insufferable, with size of the average fish having been stunted by overfishing. And then there is the weather...

Yes, there are still lakes that hold plenty of fish but if you find one you don't tell a soul.

I'd like to start up again, but I don't know anyone with a boat and I'm not going to buy one to use 3-4 months out of the year.

Still, there is nothing quite like a freshly caught walleye shore lunch.

 

[PlayinwithFIRE]

Brings back a lot of memories for me.

My brother and I were constant companions up until about the end of high school. Had access to a river, ponds and many mountain streams within a bike ride or a more dangerous but fun train-hop ride. Dad was an avid outdoorsman , so we got exposed to that world pretty readily.

What I'd give to go have that feeling of freedom with no commits beyond being home for dinner. Unfortunately, i think I have changed so much, its better to leave that memory as is.


pwf

 

[pacergal]

Ahhh, memories of fishing with my Grandpa
Thanks.

 

[DogDad]

Did you know that in TX you can now fish in state parks without a license?

Did not know that, but good to know.

 

[sengsational]

I'm in Minnesota, land of 10,000 fishing regulations lakes.

The Canadian lakes I fished for years border Minnesota. I'm heading up there in August. My fishing itch probably can be ignored, but if I decide to do something about it, maybe I BTD and hire a guide. They can keep me from getting thrown in jail for having a fish that's illegal for Wednesday's.

 

[Qs Laptop]

The Canadian lakes I fished for years border Minnesota. I'm heading up there in August. My fishing itch probably can be ignored, but if I decide to do something about it, maybe I BTD and hire a guide. They can keep me from getting thrown in jail for having a fish that's illegal for Wednesday's.

If you have the time, I encourage you to hire that guide and give it a whirl. They'll be able to equip you with the latest and greatest in equipment and will know where the fish lurk.

The best fishing in my life has been in the boundary waters of Minnesota. I have fond memories of catching my limit of walleyes with dad in 40 minutes. Back then it was 6 walleyes per person.

Besides walleyes there are monster northern pike and muskies to be had in those waters.

 

[DogDad]

If you have the time, I encourage you to hire that guide and give it a whirl. They'll be able to equip you with the latest and greatest in equipment and will know where the fish lurk.

The best fishing in my life has been in the boundary waters of Minnesota. I have fond memories of catching my limit of walleyes with dad in 40 minutes. Back then it was 6 walleyes per person.

Besides walleyes there are monster northern pike and muskies to be had in those waters.

This is good advice that I have also been considering as they usually have top notch gear to try out, they have the knowledge and tools to know where the fish are, and if you like to eat your catch, they generally will clean the fish for you. Wish I was in Pike/Musky country, caught a lot of pickerel as a kid and some deep sea barracuda that gave a good fight.