New to fishing - a little advice please

[Andy in NY]

Well, it's been about 15 years since the last time I fished. We have our first boat, and want to take my son fishing. the problem is I don't know anything about it! I'm pretty young (28) so the fact that the last time I was fishing was 15 years ago... I eas just a kid myself then!

I have my dad's old fishing pole, and my son has a brand new one. We bought a basic tackle box that came with a few things.

Here are my questions:
1)What size line should I be using?
2)how do I tie the hooks/lures on the line? I remember my dad teaching me when I was a kid, but that was a loooong time ago!
3)What gear should we have for BASIC fishing (and not intending on taking anything home, just catch and release)?
4)any other advice?

 

[mainexile]

Re: New to fishing - a little advice please

Congratulations for getting your son involved in fishing - it's an experience he will always remember. As for the gear: Line size depends on what species you're fishing for - perch, crappie, bluegill, brook/brown/rainbow trout usually can be taken on 4-8 lb test; lake trout (togue), bass (smallmouth and largemouth) and salmon 6-10 lb.; pike and chain pickerel 10lb and up.
Knots can be found and diagrammed at: http://www.animatedknots.com/snell/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com
Basic equipment: landing net, various size hooks, various weight sinkers, swivels, floats or bobbers, replacement line, long-nose pliers or forceps, lures, live bait such as shiners or smelts (depending on regulations where you live), worms. If you're going oly for catch and release, you might want to remove the barbs from your hooks to facilitate removal from the fish.
Other advice: sunscreen, bug repellent, hats, water, patience

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: New to fishing - a little advice please

Lots of great water in your area. You have the St. Lawrence and Black lake right there. If you can swing it take your son to black lake. The bass and crappie fishing there is great. Not to mention the Pike. The public launch by Edwardsville is very nice. Get set up with some 10 or 15 pound test and fish some senkos (Plastic worm) Rigged texas style, in and around the massive weed beds the lake has to offer. I guarantee you'll catch fish. There is a bait shop right up from the ramp called the log cabins. Just go in and ask,, He will have everything you need. Beware the winds on the lake , It is shallow and get rough at times.

texas rig
http://www.probass.com/protips/JeffBruhl/jb2.php

Good luck and have fun.

 

[rndn]

Re: New to fishing - a little advice please

I agree that Black Lake is a must visit place for fishing as is Butterfield Lake just 10 miles or so away from Black Lake. You should also try your hand at the lakes around the town of Saranac Lake. Great sites, great fishing and 4 lakes available with just your boat. To access the Lower Saranac Lake you will go through 2 locks and really nice scenery.
You can also try your hand at fishing the St Lawrence and the eastern basin of Lake Ontario, but beware of the many unmarked rocks around the thousand islands region.