new fisherman here!!

Hi everyone,

I have been very unlucky with the lures I brought in Sport Authority over the past year because I never catch anything with it at Black Hill. I see the fishes, but they seem to never be interested to bite my lure. Maybe it more on how I fish or the time I go fishing, but I will start with some good lures first. I read some good review on panther martin, so I am looking to buy some panther martin lure, but not sure what's a good size lures for bass and perch. Can someone tell me please? Also, what's a good knot for it? I am open to be criticized and advices because I know I am a complete newbie. It would be helpful if someone tell the exact location on some good off shore fishing spot, since I don’t have a boat yet. I live in Gaithersburg, so I am not far from Black Hill.

Thanks,
Tai

Welcome from Indiana
:)

Welcome.
I don't fish that area but fishing is fishing. Seems like the ones you can see are the hardest to catch. As far as lures go I use different types for different species. Bass move slower in cold temperatures slow a slower lure is needed. Trout are a cold water fish and are willing to chase a spinner under these circumstances. For panfish in colder waters I like to use a bobber and jig with soft plastics. I like the bobber because I can keep it in a more productive area longer. The list of lures are endless along with rod and real combos and lines. Here's a link to help you with knots. Improved Clinch Knot | How to tie the Improved Clinch Knot | Fishing Knots
The best way to learn is to get out often, watch what others are doing, and ask questions just like you did here.
Hope this is helpful Mike

hey tai,
welcome... i agree with mike... listen Panther martins are best for trout, it all depends what you are trying to snag.
i use crank baits and senkos, for bass. panther martins, rooster tails spinners or power bait even corn for trout! and night crawlers for bluegills... but like mike said your options are endless.... for trout theres a site in which states what lakes, ponds and rivers have been stocked... Maryland Trout Fishing Information | Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service SO go out fishing often ask people what they use observe watch watch they catch and ask what they used for catching that fish.... enjoy and hope this thread will be of great help!!!

Thanks for the link Mike. Oh, I understand now. It makes sense that the one that you can see is the hardest one to catch. Can you tell me the lure size to catch crappie? I was thinking the smallest size 1/32 because crappie is small. I was looking at the panther martin spinner 1/32, will this work on crappie? I saw this one panther martin kits with only 1/4 size, I am wondering if that's too big for crappie. Can someone tell me some good lure brand? All I know is panther martin, since I read other post on this forum that said panther martin is good.

Thanks,
Tai

Tai,
For crappie this time of year I used a 1/32 oz jig with plastic. Most of the guys I fish with use crappie magnets. These are suspended under a bobber a few feet ( this depends on how deep the crappie are holding). Crappie will usually move up to take a lure. Very seldom will they move down. The fish move into the shallow water in spring to spawn where they are the easy to catch near fallen trees or other cover. Just as with any other type of fishing locating them is trial and error. Look for coves that get the most sun with dark bottoms these areas will warm up first. I have a couple of favorite spots I try every year. Some years they hold fish then others they don't. Just keep moving once you catch one there should be more nearby.
Others on this site will have different technics that work well. Keep a positive attitude and read all you can the fish will come.
Good Luck
Mike

Welcome aboard , Mike hit it on the head he said just what I would say to you also good luck. When its cool slow is best.

Thanks again Mike and everyone else. What's a good time to go fishing? Early morning, afternoon, evening or night?

I prefer early morning because I can sneak out before the wife gets up. Then again I have been known to fish from sunrise to sunset. Early morning late evening seem to be the best times for me to catch Crappie and other species that are light sensitive. They will be in shallow water or suspended closer to the surface. This can change depending on wind, temperature, amount and angle of the sun, barometric pressure, time of year, or fishing tidal water. If I'm fishing tidal water I like to fish the outgoing tide. It's hard to pick the perfect conditions. If you did that you would find yourself sitting home more than fishing. For night fishing the only time I do that would be when I'm at the beach. I fish the lights then. Some fish won't bite at all at night like Tautog.
Mike

Thanks again. I find it easy to catch fish too early morning and late evening. Do you know a good place to buy fishing goods?

That depends on what you’re buying. I make all my own lures so I just buy material off the internet. Hot lures will sell out fast. That's another indicator of what's working. So for actually buying lures I won't be much help there.
Mike