Newb intro / Seeking advice

Hey guys,
I've been following the site for a couple weeks now, finally decided to sign up to introduce myself and seek some advice. I've fished some before, but never anything serious or on a regular basis. I've never really been able to catch anything (maybe 2-3 per trip at best), so it's been a bit discouraging in the past (don't get me wrong, just being out there is great). I'm finding myself with some spare time so I'd really like to learn more about the sport.

First question is regarding equipment. I've got some old poles/tackle, but really looking to start fresh here. I don't have a boat, so the majority of my fishing will be from the bank. Any suggestions on what equipment I should be looking for and maybe some brand suggestions?

Second question, do you guys have any recommendations for places in central Arkansas that are good for fishing from the bank/dock?

Final question, do you guys gave any general advice to share?

I would really appreciate any help, whether it be a direct answer or even just pointing me to some helpful threads.

Welcome first of all. Second fishing below the dams can be quite productive with small crappie jigs white and yellow/white I have had luck with. Find the eddys and fish will be there. Vast out let sink to bottom and slow retrieve in has produced for me. Lake Conway has some good fishin from the banks around the bridges at times also.

Welcome from conway! Just keep asking, there are a lot of guys on here that have forgotten more abour crappie fishing than you will ever need to know to catch fish!

First suggestion, beg, barter, or anything just short of stealing and get you a boat of some kind even if its a lil one man fiberglass boat and perferably with a depth finder and trolling motor. Next Get you a couple of Ozark Jig rods from Conway/AKA Don Blakely 10 or 11 foot equip with Pluger Trion reels. For casting get a 8-9 foot Ozark rod from Don and attach a Shakespere Dimension reel with a quality 8lb test line on all reels, P-line, Mr crappie, trilene Hi vis transoptic are all good lines. Then buy you a good assortment of tackel, painted jig heads, meatgetter jigs, midsouth rubes, Bobby Garland slabslayers minder minnow, road runner, all are good baits to start with. Also get you some slip bobbers and weighted bobbers, different size split shots and wire crappie hooks. I would suggest you use Crappie Nibbles and try tipping your jigs with minnows. Hope this helps. I know it can be expensive but if able... Your number one priorty should always be to get off the bank and get in a boat if your going to get serious about crappie fishing. Lake Conway, Arkansas River/below dams, Lake Dardanelle, Lake Beaverfork, Overcupp, Greers Ferry and Brewer and Lake Atkins are all good lakes you may catch some from the bank. Welcome from Lake Conway.

Lots of good advice already and I'm sure more will chime in. All I can tell ya is welcome from GEORGIA.

OHHH ya I forgot Lake Nimrod has some great fishing and Southern Pro Baits is another great line of baits to use.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. Great info so far. For the time being, a boat is simply out of the question (due to funding and space issues). I'll definitely look into the equipment options mentioned and hopefully can start slowing getting things together. The jigs/baits mentioned are ones I'm not familiar with. Is there a place, either online or near Little Rock, that I can purchase these?

I'll try to do a little research on the areas mentioned to see if I can find a good place to park and fish from the bank.

Thanks for the info guys, I really appreciate it.

:welcomeLittle Rock has a fantastic Academy with a huge selection, just start slow
and take little bites. Too much of a bad thing can be disheartening. Ask questions.
Your on the right path. Just go slow and read lots of good info on this forum. You
won't be sorry doing it right the first time. Good Luck, and have fun.

Welcome from Cabot!:welcome

Howdy from West Memphis, Home of Big River Marine. If I can be of ANY help, just give me a call!!!!!

BTW, I sell boats!!! Lol


Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

Welcome from Searcy.

Welcome from Indiana
:)

Welcome from Mayflower! the best advice i got is read this sight. LOTS of helpful post on here.

X 2 with CrappiePro. Try to get off the bank. You can rent boats at Gold Creek. As soon as you get on the water at Conway, look for the Dark Angel. I wouldnt fish behind him because there will be no fish. Just take notes and ask questions. Start with a lake that you know has crappie like Conway. Fish it all year long and learn it like the back of your hand. Remember patterns water and air temp, moon phase, post front or pre front. I have to write it down to remember. Take notes on jig head size and color.Dont go crazy with tackle. Do what CP said, get some tube jigs from MidSouth and some Meatgetter jigs. If you would like to know what colors just ask. Dont be afraid to ask questions on the water if you see someone with fish. Good luck to you from Jonesboro AR

10 foot jigging pole with a zebco 11t reel with 6 pound stren flourescent line and a pocket ful of black/chartreuse mini jigs on 1/32 ounce heads and a jar of crappie nibbles has filled my cooler several times. A 6 ft spinning rod /reel combo or a light action casting rod with a decent spin cast reel with the same baits can work. Lots good and provide some action from other species. of crappies have met their end to fishermen in boats with no depth finder. Below the dams can be good and turn up other species.