Having terrible luck, advice needed.

This is my first year fishing. Mainly I have been trying to catch sunfish/crappie. I am using a 4'6" Quantum xtralight with a Pfleuger GX7 4730 with 6lb trilene monofilament the clear/blue version. I have mainly tried using trout magnets on 1/32oz and 1/16oz jigheads with a bobber and a small 1/32oz spoon that I bought. I seem to get nibbles on the trout magnets but never a bite. I finally caught my first fish today on an actual earthworm - never on a lure but I would prefer to use lures. It was a sunfish - but not sure what kind. Picture attached.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7d2c7958.jpg

Does anyone have recomendations of different lures/setups or things I just may be doing wrong? I often go alone and have no one in the area to really teach me. Thanks for looking and any advice. I usually cast about 30 feet out and after 30-seconds if theres no bite I reel in and let it sit some more. Maybe I'm just flat out doing it wrong.

First, a couple of equipment notes:

1) I would use nothing heavier that 4# line, particularly with the size baits you're using.

2) For the trout magnets, I would use the 1/64 oz head.

For casting jigs like the TM, you can't beat the "do nothing" method, IMO. For a quick tutorial, read this and focus on the "how to" (the crappie slider is a great bait, but you don't have to fish it. The TM is awesome.)

http://www.crappie-slider.com/weedle..._slider_whyhow

Nice little bream!

If in bream fishing it's mostly going to be with #6 or #8 long long shank cricket hooks under a smallish slip bobber with a bit of weight about 8-10". If I'm board I'll toss out a small spinner and get a hit every now and then. But from my very limited experience I just catch more bream and nicer bream on the crickets.

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Originally Posted by deathb4disco

First, a couple of equipment notes:

1) I would use nothing heavier that 4# line, particularly with the size baits you're using.

2) For the trout magnets, I would use the 1/64 oz head.

For casting jigs like the TM, you can't beat the "do nothing" method, IMO. For a quick tutorial, read this and focus on the "how to" (the crappie slider is a great bait, but you don't have to fish it. The TM is awesome.)

http://www.crappie-slider.com/weedle..._slider_whyhow

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With 4lb line will it be able to reel in crappie to? If so I have no reason to stay with 6lb test. The 1/64oz head is the one that comes with the package? If not I will have to get some. So even for sunfish a slow steady retrieve works better then letting it sit? If so do I constantly slow reel or do I reel - let sit ect.

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Originally Posted by lazi

Nice little bream!

If in bream fishing it's mostly going to be with #6 or #8 long long shank cricket hooks under a smallish slip bobber with a bit of weight about 8-10". If I'm board I'll toss out a small spinner and get a hit every now and then. But from my very limited experience I just catch more bream and nicer bream on the crickets.

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I fish pretty much exclusively from the shore. I saw the #6 and #8 long shank hooks - what does it mean under a slip bobber with a bit of weight? I don't have any types of weights yet.. also what do you put on the hook then? Thanks for the advice thus far guys.

theysaid Plus try tipping your trout magnets with a wax worm. Even small grubs from your yard will work.

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Originally Posted by adixon816

With 4lb line will it be able to reel in crappie to?

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Absolutely.

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Originally Posted by adixon816

The 1/64oz head is the one that comes with the package?

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Yes.

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Originally Posted by adixon816

So even for sunfish a slow steady retrieve works better then letting it sit? If so do I constantly slow reel or do I reel - let sit ect.

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Do NOT let it sit. A slow retrieve is the way to go.

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Originally Posted by adixon816

I fish pretty much exclusively from the shore. I saw the #6 and #8 long shank hooks - what does it mean under a slip bobber with a bit of weight? I don't have any types of weights yet.. also what do you put on the hook then? Thanks for the advice thus far guys.

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If you're willing to try live bait, this article tells you everything you need to know. Do this and you WILL catch fish.

http://bankfisher.com/Patch/more%20bluegills%20LP.html

Whether you are fishing from shore or a boat, a small jig and soft plastic combo will work just about anywhere for bluegills, sunfish, and crappies. I use 4lb line on a variety of lengths of ultralight rods with Quantum Ultralight reels. Pretty much all I have used for the past 20 years or so. The Berkley Gulp minnows or fish fry, and the Berkley Power Wigglers work great, with my bait of choice being the Gulp minnows in Emerald Shiner color. I catch them from ice out until refreeze, in all types of depths, cover, and water clarity using the same method. Cast, let sink, retrieve. Here is one of my videos showing the jig and Gulp Minnow in use. http://youtu.be/uxakdaxoVn0 . Hope that helps you out a bit.

keep the bait moving a little....maybe use live bait at first to get your confidence up. Research the waters you are fishing. Ask other fishermen. Otherwise... enjoy your timer fishing and welcome to the site.

I haven't read any of the replies, so sorry if I reiterate something.

1. 4# line for that combo and way of fishing.
2. Smaller reel, it will lighten up your rod and make for an easier day of fishing. A size 30 pflueger is too big for the way you are fishing. You need a 20 or maybe a 25.
3. keep that bait moving! Don't just toss it out and let it sit, the fish will come up and look at it and then slowly taste it and spit it out. You need to keep jigging and moving that rig so the fish have to bite it and cannot just look at it.
4. Work it all the way back! Toss it out and then fish it all the way back to shore.
5. Buy some powerbait crappie nibbles and tip your jig with one of those, it will add some scent. Walmart has them. Chartreuse has been the best for me.

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Originally Posted by Kevin22

I haven't read any of the replies, so sorry if I reiterate something.

1. 4# line for that combo and way of fishing.
2. Smaller reel, it will lighten up your rod and make for an easier day of fishing. A size 30 pflueger is too big for the way you are fishing. You need a 20 or maybe a 25.
3. keep that bait moving! Don't just toss it out and let it sit, the fish will come up and look at it and then slowly taste it and spit it out. You need to keep jigging and moving that rig so the fish have to bite it and cannot just look at it.
4. Work it all the way back! Toss it out and then fish it all the way back to shore.
5. Buy some powerbait crappie nibbles and tip your jig with one of those, it will add some scent. Walmart has them. Chartreuse has been the best for me.

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Thanks for all the replies I caught two red breasted sunnies using my new reeling method last night. I will buy a new reel and string it with 4lb test. You are right about them tasting it and spitting it out while sitting still makes sense. I am feeing more optimistic and better prepared now. Once I get these sunnies and such down it will be on to crappie.

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Originally Posted by adixon816

I will buy a new reel and string it with 4lb test.

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If you're getting a new reel, you might also consider a new rod. I've caught a lot of fish on short (4.5' - 5') rods, but longer rods will help you to hook fish (particularly when fishing from shore.)

Consider a 6 or 7-footer.

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Originally Posted by deathb4disco

If you're getting a new reel, you might also consider a new rod. I've caught a lot of fish on short (4.5' - 5') rods, but longer rods will help you to hook fish (particularly when fishing from shore.)

Consider a 6 or 7-footer.

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I have a 6.6 and 7 foot rod - ugly sticks. Both are medium action. Would they work with a Pfleuger 20 or do I need a different kind? I thought the smaller rod would make it easier guess not.

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Originally Posted by adixon816

I have a 6.6 and 7 foot rod - ugly sticks. Both are medium action.

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That's really overkill for the small baits you're fishing and the fish you'll be catching. The 4.5-footer will work, so don't feel like you have to have a longer rod. It will help on the hook set, though.

I use rods from 4.5 foot to 7.5 foot, depending on the situation. I also use three poles without rods from time to time, one 12 foot, one 16 foot, and one 20 foot, also depending on the situation. If you are using very light lures, 1/64, 1/80, or 1/100 ounce, a longer rod will generally give you longer casting abilities if you are not using bobbers. Just don't get too stiff of a rod once you start getting into crappies because they are extremely easy to rip a hook through their lip. Where you can set the hook with a bluegill/sunfish, I have found it better to just easy the rod tip up or back on a crappie. Either way, it sounds like you are on the right track with a lot of great advice. That's exactly why I have loved being a member of this sight for the past 7 years. Most people are more than willing to offer whatever help they can, and will rarely offer anything but constructive criticism.

You are fine with that little rod. It will work just fine for the style of fishing you are doing. A size 20 pflueger trion would be a great choice! 4# line and you will be set! If you want, you could even switch to the shimano sienna 500fd, that is an equally good reel at the same price point.

Once you get into a 6-7' rod, you will want a size 25 pflueger or a 1000 size shimano.

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?&id=HN.608...d=1.9&rs=0&p=0

http://www.outdoorlife.com/files/ima...nfishbait1.JPG

I like to use these lures above for gill. Just cast it out and retrieve slowly the stop...it will float to the top then do it again. If they are real active just a steady slow retrieve will get all ya want.

You can also use these popping bugs with a inline casting float.
http://www.dsflies.com/images/cat_po...per12White.jpg



http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225...gtLOb4wkNg.jpg

not sure if drop shotting is legal were your at? but it work here in Michigan. how i drop shot is i tie a hook on like a size 8 eagle claw bait holder the kind with the two barbs on the back of it . by tieing it on i pull the line threw the eye of the hook and leaving a long tag end i tie a double surgeons loop knot in it with barely any loop the hook is very close to the main line. on the tag i tie in a weight like 1/2 ounce or 3/8 etc... on the hook i cover it in wax worms not just one like 5-8 waxies then from there i try to find key locations like rock pile island points were they spawn under the water. i dont want to get in to the argument if it right or wrong but do check the local reg be fore you try it! i know it is not legal in places some states like new York lead over x amount is illegal so if that tell you keep a eye on the laws but it is a new technique so keep in mind and very effective. by the way i would use that medium rod with 4 lb test on it with this set up or 6 lb test it is over kill but what is not with small fish lol's by the way blue gills and bream are spawning right now and they tend to go for rock piles.. right near drop offs like up to 12 foot down but have caught them as far as 30 foot down there are the bigger fish... of like 10 -12 inches.. most of the time people fish to shallows and all they catch are the dink's or Baby fish which is no fun for some one that wants to try to catch and earn and put in the time and effort to catch some thing will not fish shallow . the reason people fish the dink's they keep kids entertained .

also your tight lineing them agianst the rod tip after you cast it out you will feel them strike the waxies on the hook that or use a rod holder like a sand spike and a bell liek a cow bell to alert you there bitting. when they do set the hook asap.. before your hook is cleaned off... by the way if you do try the drop shot method check local reg's

Looking at the lack of leaves on the trees, I would say the fish may not be up shallow yet.

Keep at it and you will get plenty soon enough.

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Originally Posted by MonteSS

Looking at the lack of leaves on the trees, I would say the fish may not be up shallow yet.

Keep at it and you will get plenty soon enough.

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Wanted to update everyone. Since switching to a slow or varying retrieve my catch rate has gone up significantly. I am having luck with gulp minnows, trout magnets, and various top water lures. I'm using a plfueger 20 on a 5ft quantum rod. I also have a 5'6 shimano sojourn with a pflueger 20 with 15lb braid for playing in the lillies. I'm catching crappie, sunnies, and bass. Any other lures/jigs that can be recommended? What about casting further with an ultralight any tips for that?

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Originally Posted by adixon816

What about casting further with an ultralight any tips for that?

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Longer rod, bigger reel spool, thinner line. All will add distance, but don't look for miracles. They are very light baits. You can only cast them so far.

My casts are generally in the 30-40' range, and I catch plenty of fish.

If you want longer casting distance, you'll have to either go up in weight or upgrade your equipment. Higher quality rods will have better actions and better guides, allowing you to cast farther. Higher quality reels will have better designs to allow the line to flow off the spool easier, allowing you to cast farther. Better quality line will be thinner and more supple, allowing you to cat farther.

Try using a wieghted bobber like the foam cigar shaped ones from Wally World. Comel Tackle makes nice ones that hold up well and cast great even on windy days.

Looks like you had lots of suggestions. Hard to beat live bait (crickets or worms). Try smallest jig or fly tipped with (nibbles , power bait , or meal worms)

Charlie Brewer's Sliders in the 1 inch on a 1/32 roadrunner is murder on bream . can Google Charlie Brewer slider baits .:twocents all colors work but get several in solid black !