New to fishing

[Flash]

Hi All,

I live in Victoria BC, and have never fished in my life (unless you count sleeping in a boat as a child during the Salmon Derby in Port Alberni!). I was talking to a colleague last summer who is really into fishing and it piqued my interest. As the weather is getting nicer, I'm really looking for a great new hobby I where I can enjoy our mild climate. Along with a new hobby I'd love to learn a skill where I can provide food if the need ever arises.

I'm just looking for general advice on where to start. I was thinking bass fishing, mainly because I've heard there are great spots near here. It would be from the shore, as I don't think investing in a boat for a new hobby is the best idea!

What would be decent, and not to expensive, equipment for a beginner?


I've read so much the last week on where to start, how to start and what I would need and honestly I'm very confused. I found this forum, and I'm hoping some of you kind peeps would shed some light on where to start .

Cheers

 

[Last Chance]

For fresh wather, Elk, Langford and Prospect are all good. Lake Ida Ann on Treanor road is great for some too easy action but smaller fish. There are bass around but the stocked trout in our lakes are about as dumb as they come, orange Power Bait is the trick for them, or worm and bobber which is my personal favorite..

 

[CVmike]

There is some good info on this site about shore fishing locations around there, and I think I remember a thread about that specifically. Do a search. You can buy a decent spin casting rod from Canadian tire or walmart for about 40$, a handful of bobbers weights and hooks for about 20$ and then dig your own worms and you'd be ready for spring trout fishing. I think its April when the lakes get the next stocking, and all throughout the spring and early summer they will be feeding on the surface on basically anything and you wont be able to keep them off. A red and white clip on bobber should do the trick, with a hook tied on with an IMPROVED CINCH KNOT about two or three feet down. Between the bobber and hook, use a twist on weight or a few split shot. I capitalized that knot so you can do a search on it and practice it at home until you can get it right every time. Its arguably the only knot you'll need in your fishing career, unless you get into fly fishing which is a bit more of a time dedication.
Oh, also be prepared for a life long addiction that you may spend HUNDREDs and HUNDREDs of dollars on. Well, actually take out the may part.... You will defiantly spend atleast that. Cheers to you and good luck in your adventures. Also if you do end up getting them please take pictures and upload them to this site, fish photo's are like pornography too us folk.

 

[Flash]

Thanks guys!

Last Chance - My parents live on Bear Mountain, and since it seems to be a bit easier to catch there so Lake Ida may be a great first place to start. Do you cast from anywhere in particular? and any times during the day better than other (generally early morning, or early evening is what I've been reading).

CVmike - Ha, i'm hoping for a new addic...hobby! Thanks for the tips, and I'll def. search the improved cinch knot and locations. If I head over to Canadian tire, is there anything I need to know about the build material, length, weight of the line (does that make sense?) or can I just walk in grab any rod? Any brands you would recommend?

Haha, I'll def post some pics, especially my first ever catch (knock on wood). Thanks for the well wishes.

Really appreciate the responses, thanks again!

Cheers

 

[Dan]

One of the best deals I've found lately is at Wal-Mart, you can get this South Bend Proton rod, reel and line combo for $20.
The line isn't so good for distance casting(otherwise OK) but if you want to upgrade the line try Berkley Trilene smoothcast(red box) 8lb test works really good.
Bass go for lures that have movement action, spinners, jigs, swim bait, topwater frogs/poppers. Cast them out and retrieve them.
Or soft plastic worms on a hook also work good. Live worms on hooks definitely work but is looked down on by many here so pretend you never heard of that type of fishing
Bass season probably won't really turn on for another month or so til it warms up.
Good lakes in the Vic area for bass are Elk/Beaver, Prospect, Thetis, Langford and Glen lake.

 

[Flash]

Live worms on hooks definitely work but is looked down on by many here so pretend you never heard of that type of fishing

Haha, will try to remember that! What's the reason if you don't mind a noob question ?

Well since I have no idea about rods, I think I'll take your advice for the red and the Berkley line (can that also be found at walmart?) I Think the stock line will be okay for some trout in lake Ida, so I can hopefully get out this week and get some practise in before moving to bass in a month.

Really appreciate the advice!

Cheers.

 

[Kildonan]

That no worm fishing business is baloney!! It works, use it, feel no shame. If you're within the rules, fill your boots.

Also here's a good website for stocking reports and other good info. Recently stocked lakes supply good action with a bobber and worm.

http://www.gofishbc.com

 

[Dan]

Haha, will try to remember that! What's the reason if you don't mind a noob question ?

Best to ask a fly fisherman.

Well since I have no idea about rods, I think I'll take your advice for the red and the Berkley line (can that also be found at walmart?) I Think the stock line will be okay for some trout in lake Ida, so I can hopefully get out this week and get some practise in before moving to bass in a month.

Really appreciate the advice!

Cheers.

Yep, it's all at Wal-Mart and or Canadian Tire always has good stuff too !
Also check out WiseBuys bait/tackle just up the hill from the casino, same parking lot as the Petro-Can.
I would skip lake Ida(it's more of a pond really) and give Lookout Lake a try on Triangle mountain.
Just watch out as the bottom can be snaggy !

 

[kunni]

hey Flash, I have a bunch of gear you can have I only fly fish, so have no use for it, its sitting around collecting dust. I have a spinning rod, line, assorted lures and a good selection of Power bait. send me a pm if you are interested.

kunni

 

[Flash]

That no worm fishing business is baloney!! It works, use it, feel no shame. If you're within the rules, fill your boots.

Also here's a good website for stocking reports and other good info. Recently stocked lakes supply good action with a bobber and worm.

http://www.gofishbc.com

Perfect, thanks for the extra info!

 

[Flash]

Best to ask a fly fisherman.



Yep, it's all at Wal-Mart and or Canadian Tire always has good stuff too !
Also check out WiseBuys bait/tackle just up the hill from the casino, same parking lot as the Petro-Can.
I would skip lake Ida(it's more of a pond really) and give Lookout Lake a try on Triangle mountain.
Just watch out as the bottom can be snaggy !

Nice, lookout lake it is. Does weather have a huge impact? I love nice weather, but I also love being outside when it's miserable lol. I'll def check out wisebuys.

Cheers

P.S Looks like kunni is a fly fisherman...sooo, kunni why do some people look down on live worms ?

 

[Dan]

Nice, lookout lake it is. Does weather have a huge impact? I love nice weather, but I also love being outside when it's miserable lol. I'll def check out wisebuys.

Cheers

P.S Looks like kunni is a fly fisherman...sooo, kunni why do some people look down on live worms ?

It can be nice or crappy out but the fish will decide as they are hit & miss on any given day.
Kunni is a cool guy and doesn't look down on any fisherman here

Here's a good YouTube channel you should check out, covers almost all aspects of freshwater fishing in B.C.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ffsbc/videos

 

[Flash]

It can be nice or crappy out but the fish will decide as they are hit & miss on any given day.
Kunni is a cool guy and doesn't look down on any fisherman here

Here's a good YouTube channel you should check out, covers almost all aspects of freshwater fishing in B.C.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ffsbc/videos

He's def cool, been here less than a few hours and already reached out. As have you guys. I appreciate finally having some direction.

Checkin' out that youtube channel now...hah, that's awesome, when I was cruising on youtube earlier I saw this guy with a great video in the Okanagan. Was basically what made me stop thinking about it, and finally take the leap to doing it. Funny thing was guy never caught a thing, lost 3 or 4 by trying to set the hook to early but still had a blast!

Edit: Different guy, my mistake.....these videos are great though, thanks again

 

[Flash]

hey Flash, I have a bunch of gear you can have I only fly fish, so have no use for it, its sitting around collecting dust. I have a spinning rod, line, assorted lures and a good selection of Power bait. send me a pm if you are interested.

kunni

Damn man, thanks for the offer! Sent you a PM.

Cheers

 

[fish stalker]

If your going to be lake fishing the island id suggest picking up the Backroads map book fishing edition. Most outdoor type stores carry it. Shows you all the lakes with contours and depths and launches access points etc.

 

[Karma-Kazi]

Fly guys dont look down on noobie trout fishermen. I am a die hard fly guy and still use worms somtimes in the winter when 1-2 trout a day on flies doesen't keep me active enough. I will run one of each.

I fished Durrance lake on Saterday and was into 25+ fish. Went back on monday and got 1.

Durrance lake was recently stocked with some rainbows in the 2-4 pound range. Great fun and they were catching yesterday.

I would give you my old trout set up but I have a Nephew who is starting to walk and you know what that means. Hes going to be casting in no time at all. His new favorite word is "Reel" ever since I let him play with Mikes fly reel.




-KK

 

[Flash]

If your going to be lake fishing the island id suggest picking up the Backroads map book fishing edition. Most outdoor type stores carry it. Shows you all the lakes with contours and depths and launches access points etc.

Awesome, thanks for the tip. I'll make sure to scoop it up.

 

[Flash]

Fly guys dont look down on noobie trout fishermen. I am a die hard fly guy and still use worms somtimes in the winter when 1-2 trout a day on flies doesen't keep me active enough. I will run one of each.

I fished Durrance lake on Saterday and was into 25+ fish. Went back on monday and got 1.

Durrance lake was recently stocked with some rainbows in the 2-4 pound range. Great fun and they were catching yesterday.

I would give you my old trout set up but I have a Nephew who is starting to walk and you know what that means. Hes going to be casting in no time at all. His new favorite word is "Reel" ever since I let him play with Mikes fly reel.

25 to 1, that unpredictable?! Sounds like my kind of sport. Is that from the shore or boat?

No probs at all! I def appreciate the thought though. How young can kids start catching fish on their own? Also I have a little cousin I would love to take out. Are trout something kids could catch, or at least have fun with?

Cheers

 

[Rempy]

Welcome Flash, I am new here my self. Things are starting to warm up and I will be getting out for some bass here very shortly. As soon as I get a trailer hitch on my new car. You are more than welcome to come out anytime with me. I haven't got into the trout yet but spent alot of time bass fishing in the last two years. As for what to use the options are endless. In the Jan/Feb issue of BC Outdoors Magazine there is an ariticle called How to catch Bass in BC: What, Where and How by Jesse Martin. If you can't find it you can borrow it to check it out. I am near Colquitz Middle School.

As for the live worms and bass. I am one who is not in support, I will not tell you to use them or not use that is up to you. What happens is the bass will inhale the live worm and you are more likely to gut hook him than you will with soft pastic worms. Expecially if you have a smaller hook. I am not saying that you will not gut hook them with other lures and hooks as it does happen.

Rempy

 

[CVmike]

Im also primarily a fly angler for trout, but in certain times of the year and in certain conditions I wont think twice about using bait. And im sure every die hard fly fisherman started out fishing worms . With the bobber and worm system I recommended any angler can have a great time catching trout, no matter your age. They might have a bit of trouble getting their lines out there though if there is much brush around to get tangled in, as will alot of people who havent perfected their cast. As for the backroads map book fishing edition, personally I wouldent bother until you learned more about the trout lifecycle. I found the lake write ups to be rather generic, and unless you have an idea of what the trout are doing at different times of the year, then the depth charts wont really be much of a help. Something you could also do is after you buy a cheap rod, go to a fishing store for your gear. If you tell them your new they will point you in the right direction, and if you buy your gear there they wont feel ripped off giving away free knowledge . Most would anyways, but its good to build a relationship with these guys as they talk to more fishermen then anyone and will generally tell you the best place to focus your efforts any time of the year.