I'm in a similar boat to the OP. First year trying to get out and do some fishing on my own. Luckily, I have an abundance of gear already available and don't have to spend money, but I'm pretty clueless and not really sure what to roll out with, or how.
What's the preferred hook and bait for bluegill/crappie to start with? Bobber or no? Tried some bass fishing with my dad last year running various medium-to-large lures and didn't have much luck.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/arnold-tackle-speed-stop-bobber-stop
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/mr-crappie-by-betts-stick-bobbers-slip
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/eagle-claw-aberdeen-hooks-gold
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-reusable-split-shot-weights
These 4 items with a rod and reel and some minnows, nightcrawlers, or crickets. Minnows work best for Crappie and crickets or worms seem to work good for bluegill. More experienced guys will use jigs for them.....but that takes a pretty sensitive feel that just comes with experience. That slip bobber allows you to change depth and still cast easily. You may have to adjust the amount of lead until the bobber stands up nice and don't drag down too low in water.
Catfish we always used hamburger bait or chicken livers for channels and big bug eyed goldfish for blues, we would get them from pet store.
Ive caught about everything, but I generally only fished for bass. Usually if I caught a big catfish, I was pissed, because I thought it was gonna be a wall hanger bass.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/arnold-tackle-speed-stop-bobber-stop
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/mr-crappie-by-betts-stick-bobbers-slip
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/eagle-claw-aberdeen-hooks-gold
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-reusable-split-shot-weights
These 4 items with a rod and reel and some minnows, nightcrawlers, or crickets. Minnows work best for Crappie and crickets or worms seem to work good for bluegill. More experienced guys will use jigs for them.....but that takes a pretty sensitive feel that just comes with experience. That slip bobber allows you to change depth and still cast easily. You may have to adjust the amount of lead until the bobber stands up nice and don't drag down too low in water.
Catfish we always used hamburger bait or chicken livers for channels and big bug eyed goldfish for blues, we would get them from pet store.
This thread really makes me wish I wasn't busy all the time...
I got a bit of everything for artificial lures. That stuff adds up quick. I spent about $100 on lures and didnt realize it until the lady gave me the total...wow
I got a couple different colors of Gulp Alive minnows, at the suggestion of skip.
I got a bit of everything for artificial lures. That stuff adds up quick. I spent about $100 on lures and didnt realize it until the lady gave me the total...wow
I got a couple different colors of Gulp Alive minnows, at the suggestion of skip.
A good variety of delay fuses are a must to achieve the desired depth before detonation.
Oh, sorry, wrong thread. No, wait, this is the right thread...
It seems like you've got yourself started on gear, but in my opinion, a rod and reel set up for bass will catch most anything you would be going after in the region. Last year Walmart had a very nice fishing guide for the state of Indiana. It laid out species, lake size, where to cast and what to use. Offhand I know Lake George and Salt Creek are very popular fishing spots. There are a few Isaac Walton leagues in NWI that have a good size lake. Centennial Park in Munster used to be a hotspot a few years back as well