Newbie looking for help

[Nickt87]

I was in your shoes 5 years ago. Here's my advice, not sure if its what you want to hear but I won't charge you for it. Hire a guide or find someone who has great experience in the area for your first few trips. Big lake and its surrounding areas can be tough to learn and be successful on due to its vastness and appearance of open water. I fished saltwater my whole life and had good success with it, and was expecting the same when trying out the area. Got to big lake and basically burned a ton of miles and got a lot of sunburns trying to figure the place out. I've had decent success when I put in the effort, but I probably worked way harder than smarter in the process. If you want to enjoy your new boat, the ride, and the good weather than have at it! If you want to catch fish, learn the area, and find the triggers for success quickly then hire a guide a couple times.

[eman]

Originally Posted by Nickt87

I was in your shoes 5 years ago. Here's my advice, not sure if its what you want to hear but I won't charge you for it. Hire a guide or find someone who has great experience in the area for your first few trips. Big lake and its surrounding areas can be tough to learn and be successful on due to its vastness and appearance of open water. I fished saltwater my whole life and had good success with it, and was expecting the same when trying out the area. Got to big lake and basically burned a ton of miles and got a lot of sunburns trying to figure the place out. I've had decent success when I put in the effort, but I probably worked way harder than smarter in the process. If you want to enjoy your new boat, the ride, and the good weather than have at it! If you want to catch fish, learn the area, and find the triggers for success quickly then hire a guide a couple times.

This is a great point ,especially if it's an
area you plan on fishing regularly.
Find a guide who is willing to take the time to teach you the whens and whys . Not one that wants to go limit out and be back at the dock by 9 am.
No guide is going to give you a list of spots, but a good guide will take the time to tell you what areas to fish at what time of year and under what conditions.

[lancer0827]

Went out this morning and ended up with 1 red fish. Does anyone know a guide that will go in my boat with me? I used a local guide a few weeks ago and ended up with 11 fish but did get some tips on black lake but still not producing fish.

[Nickt87]

Originally Posted by lancer0827

Went out this morning and ended up with 1 red fish. Does anyone know a guide that will go in my boat with me? I used a local guide a few weeks ago and ended up with 11 fish but did get some tips on black lake but still not producing fish.

Bummer, was hoping you lucked up and found some.