Hello everyone:

I am at the SW corner of the 610 loop in Houston. One of my neighbors used to catch bluegill and bring them home. He would give me some every time. I would fillet them (Small fillets!) and soak the meat in salt, pepper, garlic, and lime juice before throwing them on a pan. I loved them!

He promised to take me fishing, but had to move away before he got a chance.

I am looking for someone to help me get started fishing. I am a complete newbie. I dont have a license or rod and reel. I dont have a strong preference to any specific fish since I dont know the differences.

Is there anyone in the area that is willing to help me get started?

Thanks,
Neil

First off, to the Forum!!! I grew up in Houston but never had the notion to go to the Southside for anything, so I can't help you there. But, if you find yourself around Bush Airport, visit Jesse Jones Park on Kenswick. Spring Creek runs through it and its loaded with beautiful Longears; fat Bluegills; and some larger than average Redbreast and Readears. Not to mention the Warmouths can be big and fun when you get on them. You may have to walk and/or wade your way away from heavily fished areas, but its worth it! If no one here is close to you; then the guys at Gander Mountain always have had good advice and locals for me. I've only been to the one on I-59 South once, but there's a guy at the one on I-45 North and 1960 by Spring High who never fails me. I can't remember his name, but everyone seems to know their stuff there. I hope some one close to you steps up to bat!! Once again, !

Check out buffalo run park in missouri city... lots of panfish. You don't need much... A quick trip to academy and some worms should do it. There's also a little pond next to wal-mart at South post oak and 610. It has alot of bass and perch...

I live right next to the walmart at 610. I dont think i would eat anything out of that pond.

Buffalo run park looks interesting.

Fishing isn't just about catching dinner.

You can learn something from catch-and-release, practice and improve your techniques, so that when you can get to a good venue you are ready to haul!

You make a good point, but I figure I might as well go somewhere I can keep what I catch.

I still do not have anyone that is willing to help me fish for Bluegill.. Anyone?

i will talk to my brother he goes out fishing all the time around Houston. he lives at 45 and beltway 8. he fishes down that way all the time when i talk to him i will let you know

I guess step 1 would be to research the local bodies of water and decide from which you would be willing to eat fish. It could change your equipment and bait requirements.

I dont know when to go except Lake Houston. Do you have any alternative suggestions?

Tom Bass III would be close to you and has cleaner water as well.

Am in the same boat as you, Neil, learning to fish since my 7 year old boy seems to enjoy it after landing a 8# cat during his boy scout event. I have never fished before so I am learning the ropes as well.

I have tried three ponds in the SW area so far.

- Kitty Hollow on Hwy 6 - avoid - lots of weeds, plenty of alligators that will park within feet of you hoping to intercept anything you haul in

- Tom Bass III - very nice pond, have heard that it has plenty of fish but I did not catch anything during my one visit there (it was mid-morning and hot - that may have something to do with it)

- American Legion Park - went there yesterday. Did not catch anything again. - but it does have fish, we saw a few splash - we were fishing with lures, maybe bait would have done the trick.

If you come across any, do share.

Look up the TPWD website on community fishing lakes in the Houston area. Also this link
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/programs/gofishing/houstonfish/houston_map.phtml

Looking at the map, it is much closer. Thanks for the heads up.

Just to clarify: That would be for catch and release not for keeping and eating. Correct?

Nope, you can eat them if you want to at Tom Bass III, preferably after cooking them in some way. There is a sign when you enter that shows size and catch limits. Let me know if you catch something, may prompt me into returning there.

PS: You do need a fishing license however.