Both me and my son have just taken up fishing. We went fishing a few times, did not catch anything until this weekend (still learning the ropes). We were fishing for bluegills, seemed the simplest to learn with. My son just caught his first one this weekend. The joy on his face was a sight to behold. He would not stop talking about it. We ended up catching about 7 BGs, released all of them.

We are headed to Lake Someville this weekend and plan to do some fishing there. Could someone help me with some questions?

a) I currently have 6 lb line on my reels. If I wanted to fish for bass or catfish, what line should we use? We are fishing from the bank and not looking for trophies, but certainly some we can keep and eat.

b) How do you switch lines when you are switching from say bluegill to bass? Do you unreel the light one and reel the new one or do you carry pre-spooled reels that you attach and detach to the rod?

c) If we stay at the park 2 days, is the bag limit the number in your icebox or will it 2 times daily bag limit? I don't think we will keep so many but it has always been a question in my mind.

d) What are our chances for bass and catfish from the bank at the Birch Creek unit? Bait or lures? I was thinking of catching some small gills first and then using them live as bait for bass under a float.

e) Should the fish, if we catch any, be cleaned/filleted right away or can we do that once we are back home on Sunday?

f) What is the right way to unhook a fish that you want to release? I was having a difficult time taking the hook oout of the BG's mouth and in one case, literally ended up ripping out its upper lip. Is barbless hooks the only way to avoid that or is there a trick with barbed hooks?

Thanks

a) I would put some 10lb or 12lb line on for bass or cats.
b)I'm assuming your using a spinning reel. If thats the case, either you just pull the old line off and spool on the new or if you have an extra spool just swap spools.
c)You have a daily bag limit and then you have a posession limit. Daily is self explanitory but the possesion is what you can have "in your icebox".
d)A perch under a cork would be ok. Also, get some catfish bait and put it out also.
e)I would clean them as soon as you get back to camp.
f)You might try some needle nose pliers to get the hook out.

Hope this helps,
Noel

Thanks, nspan. When you say, swap spools, is that the full reel with the bail you are swapping or do you get just spools that mount on the reel? What is the best way to pull the old one off? Just run it over a line spool (on which it came from the shop)? With the bail off or with lowest drag?

Simon,
Not sure I follow you there buddy.
Are you using a spinning reel or a baitcaster?

I believe you can take the your reel up to academy with you when you buy some new line, and they will spool it for you in the store. That way you know it will be done right and you can watch to see how it is done in person.

Spinning on mine, spincast on my sons.

If you have an extra spool for the spinning reel just swap out the spools. If the drag is on the front of the reel loosen the drag until the nut comes off and then pull the spool off. If the drag is in the back of the reel then it should have a button or something to push to get the spool off.
If you dont have an extra spool your gonna have to pull the line off there by hand and then wind the new on.
Like Fishstory said, it may be best to take it to Academy and let them show you.
Need anything else just ask..

Noel

Thanks