I'm actually a senior in High School and fished for the first time today in Aquatic Science with a collapsible pole my friend let me borrow.

I found it really fun even though we were fishing in a dirty bayou and I didn't catch anything and wanted to ask you guys some questions.

What is a rod and reel for beginners, and should I use live bait or plastic lores? I'll be fishing primarily on land into freshwater since I don't have a boat anymore. Where can I get these items? Also what are some things I should know about Freshwater Fishing in South Houston (I live in Clear Lake).

Thanks!

what type of fishing do you want to do? Bass,catfish, perch or just all around? just go pick a zebco 33 from Academy a few bobbers and some different size worm hooks. grab some earth worms and fish. when you figure out what you really want to fish for you can step up your tackle game and listen to the guys on the forum there are a lot of knowledgeable anglers and very helpful people. try and hook up with someone from school or someone older and let them teach you some things. good luck and welcome to TFF!

Good advice from Ban-D. Fishing cost some bucks if you try to grow to fast. There is a lot of good used equipment in the classifieds. There is a post going right now call PAY IT FORWARD. Keep an eye on it to see if there is something you can use and just be first to ask for it.
Tell me where you live. I have lots of tackle if you live close enough for me to help.
A lot of schools are starting fishing Clubs. Try to get one started at your school. This will be a great experience and you will meet some good fisherman. Join a bass club and go out with someone in the club as often as you can, then begin to fish a few tournaments.
As you grow and gain knowledge you will need a part time job to support your habbit. You will become a fishing addict and be hooked forever.
Don't get me wrong. I don't want to discourage you; because everyone on this forum wants to see a young man like you make it in the fishing world. We want you on the lake and not on the streets. Good luck Tallbus and make some good decisions. If we can help let us know.

Thanks guys. Well, from what I know most of the people at my school that fish do something called "Topwater" fishing, I think it's where you cast in large lakes and then flick your lore along the water back towards you. I'm sure you all know. Just some info, I don't know if that's the kind of fishing I'd want to do, what is a good beginning fishing style?

hey Tallbus, I'm a sophomore in high school in Pearland. I've only been fishing for a few years, but now I'm hooked and go every chance I get. I got into fishing by fishing neighborhood ponds for sunfish and bass by simply using live worms, beetle spins, rooster tails, small plastic grubs, etc. Ponds are great to start off in because the fish are fairly easy to catch. Also there are lots of good resources concerning fishing online (especially this site) and many videos on you tube specifically aimed towards beginner fishermen. Another great way to start is to get on the water with someone who regularly fishes, because they can teach you quickly with hands on learning experience. Good luck and tight lines!

Bassinboy01 is the young man to talk to. I forgot about putting you in touch with him. He has been there and done that. He has lots of knowledge to share. Help him out somemore; it will put a feather in you cap as they use to say.

Thanks for the kind words. I'm just trying to help get more kids interested in fishing, because I think it really has improved my life.

Tallbus, let me know if your ever over in Pearland and we can meet somewhere and wet a line.

Clear Lake is a good area for salt and freshwater fishing. Lots of neighborhood ponds and of course the Galveston bay system. Start small at ponds and easy access spots to get used to the feel of things. Marburgers in Seabrook is a great place to find more than fishin gear, I've learned alot there. Shoot me a message if you wanna hit up one of the many bank spots in the area. I've lived in the Clear Lake area all my 21 years, love seeing fishing interest in our fishin town

Hey guys thanks for all the info! I talked to a friend of mine who's really seasoned and said next warm spell we'd head out to one of the piers around here and fish. She said she wanted to use dead bait, what's the difference, when fishing between using a bait and a lore?

She? You are moving up the ranks quickly. Good job.

+1 on a Zebco reel for starting out. They do come in larger sizes if you're going to be fishing things like redfish.

Welcome to your new lifelong addiction, may it bring you years of joy!

A lure is something that you, as the angler, are actively working to entice a bite from the fish. You are trying to make your lure look like a fleeing baitfish, crawfish, shrimp, or other forage. In freshwater, lures include spinnerbaits, crankbaits, top waters, frogs, jigs, swimbaits, worms, various soft plastics, and others. In saltwater most people use spinnerbaits, hardbaits, and soft plastic swimbaits.
Bait however, is, or was once live, and is usually let out to sit, and the fish will come up to it and eat it. Bait includes worms, crickets, shad, mullet, sunfish, crawfish, shrimp in freshwater, and shrimp, crabs, shad, mullet, croakers, pinfish in saltwater.
Usually you have a better chance of catching fish on bait, but most anglers prefer the sport of trying to outsmart the fish by using lures to make the fish think theyre about to eat something... hope this helps

Tallbus I hope you all the best with your fishing adaventures.

tallbus and Bassinboy01

Both of you portray the reason we got into making lures and want to give you a reason to go back fishing.

I would like to give both of you each two bags of our baits to try. Go to the link below choose one of each style in whichever color you would like and PM me your choices and an address.

to the TFF!

Wow! Bassin, thanks for the info and thanks for the baits Biteit, I'll make sure to write some kind of review once I've used them! Thanks a lot everyone, you guys have a great community and can't wait to tell you about my next time fishing in the next couple weeks.