Hey all, I'm looking for a little advice. I'm still new to fishing Texas lakes and I still can't seem to get into the blue cats with any real success. I couldn't tell you how many different spots I tried on Ray Bob, Ray Hubbard and Lake Lewisville last year trying to get into them or some flatheads and all I can seem to get into are the channels in the 2-4 pounds range.

My baits of choice are usually fresh cut shad (for blues) and live blue gill for the flattys. I have to do 100% of my fishing from banks, docks and barges cause I don't have a boat, nor do I know anyone with a boat. Now I'm not asking for anyone's honey holes or secret spots. I just need to know where I'm going wrong, before I start my catfishing this year, and the time is pretty much upon us. Here is what I'm looking for in a 'spot'.

I live in North Richland Hills. Im surrounded by lakes so finding the water is no problem. Lol. I need a spot that is at least somewhat easily accessible on foot. My wife and I drive a dodge neon (*puke*) so there can't be any off roading involved. ^^; I'm also gonna need to be able to catch bait fish from the bank with a cast net. I can get bluegills all day long at a local pond, that part at least is easy.

I guess I grew up spoiled. My grandpa showed me all his honey holes when I was a kid, so I never had to seek out the fish on my own. Plus we had a bait shop near by that sold fresh shad so I'm just now learning about finding/catching them on my own to boot. If I could afford a guide service, of course I wouldn't even be posting.

I guess what I'm looking for are some choice lakes around me to check out. Also if someone could point me to some public access points to check out. What would be even better is if I could find a fishing buddy to go with from time to time that could show me the ropes out here. I just moved to NRH in august and I don't know anybody. When I do get to go fishing its either by myself or with the ol' lady. That's why I like hitting the barges and whatnot cause at least there, there are folks to talk to.

Plus I like shooting the breeze with the older folks. People my own age tend to annoy the hell out of me cause they get too impatient when the fish aren't biting and just wanna go home after an hour. I'm not like that. I'm one of those people that could sit at a spot all night long for one real good fish. I was raised fishing for flatheads for God's sake.

Anyway, any and all advice will be greatly appreciated. and if anyone out there wants/needs a good fishing buddy -SO DO I-! Money is tight for me right now but I'm no freeloader. I'll help out with gas and carry my own weight.

Thanks in advance!!

BigJoJo to Texas if you have any time off during the week I have a crazy sced. that leaves me off alot during the week.The time is year round for blues.Shad will become a whole lot easier to come by as the water temps. cont. to rise. I cannot help you that much on the bank.However ,if you would like to go out on a boat from time to time let me know I can take care of you there.

Thanks for the warm welcome MJ. I have plenty of time off during the week right now because I'm not working. Going out on a boat would be loads of fun, I haven't been fishing on a boat since my grandpa sold his when I was 12 or 13. I'm game anytime, any weather. The only limiting factor at the moment is my wife and I sharing a car. I can help out with gas, and I can help out by catching bait if I have a little advanced notice. The little neighborhood ponds around my house have lots of little sunfish and I also have a cast net so if you can help me find the shad I can pull em in. ^_-

Thanks so much for the offer! I look forward to getting to fish with you!

I certainly can't help you find fish, I can't seem to do that for myself, but ill be happy to fish with you sometime, at least to keep you company. I also have a boat, but spend about half my time bank fishing.

I'll try to get with you in the next week or two and I'll show you some new spots that I'll be scouting and tell you why we are fishing them ect... We might hit Grapevine, Lewisville, or Benbrook depending on which is hottest. Welcome to Texas

Thanks a million. =) I'll take all the help/advice/company I can get!