How do you fish? Long Question?

Question

I am fishing in the Mississippi River and new to the sport. I bought a cheap rod and reel from Wal Mart and am using a fairly heavy weight and have some catfish hooks as well as some bass and carp hooks. I get a bite sometimes but it all ways gets away after almost breaking the pole. Also its like the reel gets stuck and won't reel in. I was thinking maybe I need to buy a heavier pole or better reel or something. I can see the fish when they get off sometimes they break the line (12lb.) sometimes they don't . also what is up with weights how do i put them on By the hook? When do you use those floater things. I am reallly new to this but it seems like fun if I could ever catch a fish. I use worms and chicken liver for bait.

What is drag?

Answer 1

I Hooked into a 24 yr old Blonde-blue-eyed fish. She pulled my drag and I tightened it down so she wouldn;t take so much line out. The when she tired out, I reel her in netted her, married her had three children now she divorced me and got away/

Answer 2

I don't know if It can be explained in words because there are a lot of contributing factors to good fishing skills. You really need to ask around locally and try to find a knowledgeable fisherman that will go with you. It is a wonderful fun way to spend a day. You would use a bobber when you do not want to fish deep and if the weather is real hot then your fish will go deep into the cooler water. Sometimes,if you can't reel them in when they get on your line is because the drag on your reel needs set and you also need to learn when to reel in and when to let them run so that they do not break your line. Another thing is if you are fishing with hooks that are too big. You really need to find someone close to go with and then you can learn by watching. Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of fishing. I hope this helped some.

Answer 3

does the river have a current ,if it does like the Ohio river ,your sinker goes at the end of the line then the hook about 6-8 inches
up the line. that`s how we do it [Ohio river fishing] if no current then the same thing and add a float about 6 inches above the hook ,you only need a sinker that will take your line to the close to the bottom that doesn`t sink the floater..the smallest sinker will work better with the floater. if you are fishing dead line[ no floater] you just need a sinker and a hook. have fun and relax..

Answer 4

30 lbs line is very good, strong poles, good bait, I never use bobbers I always catch more without them. I think personally they were designed for people that are new to the sport. When a fish bites pull with all your might and reel in the scaley little bugger.

Answer 5

You should definately get a better rod and reel then. And better line. Stronger everything should do it, so it will be more durable. I usually fish up near Canada (I live in Minnesota). You're probably trying for too big of fish with too weak of rod.

Answer 6

make sure your drag is set correctly you should be able to pull out line without it breaking.. the reel will make a clicking noise when you pull the line out.. just keep trying you'll get a feeling for it just takes a bit of time and practice.. have fun..

Answer 7

by going to a body of water use worms and throw a stick with hook in the water and wait a long time

Answer 8

I do my best fishing at Safeway. I always come home with just what I wanted. My wife is so proud...she knows if I go fishing--we'll be eating fish tonight!

Answer 9

From what you are saying you are doing most things right. There is so much to explain if you have time IM me I will try to set you on the right path.

Answer 10

I fish in the gulf of mexico