I'm retired and supposed to start fishing, right?

[smokemup]

Pretty sure it's law. Anyway, I'm gonna do it, just don't know anything about it around here (Garner, NC). Nor do I have any gear left, but I working on that. So many choices...

It would be great if I could get some recommendations of where to fish. I heard that Lake Benson is pretty good, but their hours are terrible, and they don't allow bank fishing. Just like other parks. Ponds would be okay as I don't have high expectations at starter level. Also curious about the Neuse River. There are a couple areas I saw parking available for the NR Trail and a canoe launching area. Anything decent in that river? My biggest interest, for now, is Crappie, and Bass. I'd release Bass, but I've had Bream and Crappie and they're pretty good fried. Night fishing would be great, too, if that's still a thing to catch Crappie.

Anyway, that's my story, and looking forward to drowning some plastic worms, so to speak.

[spidey]

cant help ya out garner way but Bass Lake and Lake Johson are good. pull up a maps app drive around looming for water to fish you might find a gem or 5

[BrandonK]

If you can get off the bank, Lake Wheeler has some very nice bass and crappie in it if you can find them.

[NCfishingKing]

If you can get off the bank, Lake Wheeler has some very nice bass and crappie in it if you can find them.

2X on lake wheeler. That's probably your closest. Getting a kayak can GREATLY expand your horizons on any body of water.

[DoctorDoom]

There be bass in Lake Johnson.
A kayak is a definite plus.

[smokemup]

I visited Bass Lake today. Looks great. It's about a 25 minute drive, but it has great hours, sells live bait, and rents boats, although limited. Kinda expensive to rent their stuff @$10/hr. Bank fishing is free, an they have a few areas that looked good to me, including their makeshift pier. Lots of bank fishing areas with some cover. They may be over fished, but still looks good if you don't want to rent a boat$$. And Christ, don't even think about renting their trolling motors. That's your children's college fund. lol. I'm going to give it a try. I read where they stock the lake with 1500 pounds of catfish monthly, and the bass is catch n release. Should make for good fishing.

[BrandonK]

If you can get off the bank, Lake Wheeler has some very nice bass and crappie in it if you can find them.

Forgot to post this with yesterday’s post, but if you can get yourself a kayak and get there when they open to get your line wet, good things can happen

[fishingjack]

Forgot to post this with yesterday’s post, but if you can get yourself a kayak and get there when they open to get your line wet, good things can happen

Brandon how much did that monster weigh? Great catch!

[BrandonK]

8lb 10oz. This time last year, right at sunrise.

[smokemup]

Well I'm excited now! My fishing gear pieces are arriving daily, and I'm close to ready. No boat though, but I'd love to check out Lake Wheeler. To break myself in, I'll start with Bass Lake and see what happens. I have a bunch of Crappie bait and rigs and Bass gear as well. My "research" has cost me a bit, and I don't think I can hide that from the wife, just like my shooting hobby. But, after 50 years of marriage, she gives me a break every now and then. I cook fantastic dinners for her everyday, as she continues to work, which is the 'man secret to getting what you want.' Yes!

[smokemup]

BrandonK... are you fishing from an inflatable? That's something I could consider.

[BrandonK]

BrandonK... are you fishing from an inflatable? That's something I could consider.

I was in a kayak, paddled to the launch to get a photo taken. I’ve been looking into the inflatables though, for ease of transport if nothing else

[smokemup]

I'm gearing up...still. Seems like I can't get correct Amazon orders to show up that I ordered. I had two reels arrive that were in the correct box, but not the correct reel inside. I returned it, and they send another. The exact same wrong reel in the right box. I went ahead and returned that one for a refund this time and ordered a KastKing Spartacus left handed reel. Hopefully it will be good, or at least in the box! LOL.

[smokemup]

Couple pics of gear. A few more items are in the mail, but this should be about it. There's another box for the hooks, weights, misc line stuff, and such. I went with weighted hooks for the bass worms. Let me know if I'm well prepared. I even have some fish smell spray and mosquito repellent. Proper tools,etc. Boy, I hope I enjoy fishing!! If it bombs out I still have shooting sports to revert to. Haha.

[Joetrain]

Learn how to rig a wacky worm and a drop shot rig. Also try fishing those flukes weightless on a offset worm hook. If you find that fishing is to your liking be prepared to add a room to your house for all your future gear.
~JOE~