Beginner in Ottawa

Post by **PerchPredator** » Mon May 10, 2010 8:08 am

I love fishing, but have only really gone out a few times in the last few years.

Usually I'd go with my dad or uncles so I'd just use their gear, but I just moved to Ottawa and really want to start fishing more seriously. Since I get to start fresh with new everything (excited) does anyone have any tips or suggestions on what I should be looking to buy tackle-wise as a beginner?

I've got a nice new tackle box and a scale. That's it. I don't even have a rod yet so since I'm quite new to the hobby I'd love if anyone could give me some pointers.

Thanks, love the site so far.

Mike

Post by **Wallyboss** » Mon May 10, 2010 8:26 am

Welcome aboard Mickey.

Lots to read about on Fish-Hawk. Keep an eye in our classifieds you might see stuff come up for sale, lost of good deals to be had.

Post by **fishwhisperer** » Mon May 10, 2010 9:18 am

Hi mikey and welcome,
I have a few suggestions:

1. Goto the dollarstore, get atleast two needle-nose pliers.

2. Get a net, preferably a decent one. Although they have some at the dollarstore, the handles will/are made to - break. BUT if you have a hollow piece of wood/metal than you can replace the handle and tada! (might need to throw in some hotglue or ducktape)

3. If you plan on keeping what your targetting, buy a stringer.

4. Get a couple of glow in the dark jigs/lures, even if you don't night fish, these are lethal when the water clarity isn't up 2 par, or its starting to get dark.

5. Take wallyboss's advice, I've found and seen plenty of great deals in the classifieds (lol and a few giveaways)!

Also if you haven't already, get a fishing license, they're available at most baitshops and online as well. A license could save you an arm and a leg in fines (as opposed to being stopped while fishing without one).

That's all i could come up with!

hope they help.

f.w.

Post by **PerchPredator** » Mon May 10, 2010 11:01 am

Thanks for the info. License is on its way and I doubt I'll be keeping any of em, but good to know anyhow.

If anyone else has some advice on starting gear like nice lures or anything feel free to keep the info comin'

Now onto the classifieds section for me

Post by **Todd B.** » Mon May 10, 2010 11:21 am

Mikey,

Are you limited to shore fishing or will you have access to any watercraft?

Post by **Dore** » Mon May 10, 2010 11:22 am

Welcome to FH dude !

Go to Canadian Tire / Wal-mart what ever........ buy your self a decent Rod/reel combo ! Buy some plastics jigs/ top water action lures and all ( need to be more specific on what you want to catch) a couple of crakbaits/ spoons ect.... ! You'll need to buy some regular hooks some Jig heads, fishing line, leaders, sinkers, swivels, ( a bobber if you like that kind of fishing) and Voila !

All you need now is a lawn chair and water ! Don't forget to buy some bait once and a while (worms/minnows).

Hope this helps

Post by RJ » Mon May 10, 2010 11:24 am

What end of the city are you in?

Post by **PerchPredator** » Mon May 10, 2010 12:03 pm

Thanks for the info.

Sadly I'm restricted to shore fishing for now....works for me though, it'll be a nice place to start until I get a few fish under my belt.

I live right in the market, close to the king edward bridge. New Edinburgh Park is honestly a 5 minute walk for me. Is the fishing from shore there any good? What species (if any) can I expect there?

Post by **Manny** » Mon May 10, 2010 12:21 pm

Mike, if you are stranded on shore and live near water, can I suggest a fishing kayak?? Can get a decent model for 350$ at Costco and at 40 lbs, you can more than easily walk it to the water...

Post by **Wallyboss** » Mon May 10, 2010 12:22 pm

Right below the Rideau Falls is a good spot for shore fishing. You can get into walleyes, pikes and catfish there.

Keep your eyes peeled on here and look for Victoria Island outings some F-Hers meet there soemtimes a few times a week. If you have a bike just get onto the bike path along the Ottawa river behind the Parliament and head West. We usually catch catfish there and you will have achance to meet some F-Hers.

And check this for some ideas on good lures well priced.

http://www.fish-hawk.net/hawktalk/viewtopic.php?t=39335

Post by **Wabler** » Mon May 10, 2010 1:03 pm

There are some pleasant surprises right under the New Edinburgh bridge. Best to wait until bass/musky season opens, tho.

Like someone else mentioned, wait another week or two for walleye/pike to open and set up under the Rideau Falls.

If you want walleye now, try to get yourself to Hog's Back Falls.

Post by **PerchPredator** » Mon May 10, 2010 1:14 pm

Some great suggestions. Thanks everyone.

I'll certianly wait until the seasons open and I'll keep an eye out for F-H member trips to Victoria Island.....or I'll just go hoping to run into some members and good fishing.

Below Rideau Falls sounds quite interesting as well. I have no idea how I'd get down there. Looks like it's time for some investigating

Post by **Wallyboss** » Mon May 10, 2010 1:24 pm

I have never been on shore at teh Rideau Falls but maybe somebody that did will give you the instructions.

Post by **Manny** » Mon May 10, 2010 1:30 pm

Wallyboss wrote:Right below the Rideau Falls is a good spot for shore fishing. You can get into walleyes, pikes and catfish there.

Also muskies...All taken at Rideau Falls.

Post by **PerchPredator** » Mon May 10, 2010 1:43 pm

Wow Manny! Nice catches!