Hi all. I'm from upstate NY originally. Lakes, ponds and state lands are plentiful. I've always shore fished or ice fished for perch, largemouth bass and other smaller panfish. I don't own a boat. I'm recently retired and ready to dip some hooks. The lakes near me stock catfish mainly. (Loveland/Milford). Ha! the idea of pay lakes is so foreign to me. I'm giving in and rigging up a heavier pole to try it out. I've been watching some videos and getting an idea of what tackle and bait I'll need. It is VERY different than what I'm used to. I've decided to start with punch bait on a Carolina rig. (Easy and the concept makes sense to me). Still need to figure out how to put that big float on. I've seen people fish with hamburger and cornflakes at Lake Isabella. If I decide I like it, I'll come up with my own doughbait recipe. It'll be like being in a laboratory again!
Anyway, I'd welcome any tips or locations or amusing stories. Around me, I have Cedar Lake, Lake Isabella and Stonelick lake. I'd love to find some non pay-lake spots for catfish or any of my old familiar favorites.
BTW, I did catch a large channel catfish once. The only problem is that I was in a Walleye tournament.
The bait shop porch is open!