Getting a newbie a fish

[Rockport24]

Hey guys, a non-fishing buddy of mine wants a taste of the striper life. I want to take him out surfcasting and I would really like for him to catch a fish, so I ask you this, my fellow fanatics, what is the best method for getting a newbie a fish? I am thinking of just chumming and chunking off the rocks. I was also thinking eels, but I still miss hookups on eels and I don't want to frustrate the poor guy. edit: I am not talking keepers here either, schoolies would do just fine.

[The Dad Fisherman]

You know where to go......Herring is King

I've been picking up some schoolies on topwater there too....

Did you warn him that if he chooses the "Blue" Pill there's no turning back

[Squibby17]

I took a friend out the other night we soaked some clams on the bottom and got a bunch of 20-24 inch fish and enjoyed a few cold beverages, I think he had a good time as he asked when we could go again.

That's generally not my type of fishing but it was a fun time, and we got fish too

[cardnial77]

before you head down to your spot. take your friend to a ball park or a field and show him how to cast. that will save you some possible headaches. chunking, is great for new guys. but can get boaring. mabyee show him how to use a castmaster of bomber. both easy to fish lures.

[BigFish]

Topwater is perfect for newbies! Pencils, spooks......tin is good! Its much more fun than sitting there with a hunk o' bait. Hit a couple fishy spots and work as much water as you can.....you are sure to hook up but make it early morning or sunset.....its gonna be hot and bright!

[JohnR]

Instant Fisherman Maker - Storm Shads - just add water...

[Rockport24]

thanks for the advice guys and you are right, I may not be able to shake em if he catches a fish on topwater!! he's gonna want to go all the time, he has a very addictive personality. I introduced him to skiing a while ago and now he talks about our next ski trip in July

[fish4striper]

perfect schoolie recipe with the possibility of hookin something large

Originally Posted by JohnR

Instant Fisherman Maker - Storm Shads - just add water...

[fishbones]

I used to take newbies out and troll tubes or umbrella rigs to pick up a fish quickly, then let them reel it in. Then, with the skunk out of the way, I would go to some reliable spots and fish plugs while drifting. I nevery used bait because it takes practice to learn how to set the hook. It can be dissapointing when something picks up your bait and then you miss the hook-set.

[Finaddict]

I think topwater is a great way to introduce newbies to stripers ... granted, you can get them to manage the rod and reel first ... but what I have done in the past is set them up with an easy outfit to manage, not too big like a 9, 10 foot pole, rather a schoolie outfit ...

... don't make the access to difficult as that can hamper their desire, which you may want any way ...

... head to a spot that has been producing some nice schoolie action, with the possibility of a keeper-size schoolie (28-30) ... you know the spots from fishing with doc, TDF and yourself ... and then rig the rod with a floating plug ... either a Smack-It or a small danny as not too much is required to work those ...

... obviously the pop with the smack-it and the ultra slow retrieve with the Danny will make the stuff work ... tin/metal is another good alternative as they are steady takers ... catch him a dozen or so schoolies and call it an evening/morning ...

... if you want him to stop bugging you to take him fishing, go at midnight or 1 a.m., take him on a trecherous rocky area and give him a productive but difficult lure or bait to fish so that it turns him off.

[The Iceman 6]

I should of took the red pill.

[Rockport24]

thanks for the advice Andy! i think I may give top water a try with him... and I'll be sure to make him meet me at 1am

[ChiefLinesider]

If they can cast, put on an atom popper. If they cant cast, teach them how.