Page 23 - 2019 MAR/APR Outdoor Oklahoma

Start by teaching them about the equipment they
will be using and how to get it rigged up. Simple ANDREA CREWS/ODWC
knots such as the improved clinch and Palomar are
great for first-timers. Every craftsman takes pride is
his or her work, and reeling in a fish is the result of
that dedication, so don’t skip these steps. They will
instill confidence in the new angler and eventually
lead to the ability to do it on his or her own, which is
ultimately the goal that can sometimes get lost in the
pursuit of simply catching fish.
This also means encouraging a new angler to bait
his or her own hook. If a new angler is hesitant to
touch a worm or some other type of “yucky” bait,
start out with a crappie nibble. These work great
for panfish, cost about the same as a cup of worms,
and a full cup can last much longer since they keep
without refrigeration. I personally use crappie nibbles
exclusively when panfishing. There’s less mess, and I
don’t have to worry about forgetting them in a pack
on a hot day.
If you don’t have the availability to get a first timer
out during the warmer months, don’t despair. These Neighborhood ponds can be perfect places for new anglers to hone
same basic principles can be applied to any one of their skills and share the fun of fishing with family and friends.
Oklahoma’s winter trout fisheries. Just ditch the bob- the importance of making sure your angler has a
ber for a swivel and slip sinker (1/8th ounce usually firm grasp of casting and reeling when deciding to
does the trick). Dolese Pond in Oklahoma City and upgrade to lures. The variables for success increase
Veteran’s Park Pond in Tulsa are great starting spots dramatically at this stage, so it’s best to stick with the
for those in the state’s major metros, but there are same basic rod and reel setup and use small, steady
trout areas throughout the state: Perry CCC (near retrievable lures such as rooster tails and beetle spin-
Stillwater), Blue River (near Ada), Medicine Park (near ners. And now the dreaded snag is in play.
Lawton), Mountain Fork River (near Broken Bow), Wa- I love rooster tails. They are versatile and have suc-
tonga (near Woodward), Carl Etling (near Boise City) cessful hook-set rates due to a rear treble hook that
and Lower Illinois River (below Tenkiller Lake). stays horizontal when retrieved. I prefer a 1/16-ounce
As opposed to watching a bobber for indication of olive Worden’s vibric rooster tail. It’s an excellent
a fish strike, trout anglers using Powerbait and a slip spring and fall lure for all pond species because, at a
sinker watch the tips of their rod for a bite. Because medium retrieve speed, it usually avoids hazards by
of the cooler weather during trout-stocking season, staying in the middle of the water column. It’s easy
I would recommend only taking those first-time an- to sense a strike, and the tension from the retrieve is
glers who are really hyped about going. Poor weath- usually enough to set the hook, making it the perfect
er conditions and longer wait times between bites starter lure for a new angler. Another good starter
can be turnoffs for those just getting started with lure is an 1/8-ounce black or orange beetle spinner.
fishing. It’s important to know the type of person These two lures introduce the basic principles
you’ll be taking. needed when anglers begin to explore larger bodies
Once your new angler gets the hang of the cast- of water with heavier crankbaits and spinners. They
and-wait (or visual fishing) technique, you’re ready to teach new anglers how to really set a hook on a strik-
move on to cast-and-retrieve methods. I can’t stress ing fish. There’s something instinctual about feeling

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