I live in Chicago and go fishing a number of times. I'm a 46 year old male who is unable to catch fish on a regular basis. I might get lucky one day with a single fish but for the most part I go fishing with no results. I have read books on fishing have used live bait and lures. I go fishing a lot at this stocked lake called Plainfield Fishing Resort. What can I do to become a better fisherman?

Welcome......

Welcome to the forums!

 

Jeff

Hi Mike, welcome from the south suburbs of chicago.To become a better bass fisherman all you have to do is pick this site apart. The more time you put into reading on here the better bass fisherman you will become. 

Greetings and Welcome MrMike46

The fastest way to become a better fisherman is to fish with guys who know what they're doing. There are a lot of fishing clubs in the Chicago area (not just tournament clubs) that are loaded with good fisherman. Pick up a copy of "The Outdoor Notebook" magazine available for free at most tackle shops around Chicago. Local clubs have updates on club activities in the magazine. Join one and go to the meetings and outings. Many of the clubs are multi-species clubs so you can get exposed to all kinds of fishing opportunities. Use sites like this one to refine your tactics and apply new ideas when you are on club outings. The more active in the club you are, the more fishermen you'll meet and get to fish with. You can learn more on one season with a club than you could learn in many years on your own.

Welcome to BR!

Welcome Home!

Welcome...and as previously mentioned...don't give up and keep reading.  Sites like this one, lake-link, and such will be helpful as they are to me (though I don't catch many more than you).  

Welcome aboard, MrMike!

Welcome from the western burbs

Welcome to Bass Resource. I live in the same area as you. I've been to Plainfield Fishing Resort plenty of times with limited success. Believe or not, I catch trout out of there more than anything. My suggestion would be google maps and subdivision ponds. Ponds = less people and not fished out by the bucketheads. I throw 1/4-3/8oz spinnerbaits, 1/4oz swim jigs, soft plastic craws/creatures, flukes, and senko style worms on 3/0-4/0 ewg hooks.

Forgot to mention, there is an IL thread located in the Northeast boards "Where are the IL guys at?"

Welcome!