I'm new to fishing. Just looking for any local areas that would be a good start for a beginner, such as myself. I'd like to stay local to the Springfield area, but I'm willing to travel. Any suggestions as to where would be a good spot to start? I've been to Royal lake and fished the Occoquan river. Haven't had the best of luck yet. 

If you feel like driving to Mississippi, there's a good one called Pick wick lake. Bunch of giants caught outta there. It's in the very top right corner, part is in Tennessee and part in Alabama also.You could go down to Georgia or Florida, great fishing down there too. South Carolina has the lake they just had the Bass master classic on, also another good lake. Good luck out there, hope you catch tons.

My suggestion is to utilize Google Earth and look at ALL of the nearby waters around you both big and small. Find ones that look like they have some shoreline to fish, then hop in your car and start fishing them. Small ponds offer some of the best fishing, especially ones a bit out of the way that don't get a lot of fishing pressure.

Welcome aboard!

 

Lots of Virginia bass folk on the forums. I'm sure

someone will have some suggestions on your area.

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum. Try fishing in the public parks near the area you live. These parks often have good fishing and are easier to access than fishing a place where the grass is not cut low and other obstructions. 

@Kozis correct.  Google Earth and Google maps are your friends.  Also, there's a lot of places discussed here. 

 

The Potomac River is a great option for northern VA bass fishing!