New to Fishing

[randdmart]

Hello,

 

I just started fishing 3 days ago.  I live in Denver, CO and I'm legally blind which makes fishing challenging.  Tying fishing knots is nearly impossible.  I've done a lot of research and asked a lot of questions.  Here is what I learned so far.

 

BASS PRO SHOPS - Customer Service:

I went to Bass Pro Shops here in Denver, CO and talked to a sales guy, I think he might be the department manager.  He has been VERY helpful after I explained my situation.  There have been A LOT of trips to the store as a result of a lot of trial and error.

 

ROD/REEL:

I tried an open face (bait caster) reel but quickly found it wasn't for me.  The line kept getting tangled beneath the reel, I think that is called bird nesting, it was horrible.

 

At my family's suggestion I changed to a Spin caster reel and learned as much about using it and fixing it as I could and so far I like it a lot better.  I'm still learning how to cast though.

 

LINE/KNOTS:

Being legally blind the only knot I can tie, using extreme magnification, is the double overhand loop knot.  I did find a tool at Bass Pro that allows me to tie a clinch knot called the clinch knot tying tool.

 

For bait fishing I'm using a 3/8oz. sinker at the bottom of my line then a hook about 2 feet up and then a bobber.  I also put a bell on the end of my rod.

 

For lure fishing I'm using a swivel on the bottom of my line.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Rich

[Skunkmaster-k]

A snap swivel was a great idea . Are you tying a clinch or improved clinch ?

You’re going to love fishing  . It’s awesome 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, Rich! ??

 

Great to have a new hobby to master . Good luck with 

your endeavors! Using a tool to tie a knot is a good idea.

Another knot is a palomar, though I'm not sure if that would

be any easier....

[randdmart]

3 hours ago, Skunkmaster-k said:

A snap swivel was a great idea . Are you tying a clinch or improved clinch ?

You’re going to love fishing  . It’s awesome 

I'm using the clinch not as I couldn't figure out the improved clinch knot using the tool.

[GaryH]

Welcome aboard Rich. I think your on the right track. Good luck in your new endeavor. Hopefully we have a member near you that could help.

[Skunkmaster-k]

4 hours ago, randdmart said:

I'm using the clinch not as I couldn't figure out the improved clinch knot using the tool.

The clinch will slip so be sure to leave plenty of tag , just in case . 

[whitwolf]

Welcome!

[Log Catcher]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Hope you get everything to work out for you and catch lots of fish.

[DaubsNU1]

Welcome! Love that you are fishing...OUTSTANDING!  

 

Lots of great advice here.  Good luck!!

 

[Bluebasser86]

Welcome!

[Meowmicks]

Welcome!

I like the UNI knot, very simple to tie, versatile, and easy to learn.

[BrianMDTX]

Welcome! I have trouble at times seeing while tying knots so I imagine it must be truly frustrating for you. Although most here prefer to use smaller diameter lines it may be advantageous for you to use heavier line that is larger in diameter to see it more clearly. Spincast reels tend to like bigger line anyway. 
 

Good luck and ask away. This site is a treasure trove of information!

[Glenn]

Welcome Home! We're glad you're here.