Books and Resources for Fishing

I've been fishing a few times as a kid, but never really on my own and we never really caught to eat. I've been wanting to get some fishing knowledge under my belt; does anybody have any favorite books or resources for fishing?

hau Alex, fishing is a multi faceted sport, which method (s) are you most interested in, that will determine which books I head you towards.

Redhawk

Bryant RedHawk wrote:hau Alex, fishing is a multi faceted sport, which method (s) are you most interested in, that will determine which books I head you towards.

Redhawk

Thanks! For a while, it was mostly just trying to figure out where to start. Luckily I was able to find myself a intermediately skilled fishing companion that helped me get started. My overall goal is to catch and eat some bluegill this year, so my interest is mostly catching fish to supplement my diet. I'm thinking bluegill, catfish, and maybe carp if I can get a good recipe. Anything that's in abundance and easy to catch.

Outstanding that you found someone that will help you learn to fish for bluegill and other staple fish.

Here are some links to great information, I suggest you subscribe to the In-Fisherman magazine as well, they always have articles on most species you will want to catch.

In-Fisherman

Bluegill world

Ryan McCaw's great book

The real secret to success is to always be learning about your quarry and spending as much time on the water as possible.
Bluegill are also great fun on Fly Tackle.

Redhawk

For years now, I've done more saltwater fishing than fresh. I love both. I do find that my casting skills get a little rusty sometimes because in saltwater you don't cast out as much. You just drop your line straight down in most cases. You can practice casting in your yard by tying on only a light weight without a hook. Lots of panfish like to lay near the edges of streams and lakes, or against structures or in brushpiles. It helps to have good aim to not end up with your lure stuck in a tree branch that reaches over the water. I've been there!

For your area, check out the 2017 Illinois Fishing Forecast from Game and Fish Magazine.

Also, make sure you are following the rules of The Dept of Natural Resources. Some fish have to be of a certain size in order to keep and some are limited in the number of fish you can keep. Purchase a fishing license and keep it renewed. Each year check the regulations because they love changing them on you. You don't want to be fined. Government...has to have a hand in everything.