Fishing Mentor for a 43 year old kid.

[Heartsblood]

I have wanted to get into fishing for a coupla years now. I’ve mainly focused on hunting and want to tap into a coupla the many possibilities this state has to offer. Are there any folks on the board here who would be interested in schooling me on specific fishing? It would be like meeting to go fishing only more mentoring as well. What I mean by specific fishing is, are you knowledgeable about a specific type of fishing or species (ya don’t hafta be a biologist or anythin’!) and willing to pass that knowledge along? But, I don’t just want to catch fish (I mean I do but…), I want to understand the relationship between habitat and species. I want to understand when they breed, how to determine sex, what they eat and when. I am interested in the nuances that go along with fishing – gear and tackle and techniques. Weather and water clairity and depth. And, of course it’s all just an excuse to be outdoors and posiibly make a few new friends. And hopefully bring home some good table fare to the wife.

I am mainly interested in bank fishing, but would not pass up learning opportunities on the water. Even float tubes. Even out in the sound or ocean. Well...prolly not float tubes on the ocean...

I’m on the west side 1/2 hr north of seattle, but can do some traveling. I am interested in bass & walleye (only because that’s what I caught when I was a kid). I’d like to learn about our various trout species. I’d love to learn to bank fish for salmon. And steelhead. I did do a guided winter steelhead day trip last march which was a blast – drift fishing the cow (I caught one, the wife caught two).  I’d do that type of deal again fo sho’!

I do not expect a free ride. As a matter of fact, I would be glad if I could contribute to the experience in what ever ways I can. Pay for gas? Buy ya lunch? The only other things I can think of would be perhaps trade some game – ducks or grouse, or possibly deer meat. I’m sure there are things I’m not thinking of.

Anyweys, just putting it out there. If ya want to check out who I am, I’ve posted enough on the forum for folks to get a good sense I think ( here's a link to my intro: http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,329.msg905516.html#msg905516 ). I dunno, I’ve never really put myself out there like this so, who knows if this was even a good idea or not? But, at my age, just how does one go about finding mentor?

Thanks for reading.

[Curly]

That is a good idea about asking for fishing buddies.

Another idea would be to go to a bass club.  There is one right up there in your neck of the woods.  http://www.northendbass.com/

I don't know specifics about North end bass club, but usually bass clubs are a great way to learn bass fishing.

Another source for info is:  http://www.westernbass.com/washington

[FC]

I'm not too far from you and can put you on some humpies and silvers in a few months from the bank or boat. PM me if you're interested.

[Machias]

Guys I can vouch for Glen, super nice fella and you'll enjoy his company.

[Heartsblood]

@ Curly-
Thanks! I will definitely check out the club aspect. I can't believe it never even occurred to me that such a club exists - I'm a member of RGS (Ruffed Grouse Society) and have pondered various waterfowl clubs. That's encouraging.

@ FC -
PM will be forthcoming. Thanks.

@ Fred -
Thanks for the props!

Thanks guys for the help, offers, encouragement, and support.

[yelp]

Heartsblood,

When you get over to Tonasket and feel like travelling down the the Grand Coulee Area.  I can show you where to catch bass and Walleye.  May even take ya out for a few hours.  Lots of opportunities from you property.  Palmer Lake, Lake Osoyoos both have awesome Smallmouth fishing.  We are about the same age.  I will be 42 this year myself.  Hope you have a great summer.  PM me when you get over this way!  Welcome to the site.

Yelp

[Fish4Fun]

Another place that is good for new fishermen is the Puget Sound Anglers Chapters. This is really a multi species group of guys. 1 meeting a month, usually very good speakers are booked and have a lot of know how to share. Great place to meet guys that love to fish and a lot of times there are open spots on boats when they have outings.

[Heartsblood]

@ yelp
Thanks for the offer and warm welcome. Hopefully we can meet up sooner than later. If not for fishing, maybe someday I'll get to see you demonstrate that "sqealer" call. Sounds interesting!

@ Fish4Fun -
Thanks a lot! Looks like more excellent info/resources.

Thanks everyone. Looks like I've got some good leads. 

[Maverick]

what bass clubs are in tricities. Been wanting to join but don't know where to go or who to talk to.

[Curly]

Here you go Maverick:  http://www.columbiabasinbassclub.com/about/