Hey Y'all;

I've got to have something to do until hunting season......just kidding. I've been fishing since I was a kid, but only CASUALLY. REALLY CASUALLY. In fact last weekend was the first time I've had a line in the water in probably 4 years.

Anyhow I've decided to try and get a little more active in my fishing pursuits. And I'm looking for some resources. Are there any www sites I can visit that will tutor me on some of the basics. Like.....

First off, rods and reels?? What is the difference between a spinning rod, a baitcasting, surf casting, and all the mix and match reels to go on them?? I've got a regular open face shakespear rod and reel from Walmart, cost about $10 6 years ago. I have no idea what test line is on it. Seems to work OK. Except when the damn little hooky thing gets caught on something under the water that ain't a fish. Seems I spend more time tying knots in my line than I do fishing.

Speaking of knots......is there a www site that I can visit that will show me the proper knots which I should be tying ??? like for a hook?

Bait......I need to know how to rig different types of bait. Lures...how do you fish them?? Reel them in fast or slow, one swift motion or stop now and then and jerk them. How much weight?? When I tie on a worm....how much worm? How is it best to rig him up?? Now I just wrap him on the hook several times until you can't see the hook anymore. A picture of one tied on properly would sure be helpful. Are fake worms rigged the same way??

What is the difference between a spoon, spinnerbate, jig, etc..... I look at the fishing rack at Walmart and get a headache.

God I can't wait until turkey season......it's so simple by comparison. Shotgun, Shells, Decoy, Camo, Wait, Call, Wait, Wait, BOOM!!!!!!! Dinner.

Thanks Guys.

Darrin