Well, if you're anything like me you'll be deep within the throws of bass fishing addiction before long. Once you start learning techniques and tricks, and they work, it becomes a lot of fun. You have a sense of accomplishment when you use your knowledge to catch those darn fish. It's not like just throwing your bait out and hoping a fish swims by and feels hungry. You really need to use your head most of the time. I live in Bakersfield and my close by options are extremely limited. I have a couple of small lakes close by. Fishing at those lakes is usually fair at best sometimes. Though I have caught my biggest fish from those lakes. You're absolutely right about these guys that reply to the posts. I wish I had some people up here I could get together with and fish. I do get offers from time to time on different sites to come down and fish. But when it comes down to it, I just don't feel like coming down there. Really pay attention to those fishing shows. Classic Patterns on Outdoor Channel is a good one. Also, Bassmasters(on TNN on the weekends I believe) is very educational. Before I really got into bass fishing specifically, I used to just watch them catch the fish. Now it's like Bass Fishing 101. It's where I learn most of what I know. I still have a long way to go. Also, if you can, get a float tube or something like it. That is if you don't have a boat. You'll have a better chance of gettinf at them. I'll stop now. I just love fishing so much. Once I get started I can't stop.