First fish!
Been lurking for a few weeks now gaining knowledge from this sub. I've went for an hour or two once a week since then and today was finally the day that I caught this monster! I know it's little but I feel so accomplished - in a funny haha kind of way.
I used this sub to choose an uglystik gx2 6'6" medium rod with a daiwa fuego lt spinning reel. Used mono and a texas rig (4" senko) the first trip and spent 90% of the time untangling with not a single bite.
Changed up to red worms and a weighted bobber the second time and went to a spot with structures and some kind of bug pvc pipes. Got plenty of bites but didn't set a hook. After talking with someone at the lake they let me know to go down to a size 6 hook. Today I did that and got this guy after 15 or 20min!
Unfortunately, it got dark really soon after that and I only got bites. I got caught up doing the hot water trick on my line (omg this helped so much) and time got away from me but I'm still pretty hyped lol! I know its small but I was alone and caught it myself! Depression and life have been REALLY kicking my ass since like... around Thanksgiving last year and this feels like maybe it's gonna end up being really good for my head. I'm hopeful and am looking forward to getting better and graduating from panfish to bass soon.
Anyways, thanks everybody for all your contributions! You know know how many people asking your own question or making a small comment will help!