Like a lot of anglers, I’ve been restricted to staying home and waiting for the rain to subside. While home, I watched a few fishing shows and couldn’t help to think about one of the most overlooked aspects of becoming a professional angler. You’ve got to be a salesman! Some of the best bass anglers I know never made it very far because they weren’t the best in front of a camera, didn’t have that certain look, or didn’t speak as well as the next guy. Catching fish in a lot of ways is a bonus for someone who’s great in front of the camera and has the “gift of the gab.” It’s a part of fishing at the next level that a lot of young anglers don’t think about. One of the first pieces of advice given to me by a professional angler was to take a public speaking class. It sounded silly at the time but I took it his advice and am glad I did. It’s become evident to me now, more than ever, the importance of being more than just an angler that can catch fish.
Delta Report:
Many anglers are choosing to stay off the Delta lately due to all the debris that can be found floating in the water. The water levels are unusually high as well making it difficult to launch a boat without having to get in the water. There are a lot of docks that are so far out away from the launch that having another person to help has become essential. For those choosing to fish for bass the fishing is improving although the water clarity is very poor. Because of the current conditions, anglers are choosing to use big baits that are heavily scented.
New Melones Lake:
Shore fishermen are still doing fair right now while fishing with Power Bait for trout around the Highway 49 Bridge. Anglers fishing the bank are also starting to have luck while tossing lures such as Kastmasters and Rooster Tails. Anglers trolling are still struggling to put together a pattern as they’re reporting mixed results. Bass fishing has started to pick up as many fish are starting to make their migration towards the shallows. Swimbaits are still the lures of choice for those seeking a trophy bass. Anglers are also catching bass while fishing with jigs, worms, and brush hogs. Crappie fishing has started to pick up for those anglers fishing near the dam with crappie jigs.
Lake Don Pedro:
The only consistent bite on the lake right now seems to be by anglers fishing for bass. Anglers targeting bass are catching them in a variety of different ways as they have begun their migration into the shallows to spawn. Lately there have been a lot of nice smallmouth bass being caught. Smallmouth bass have been known to spawn in a little cooler water than largemouth bass. Anglers that are looking to catch a big bass or more quality sized bass are tossing swimbaits.
Lake Pardee:
Lake Pardee is finally open but the weather has put a damper on all the excitement lately. This weekend the lake should be busy as there were over 3000 pounds of trout planted into the lake.
Lake Amador:
Lake Amador continues to receive plants of trout making it a favorite for anglers that are looking to fill their limits. The lake is full with a two-lane launch ramp and a courtesy dock. Anglers fishing for trout are doing well while fishing with Power Bait. Anglers trolling for trout are having luck while trolling down to 15 feet deep with their favorite trout lures. Bass fishing is beginning to pick up as anglers fishing for trout are catching an occasional bass on night crawlers.
Weekly Tip:
One of the biggest complaints about super glue is the tip clogging up. For that reason, I don’t even use the tip anymore. I unscrew the whole tip off and apply the glue straight from the container. Once done I screw the tip back on and make sure not to get glue on the threads and it stays ready to go for its next application.
