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Bassmaster Classic will have Ballardo glued to television
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Here we go again!
The 2009 Bassmaster Classic kicks off today from Shreveport Louisiana’s Red River.
It should be an interesting classic, as fishing a river system, in my opinion, is the ultimate test of a bass angler’s skills. The Red River is said to be cold and muddy right now, which usually makes fishing extremely tough.
If I had to pick a favorite it would have to be Gary Klein, who has yet to win a classic. This year’s classic will be his 26th, surpassing Roland Martin for the most classics appearances without a win.
Many believe that this classic suits him perfectly, as it plays right into his strengths. Historically, he has done really well on river systems. Just a few years ago he finished second at the classic held on the Ohio River.
Coverage of the classic begins at 5 a.m. with Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN2, and live weigh-ins will be viewable at www.bassmaster.com.
ESPN2 will also have daily coverage of the event throughout the weekend.  
Delta Report
I recently went out and the bite was exceptional for bass. Spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, crankbaits, and swimbaits were all working. Red is great color this time of year.
All of the above baits were fished fairly shallow while targeting tulle points and isolated tulle clumps. Striper fishing has slowed down; most of the fish being caught have been from anglers that were out targeting sturgeon.
For sturgeon anglers are fishing around Mothball Fleet while using ghost/grass shrimp combinations.
New Melones Lake
Trout fishing remains great, as many anglers fishing from the bank have been scoring limits of planter sized trout while fishing with power bait. Boaters are also doing well while soaking power bait.
Last week, several brown trout were caught by anglers trolling down to 20 feet deep with Rapalas. Anglers fishing from shore should target main points such as Glory Hole Point, Osprey Point, under the Highway 49 Stevenot Bridge and Tuttletown.
Bass fishing has been good for anglers who have been able to find schooling bass. Many anglers are spooning through schools of fish. Hopkins Jigs in chrome seems to be a favorite.  
Lake Don Pedro
Trout fishing has slowed quite a bite as the lake hasn’t been planted in a few weeks.
For rainbows try fishing from the surface down to twenty feet deep with Power Bait. Bass fishing is starting to pick up as plenty of fish are being caught on small plastics down to 40 feet deep.
The swimbait bite has turned on for anglers fishing with Huddleston Deluxe 8-inch trout swimbaits ROF12.
Lake Pardee
Fishing for trout remains good for those fishing off the bank with power bait. Many anglers are doing well while fishing the boat launch cove. Bass fishing is slow but should be picking up shortly as the water temperatures are sure to rise.
Lake Camanche
Trout fishing is good for anglers fishing off the bank. Pautzke’s Krillows or Power Bait is the bait of choice. Chevron Point and the launch ramp area have been the two best areas on the lake lately.
Bass fishing has been picking up as anglers are doing well while fishing with jigs down to 20 feet deep.
Featured Angler
In this year’s columns I’d like to feature an angler from time to time. Featured anglers can be anyone who would like to submit their fishing history, favorite baits, favorite bodies of water, biggest catch, etc.
Along with your information please submit a picture of yourself to my email at jgbbass@yahoo.com. If you’re sponsored please include your sponsor’s names.
Fishing Question of the Week
Along with the featured angler of the week, I’d like to try and answer your weekly fishing questions.
Please keep all questions fishing related and make sure to include your name along with your fishing question to my email at  www.jgbbass@yahoo.com.