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Fishing as a pro requires money, so consider risks
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Many bass anglers start off fishing for fun and eventually start to wonder if they can out-fish other anglers.

It usually doesn’t take long before they find themselves competing in tournaments.

I started at the club level and eventually fished as a professional after several years. Many ask how they can become a professional bass fisherman.

The answer is money.

If you can afford the entry fee and the equipment you can fish professionally. Some of the bigger more national-level circuits require you to meet certain qualifications, but most others allow anyone to enter.

For the angler who has the least bit of success early on, this sometimes can be the kiss of death.

Mark Twain once said “The worst thing a man can do is win a horserace at age 18.” Tournament fishing is definitely an option for those who would like to test their skills but can become very expensive. Over time, very few anglers are fortunate enough to break even, and unfortunately a large majority end up losing more than they will ever be able to pay back.

If you’re thinking about fishing tournaments, make sure that the money won’t be missed and be sure to account for those costs that sometimes go overlooked, like travelling expenses and tackle.    

Delta Report
With the increase in temperature, look for the bass to seek shade. Lots of small fish are being caught on reaction baits but the bigger bass are being caught by those throwing snag proof frogs and flipping.

This time of year it’s important to pay attention to the wind. Buzzbaits and spinnerbaits can be extremely effective fished on the outside weed edges during windy conditions.  

New Melones Lake
Kokanee are being caught by a lot of angers fishing near Rose Island, the dam, and near Glory Hole Point. The bass bite remains good for anglers throwing reaction baits, Pop-R’s and Zara Spooks are providing nice bites during the low light hours of the day.

Anglers fishing during the day are focusing on deep drops or Island tops while fishing a Carolina rig with either a baby brush hog or Senko fished weightless. The panfish bite is improving as fish are being caught all over the lake, especially in the backs of coves with sunken brush.

Lake Don Pedro
Trout and salmon fishing has slowed a bit with bites coming farther apart than weeks past. Those catching them are using pink Marni bugs or pink Apex lures behind a Shasta Tackle Sling Blade between 45-70 feet deep.

Trout are being caught between 20 and 45 feet while trolling Shasta Tackle’s pearl PPK hoochies. Bass fishing has been good lately for those anglers fishing with green crawdad crank baits in 8-10 feet of water. Jigs fished down to 20 feet are also working well in brown and blue.   

Lake Camanche
Trout fishing is starting to slow down as the water temperatures have risen. Those that are                 

Catching trout right now are fishing as deep as 45 feet to catch them.

Bass fishing has also started to get tougher for anglers as bass have moved deeper. Those having success are focusing on suspending fish over off shore rock piles.

Lake Tulloch
Smallmouth bass have been providing excellent action for anglers fishing late and early with topwater lures. Once the sun is high try switching to small plastic baits fished deep, shaky head worms, darter heads, and drop shotted Robo Worms in either a craw or shad pattern should produce good results.

Boaters Needed
On July 19, the 11th annual Conroy Oakley Pro-Teen tournament will be held out of Russo’s Marina on Bethel Island. The purpose of the event is to introduce teens 13-19 years old to fishing through a professional style tournament where they will be paired up with a boater for six hours.

Currently, they are in need of more boaters for the event, for those interested in participating in the event the cost is $30. For more information call (925) 684-9775.
 
Seminar Schedule  “Bass Pro Shops”
•Saturday from 11-2 p.m. is a free food demo by the elevator near the aquarium.

•From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. there will be a Costa Del Mar Sunglasses Seminar at the Sunglass Counter.

•At 1 p.m. there will be a Rock Cod Seminar in the Conservation Room.

•At 3 p.m. there will be Life Jacket Fitting in the Marine Dept.

•On Sunday starting at 1 p.m., there will be a Swim Bait demonstration at the Aquarium Tank, and at 3pm there will be Geocaching in the Marine Department.

To contact Jarod Ballardo, e-mail jgbbass@yahoo.com.