Someone once wrote, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
When it comes to tackle, that quote often stands true.
Some baits look great in their packages, but once tied on and fished their stock can rapidly diminish if the bait is faulty or non-productive. Like many anglers, I have my obvious favorites and I have those that have earned a spot in my tackle box but have yet to prove themselves. Recently, I purchased a bait that looked just like a favorite of mine but was made by a more reputable company. Once tied on and fished, it wasn’t long before I actually hooked up with a fish.
Surprisingly, part of the lure ended up flying off as the fish jumped out of the water. Not too happy, I replaced the missing part and continued to fish with the lure. About 30 casts, later a second fish struck and was hooked.
Upon bringing the fish into the boat, the bait broke in half!
After talking to several anglers who have a lot more experience with the bait manufacturer, I was ensured that my lures’ failure was an isolated incident. As much as I would like to give the bait another try, I ended up ordering three more of my favorite reliable baits and doubt I’ll ever try another manufacturer.
Just the thought of hooking a big fish and the bait breaking in half is enough for me to stick with a lure that I have been able to rely on.
Anglers are still catching nice limits while tossing Senko’s and crank baits. The topwater frog bite has also started to pick up so make sure to have one of those tied on as well.
New Melones Lake
All the reports of trout being caught have been from those trolling deep, 25-50 feet. Not many bank fishermen are catching trout, as they have vacated the shallows. Bass fishing has really started to pick up for a lot of anglers.
Many fish have made their way shallow and have become very aggressive. Anglers have reported catching anywhere from 20-30 fish per outing. An increased number of fish have also been seen lately preparing to spawn or spawning in the backs of coves.
The trout fishing has also been good for anglers trolling in the top 30 feet of water early in the day. Some anglers are even reporting catching a few kokanee mixed in while trolling for trout.
Bass fishing remains good right now as the fish are in all three levels of the spawn right now. All baits seem to be working well right now for numbers.
Crappie and bluegill are starting to move shallower and can be caught on wax worms.
The “Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs” event runs from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Longs Drugs parking lot (1190 N. Main Street).
To contact Jarod Ballardo, e-mail jgbbass@yahoo.com.
When it comes to tackle, that quote often stands true.
Some baits look great in their packages, but once tied on and fished their stock can rapidly diminish if the bait is faulty or non-productive. Like many anglers, I have my obvious favorites and I have those that have earned a spot in my tackle box but have yet to prove themselves. Recently, I purchased a bait that looked just like a favorite of mine but was made by a more reputable company. Once tied on and fished, it wasn’t long before I actually hooked up with a fish.
Surprisingly, part of the lure ended up flying off as the fish jumped out of the water. Not too happy, I replaced the missing part and continued to fish with the lure. About 30 casts, later a second fish struck and was hooked.
Upon bringing the fish into the boat, the bait broke in half!
After talking to several anglers who have a lot more experience with the bait manufacturer, I was ensured that my lures’ failure was an isolated incident. As much as I would like to give the bait another try, I ended up ordering three more of my favorite reliable baits and doubt I’ll ever try another manufacturer.
Just the thought of hooking a big fish and the bait breaking in half is enough for me to stick with a lure that I have been able to rely on.
Delta Report
This past week has brought warmer temperatures, which have brought a lot of the baitfish up shallow. Big fish are still being caught by anglers fishing beds but a lot of post spawn fish are also being caught. Anglers are still catching nice limits while tossing Senko’s and crank baits. The topwater frog bite has also started to pick up so make sure to have one of those tied on as well.
New Melones Lake
All the reports of trout being caught have been from those trolling deep, 25-50 feet. Not many bank fishermen are catching trout, as they have vacated the shallows. Bass fishing has really started to pick up for a lot of anglers.
Many fish have made their way shallow and have become very aggressive. Anglers have reported catching anywhere from 20-30 fish per outing. An increased number of fish have also been seen lately preparing to spawn or spawning in the backs of coves.
Lake Don Pedro
The king salmon bite is as good for anglers trolling the dam area 50-70 feet deep with a variety of different baits. Rolled Shad and anchovies seem to be working real well. The trout fishing has also been good for anglers trolling in the top 30 feet of water early in the day. Some anglers are even reporting catching a few kokanee mixed in while trolling for trout.
Bass fishing remains good right now as the fish are in all three levels of the spawn right now. All baits seem to be working well right now for numbers.
New Hogan
Bed fishing for bass seems to be the ticket, as the gin-clear water is making it easy for many sight fishermen. As the water gets muddied up during the day due to high boat traffic try fishing the backs of coves as many fish are holding in and around brush piles. Crappie and bluegill are starting to move shallower and can be caught on wax worms.
Kids Free Fishing Derby
The Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis, Manteca Youth Advisory Commission, Manteca Parks and Recreation Department, and Longs Drug Store are having their annual free fishing derby. The “Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs” event runs from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Longs Drugs parking lot (1190 N. Main Street).
Featured Product
No boat is complete without a small bottle of Super Glue. Super Glue can be used for a variety of quick repairs such as broken rod tips, torn plastics, and various other uses. The problem most anglers have with Super Glue is its tendency to dry up. Super Glue makes a brush on version that doesn’t dry up and can be stored for later uses. It also doesn’t drip making it easier to work with when trying not to get on your boats carpet. To contact Jarod Ballardo, e-mail jgbbass@yahoo.com.
