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Reeling it in after blooper-reel moment
colm-ballardo-pic
Buck Leonardo of Manteca snared this 65-pound, 5-foot sturgeon back in February. - photo by Photo by Ed Tagliabue
If you’ve fished long enough, you surely have a blooper or two to tell about.
Legendary fisherman Bill Dance is famous for his fishing bloopers. Actually, his blooper tape is the first one that I can remember ever viewing.

One of my favorites is him slamming the tailgate of his truck, all the while snapping the tips off six of his fishing rods.

Personally, I’ve had a few of my own over the years. Once, while fishing on Lake Amador, I hooked into a trout that sent me reeling backwards into the lake.

While fighting the fish, I was so focused on keeping my rod tip high and my line tight that when the fish decided to get jump, my balance got thrown off and into the lake I went.

Fortunately for me I was with my dad. If it were anyone else I definitely would have never heard the end of it.

My dad’s main concern was if I was alright and if we could continue fishing. The bite was exceptional that day and we continued to fish.

And yes, I did catch the fish.     

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.

Kokanee fishing is good; anglers are doing well while trolling between 20 and 40 feet deep.

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. Frozen Shad and anchovies seem to be working real well.

The trout fishing has also been good for anglers trolling in the top thirty 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.

Lake Camanche
Bass fishing is good all over the lake. The fish are believed to be in all three phases of the spawn putting them in all three levels of the water column.

Trout fishing continues to be good for anglers soaking Power Bait. The bigger trout have been coming out of the lakes ponds.

NorCalfishing.com is currently hosting its Charity Trout Derby to benefit The Purple Heart Anglers. The derby runs May 1-31, and tickets are $5. Ask the Font Gate or Marina stores for more information.

Kids Free Fishing Derby
The Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis, Manteca Parks and Recreation, and The Manteca Youth Advisory Council are having there annual FREE Fishing Derby and safety fair. Everything will be provided; the event is open to all of those 15 years and younger.

The event is on Saturday from 7-11 a.m. at the CVS/pharmacy 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.