It was nice to finally get out and going fishing with some of my childhood friends.

Of course, we’re older now and don’t have to worry about what time mom and dad want us home. We now have another worry — wives!

I thought it was funny how we all put our cell phones in the same compartment, and I actually wondered how long it would be until one of us went looking for our phones. As the day went on I heard the first phone ring, but none of us seemed to flinch.

It wasn’t until the day was sort of coming to an end that the cell phones came out and everyone was checking their emails and updating their Facebook pages that I knew it was time to go.

One of my friends asked, “What time do you think we’re leaving?” I knew then that I better start wrapping things up.

Overall, I had an excellent time with some pretty special people in my life. The fish, on the other hand, weren’t exactly jumping in the boat, but I was more concerned about having a good time with good friends than catching a fish.

I look forward to Thanksgiving for two reasons: family and friends. I’m very thankful for the both and can’t wait to get back together soon.

Delta Report

Striped bass fishing is good for anglers fishing around the flooded islands. Areas like Big Break and Liberty Island are producing solid numbers of 5-7 pound schoolies.

Those who are catching them are fishing with either rattletraps or white fish traps. The water temperature is now into the low 50s making it ideal for the striped bass.

Anglers fishing for largemouth bass are doing fair while fishing jigs and suspending jerk baits around points or ditches.

New Melones Lake

Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sporting Goods in Angels Camp reported excellent trout fishing in response to the weekly plants by the Department of Fish and Game.

In addition to the planters, there have been a number of 2-3 pound holdovers. The bank action is on the rise with the fish feeding heavily on the shad schools throughout the lake.

Bass fishing remains good as bass are really starting to feed as the cooler weather approaches. Swim baits have been responsible for the largest catches while anglers are catching large numbers of fish while tossing rip baits and crankbaits.

There is also a good deep-water bite for anglers who prefer to drag soft plastics. 

Lake Don Pedro

Rainbow trout are being caught by those trolling heavy spoons on four to six colors of lead core in various portions of the lake. The Moccasin section has been producing limits as well as the waters around Woods Creek.

The bite has been in the early morning during the past week, and the lake is still in the 60- to 62-degree range. As the temperatures continue to drop the lake should turn over soon.

Bass fishing is tough for a lot of anglers, as many are having to slow down in order to get bites. Those catching fish are having luck while fishing with brown jigs.

Lake Amador

Lake Amador is being planted weekly with 1,000 pounds of cuttbow trout and because of that the action has been very good for both trollers and bank anglers. Black or olive Woolley Buggers, white crappie jigs, Kastmasters, Rapalas, various colors of Power Bait, and night crawlers are all working well.

Lake Camanche

Weekly trout plants have kept anglers busy. Trout are being caught by trolling and fishing off the bank. Bank fishermen are having luck while using Power Bait along the North Shore day use area.

Anglers trolling are targeting the top twenty feet of water and using an Uncle Larry’s spinner tipped with a nightcrawler along the dam.

Product Review

One of the many questions I get asked by anglers is what fishing line I prefer. I have tried them all from time to time and the best all-around line that I have ever used is Berkley’s Trilene Big Game.

For the Delta I use 15-pound test for cranking, and for the lakes I use 10-pound test for almost all applications. It’s an all-around good line which I’ve been able to depend on.

For the price, Big Game is my favorite choice of lines. I prefer the clear line over the green tinted line as I can see it better above water 

To contact Jarod Ballardo, email jgbbass@yahoo.com.