The closer we get to April, the more I am reminded of my biggest catch back in 2002.

It was an 11-pound largemouth I caught during a club tournament held on New Hogan Lake. What made that catch even more special was that I caught it with my dad in the boat with me.

Fast forward to this upcoming weekend — I’ll be out fishing with my son and my father. We’ve been planning this trip for some time now, so I’m really excited to be getting out.

My son is most excited about the campfires and being able to cook a hot dog over the campfire. My dad is excited about the fishing. I’m just excited to be out with the two of them.

It’s been a long time since the three of us have gone out fishing together. I doubt I’ll catch one over 11 pounds this trip, but I’ll definitely be trying.

Delta Report

Anglers are having success fishing a variety of different baits. Black and Blue jigs are hard to beat this time of year, especially given the current conditions. Don Iovino’s spade tail worms in the S20 color are also working well.

One of my favorite baits this time of year is a red spinner with gold blades. The fish aren’t used to seeing that colored spinner bait thrown. I’ve caught a lot of big fish while fishing red spinner bait along grass lines and tulle points.

New Melones Lake

Those braving the elements are still catching trout while trolling the top 20 feet of water.

Trolled Needlefish and fluorescent power bait fished off the bottom have been the hot baits lately. Small plastic worms have been working well for spotted bass lately. Regardless of the frigid weather the bite has picked up for spotted bass. Lots of limits are being caught with most bass ranging from one to two pounds. Anglers catching them are focusing on fishing around rocks, especially deep rock walls.

Lake Don Pedro

Fishing has picked up lately with trout being caught while fishing the top 25 feet of water. Bass fishing remains steady for those fishing jigs and Robo Worms slowly crawled along the bottom.

The most consistent bite for limit-sized bass has been for anglers fishing between 40 and 50 feet of water.

Lake Pardee

Water temperatures have yet to break the 50 degree mark making it tough for many bass fishermen. For those fishing for trout the bite remains fairly good. Anglers trolling are doing well while fishing the top 10 feet of water.

Anglers fishing off the bank are doing well while fishing with Power Bait. Most of those fishing off the bank are fishing around the marina or launch ramp.

Lake Camanche

Trout fishing continues to be good for anglers fishing from the bank or out of a boat. Many anglers are doing well while using power bait. Those trolling are using a variety of trout lures which all seem to be working.

Bass fishing remains steady with many limits being caught by those fishing between 15 and 25 feet deep. Anglers fishing for bass are using both jigs and small plastics for their limits.

Fisherman’s Warehouse

Today and Saturday, there will be no sales tax, along with in store specials on Okuma merchandise.

Thursday’s weekly seminar will feature Dave and Danny Davis of Sinister Wacky Worms starting at 6 p.m.

Tip of the Week

Electric trolling motors have come a long way in the past 10 years. When purchasing a trolling motor I recommend that you purchase one that will provide you with more than enough thrust.

In the Delta, tide movement combined with wind can make it impossible to stay in one place unless you have ample thrust.

I currently have a 101-pound thrust trolling motor for my 20-foot boat. For a mid-size bass boat I recommend a 74-pound thrust engine, and for anything smaller 40 or 50 pounds of thrust should be fine.

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