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Keeping up with the latest and greatest
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I continue to be amazed at how far technology has advanced and its impact on fishing.

When I was around 12 years old, Shimano came out with a reel that had an electric line counter on it. Sitting on top of the reel was a small digital screen that let you know how much line was out. At the time, I thought that was incredible. When my dad brought it home I looked at it as the secret of all secrets.

Unfortunately, it didn’t take long before I realized that knowing how much line was out didn’t exactly help catch fish, and the added weight of the reel made it uncomfortable to fish with.

That was just the beginning, though. After that it seemed like there were tons of must-have fishing inventions being advertised. From digital depth finders, fish attractants, fishing rods with glow-in-the-dark tips, to the color selectors.

Unfortunately for me I had no real income, so I was stuck with waiting until my dad was tricked into buying one of the latest and greatest must-have items.

It was a fun time to grow up a fisherman. Now as an adult I can only laugh when I hear about a new technique or product that gives the angler the advantage.

One of my favorites is sharper hooks. I’m pretty sure we’ve figured out how to sharpen a hook by now.



Delta Report

Lipless rattle baits are working well for numbers of fish. Once the wind is down anglers are having success while tossing Senko’s along the weed lines. For bigger fish many are tossing Snag Proof frogs.

The bites are far and few but the quality of fish are above average. As we get closer to fall the bite should pick up and the Stripers should start making their way through the system.



New Melones Lake


Trout fishing has really slowed down for anglers fishing at night for them. They’re still catching them while fishing at night under submersible lights but the numbers are down.

Bass fishing has slowed down recently as smaller fish are being caught on small plastics during the day.  Catfishing is still good for anglers fishing the evening hours while using cut bait. Many anglers are fishing right off the bank with chicken livers for catfish up to 11 pounds.



Lake Don Pedro

Trout fishing remains good with most trout being caught by trollers. Anglers are trolling between 35-55 feet deep with Apex spoons.

Bass fishing is slow with lots of smaller fish being caught but very few of any size. Anglers are currently catching bass while drop shotting and spooning anywhere between 25-35 feet deep.  



Lake Camanche


Anglers are doing well while fishing for trout. Many are trolling between Little Hat Island and Big Hat Island. Bass fishing remains good for those fishing with senko’s and crankbaits during the day. Catfishing remains good for anglers fishing at night off the bank.



Lake Pardee


Catfishing is good on the lake. Anglers are focusing on the southern coves of the lake and around the recreation are. Many of them are reporting success while using chicken livers for bait.

Bass fishing is good for smaller fish. Anglers are currently catching them on shad imitating lures. A favorite bait is a white willow leaf spinner bait. 



Tip of the Week


When searching for the right place to fish off the bank there are a few things you might want to take into consideration. The first thing I look for is structure. I haven’t had much luck while fishing banks that were smooth or shallow.

Also, try fishing points. These are areas where the bank comes to a point. If there is a considerable drop in depth once casting out from the point the better. If the points fail to produce, try fishing the backs of coves.

Fish sometimes can be caught in the backs of coves when their not feeding on the points. There are times when waiting it out is the best solution and other times when trying a variety of different spots can make all the difference. 



To contact Jarod Ballardo email jgbbass@yahoo.com.