Years ago when I purchased my first boat it didn’t take long before I wanted something a little bigger.

Several years after that, a really good deal came my way and I ended up buying a bigger boat with all the bells and whistles. I’ve stuck with that boat going on eight years now and have enjoyed many great trips on it.

Lately, I’ve been having thoughts of selling it. I’m not actively involved in tournaments anymore and would like something that required a lot less attention. My current boat has so many luxuries that need to be checked and serviced that it’s just not practical anymore for someone like me.

It’s really a tough decision; I’ve wanted this particular boat since I was a child, and I know if I were to sell it I’d probably regret it.

Veterans’ Day couldn’t have come at a better time for me, as I plan on taking my boat out. I’m hoping on my way home thoughts of selling it will be forgotten.

Delta Report

Fishing continues to tough on the Delta. Striped bass catches are increasing as the cooler temperatures are bringing more fish through the system. For striped bass, try sticking to the main channels or right outside the flooded islands.

The largemouth bass bite has been off and on as I believe the unstable weather conditions have halted a lot of fall type activity. Most anglers are targeting outside weed lines with jigs and crankbaits.

New Melones Lake

Melanie from Glory Hole Sports reported:

“Most anglers who are willing to put in the time are catching limits of 1-2 pound holdovers. Bite is best in the morning. Trollers have been doing well fishing over the main river channel near Carson Creek and Coyote Creek. There have also been reports of limits being caught around Mormon Creek and Bear Creek. Troll 25-45 feet deep and vary your trolling speed. Try making figure-S patterns — this will often catch a hungry trout’s attention.  Trout are feeding heavily on schools of shad.”

Bass fishing is fair for anglers who are finding schools of bass feeding on shad. Most anglers are targeting main lake points or partially submerged Islands.

Lake Don Pedro

Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing experienced great rainbow trout action in Middle Bay with the chilling water temperatures allowing him to break out the lead core line.

Fast-trolling heavy spoons in silver/blue at depths from five to eight colors of lead core or between 22 and 25 feet on the downrigger, Smith was able to put his clients on to two limits of rainbows, releasing another two limits in the process.

New Hogan Lake

The bite has been really good recently or large numbers of bass. Spider grubs in watermelon red is working well if thrown up to the bank and worked down to at least 20 feet. Reaction baits such as Lucky Craft Staysees are also working but not as well as the jig.

Six-inch shaky head worms such as Robo Worms Margarita Mutilator II is another go-to bait.

For the deep-water angler, the larger fish are coming from anglers fishing the schools of bass down to sixty feet while using a drop shot or a jig.

Lake Camanche

There are reports from both sides of the lake stating that the trout are beginning to make their way shallower to about 15 to 20 feet deep. Bank fishing is picking up especially at North Shore near the Day Use point. Limits are being caught using all kinds of colored power bait.

The most popular being Chartreuse and Rainbow but worms are still producing as well. Bass fishing is fair for anglers fishing between 20 and 30 feet deep with jigs and small worms.

Lake Amador

The Tackle Box Café reported trout plants of 1000-pounds are occurring every weekday, and trout fishing has been solid with Woolley Buggers, Kastmasters, night crawlers, white grubs, or Power Bait from the banks.

  Oak Grove Trout Bout

The 27th Annual Trout Bout will take place Saturday, Nov. 19 at Oak Grove Regional Park in Stockton. Over 1,500 pounds of trout will be available to fish. Gates open at 6:15 a.m., and anglers must register by 10. The final weigh-ins take place at 12:30 p.m.

Youth and adult competitions will be held, and kids fish free. A fishing permit fee of $5 is required along with a $5 vehicle entry fee.

For more information, call (209) 33-2050, or visit www.mgzoo.com.