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Prepare for the worst when boating at night
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It was around this time of year back in 2001 when I got my boat stuck while fishing the Delta.
I was by myself, the sun was going down and I was traveling around 40 mph across Big Break Island. Out of nowhere, my boat came to a complete stop. I had gotten my boat stuck on a clam bed.
I tried with all my might to push my boat free, but the tide was going out. Within what seemed like minutes, my boat was completely out of water. Fortunately, there was a guy fishing in a kayak who came over to check if I was alright. He also had a phone, which was rare back then, and allowed me to call home.
I spent the next four hours until midnight, waiting for the tide to come in. Sure enough, at almost exactly that time, the tide came in high enough for me to free my boat. It was a long day to say the least.
Since then, I always keep some warm clothes in my boat and am extra careful when travelling across Big Break, or anywhere that I’m not familiar with. I also try and work myself closer to where I launched towards the end of the day.
I’ve fished through the night on a lot of bodies of water, and the Delta is one my least favorites to be on.     

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.
The weights are down, as many local tournaments are being won with less than 20 pounds. 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 and during the day.
Bass fishing continues to be good for smaller fish, but the bigger bites are scarce. 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 are still being caught by anglers trolling with speedy shiners at depths between 50 and 80 feet deep. Anglers trolling are trolling 3 to 4 mph.
Bass fishing is good for numbers, as the bass have started to school up and follow the baitfish. Anglers are currently catching bass while drop shotting, spooning, or while using underspin’s between 25 to 50 feet deep.  

Lake Camanche
Anglers are having luck while fishing for trout around the lakes dam. Anglers are trolling anywhere between 40 and 100 feet deep for their bites.
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 area. Many of them are reporting success while using chicken livers for bait.
Fishing for trout and kokanee has been really slow for anglers. The good news is that lake management has already begun planting the lake with trout as the water temperature is cooler than expected for this time of year. As the weather cools, the bite should pick up.

New Hogan
There are still a lot of striped bass being caught by anglers fishing early in the morning or late in the day. Many of the locals are choosing to fish the last few hours of the day and are being rewarded with 10 fish limits of striped bass up to 7 pounds.
The bait of choice is white Zoom Flukes that are fished through boiling schools of stripers.

Tip of the Week
Super Glue is one of the most versatile products to have on a boat. It can be used for just about everything from closing up a wound to sealing a leak. Many don’t realize it but superglue will actually cure under water. Super Glue has saved the day on my boat many times.  

To contact Jarod Ballardo email jgbbass@yahoo.com.