There’s nothing worse than a thief.

For years I’ve always been led to believe that my fishing tackle would be OK unsecured. After reading and hearing about friends who have had their tackle, and even boats, stolen, I’ve had to take precautions.

Especially during the winter months where there are very few people around the boat docks and parking lots, it’s easy for a thief to go through a parking lot and take what they want. One of my biggest losses came while I was testing out an outboard I just finished tuning up years ago. As I returned back to the dock, someone had taken the wheels and axle off my 12-foot boat trailer.

Fortunately for me, I was able to fit it all in the bed of my truck, but I couldn’t believe someone would stoop so low. Since then I’ve locked everything up and hid everything of value out of site.

I also try to frequent launch facilities that are a little more secure than those that are open to anyone to enter and exit without having to pass through a guard post. I pretty much have had to put locks on everything, especially the spare tires on my truck and trailer.

Even though I have locks on everything, I guess if a thief wants something bad enough he or she is going to take it. It’s really unfortunate that such extreme measures have to be taken but the cost of a few locks is nothing compared to the cost of replacing even one spare tire.

Delta Report

Striper fishing continues to get better. Anglers are catching stripers while trolling broke-back rebels and drifting live bait. Striped bass seldom stay in the same place for much time; sometimes waiting them out is the only choice.

A good area is the rock dam found in Middle River. In the early-morning hour try tossing top-water lures, and during the day try drifting live bait. Another good spot is right around the Highway 4 bridge in Middle River adjacent to Union Point.

Largemouth bass fishing has slowed, as the numbers of bass have been down recently. Slow-moving baits have been working, but anglers are struggling to catch quality or quantity. The water temperature is on the brink of dropping into the 40s, making jigs the smart choice.

New Melones Lake

Trout fishing is reported as getting better, as the water temperatures are dropping. All baits are working well for trout. Anglers fishing off the bank are making sure that what ever they fish with at least floats off the bottom. Anglers trolling are catching fish while trolling at all levels. Most anglers are choosing to fish the top 20 with shad-imitating lures.

Bass fishing continues to be good as well as the bass are feeding off schools of baitfish. Large swim bait fish are still being caught as anglers are fooling an occasional big fish with trout imitators. 

Lake Don Pedro

The shad are starting to make their way into the backs of coves making fishing for trout the best for anglers fishing along the banks of major coves. Anglers trolling are doing best while trolling around Moccassin with shad-imitating baits.

Bass fishing has slowed down for a lot of anglers. This time of year it’s important to fish around the shad. Once finding the shad the bass usually won’t be too far away.

Lake Amador

Trout fishing is great for anglers fishing both on and off the bank. If you plan on fishing off the bank make sure to get there early as a lot of the more accessible spots are being taken up early. The bait of choice is Power Bait or trolling any shad imitating lure from the surface down to 10 feet. Bass fishing has slowed as most fish have moved deep for the winter. Jigs and drop shotted Robo Worms on main lake points are key areas. As the trout are up shallow, now is a great time to toss a swimbait.

Lake Camanche

Trout plants continue weekly and catches have increased weekly. The North Shore area has been really good lately for anglers fishing off the bank with Power Bait and anglers trolling shad imitating lures are doing well while fishing along the dam.

Bass fishing has slowed some but anglers are still catching bass on jigs and small plastics. It’s important to find baitfish as bass are actively feeding on them.

Tip of the Week

If you plan on staying for the evening bite, be careful not to stay too late as the sun sets quickly this time of year leaving very little day light for navigating.

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