Two exciting things in my universe this week – copious amounts of rain and jumbo minnows. When you're in the bait business and you're connected to the fishing like we are, rain is a welcome sight come the end of summer. It means our lake is getting a surge of fresh everything. We'll typically see a big jump in fish activity and feeding following the first good soaker of the season. Add to that a big load of healthy plump jumbo minnows and Bob's a happy bait guy!

Here are the reports from the past week, but keep in mind this is the true onset of a season change and things should shift for the better as we move into November.

Bass folks are doing the same thing they've been doing for the past several weeks. Some success on jigs, tubes, drop shot rigs, deep cranks and jerk baits. Some refer to this as "junk fishing" because you're just getting your tackle box out and digging through to find something – anything – that might

give you an edge. The best bite for these folks continues to be first thing in the morning.

Now, the folks fishing live bait are having marginally better luck. A couple of my regulars reported fish stacked in layers – bluegill over crappie over bass. We see this pattern form in the fall and winter and it can be a great formula for success once you figure out how to target the species you want to catch. Live minnows should improve your odds. Get 'em onto a slip float rig and set the depth for what you want to catch.

Look for the deeper points, ledges and deeper humps/rock piles this time of year. Our JUMBO minnows arrived Thursday and have been an immediate success. Once customer reported that he was here just after the hatchery truck dropped 'em off. He grabbed the first dozen and caught a 5+ pound bass on his first cast. Too cool!

The crappie are back. Earlier than usual, too. We're seeing crappie from the Jones Bay/Jago Bay area. Most recent reports indicate that live bait is still the only way to go for crappie success.

Last week I proposed the Clear Lake Crappie Challenge. I plan to continue the Crappie Challenge through the winter and into the spring. We really want to hear about your crappie catches and see those stringers here at Lakeshore Bait and Tackle.

The challenge is simple – register at our shop before you head out to your favorite fishin' hole. Registration is FREE! Come back in with your catch of the day and let us take some pictures. Each week we'll judge the best stringer and award the Crappie Challenge Champion award to that angler.

You'll be featured on our Wall of Fame, in our weekly report, and on our Web site, too. You'll have braggin' rights for the week and some good eatin' fish to boot.

Catfish action seems to have slowed a bit over the last week. It'll be interesting to see what the current rains bring us.

There are a couple of notable events this coming week. On Sunday, Nov. 2, the Lake County Rod and Gun Club is hosting their annual Turkey Shoot. This club does a super job hosting a great trap shooting event where you shoot against others and win frozen turkeys. The club is also our county's premier trap range. Stop on by the Turkey Shoot on Sunday, buy a few rounds of breakin' clays, and enjoy yourself.

These are wonderful family events if your kids are into shooting too. The Lake County Rod and Gun Club is located on Highland Springs Road in Kelseyville. The shoot starts at 8 a.m. and will run all day. Snacks and lunch will be available on site.

The second event I want to mention is Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4. This year's election is possibly the most important election our nation has seen in many years. From amendments that protect the sanctity of marriage (Proposition 8) here in California to choosing our country's next president and vice president, your vote means more now than ever. Be SURE to get out and VOTE on Tuesday.

Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait and Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, telephone 707-994-FISH (3474). Visit him online at www.994Fish.com.

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