Minnows, minnows, MINN-O's are the name of the game for quality winter bassin' on Clear Lake. We're seeing the same thing for the crappie. They're doing the trick for big cats, too. So, come brave the not-so-tough winter elements (compared to the rest of what the country is seeing) and get on a really dang good bite at Clear Lake.
Bassers are still enjoying a moderately good bite. Shallow water (3 to 5 feet near drops), mid-depth (12 to 15 feet), and deep water tactics are all working for folks soaking live bait. By live bait, I mean JUMBO MINNOWS. The folks working artificials are having a bit more of a tough time with it. Some folks have had a limited amount of success working small offerings on a drop shot rig. I've heard the mighty Senko mentioned this week but it was in relation to actually knocking the bass on the head to get results.
Guys and gals ... this is winter bassin'. If you want your rod to go bendo grab yourself some fresh jumbo minnows – they're the best imitation of a swim bait I've got!
Crappie ... interesting subject. The calls come in every day, "What are the crappie doing?" and "Are the crappie biting?" They're swimming! With no pressure on the lake and very few anglers working for them they're happy as can be to be left alone. They haven't left the lake. The other fisheries on the lake are doing great. The lake itself is in phenomenal shape (albeit we could certainly use more water).
Folks, if you want crappie they're here for the taking. Start with live minnows – free line 'em or put 'em under a slip float, and target deep water areas along Leubow Point, Frazier Point (Konocti), Kono Tayee and Shag Rock.
And catch this ... Our Crappie Challenge! I'll give a FREE Shimano Convergence or Clarus rod to the first angler or team of anglers that brings in a limit (25) of Clear Lake crappie to be photographed at our store. Find the fish – win a rod!
Catfish action has surged with the recent rains and milder conditions. Jumbo minnow action for cats has been producing some nice fish. We're right back to having our bass anglers complain that they're catching big nasty cats between every five or six bass. Love it!
Calling all duck hunters: The Clear Lake Ducks Unlimited chapter is gearing up for our Feb. 20 banquet. Merchandise – that's prints, sculptures, knives, guns and more – has been chosen and ordered. The banquet reservations have been made. Dinner and raffle tickets are on sale.
There's still much to be done and we would love to have you get involved in our nation's leading waterfowl conservation organization. The group will meet here in our store, Lakeshore Bait & Tackle in Clearlake, this coming Monday (Jan. 11) at 5 p.m. Come join your Clear Lake DU chapter and be a part of something fabulous in 2010.
Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait & Tackle, 14913 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, telephone 707-994-FISH (3474). Visit the store online at www.994Fish.com .
