Bass anglers working artificial lures have complained of a tough bite this week. Most that have been successful have downsized the baits and slowed their presentations.
Jerk baits and Senkos are the top lures this week. Live bait anglers have been doing a bit better. Dunk a live jumbo minnow in the shade of a dock mid day and you’re likely to find yourself with a bass on the line in short order. Folks are fishing from 2 feet of water to 15 feet of water to stay in the action.
Crappie anglers have been delighted this week with a sudden onset of a crappie bite. Fishing guide Bob Koch came in with clients and a boatload of crappie yesterday afternoon for pictures. The crappie ranged from 1+ to about 2 pounds. No monsters, but rather good healthy fish and plenty of them.
Koch was fishing in the shade of docks in about 8 feet of water through the middle of the day. He commented that bass and crappie were mixed in the locations he fished. Mini-jigs or minnows – both were working once he was into the fish. Ken Taddie at Indian Beach resort reported similar activity along their docks with the best bite running through the darkest hours of the night.
Catfish action has been quite good. Last weekend’s Catfish Derby yielded a record number of anglers and a record number of fish weighed in. Good quality fish came from Cache Creek, Rattlesnake Island, Henderson Point, Indian Island and elsewhere. Mackerel was the top seller throughout the event with live jumbo minnows, shad, and shrimp also doing well.
We’re stocked up full on live and frozen baits, minnows, terminal tackle and ice for the weekend. Drop on by and share your holiday with us. Oh, and while you’re out there… thank a veteran!
Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait & Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, telephone 707-994-FISH (3474). Visit him on the Internet at www.994Fish.com.
