The cooler, unsettled weather has put a much-needed damper on the bass fishing at Clear Lake. The fishing was roaring along at an unprecedented pace prior to the recent storm. Just about anyone could go out and catch a boatload of fish.
A good example of just how explosive the fishing is could be seen during last weekend”s 100 Percent Bass team tournament held out of Redbud Park in Clearlake. The winning team of Marc Brown of Ukiah and Jerad Stone of Lakeport weighed in 39.29 pounds. They collected $3,940 in prize money.
In second place was the team of Mark Crutcher and Greg McCosker of Lakeport with 35.96 pounds. They won $1,705. The big fish of the tournament was caught by Lakeport”s Michelle Borghesani, who was fishing with her husband Paul. That fish weighed 11.59 pounds.
All 41 teams weighed in limits and the average weight per fish was an incredible 4.5 pounds. Eight bass weighed more than 8 pounds each and two topped 11 pounds.
The bass are now on the spawning beds and most of the fishermen are catching anywhere from 15 to 40 fish per day these are mostly recreational fishermen, not the experienced tournament anglers.
For those just wanting to catch a bunch of fish, one of the best methods is drop-shotting a plastic worm back in the tules. All you have to do is spot a fish either cruising or locked on a bed and pitch the plastic worm in front of the fish. Shake the rod tip a bit and you”re almost guaranteed to catch the fish. Most of the bass you will catch will be the smaller and more aggressive males between 1-4 pounds.
For those who want that trophy fish, then the swimbait is the way to go. The only downside of using this lure is that it”s heavy (after casting it all day you”ll think your arm is going to fall off). Jerkbaits also have been effective.
A guided fishing trip is just about everyone”s dream and Clear Lake has several excellent guides. Safeway in Lakeport is selling raffle tickets for two guided fishing trips, with proceeds to support the Easter Seals Campaign. The guides, Ross England and Richard Pounds are both full-time guides on Clear Lake and some of the best in the business. The raffle tickets are only $2 each or three for $5. Included in the trip is a lunch and drinks supplied by Safeway. Raffle tickets are on sale at the service counter at the Lakeport Safeway. The drawing will be held on April 27.
This is a great deal that helps a good cause. A guided fishing trip typically costs about $300. Both guides have a modern bass boat and they will furnish all the fishing equipment.
WON BASS will hold a team tournament on Saturday. The tournament operates out of Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa. The weigh-in begins at 3 p.m.
The warm weather has improved the crappie fishing and the fish are moving north.
Crappie are being caught at the bridge on Rodman Slough. Some of the docks in the Lakeport area also are producing crappie. Fishermen are cautioned that they can”t fish from the pilings beneath the bridge at Rodman Slough.
Upper Blue is providing some decent trout action for trollers using a red/gold Kastmaster or Needlefish. The lake was stocked last week and will be stocked again next week. The bass fishing has been slow. Trout and bass are being caught at Lake Pillsbury.
Ocean salmon fishing at Fort Bragg has been terrible. Most of the party boats have been lucky to put one fish in the boat. The action should improve in the coming weeks.
Turkey hunters are enjoying some of the best hunting in years. One of the better areas has been the Cache Creek Wildlife Area. In fact, many of the hunters already have taken their three-bird season limit.
