The excellent bass fishing at Clear Lake continues to grab most of the attention among fishermen. The results of the two-day Bob’s Marine Tournament are a good example. The tournament drew 43 boats and all but two teams weighed in five-fish limits on day one. Some huge bass also were weighed in, the largest fish weighing 11.34 pounds, caught by the father-son team of Sandy and Bryan McGeogh of Lakeport.
Bryan McGeogh actually caught the big fish on a white chatterbait while fishing in the north end of the lake. Two other 10-pounders were caught during the tournament as well as several 9-pounders. The winning weight was nearly 60 pounds.
Trophy bass aren’t the only fish being caught. There have been plenty of fish between 2-4 pounds taken. Local fishing guide Bon Myskey guided two clients Wednesday and he said they put 35 bass in the boat, most weighing between 1-3 pounds. He said his success came from drop-shotting a plastic worm along the Nice-Lucerne shoreline.
Gary Hill of Kelseyville has been scoring some big-time bass while fishing from his float tube at Clear State Park. Most of his bass are being caught on plastic worms rigged drop-shot style. He said the bass are holding in water as shallow as 1 foot all the way out to 15 feet. Some of them are weighing as much as 8 pounds.
Bass fishermen working off the banks at Lakeside County Park and the docks at Library Park in Lakeport are catching up to 10 fish per day with the occasional catfish and bluegill thrown in.
There are no major bass tournaments scheduled for the weekend, however there are number of club tournaments. The annual Triton Boat Owners Tournament is scheduled for Oct. 1 and operates out of Konocti Vista Casino.
Crappie and bluegill with an occasional catfish are also being caught around the lake. The best areas are Henderson Point and Shag Rock.
Smallmouth bass are being caught at Lake Mendocino. Most of the bass are averaging from 1-3 pounds and the south end of the lake has been the best producer.
It’s nearly impossible to launch a boat at Lake Pillsbury because of low water. A few fishermen are using kayaks and are catching bass. The trout action has been very slow. There had been rumors that the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DWF) was going to stock the East Branch of the Russian River but it turned out to be just that, a rumor. There are no plans to stock these areas in the near future.
The B-zone deer seasons open Saturday and hunters can expect warm to hot conditions. The deer population in the B zones is down considerably. The A-zone season has one week to go before closing on Sept. 25.
Ted and Janine Elliott are the present owners of ETicket Tackle in Lakeport. Janine is on the heart transplant list and is waiting for a new heart. She always has a smile on her face and welcomes customers into the shop. She is also active in Special Olympics and is always helping people out. The owners of the Lucky 4 Resort in Lakeport are holding a special spaghetti dinner and raffle fundraiser Saturday starting at 5 p.m. at the resort. The cost is $20 per person and all proceeds will help defray Janine’s medical expenses, which include traveling back and forth to Stanford to treat her heart condition. The resort is at 1060 N. Main St. in Lakeport, next to the Cottage Cafe. Donations are also welcome at the Janine Elliott Benefit Account at Westamerica Bank
