The bass pros return to Clear Lake this weekend for a two-day Newjen tournament of Champions. The tournament expected to draw close to a 100 boats. The winning team will each take home a new bass boat valued at more than $50,000. A number of locals will be in the tournament. The fishermen qualified by gathering points in other Newjen tournaments. The blastoff will be at 6 a.m. and the weigh-ins both days will take place in Library Park starting at 3 p.m. There will be fishermen from throughout the West.
Overall the fishing has improved on Clear Lake. Most of the fishermen say they are catching from 10 to 15 bass per day. The water has cleared up and the bass are chasing minnows. The bass are also moving out into deeper water. Areas like Henderson Point and the deeper water near Rattlesnake Island are producing fish. The entire Clearlake Oaks Arm is a good choice. In the North end of the lake from Lakeport to Rocky Point has been has productive. The trick to success is to slow down your retrieve. The bank fishermen have been having success on bass at Library Park in Lakeport. Senkos have been one of top lures. There has been limited topwater action.
The catfish action hac been nonstop and some of the catfish being caught have been huge, weighing more than 20 pounds. Shrimp, salmon and even roasted chicken have been the top catfish bait. The more successful fishermen have drift fishing in 20 feet or more of water.
Bluegill are also biting. This is the perfect fish for a youngster. All that is needed is a light action fishing rod, a bobber and a nightcrawler. Just about all docks will hold bluegill. They are also a favorite eating fish.
The Clearlake State Park is a great place to have picnic. There are lots of tables and the swim beach is perfect. You can also fish from shore and view a lot of wildlife, Be sure and take a camera and let the kids take the pictures.
Upper Blue Lake is worth a fishing trip. The lake is in prefect condition and it holds trout and bass, The lake was stocked with trout a few weeks ago and it offers excellent bass fishing.
Fishermen should take their daughters and wives fishing. I am surprised at the of number of women who call me and say they would love to go fishing. In fact a wife or daughter would make an ideal partner in a tournament.
