Bsl Fishing Report 4-13-14

[Ham]

I launched out of Oakland at around 1100. I took out at about 1800.

It was raining when I launched and really blowing its butt off when I put the boat on the trailer.

I had good intell from cajun angler and once again tried and failed to suplicate his success. Part of this is trying to make what's happening up lake work down lake and part of it is the daily variences in weather. And part of it is that CA is just fllat catching them right now and I'm not.

I ran back to the way back of the two largest active creeks in the Oakland area. I found water around 61 degrees in the way back of the first creek I tried. and off colored water. I fooled one LMB with a spinnerbait. White bass started annoying me so I caught a few of those before relocating.

It rained hard and then soft, but I never got to take off my raingear. I have a > 15 year old set of Cabela's Guidewear. It is worn out and left me pretty damp by the end of the day. I'll need to sell some plasma or knock off a liquior store to buy another set.

I tried at least four different spinnerbaits looking for more fish. When I caught two white bass on my full size, I put on a small soft plastic on a safety spinner arm and caught a couple more. I also caught a couple on a 3/16 oz Spot.

I also tried a buzzbait on a shallow flat. I tried a wobble jig on a rocky transition area. I also tried a square bill on a shallow rocky bank and a wart on a deeper rocky bank. I also tried a jerkbait on a bluffy channel swing headed to the way back. NOTHING on any of these.

I did get a couple of spots on a Ned rig. IF I get an area that I know has fish, Ned rig will make them bite.

I fished a few docks with the Ned looking to sore mouth a few more Spots, but no takers.

The Cougar ran great. I ran 60 plus on top of white caps with not much turbulence. It did get a little bumpier when I had to turn a run the troughs of those white caps.

The White Bass I caught were all makes. I did see folks fishing them from shore in the way, way, way back of the creek that has pig trail access. Perhaps the females were in the really skinny stuff. I went until it was < 2 foot with a gravel bottom. I'm not putting my hull at greater risk than that for a few White Bass I'm going to release.

Weather was iffy, but it never got dangerous. It wasn't necessarily fun weather to fish in and in the end wasn't really very productive either, but it was fishing. Family matters are going to keep me off the water until 4-22-14.

[abbfish]

I fished Saturday in Gulley. I got a late start, but did fish for 5 hours or so. Only managed a short spot and a short smallmouth. It was calm out and I was dragging soft plastics around, something I enjoy. I tend to stay in one spot too long. I should have moved around more. I can't wait to get back down there again.

[Ham]

I really believe once the ball gets rolling that it's going to be a banner year for numbers and quality of bass caught. I hope people keep what they can use immediately and release the rest.

BUT for the time being, I'm fairly confused why I am not getting bit more than I am. If they aren't in the way back yet, why can't I find some on the way to the way back?

BIg hopes for 4-22

[stinger160]

On that guide wear stuff, try a product called revivex. A type of waterproofing recommended for goretex. May get you a few more years before you need to start donating plasma.

[Jerry Rapp]

I second the Revive X stuff. Just follow the directions on the bottle. There is a certain sequence of washing, spraying, drying that needs to be followed, but it did work great for me.

[Ham]

I've played the Revive game. I tried to follow the instructions to the letter and I got another year or so out of it. I would still be a fine suit for wind and spray in the cold weather parts of the year, BUT I'm going to get wet in a day long downpour.

[Col Ron]

Ham, always a pleasure to read your report. Last week, I went out for two, two hour cruises, looking for walleye hooks. The only site of fish were at 40 feet of water. I thought we were two weeks behind, no longer know where we are at. The temps, as you reported, are on the rise but the fish are not showing up. Mid to late April should be decent, but this is not a normal year. Hopefully, it will turn and turn quickly,

Col Ron

www.colonelronguide.com

[dtrs5kprs]

I've played the Revive game. I tried to follow the instructions to the letter and I got another year or so out of it. I would still be a fine suit for wind and spray in the cold weather parts of the year, BUT I'm going to get wet in a day long downpour.

Revivex brings them back from the dead...for a while. Eventually you need a new set. Just sprayed mine this spring.

I'm confused on them at TR as well Ham. I'm catching some, but not close to the numbers that should be available. Think the weather just has them jacked up. Did talk to some folks in Kimberling who fished Bull over the weekend. Caught lots of fish super shallow, and deeper, but all about the same size. Had trouble culling

[Ham]

Family obligations have me on a fishing hiatus for a few more days. My next trip is 4/22. I'm so mad at the fish right now ; It's going to take several > 50 fish trips to get me back to less mad at them. Since I've been struggling, I'm more than ready to get back in the saddle and figure SOMETHING out.

I'm happy for the folks catching them now, but I'm jealous and a little chapped that I am not in that group. I've been somewhat spoiled by earlier success. a 12 fish trip is now "poor".