camman

I've become a huge Phenix fan in the last few years. I can't compare with the Levante (never fished it), but use to fish quite a bit of Shimano/Daiwa rods (Crucials, Cumara, Tatulas). Also did fish a Zodias for a little and couldn’t get use to the handle. Since I stumbled upon the M1, I’ve basically switched everything over to Phenix. IMO Phenix rods tend to run a little bit below their rating so a M is more like a ML in other brands. They still have plenty of back bone and tip sensitivity. I’ve pulled in some big fish and have not had an issue. They are light which I like though on the heavier rods like a 7’8” H can be a little tip heavy. I do have a few Feather rods as well just because they have slightly different sizes then the M1 series, the 6’9”MH is a great stick. I’ve tried to older Recon series and just didn’t like the feel, again I think they were a bit tip heavy in comparison to the M1’s that I use. I have not tried the Recon Elite series. I’ve also got a couple M1 Inshores and the one thing that’s nice is they have a slightly longer handle. It works great when I’m slow cranking a big swimbait. The last few I've bought were on Ebay when they have that 15-20% off one purchase.

Look on YouTube for a Kayak Bait Tube...you can make your own for under $10. The Frabill one is like an anchor when you are paddling

I throw it on a 7’3” MH

Well not sure how much you want to drive, but probably the best Spotted Bass lake I've fished has been Shasta in terms of number and size. I've fished New Bullards Bar once years ago and if I remember it was a scratch bite, probably a timing thing. Other options would be Berryessa for more of a mix between Spots/SM/LM. I fished Melones maybe a month ago and it was a dink fest of Spots....Basically fishing 10-20 ft of water off of points you could not miss, bigger fish came off topwater in the morning. Maybe start at Shasta for a few days then work your way South?

Day 2: Ritual angling

How long are you looking at being up here? Are you looking to lake hop or just stay at one. If you are staying during the week you should not have much lake traffic as all the kids are back in school.

I've only used the AC Plugs when they were massed produced and didnt think they were all that. MS Slammers are leaps and bounds better then the mass produced AC Plugs. I never had the opportunity to fish the original ones from Alan Cole but he pulled some toads out of Castaic on them.

agreed with above the injected are no where close to how effective the wood ones are. If you have Stripers around they absolutely destroy them so be careful if you throw it.

If you bought it from TW they will replace it

Call TW and they will honor the discount

Nope do not cut

Hudd 68 is the best Swimbait out there IMO. I also prefer the top hook over the weedless (better hookup) even when throwing in weeds/wood. I use 25lb mono

I use to fish a lake similar to what you described. It was a small rock quarry that filled with water. Super clear water. I could get fish on plastics but not on cranks (never tried a SB). I did find early in the mornings I would crush them in the summer time on a Lobina Rico.

I remember that happening probably 15 years ago at Castaic. It grabbed my bait and took off only to drop it once the line went tight.

I've got one of these baits...have had it for years....FWIW.....I fished it once in a pool to see how it performed and have never taken it out. At the time I prefer TT or Hudds....sorry couldnt be more help

For me its more productive to run to better water then to mess with a bad area. Yes it can get crowded especially like Franks Tract.... Again my scenario here is to run to different water/areas....try new spots. It seems like most fisherman pound the rip rap or the tulies....I've started to focus on submergered vegetation and have done fairly well.

Assume you have a boat....For me when its muddy water, its trying to find pockets of clearer water....This may mean heading to the backs of some of the Sloughs or getting out of the main channels. An area which is normally better when is very muddy or windy in fact is Disco Bay and heading to some of the back pockets. A few weeks ago I was out on the San Joaquin and flipping tules and catching fish....along comes a big tanker ship and basically muddies the water with the waves and the bite died. I've only covered a drop in the bucket when it comes to the water of the Delta, but its really knowing spots to fish when the weather or water conditions suck.

I punch from the bank, actually been pretty successful

Another vote for the Tatula SV

So I have not tried the Mizmo tubes but have used the Canyon Plastics Giant Tora Tubes which are also 7”. I rig them 2 ways. 1 is a Blade Runner Tora Tube jighead and the other is a way I found on the web from Mike Long on how to rig them (google it). i basically just swim them and occasionally stop to let them fall. Biggest fish I think I’ve caught of them was maybe 5lbs. I was surprised how many 2-3 lbs I’ve caught.

I’m like above in clear water I’m using Tungsten...if I’m around a lot of rocks/wood or in murky water I’m using lead. I find a quality and sharp hook is more important.

Look for “nasal speculum” on eBay...basically the same pliers for under $10

I don’t add a treble to the Hudd 68 fish it straight up. I fish it slow. And as mentioned above doesn’t get a ton of bites but brings in better size fish

I use a 3/0 offset and 1/8 or 1/4 oz weight. Texas rig and swim in the tullies

Tacklewarehouse http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Phenix_Vengeance_Finesse_Slider_Weights/descpage-PVS.html