schplurg

A good week highlighted by this 4.2 pounder at Tulloch Res, California, last week from the dock. Smokey skies from the fires, 80 degrees maybe, late afternoon. YUM Dinger, green pumpkin on "top" and white on bottom. Split shot rigged weedless on 4/0 bla bla... My third largest LMB. I also caught my first night fish, on two different nights, a few dinks, and a few 3 pounders. Lotta fun!

Take it from someone who skunked from November through April. And I mean zero fish (the south bay sucks, I caught some out of town). I fished a lot and one day it finally clicked and suddenly I'm practically a pro, just without the cool jersey. I had serious doubts about myself but just kept on going. Someone at one point told me, "Maybe fishing isn't for you?" (thanks, Mom!). So ya, serious doubts. It was depressing. Think of it as a challenge.

I too was confused by the way that was posted. I didn't know posts had been removed so figured you replied to WRB. Thanks for clarifying, roadwarrior

Hmmm...no fancy gadgets - except a tablet in the canoe!!!

I do see a new site sponsor - something to do with butts. So far you're winning the thread! I thought the talking fish caught here in Cali was going to be the big surprise. Actually - whaddyall think of the Butt Dial? I followed the link in the right margin. I don't have many rods and I only use a few different lines. Does anyone here use or need a system to remind you what line is on each rod?

I say boat, but you're going to get answers based on personal preference. There are good arguments for either vessel. For me, I feel cramped in my yak. My yak is heavy enough to where launching a boat would be easier. I want more freedom of movement, but I only learned this from experience. Kayak has its charms though. There are too many factors to just recommend one over the other. Get both then sell the one you don't like, or keep em both! Or rent a yak and try it.

Stick Worm Super Fluke Craw looks cool, so craw

Could have been time of year, could have been the thick smoke blocking the sun, but I had a great week at Tulloch Res last week (Cali). One day I couldn't even tell precisely where the sun was, the smoke was so bad. I wondered if it made the fish more active since I did pretty good every day. The sky was quite noticeably darker. On my drive up to the lake all the streetlights in Fremont were on midday. Wasn't so bad at the lake though. Caught my best so far this year, a 4.2 pounder, right from my Dad's dock. You can sort of see the haze behind me. 5 inch green and white YUM Dinger. She fought me for 1:20. So fun!!! My friends often remark at how happy I look in my fishing photos and vids. Yep! I am!

Did you eat it?

Had a bat fly into my fishing line a few nights ago, even got in on video. I saw it coming but didn't see it actually hit it, but I felt it. Caught my first night fish last week! I hooked a bullfrog on a frog last year.

This summer I discovered stick worms (YUM Dingers...) after a months long skunk - months! I have caught every fish since then on plastic worms, including my 3rd biggest ever - 4.2 pounder - a few days ago.

My Bait Monkey covers all fishing gear: terminal, baits, rods, and shiny things.

You can tell him whatever you want but the only way to learn this, in my opinion, is by trial and error. I'm still learning it and will be for quite some time.

Yep. End of the day, too much alcohol and a little wind can make for some interesting and funny situations at the ramp.

I video my trips so I can see exactly how I caught every fish I don't use the videos for that purpose really, it's just the only log I have.

^^ I guess for me it depends on what they're smokin

Every morning before I leave the house I tell myself, "Remember, almost every person I run into today will be a lot dumber than I am". It doesn't help - but I'm not shocked by people's behavior anymore either.

It is my personal opinion that most everything these days is garbage. Popular music, TV, movies, manufactured goods like cars, most stuff you can buy on Amazon, journalism, politicians (always getting worse), most tools, even clothing. You name it, it's probably garbage.

I can verify that - I was the one holding the net!

Learn how to untangle those knots first.

My answer too.

Chihuahuas are a dangerous breed! If they were the size of a Great Dane they'd kill us all!

How would we cut our toenails if we couldn't reach our feet? Why are big fat men with huge breasts allowed to walk around without a shirt but women aren't (not even the hot ones like Irene)? I thought men made all the rules? Why is Permanent Press not permanent? Those are questions that keep me awake at night.

I also do the "eat something and regroup" thing when I'm not catching. But the thought of stopping for any length of time - I just feel like I'm going to miss a bite if I do that. I primarily bank fish so there isn't much else to do but fish or change spots. Even while I'm eating I'm constantly watching the water looking for signs of fish.