I got into a few fish.  him and I were the only ones out on the lake.   it was cold, drizzly, nasty.  

I really went to see the lake for the first time, 2025.  water was 44-48.  

 

I went to my usual spot, and camped out.  I just meandered a huge squiggly line in my GPS maps working the same area for hours.  he fished around me and hit some other good spots.  he knew the area, and I accidentally found the area just a couple years go. I still knew it less.    kayak shallow, not so great for boats.   we chatted out on the lake but he was dodged with details.  I was super cool with that.  I was not skunking.

 

at the ramp we met.  shook hands and he gave me the juice!!  I was pretty happy about my 5lb, but really happy about the photo of the 10.7 he got.  he broke down his strategy in detail.  hahah..I cant afford, or won't pay for the bait he used, but I was on the right track.  

 

I did fight and lose a bigger feeling fish.  never saw it.  took my breath away the way it hit.  

 

I did hike the spot in the end of summer season when the lake was way receded and I took pics and GPS coordinates of stumps, and channels and drop offs.  I need to do that again!!  

 

I want a double digit so bad I am losing all will to go to work.

Always good to meet another friendly fellow angler.  Sounds to me like he was maybe throwing a glide bait? 

Human connection while fishing, or any hobby, is great! Glad you guys had a moment. It's always cool to get some insider tips too. 

So you catch a five-pounder and the other kayaker catches a ten-pounder. California's glory days aren't over.