I cant help myself. I was at training the entire week. just got home. learned some new stuff. not so much work stuff. but FISHING STUFF.

I was talking to an instructor, a friend. we were talking about Shasta Lake. I said, "my biggest spotted bass is a paltry 1.5lb fish - I want a 3+". him and two other instructors (eaves-dropping) all muttered together. "you need to go to lake ______!"

what?

apparently they are all buds, and this is their secret lake. they know I dont live close, so I won't blitzkrieg it with my jigs. I googled it and about fell out of my chair. it looks like the JUICE. cottonwood trees, rock piles...

I texted my wife, "hey do we have plans this weekend?".

"sunday". grrrrr.... I am going out at 2:30 am if I have to..fish, and drive back for a one day trip. Saturday. 146 miles. this is pushing my limit. Shasta is further, but I camp overnight. I promised to go solo, to keep it kinda on the down-low.

I learned stuff really good training class.

I love when I run into and talk fishing with guys I meet under other than fishing related situations.

I drove a truck for 35yrs. and had a relay run where I'd meet up with a driver from another terminal and we'd switch out trailers. We'd take a break and sit down over coffee or whatever and shoot the $hjt. One time we stumbled on the subject of bass fishing and every time after that, we'd exchange stories and tips.

We even met up at a lake near that exchange point that neither of us had ever fished. It was a learning experience as we each went about fishing it differently.

On 3/26/2026 at 4:09 PM, Darth-Baiter said:

I was talking to an instructor, a friend. we were talking about Shasta Lake. I said, "my biggest spotted bass is a paltry 1.5lb fish - I want a 3+". him and two other instructors (eaves-dropping) all muttered together. "you need to go to lake ______!"

This time of year a 3+ at Bullards Bar, Melones, or Shasta is very, very doable!

10 hours ago, NorcalBassin said:

This time of year a 3+ at Bullards Bar, Melones, or Shasta is very, very doable!

I know. I think Shasta would have been a good choice.