Hi Everyone,

I am new to fishing. The only place nearby for me to fish for bass is El Dorado Park in Long Beach, CA. I have been doing tons of reading on different lures and techniques. Every time I fish, I excitedly go and try them out, but have never had any success.

I have a 7' medium action rod with a spinning reel. My lures are: 1/4 oz orange/bronze Rat-L-Trap, a small Rapala Jointed FireTiger, a small Rapala Original Floater (shad) and a small white spinnerbait with a single colorado blade.

My question: What am I doing wrong? Does anyone fish at El Dorado? Any specific advice? Where should I be fishing?

I was just out there yesterday and I fished from 5 pm til 8:30 pm without any luck. I usually go to the 3rd lake without any concrete and fish the far side (next to the LBTC). Typically around 6ish I will start to see the jumping schools of baitfish and large splashes (which I am assuming are the bass). I have tried casting my jerkbaits right on and next to the action, but I never get any hits.

I have tried just casting out and letting it sit for a long time. I have tried small twitches and jerks. I have tried big twitches and jerks. I have tried slow retrieval and I have tried it fast. Nothing.

Any fishing gurus out there feel like that can help out a poor, young fry?

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the world of fishing. I wish could help you out with Eldo. All I can say is that they're difficult lakes to learn to fish. I myself have fished those lakes for bass about four times and came up empty. The only thing I've caught out of those lakes were sunfish(cpr'ed).

The only advice I can give you is get out there early, don't give up because there are nice ones(bass) in those lakes and focus on the lake with the paddle boats.

I'm sure hammer4 on this site can give you some better tips about those lakes since he fishes them more than I.

Tight lines.

El D lake are tough due to very high pressure. I would concentrate on the ranger station lake, it has the paddle boats on it. The lake your fishing does have bass, but are usually in heavy cover, which requires flipping, or pitching jigs ect into heavy weeds or tullies.

Spots on the ranger lake to fish are in front of the old ranger station, starting from the north side tullies to the bend by the paddle boats, then the semi point just after the bridge on the so.west side, and opposite side of the lake where the old ranger station is.

As for baits..Nothing is for sure, these are baits that I and guys that I know that fish there have caught decent bass with.

Worms, including Senko's. Best to fish these Texas or Carolina rigged, dropshot can and does catch fish, but the other 2 seem to produce better numbers.

Worms in Senko's should have brown as the main color, these should be the 6" ones.

Roboworms, again Brown should be the main color. For a Carolina rig and Texas rig, use the Lightest weights that will allow you to cast a decent ways.

The Carolina rig, should have about a 2' leader. I have found the best way to fish the texas rig is to cast out, let it sit on the bottom for a min. of 30 secs. then raise the rod tip up about 8 to 10", and let the bait fall, let is sit for 20 secs, or so and repeat. Be Ready, because most bits happen on the Fall regardless of the bait.

The Carolina rig is casted out, let it sit for 30 secs.then give your rod a few twitches, just enough to get the worm to wriggle, then reel for a turn or 2.  let it sit for 20 secs. then like the Texas rig raise the rod tip about enough to get the worm up so it can fall, again, be Ready. BTW, Creature, and craw type baits will also produce with the above rigging and presentations.

Spinner baits. 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2oz, in White, White with Chartreuse, and chartreuse, with Willow-leaf blades, or at least the main blade being a willow, and the secondary blade being a Colorado blade. never needed a trailer bait, but a trailer hook is a good idea. I favor fishing these either with a slow roll, or a med. slow retrieve, depending on the weed situation, you'll need to go faster to keep them out of the weeds, unless you don't mind picking snot grass off your lures.

keep in mind, even the El D regulars get skunked a bunch. The more you fish there, the more you Learn, just takes time, as any lake does.

I only mentioned the above baits for the best chance to catch fish, that's not to say other baits, such as cranks, frogs, swimbaits, and Chatterbaits won't catch fish, because they do.

As for gear, if I'm not swinbaiting. I take a 7' M spinning rod with a size 2500 reel, and a 7' or 7'6" baitcaster, casting distance sometimes pays off. The spinning rig will have 6 or 8lb Yozuri ultrasoft. The baitcaster, will have at least 10lb and up to 20 lb Yozuri ultrasoft, depending what I'm throwing. Oh, with regards to hooks, don't buy Cheap hooks, I like the Owner's, they are Sharp,and don't bend, but they aren't as cheap as some hooks either.

This should help to get you started. Good Luck, and tight lines.

Update: August 11, 2010

First off, thanks you Hammer and Urban for your advice! I went out and got a 3/8 oz chart/white spinnerbait with a willow and Colorado like you suggested. I held off on the worms cause I don't really know how to fish plastics.

So I have been going to El Dorado almost every day after work to fish from about 6 pm to 9. Today was the first day that I was able to go fishing after reading your suggestions. Today I got there about 6. I walked to the ranger station like you recommended but found it too weedy. I lost my brand new spinnerbait. Then I switched to my Rat-L-Trap, but I gave up because it was just getting caught on too much gunk. Then I tried the semi-point, but it was occupied. Eventually I just walked back to my regular spot.

Along the way, I met lots of other anglers, including a few bass fishermen. It seems like no one was having much luck. They were all using plastic worms or frogs. I would really like to learn to fish frog lures one day.

Anyhow, I decided to stick with my Rat-L-Trap. I would basically cast out as far towards the island as I could and then reel it back in a variety of ways. Sometimes I would let it sit for awhile after the cast, while sometimes I would retrieve immediately. I also tried constant retrieves in different speeds. Then I tried some retrieves with pauses and twitches. I also yo-yoed the lure. Nothing.

Around 7:45, it was getting pretty dark so I resigned myself to a last 5 casts. On the fifth cast, I was retrieving with twitches and pauses when my line got caught about 15 ft out. I figured it was a weed line that I always seemed to get tangled in. But when I looked at my line, I noticed that it was moving! So I quickly set my hook and pulled out this lovely lady! I guess it's a crappie.

Nevermind, I can't post pictures.

So after 3 weeks and over $30 dollars worth of lost lures, I have finally caught my first fish (Bluegill aside).

The weather today was pretty sunny, but not as hot as last week. Also, by 7 it was pretty chilly. When I left at 9, the water was warm to the touch. Water surface was a bit choppy, but wind was pretty minimal. Water visibility was probably less than 2 ft.

I also tried a Rapala jerkbait (shad) before I left, but no luck.

So what do you guys think? Anything you think I could have done differently/better? Thanks in advance.

Check your PM's..

The bite is really tough, as I explained in my pm. You could have done a few things more, but I'm not sure it would have helped to get you a bass..

Update: August 12th, 2010

Went out again. 6 to 8:30 pm. Pretty clear water and low winds.

Fished a spinnerbait off the semi-point. No luck. Will try robo worms tomorrow.

What do you think will be more effective?

Margarita Mutinator (purple/blue/brown) or

Bold Bluegill (light green/dark green/brown)

Tough to say. I'd favor the Bold Bluegill. If you have em, take both.

Good Luck.

nice of you to reply back to my p.m....not!

try fishing in the morning early....poppers,frogs,buzzbaits  you will def. lose less lures that way.

nice of you to reply back to my p.m....not!

try fishing in the morning early....poppers,frogs,buzzbaits you will def. lose less lures that way.

Who are you talking to..????

Update: August 14th, 2010

I went to El Dorado around 6 pm. The weather was clear. Sunny. The water was very clear. Minimal wind, so very little choppy water. I came armed with a pack of 4.5" Roboworms (I couldn't find the 6" worms anywhere) in oxblood (I decided to go as brown as I could). I had it Texas-rigged with a 1/8 oz bullet weight and #1 offset ewb. Seeing as it was Saturday, there were a ton of people there. I started casting out by the ranger station, but decided there were too many people. I made my way to the semipoint.

I would cast out as far as I could (I guess like 25 ft?) and then leave it for 30-45 s then lift my rod. I felt like when I lifted my rod 8-10" it wasn't enough to move my worm, so I lifted my rod tip about 2 ft. Then I would let it drop and reel in the slack. Then wait another 20-25 s before continuing. For awhile, I was afraid that the weight was too much because when I tested the rig in the shallows it looked like it feel really fast. Do you think splitshotting would be a good idea? Regardless, I continued with your technique for a couple hours. Then on one of the falls, just like you said, I felt a bite. So I reeled in and set the hook. Then the fish lept completely out of the water! It was such a rush!

I soon got her on-shore, but having not expected to catch anything, I didn't bring my scale. I would guess it was about 2 lbs. and around 16 inches long. It really made my day.

@Hammer 4: Thank you for taking the time to help me out. I really appreciate it. If I ever get a chance to meet you at ED, I'd love to shake you hand.

@dday07: Sorry for not replying to your message. Before H4 told me to check my PM I didn't even know I had one! By then I thought it was too late to respond. I owe you thanks for the new 1/2oz chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap I picked up. What size senkos would you recommend? Also, many of the lures I lose are due to my inept casting. I am interested in fishing with frogs though. I see many people with them, but have never talked to one who had any luck. Are they hard to fish?

You can get all the Roboworms at either Savon Tackle in Sant fe Springs, or Long Fin in Orange.

Savon is off 605 and Telegraph Rd. on Orr Day..right around the coner from the Chevron station.

@ Hammer 4 - Thanks for the tip! I looked up Savon Tackle and I found out about a closer spot that I think is affiliated with Savon called Fishermen's Hardware on Temple and Anaheim. I went there on Monday to grab some 6 inch Robos. I want to get some in the oxblood color as that worked for me before but no luck so instead I grabbed Margarita Mutilator III (purp/blue/brown). I did see another type of Robos called "Sinking Minnows." Would those be good to try at El Do?

Update: August 15th & 17th

On the 15th, all amped up by my first bass, I decided to come out early. I got to El Dorado @ 7 am.

I tried fishing with the Bold Bluegill worm (4.5 inches). I fished for about 30 mins at the semi-point when another gentleman walked next to me and started casting. He was using a live crayfish. On his second cast he had a fish!

I fished all the way until 9 that night without a single bite as far as I know (At points I got discouraged and switched to panfishing so i wasn't completely empty handed all day). Lots of fishermen passed me on that day and all of them told me no luck. Near the end of the day a guy walked by with a couple of baitcasters rigged with a pop-r and crayfish crankbait. Less than 3 ft where I'd been fishing for almost 14 hrs he caught a little 12 incher on the FIRST cast!!! Oh well, I guess that's how the Fish Gods do it.

On Tuesday, I came back with my new 6 inch Robos. Got there at 6:30 am (Rangers be damned!). Went to the semi-point. Fished for about 2 hrs with no luck. Another angler came out and was nice enough to show me with "wacky worm" rig. Looked pretty wacky. I would like to try that sometime. You guys have any luck with a WW rig?

He fished for about 30 mins with no luck and left. Then another guy came to fish that point and he was using Senkos (black + blue fleck) with Texas rig. He fished for another 2 hrs when I hear his drag start to whirl and he starts to shout. Unfortunately, the fish slips and he loses it. He leaves, but before doing so hands me a Senko (I love the angling culture of sharing!)! I take his spot and fish the Senko. About 45 mins later I get a bite! I am winding in when the fish leaps completely out of the water. I try to keep the tension in the line, but I fail and the hook slips out.

So that's it so far. I am planning to head back out there tonight at 6 pm.

I had a few questions I was hoping someone could help me out on:

1. When is it more appropriate to Carolina vs Texas rig?

2. How do you guys decide when to change worm colors? I fished for 2 hours before catching something. Should I have been changing more often (all the fish I've caught were after doing the same thing hour after hour)?

3. Where should I be aiming for when casting? Right now I am mostly aiming for the middle of the lake. Sometimes I cast near the reeds and stuff, but I have not gotten any action there. Are jumping schools of baitfish good targets or are the bass not interested in worms at that point?

4. Is the presence of ducks an issue when fishing (i.e., they scare the fish)?

I really appreciate all your help guys!

I had a few questions I was hoping someone could help me out on:

1. When is it more appropriate to Carolina vs Texas rig?

2. How do you guys decide when to change worm colors? I fished for 2 hours before catching something. Should I have been changing more often (all the fish I've caught were after doing the same thing hour after hour)?

3. Where should I be aiming for when casting? Right now I am mostly aiming for the middle of the lake. Sometimes I cast near the reeds and stuff, but I have not gotten any action there. Are jumping schools of baitfish good targets or are the bass not interested in worms at that point?

4. Is the presence of ducks an issue when fishing (i.e., they scare the fish)?

I really appreciate all your help guys!

1..Change when your Not getting bit after about 15 or 20 mins..I wait a bit longer. The bass will let you know what they want..i.e. when you start getting hits. Some days one will work better than the others.

2..In most cases, color doesn't have much to do with catching fish, However, I find that the bass there are more likely to hit browns, and or cinnamon colors more than others. Size can be a factor too, if they are hitting the 6" worms, go down to a 4.5" worm. You can also try, Oxblood, Hologram shad, and sexyshad, in the roboworm colors.

3..Try Fan casting, i.e. cast along the shoreline, to your left, and work back toward your right, that way you cover more water. Sometimes a bass will hit if they are chasing a baitball..and yep, they will hit a worm, best if it weightless, or use a Very light weight.

Some guys will yell and scream at the ducks, and geese, I don't worry about them, and I don't think the bass care if they are around, I mean, what is a duck going to do to a bass..?lol

The best thing you can do at el d..is stay Positive..keep working the ranger lake, change baits when you feel the need..think outside the box, if you will..If there's weeds, don't be afraid to throw your bait in the thick of them, most likely, that's where the bass will be.

1. Oh wow, 15 - 20 mins? That seems like only few casts using the technique you showed me. So far I've only had luck with the T-rig. Also, as far as I know, the only action (i.e., bites) that I've ever had were the two catches. Do you think I am missing a lot of subtle bites?

3. I have been using a 1/16 oz bullet head weight.

4. Okay, I didn't know if they might make the bass skittish, but I will continue to ignore them.

Thanks Hammer!

What rod, reel, and line are you using..?

As far as waiting to see which presentation, or color ect.works..you can fish as long as you see fit..I've spent well over an hour just throwing a bluegill colored chatterbait before I was getting ready to leave. left it tied on, went back the next day, in the same spot, 4th cast, bam..solid 5lb'r..sometimes, lady luck might have a bit to do with catching fish.. ;D

Rod: Berkley Lightning Rod 7' Medium spinning one piece

Reel: Daiwa Shock 1500-B

Line: Trilene 8 lb green

Yeah, I know it's a lot of luck, but it's so hard to know whether I am doing things right.

O.K...try this, t rig a worm of your choice..cast out, let it sit for a bit, then lift your rod tip about a foot, then lower it on slack line, when the bait hits the bottom, reel in the slack, and at a slow pace and a steady cadence reel continuesly..that's called slow rolling, I have caught plenty of fish using this method, but it doesn't always work..anytime you feel resistance, set the hook, even if you think it's a snag, which it very well may be, but hooksets are free.. When setting the hook, lower your rod, reel in the slack, and snap your wrist back toward you, keeping the pressure on, if you feel the fish starting to come out of the water, stick the rod tip in the water, and continue to reel in..Make sure you have quality hooks, and they are Sharp..I like the Owner hooks.

I'll have to  see if I can get to el d soon, maybe we can snag a decent bass or 2..lol

That sounds great. I will try that tomorrow morning. I was talking to another fisherman today and he very generously gave me a handful of various plastics, including some roboworms, senkos, lunker city, and some others I don't recognize. How should I store these? Can I just throw them into one bag or does each one need it's own bag? I can't wait to try some of them out tomorrow. I am using Gamakatsu hooks. Size 1/0 offset EWG.

If they are similar in color, throw em all in a zip loc baggie. I would get some 2 and 3/0 ewg hooks too..although for the roboworms, a 1/0 offset worm hook works fine. I say 2 and 3, cuz I don't know exactly what you have, but you'll use them down the line for sure.

Update.

So I have been continuing to hit up El Dorado pretty regularly and I continue to be regularly skunked. I usually go 3 or 4 times before getting any action.

Last time I managed to pull out a dinky little thing on a 5 inch watermelon/red fleck senko t-rigged. Just as I was all proud of myself a gentleman to my right pulled out a huge 4 lbr! I walked over and asked him what he was using. He told me that he was out there for the first time with his family and decided to try to use one of the little bluegill his son had caught for bait. Lucky duck!

Then later than day, while fishing next to a bluegill fisherman, a huge bass struck the guy's line as he was dragging in a bluegill.

Those two incidents convinced me to try some sort of fish imitator, but all I had was a green pumpkin swim senko. Tried it regardless, but no luck. That night I went to Big 5 Sport and bought a little 2 inch crappie (chrome/silver) swimbait by Creme (Spoiler Crappie) as well as some 2/0 and 3/0 hooks. I will try it later today.

Another method that was shown to me was to fish for the very close inshore bass. Next to the spot where I like to fish (semi-point, near the green pipe) there are a lot of overheading trees to my right. There are a few nooks to poke into and I have seen some bass cruising around in them especially in the mornings. The guy told me to just throw your worm in there and wiggle it around, which I have tried the bass don't seem to care.

To try to get more action, I tried a wacky worm rigged 5 in senko and a neko rigged 6 in robo. I felt I had decent action, like what I saw online, but no success. Do you have any concrete methods to fish those spots like you showed me for open bank fishing?

Thanks!

Booyah! I can finally posts pictures!

Here's the first fish I caught. I think it's a crappie (black or white?). Used a 1/2 oz chrome/blue Rat-L-Trap.

Here's the first bass I caught with a 4.5" Roboworm (oxblood):

Here's the little dink I caught with a 5" Senko (Tx-rig) watermelon/red fleck:

I've circled the parts of El Dorado that I frequent.

Nice black crappie.

Those are about the only decent spots on the north lake to fish for bass, unless it's pre spawn, or spawning.

I might head to the ranger lake Thurs. or friday morning..have a new rod I want to test out..

That would be great if you could do it on Thursday as I will be out as well!

Any ideas about the close-range bass?

they used bluegill as bait?  Think thats a no no.