NorCal Fishing BS

Crazy enough.... the steelhead I caught a couple of days ago was on a piece of shrimp. We all thought it was a decent striper until I saw the red-ish tint reflect off the trout’s body in shallow water. Was thoroughly surprised.

 

Hope you feel better man. I have a shit ton of things going on this weekend, but I may carry on with your mentality and go out regardless-even if it’s only a couple of hours. Lol

 

I caught a cold last Saturday, too. Trying to rest up and get over it.

Gomexus power knob installed on this Penn Fierce 2 4000LL. I took this reel out rockfishing in November, and while the reel did fine out there, reeling up 200 feet a few times, the little rubber handle rubbed my baby-soft office hand a blister. which ended up popping and then i had to switch it to a right-hand crank to finish the day. this knob should be much nicer. I drilled out the knob shaft to install it.

 

I have the Fierce II 8000 on my surf caster, it’s been great. Only real test has been a few big stingrays.

Didnt get out today, work got in the way. I’ve heard there’s been sturgeon around

 

Didn’t make it out to Clearlake but went out on the community lake. Wife and I each caught a Bass. Was so nice out! Was in flip flops and a t-shirt.

 

Went out to the delta for a couple of hours today. Bass fishing sucked major so I switched up and threw some nightcrawler/shrimp on the bottom. Ended up with a couple dink stripers and a decent bullhead catfish (screenshot below from my GoPro).

 

Maybe we won’t be going next weekend haha

 

Haha! Yeah I was a bit bummed. I know they are hugging tight to the bottom and are being lethargic, so I probably just didn’t get to find the honey hole where they were all stacked. Just glad I got something today.

 

Probably a few more weeks and it should heat up

 

Totally. Need a couple more weeks of 60 degree temps and we will be set. Can’t wait for the spring bite.

 

Just curious, what are the brands you guys use the most for rods and reels at this time? Be interesting to see what everyone prefers.

For rods I am a HUGE Fenwick fan and mainly use their HMG and HMX series rods for all applications. For reels I'll have to go with Daiwa. I was mainly an Abu Garcia guy (for rods and reels) for years, but as soon as I branched out a bit, realized my preferences were more different than I thought.

Im always changing out stuff though, so next year I could be on two different planets (brands) again.

 

I'm not super experienced, but I used to be really partial to Shimano reels, i always thought they felt smoother. This year, I've loaded up on a bunch of Penn Fierce II reels. For rods, I have a variety: Cabela's, Okuma, Daiwa, Shimano, Penn.. mostly based on what was the most affordable (with a good reputation) for that particular type of fishing..

 

Yeah I'm generally the same way. I found that when I go looking for deals I end up with a ton of stuff I never use. Then I end up giving it away or selling it for much less than I paid. Lol. I also experience a common scenario where I will get something and NEVER use it for some lame reason. Then one day I'll pull it out to use and it ends up becoming one of my favorites.

 

Basically using all Dobyns and Shimano.

 

Been SUPER quiet in here lately. Anyone been out?

I was running errands with the lady and dog on Saturday when I found a creek along the road. Had a rod and reel in the back with a mepps spinner already tied on so I gave it a shot. Caught a small rainbow and had more hits before we had to leave. Caught in about a foot of water.

 

nice!

I've sadly been traveling for work the last week. I hope to get out this weekend and hit the lake. I will be swapping over my trolling motor soon which ill want to go use!

 

Hell yes! Hopefully you can make it out. Not sure if I’m going to be able to make it out, but it’s supposed to be stupid nice out these next few day. Crazy we are already seeming 70+ temps in early February.

 

this wind is ruining prime fishing time though. I want to venture out to the delta soon but may need more warmth to bring the prespawn in.

 

Would agree... wind is brutal lately. Also yeah, I think it’s probably going to be another couple of weeks before they “wake up” at the delta. May be able to entice them from the bottom, and there’s always striper, but I’m not convinced it’s go-time yet. Nothing more defeating than driving almost 2 hours for some bass fishing out there and nothing wants to hit during these cold/warm awkward temps.

 

thats why I’m glad I can either drive 5 mins or 20 mins and fish haha