FRESHWATER
28 Aug 31 - Sept 7 , 2018 VOL . 37 • ISS . 19
BASS FISHING SPOTLIGHT By Mark Fong
Tips for Better Buzzbait Success
Nothing is more exciting than a vicious top water strike and buzzbaits have a well-deserved reputation for generating giant blowups and big bass . Buzzbaits have been around for a long time but with the flood of newer and flashier baits , buzzbaits have lost some of their luster in the eyes of many anglers . Northern California Bass Guide , Ron Gandolfi of Paradise relies on buzzbaits to put fish in the boat for his clients . Recently I made a trip with Gandolfi to Lake Oroville where we got on a good topwater bite and it was the buzzbait that took center stage . Just in time for some great fall topwater action , we share six quick tips for better buzzbait success .
Ron Gandolfi On Choosing The
Correct Buzzbait “ Buzzbaits work great in all types of water ,” explains Gandolfi . “ I think it is the noise factor that draws so much attention . Whether it is around matted vegetation or tules or clean water you can fish buzzbaits in all types of water , it is such a universal bait .” In clear water Gandolfi relies on a ½ oz white Persuader American buzzbait in the blade in blade or clacker style blade . Both these blade styles produce a subtle sound . If there are a lot of bait fish around , he likes to add a plastic swimbait such as a Keitech as a trailer . When the water is stained or muddy , Gandolfi switches to a chartreuse Persuader Double Buzz in chartreuse and in low light conditions he favors darker colors like a combination of black and red . The two side by side counter rotating blades make the Double Buzz a noisy flashy bait that draws a lot of attention from aggressive bass .
Presentation Matters As with any bait , the proper presentation creates more opportunities for success . When target fishing with buzzbaits , casting accuracy is extremely important . When possible , cast past the target and make sure the bait is up and running as it enters the strike zone . Also , it is important to get the bait up and running on the surface the instant the bait hits the water . “ By throwing the buzzbait properly and to the right spot , the success rate will be
much higher ,” advises Gandolfi .
Attention To Detail Retrieve speed depends on how active the fish are . Generally speaking , the warmer the water temperature means that the fish will be more active . “ If you are getting bumped quite a lot , it probably is because you are not going fast enough ,” explains Gandolfi . “ A good tip is to add a trailer hook and speed the bait up a bit .”
Fall Fishing While it is true that buzzbaits take their share of summer time bass , don ’ t put your buzzbaits away when summer gives way to fall . Fall brings about shorter days and cooling water temperatures . Weed growth that flourished during the heat of the summer begins to thin out as bass aggressively put the feedbag on in preparation for winter . This combination of events can set the stage for some of the best buzzbait opportunities of the entire year . Once the water temperature into the low 50 ’ s the buzzbait bite goes away .
Positive Connections When bass are less aggressive , they have a tendency to swipe at a buzzbait without getting the hook . As such I always use a trailer hook when fishing a buzzbait . I thread a 3 / 0 Gamakatsu trailer hook over the buzzbaits main hook and fasten it with a short piece of the supplied rubber tubing . When fishing open water , I will substitute a size 2 Gamakatsu treble for
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SHASTA LAKE cont .
Regardless of where you find them , the bass will respond to a two worm dropshot rig armed with shad colored plastic worms .
Lake Shasta is currently 60 feet from the top and dropping 6 inches per day .
There was a lot of fire damage at Whiskeytown Reservoir , so fishing reports have been few and far between . Prior to the fire the kokanee bite was good for fish to 18 inches . Hopefully anglers will get another shot at these fish before the season ends .
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR
Spectacular Kokanee Fishing Excites Anglers
TRUCKEE – Kokanee salmon fishing at Stampede is “ nothing short of spectacular
This big salmon came knocking during an early August trip on the Sacramento River with Captain Monte Smith .
Photo courtesy of GOLD COUNTRY SPORTFISHING , Oakdale .
the traditional single hook . This works especially well for both smallmouths and
right now ,” reported James Netzel of Tight Lines Guide Servive .
“ Big , round , football shaped kokes to over 17 ” are being caught ,” said Netzel . “ In fact we had boat limits of these beauties by 8 am on Friday , August 17 . “ It ’ s kind of hard to play catch and release with fish of this quality .”
On the following day , Netzel reported , “ Another day catching big lokanee at Stampede !! I scheduled a wife and friend outing today and we had a blast . No pressure .“
“ Paulina Peak Tackle Clown and Watermelon micro hoochies and green Dream spinners were the thot lures ,” he noted . “ So the hot color is and has been pink and green , pink and green , and pink and green . We had oat limits early and the eagles flew about 10 ’ from the boat today . Just makes one feel like shouting AMERICA !”
- Dan Bacher
TAHOE
Lake Trout And Kokanee Bite !
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - Late summer anglers that visit Lake Tahoe are doing pretty well . Both mackinaw and kokanee
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spotted bass which have a tendency to slash at the bait .