14 July 23 , 2021 VOL . 40 • ISS . 14
WHAT ’ s hot continued from page 2
Mixed bag of fish from Bodega Bay . Photo Courtesy of Roland Aspiras
Looks can be deceiving . On the troll for salmon at Bodega Head . Photo Courtesy of Roland Aspiras the weather forecast . What a huge mistake . 45 minutes into trolling I was already chumming the Pacific Ocean with the bagel I ate during the drive to Sacramento . Luckily I had Brian with me ! After regaining my composure I was able to peel myself off the gunnel and get back to watching rods . Moments later , the Krippled Anchovy drew a hit and the downrigger clip popped . Unfortunately the hooks didnt stick . Shortly after sending the rod back down , the other rod doubled over and the line started peeling off of the Shimano Tekota . “ Fish on dude ! Kick the speed down a notch !” This fish ran port to starboard several times and almost wrapped the line into the other rod and downrigger . “ I ’ m going to steer us to port so we can land the fish on that side . I want him out of that other downrigger ,” I said while fighting the fish . Finally the fish started to calm
good hookset . Extra slack line won ’ t allow you to get a hookset because most of your bites come when the spoon is on its way down and if you have too much line out there you won ’ t get good hook penetration into the fishes mouth . Using a light parabolic action rod when spooning doesn ’ t allow you to get a good hookset either . Remember , your bait is falling , you have a bit of slack in your line , and when you get the bite you need some backbone in that fishing rod to have good hook penetration into the mouth of the fish . The soft spongy and parabolic rod that I like to use won ’ t cut it . The better option would be the Medium / Heavy rod I mentioned earlier . Fishing with ultra-light gear is a lot of fun but make sure you can hook the fish ! Trust me , using a little heavier rod that works is better
HOW TO continued from page 5
down and we had her at the transom . Brian made quick work with one swipe of the net and she was in . Success ! A beautiful and bright 14 pound king salmon . A high-five , a bonk on the head , a photo snapped and the fish into the bleed bucket , we were feeling good . We continued to troll in the same area until 2:30 , when we decided to pull the plug and start looking for bottomfish . “ Hey I ’ m all good with one fish bro . Half of a fillet is good for me on that chunky fish ,” Brian said . “ Totally agree .” I said while once again chumming the ocean . We motored to Tomales Point , pinched down barbs and proceeded to jig spoons . I ’ ve jigged for cod for years , and I can tell you that using a Minn Kota Riptide with autopilot and spotlock in the ocean is a complete game changer . Keep in mind that conditions weren ’ t flat ; there was wind , wind waves , swells and an opposing current . The Minn Kota kept us locked to any reef I set her to . Brain and I allotted about an hour
Salmon • Trout • Kokanee • Striper it ’ s all about fishing
Brett Brady
USCG licensed bonded & insured
than using one that doesn ’ t work . However , it is fun testing this balance ! I think the biggest takeaway from this article should be , fishing rods are like golf clubs and each have a specific purpose . It is also a great answer to your significant other when they ask , “ why do you have so many fishing poles ”?
( 530 ) 272-7137 • ( 530 ) 263-4451 www . fishbarebones . com 4003 3807
Headed back from a great day of fishing . Photo Courtesy of Roland Aspiras
to fish for cod and in that time frame , I landed a decent lingcod while Brian slowly picked off several species of rockfish including a gorgeous kelp greenling . With time running out , we took off for calm water inside Tomales Bay to throw swimbaits for a possible halibut . All we found was lots of bait and birds . At 4:30 , we took off to head back to Westside . The Seahawk performed well ; cutting through the windchop and swells pretty well
NOW BOOKING
• Oroville Kings
• Bullards Bar Trout & Kokanee
• Spring Stripers
Los Vaqueros Reservoir
between 12-14 miles per hour . We were back at the ramp in 30 minutes . Our catch for the day : A decent salmon , a decent lingcod and a couple rockfish for just under six hours of fishing . I ’ d say that ’ s a pretty good trip , and plenty of fish for both Brian and I to share . Before leaving town , we stopped off at The Boat House - a great little restaurant that has amazing food . And for those that may not know , the owner , Rick Powers , is also the captain of the New Sea Angler . We had calamari , fish , and clam chowder -- a welcome meal after my chumming session earlier in the day . One thing I believe worth mentioning is the amount of recklessness that is on the road these days . The ride home to Sacramento was more like a fight for survival as folks decided to cut me off , pass me on the shoulder , or follow close enough to get a whiff of fish from the boat . For all of you that choose to tow your boat long distances to fish , stay safe and drive defensively .
and Livermore off Vasco Road First Now Time Anglers Catching Welcome !
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9990 Los Vaqueros Rd . thru Friday
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