California Sportsman Mag - June 2023

Sportsma n Californ ia

PUBLISHER

James R. Baker

GENERAL MANAGER

John Rusnak

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Andy Walgamott

EDITOR

Chris Cocoles

CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Fong, Scott Haugen, Tiffany Haugen, Tim E. Hovey, Cal Kellogg, Todd Kline, Joe Sarmiento, Lance Sawa

SALES MANAGER

Paul Yarnold

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Lucas Hoene, Mike Smith, Zachary Wheeler

DESIGNER

Lesley-Anne Slisko-Cooper

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Kelly Baker

DIGITAL STRATEGIST

Jon Hines

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Katie Aumann

Volume 15 • Issue 8

INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER

Lois Sanborn

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

ads@calsportsmanmag.com

CORRESPONDENCE

Email ccocoles@media-inc.com

Twitter @CalSportsMan

Facebook.com/californiasportsmanmagazine

ON THE COVER

Long-range trips out of San Diego and other Southern California ports can give anglers the chance to battle some massive bluefin tuna. Summer and fall offer the best chances to hook up with one of these monsters.

(JOE SARMIENTO)

MEDIA INC PUBLISHING GROUP

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BE MORE PLASTIC FOR TROUT

31 CLEAN ’EM AND COOK ’EM

With all those trout you’re gonna catch this summer, here’s how to get the besttasting filets at the campground or on your backyard grill. In their latest From Field to Fire feature, Scott and Tiffany Haugen provide a full-service how-to on cleaning, fileting and preparing your catch for the pan. Not sure how to serve your fish? Try Tiffany’s smoky dip for the ideal summer appetizer!

45 GO WITH THE BOW

One of Tim Hovey’s buddies had an invasive carp problem in his ranch’s canal system, but despite lacking experience fishing with a bow – let alone ever hunting with one – Hovey decided to give bowfishing for carp the old college try. Here’s how ingenuity, a little practice and an assist from one of his daughters allowed Hovey to try and do a buddy a solid.

51

GET READY FOR SOCAL BLUEFIN TUNA

Long-range anglers who are willing to bunk aboard a charter boat can get in some outstanding bluefun tuna fishing way out in the Pacific, well past where local anglers are stuck jigging. Saltwater fisherman Joe Sarmiento has taken plenty of these extended trips and has the skinny for newbies looking to fight some of these giants of the Pacific.

As I write this, Mother’s Day is just around the corner. By the time anyone reads this space, Father’s Day will be looming. Given that I have lost both of my parents – Mom in 2007 and Dad in 2019 – I usually have equal parts of emotional responses on those May and June days that we honor our mothers and fathers. I find myself being a little sad since I miss them, a little happy knowing they led long lives, a little reflective and a lot nostalgic. There are so many memories to look back on with some reverence.

And thank you to our correspondent Lance Sawa (an expat Southern California native also known as our “American Angler in Japan” columnist) for his moving piece on a return to the Eastern Sierra as a tribute to his own late father Mark, a constant fishing partner (page 15).

Sawa and I both can think back on past fishing adventures with our dads (though my pop wasn’t much of a fisherman; then again, neither was I. But that doesn’t matter). But admittedly at times I have a hard time collecting my thoughts when writing about those times. I asked Lance if he too struggled to put all those feelings into words when recapping his trip to Bishop.

“The story was very emotional and difficult to write. I sat on it for months, not touching it. When I went to Bishop on my last trip I knew it would be hard, but not as heartbreaking as it was,” he said. “By this time I had gone through most of my own grieving process, but the feeling of loneliness was heavy. His old rods are now mine. His old spots are now mine. The memories of our time together are now mine alone.”

That’s what makes certain days throughout the calendar year a little more difficult for me, knowing that I don’t have my parents to

THE EDITOR’SNOTE

share them with. Holidays, obviously. NFL Sundays, when my dad and I both enjoyed friendly bickering over our favorite teams and bitter divisional rivals. The August day marking his car club’s annual picnic we’d frequently attend together. Even when I’m fishing and knowing he usually was indifferent about being on the water, I think he had fun with me. Sawa seemed to echo those thoughts when reminiscing about wetting a line with his father.

“He was the type of person who talked about nothing important when fishing. Always talking about a new fishing spot or a new bait that was all the rage,” Lance said of Mark. “Even if that new spot or new bait produced no results, he was happy.”

And I’ll try to follow that blueprint when it comes to remembering those no longer with me, to look back with more joy than sorrow. I’ll take that approach on June 18. I hope for everyone to also have a Father’s Day to remember. -Chris Cocoles

The late Mark Sawa (with grandson Nico, Lance’s son) was always on Lance Sawa’s mind when the expat returned from Japan to the Eastern Sierra to fish last year. “His old rods are now mine. His old spots are now mine,” Lance says. (LANCE SAWA)

We’re not ashamed to admit it: Todd Kline has the kind of life we wish we could experience. Kline’s a former professional surfer, a successful co-angler on the FLW Tour and a Southern California bass guide, plus he gets to travel the world as a commentator for the World Surf League’s telecasts. Todd has agreed to give us a peek on what he’s up to each month. For more on Todd or to book a guided fishing trip with him, check out toddklinefishing.com, and you can follow him on Instagram at @toddokrine. –The Editor

I  volunteered as a captain/ boater to take two kids out at the SoCal Juniors Tournament on El Capitan Reservoir. It is always cool to give back. This is me (middle) hanging with a crew and talking fishing –always a favorite subject of mine! (TODD KLINE) .

This was my best day of guiding for big fish – this couple broke their personal-bests with 6-, 8- and 10-pounders. All of these beauties were caught on Yamamoto Senkos. (TODD KLINE)

I did a fun photo shoot with Okuma. (TODD KLINE)

What a great experience at Diamond Valley Reservoir. After a morning guide trip, I caught this big one on a jig. (TODD KLINE)

Here’s one more from Diamond Valley. A wolfpack was swimming past me and I was able to get the biggest of the pack to commit to a DRT swimbait. I watched it go down. Have a great month and happy summer! (TODD KLINE)

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

JUNE

3 New Melones Reservoir Team Kokanee Derby; kokaneepower.org

3 North Fork Boosters Club Children’s Fishing Derby, Willow Creek, North Fork; northforkboosters.org

9-10 Finest Annual Trout Invitational Tournament, Crowley Lake; crowleylakefishcamp.com/new-events/fatitfinest-annual-trout-invitational-tournament

10 Rush Creek Clean-up and BBQ, Silver Lake Resort; silverlakeresort.net; (760) 648-7525

10 Greg Marks Youth Fishing Derby, Shaver Lake; shaverlaketrophytroutproject.org/youth-fishing-derby

10-11 Youth Angler’s League Northern Region, SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta; anglerspress.com/events/youthangler-s-league

18 Father’s Day Fishing Derby, Yuba and Downie Rivers, Downieville; sierracountychamber.com/event-5165256

24 Bridgeport Fish Enhancement Foundation Trout Tournament; bridgeportfish.com/tournament

JULY

1 Free Fishing Day, no general license required in state waters; wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing/Free-Fishing-Days

1 Rabbit and varying hare hunting season opens

1-8 Mono Village Summer Fishing Derby, Upper Twin Lake; facebook.com/Mono.Village, (760) 932-7071

1-31 How Big-Is-Big Fishing Derby, West Walker River; northernmonochamber.com

8 Zone A archery deer hunting season opens

15 Lake Berryessa Team Kokanee Derby; kokaneepower.org/derbies.php

22 Packer Lake Kids’ Fishing Derby; sierracountychamber .com/event-5169225

22 Zone B-4 archery deer season opens

28-29 Bridgeport Fish Fest, Twin Lakes Resort; facebook.com/ twinlakesbridgeport

29-30 Ultimate Frog Challenge, Russo’s Marina, Bethel Island; anglerspress.com/events/ultimate-frog-challenge

For a list of upcoming bass tournaments, go to nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FishingContests/default.aspx.

The #MK02 Trolling Motor Mount accommodates some Minn-Kota, Garmin, and Lowrance bow mount trolling motor’s installation in any of the LeeLock Quick Change Bases. Simply slide your Motor Mount on the base and lock it in with the pin. The #MK-02 Motor Mount will fit in the LeeLock #QB-01 Quick Change Base, the #QBR-01 Quick Change Bow Roller Base or either of the bases that are sold with the Large Anchor Can Assemblies (#LCA-02 and #LCA-03

LEELOCK CRAB CRACKER

This new tool from Leelock will allow you to measure your Dungeness crabs to determine which ones are legal to keep. Then use the Crab Cracker to crack them in half, separating the two clusters from the shell and guts.

The Crab Cracker has been designed so that it sits nicely on top of a 5-gallon bucket, perfect for when you clean crabs. The bucket gives you a stable base, which makes it easier to clean – the guts and shell go into the bucket, making cleanup a snap. Crabs cleaned this way take up half as much space as whole crabs, so you can cook twice as many in your kettle.

The Crab Cracker is a unique tool made from solid aluminum, and comes in handy for cleaning Dungeness crabs.

Crowley Lake hosts the Finest Annual Trout Invitational Tournament on June 9-10. Go to crowleylakefishcamp.com for more information. (SIERRA DRIFTERS GUIDE SERVICE)

BACK TO BISHOP

A SOCAL EXPAT RETURNS TO RECALL EASTERN SIERRA FISHING AND DAD MEMORIES

I walked the desert sands of Bishop and fished the area’s waters.

Maybe I was nervous or just excited, as I was up long before the sun rose over the mountains. In reality, I know that it was jet lag from the long plane trip from Japan.

It has been four years since I have set foot on California asphalt and soil, and another nine years since last

After the long flight, the drive from L.A. the day before had been uneventful, but there was a sense of excitement as I started seeing road signs for Bishop. I saw once-normal sights through new eyes, as if I had never seen them before. Japan, where I moved to, is mostly desert-free, so the dry sand and dusty air was enjoyable.

MOUNT WHITNEY FISH HATCHERY was a must-see stop for me, and I did it even before I got to my hotel in Bishop. It’s slow-paced – a welcome rest stop after traveling at highway speeds all morning. Getting out to stretch my arms and legs felt great as I walked around the small pond. Large rainbow trout followed me around, the opposite of what they would do in the river.

Even though life here is slower

Memories of his late father Mark made SoCal expat Lance Sawa’s return from Japan to fish the Eastern Sierra nostalgic and sad but also reflective. (LANCE SAWA)

than the city, it is ever-changing and certainly was on this day. The once water- and fish-filled raceways were now empty; a chain-link fence protected them. A large picnic area where the old parking lot once lay was a great place to sit. Looking over, I saw the stately stone building –clean but closed the day I went.

After leaving the hatchery, I made my way into Bishop, and after checking in at the hotel, I went to the local tackle shop. Its location had moved, but its large sign still pointed the way for me. As I only had one day budgeted for fishing, I only bought what I needed: worms, hooks and a one-day fishing license. We all have to be legal out there; a large fine is not worth it.

I started early. After advice from the friendly tackle shop guy, I started out at Buckley Ponds. Even before the sun was fully up I had caught my first fish, a small bluegill. They were shy biters but hungry, taking the

hook after some waiting. In total, I caught about a dozen bluegills before I noticed where the bass were.

The side of the pond next to an outlet was where I found the bass hiding. They were not shy about eating the worms I showed them. That morning, as bullfrogs grunted all around me, I released three small bass back into the pond. I continued up to the middle pond to catch a few more bluegill and bass before leaving for the Owens River.

HERE’S HOW MUCH THINGS had changed from 13 years ago. My once favorite spot was no longer accessible; a wall of brush separated me from the water. Even the dirt path, once well traveled, was now grown over. I had to use another new path, which took me close to the old spot. It was here where it finally sunk in: I was doing this trip without Dad.

Five years ago, after a very bad time at a hospital visit, my dad Mark

died at home. He wanted to go out not with tubes down his throat into his lungs, but at home with the dogs and Mom. He barely made it up the four steps into the house – and only then with three rest breaks – and then slept with the dogs in the front room. He never made it back into the bedroom one last time.

My older sister was able to say goodbye the next morning before they took him away. It would be another short but agonizing month before I could get back and be there for my mom. She was unable to process her feelings at the time and we decided to not throw anything away until next time. We didn’t think that would be so long, though.

This trip was to help me sort through some of the tackle Dad left behind. Mildew had taken over most of the cherished cloth items. Dustcovered reels that once dripped with water; many rods bent against the wall after an animal or earthquake knocked

The Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery was a must-stop destination on the author’s reunion trip to the Eastern Sierra. The old stone building was closed for the day, but it made for a rustic background. (LANCE SAWA)

them over; line dry-rotted from the heat in the garage. By contrast, his hooks were still all in perfect condition, though none in the correct size for the trout in Bishop’s Owens River.

WITH A PLOP, THE worm on my newly bought hooks slipped into the river and slowly drifted downstream. I quickly learned where the snag was, then where the swift water was flowing, and finally, where the slow pool was. After a few more casts, I hit the slow water every time and avoided the snags.

Within 20 minutes of parking, I scored my first trout of the trip. Another came not long after, but then nothing for the next hour. If I was with Dad, we would be talking about where to go next, but now it was all up to me. I can’t even call him for advice now. With the changes in the river, I was unsure where it would be best.

Bishop Creek below North Lake was always beautiful and full of wild trout, which was the main reason I decided to try there next. On the way up, I would check on Intake 2, another favorite spot, even though

I never had much luck there. Along the way I realized just how much Bishop itself has changed in the years I had been gone. Not only the river and landscape, but even the cityscape is different.

Before coming, I was warned that the water was low everywhere, but what I found was far from that. The Owens was fast and at a level I was used to. All the ponds I went to were full of flowing water and hungry but wary fish after the holiday weekend. Here at the mountain streams, it was at most 3 inches low, but crystal-clear.

Bishop Creek was a special stop for Sawa, as he knew about the wild trout there. (LANCE SAWA)

The sight of native trout in the water was inspiring … (LANCE SAWA)

… And catching one, then releasing it gently back in the water, was just as exciting. (LANCE SAWA)

You could see the fish clearly. The stockers will eat anything you put in front of them, but the natives are a bit harder to hook. I had never taken one on PowerBait or line heavier than 6-pound test, which is what was on the old reel. I dug out some 2-pound line to make a leader with the smallest hooks in the tote.

They wanted the worm on my hook, but they knew better and turned away once they saw it. One of the leftover stockers was happy to bite it, though, and I was happy to have one. Without even lifting it from the water, I released it to rejoin the group in the current.

Further downstream was another spot I once enjoyed. Upstream the river split, only to come back together here behind this large boulder. Many wild trout hide here; they are fun and challenging to catch. It almost represents sight fishing, because they gently suck up any food without any

feel through the line. Flylining worms with zero weight was as close to the bottom as you could get.

This was the only fishing I was better at than Dad. He’d say the other trout were larger and easier to catch. It took years for me to get the hang of these tricky, sly trout. It all comes down to two main points, though: 1) Never use anything heavier than 2-pound test. 2) Hide the hook completely in the bait – even the point. If a fish sees the hook, you will not get a bite.

Within 10 minutes I had a small trout on, and it put up more of a fight than the stocker twice its size. It was also released without me even touching it; I just let the line go slack and pulled the hook from its mouth with the line. It rejoined the small school and fed like it wasn’t just hooked.

Another five fish came up before I ran out of bait and my own hunger began telling me it was time for a meal.

On the way down the mountain,

I checked up on Intake 2 and was glad I hadn’t fished it. It was packed with anglers – both from shore and in the water. Plus, the most anyone had was two fish, and only because they’d started from the morning.

LATE IN THE AFTERNOON, after I ate, the wind picked up and I was blown off from doing any more fishing. At least I hadn’t bought any more worms. It had been a great day of fishing, even if it was also filled with tough feelings and sad memories.

I went to sleep early because of the early wake-up call and lingering jet lag. The next day I was well rested for the drive back into Los Angeles.

After shopping for snacks early that morning, I started out. It wasn’t long before I saw the first mileage road sign for L.A. It was almost sad that Bishop and its waters were getting further away from me.

I am not immune to change. CS

Mark (with Lance and a yellowtail years ago, left, and together with his son and grandson Nico, this image) was spiritually with Lance on this trip back home from Japan and to a region where they shared so many memories. “It was a great day of fishing, even if it was also filled with hard feelings and sad memories,” the author writes. (LANCE SAWA)

TIME

Docking and maneuvering your boat in high winds has never been so easy. Let the Joy Stick do it for you.

GPS position hold and heading hold is included.

8 and 99 Kicker Motors in stock. Call

ONE WORD: PLASTICS

EXPLORING THE NEW FRONTIER OF TROUT FISHING WITH SOFT PLASTIC BAITS

By Cal Kellogg

From the title of this article, you know I’m going to take a deep dive into the subject of tempting trout with soft plastics. We are going to talk about trout tactics in a bit, but first I want to give you some background so that the information I convey about trout will make more sense and, hopefully, carry more gravity.

For starters, I’ve been an avid trout angler my entire life. The first fish I ever caught was a rainbow trout while fishing a Sierra stream with my dad way back in the 1970s. Since then, I’ve caught many thousands of

trout of all sizes all over the Western United States and helped other folks catch many thousands more.

I’ve worked in the fishing industry full time for more than 20 years as a writer, magazine owner, video creator, lure manufacturer and professional trout fishing guide.

During the 16 years I spent as the managing editor of a popular West Coast fishing magazine, I had the opportunity to fish with a lot of other talented anglers and often found myself interacting on the water with some of the best in the country.

In terms of freshwater fishing, I believe bass anglers are the all-around

best on the water. They are talented boat handlers; they are beyond technically proficient with fishing gear as well as electronics; they have a deep understanding of the aquatic environment; and they can quickly and accurately predict the movement patterns and temperament of the fish on any given day, 365 days a year.

The time I’ve spent on the water watching, photographing and chatting with bass anglers has been extremely educational. The bass fishing community has a lot of specialists. There are the swimbaiters, the topwater enthusiasts, folks who specialize in ripbaits, and those who

Trophy trout, anyone? This huge 8-pound rainbow hammered a 4-inch trout worm teamed with an Action Disc and trolled at 2.4 mph. Soft plastic baits are associated more with bass anglers, but trout also love to devour these offerings. (CAL KELLOGG)

FISHING

spend a lot of time provoking reaction bites with crankbaits or spinnerbaits.

Yet, when you spend a day on the water with a tournament angler or bass fishing guide, at some point they will be throwing soft plastics. It might be creature bait on a jighead, a finesse worm crawled along the bottom, or a Senko fished vertically.

Regardless of the presentation or shape of the bait, soft plastics are the common denominator of the bass fishing fraternity.

There are accomplished bass pros who don’t use swimbaits. Some never toss ripbaits or chatterbaits. All of them utilize soft plastics at one point or another and without those soft plastics, they would suffer in terms of the size and number of bass caught throughout the course of the season, period. End of story!

THINK LIKE A BASS ANGLER

Why are soft plastics so effective for catching bass? That’s easy; they come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors. They can be presented in myriad different ways. The baits feel real when the bass grab them, and they hold scent extremely well. Soft plastics are about as close to fishing live bait as you can come without pinning a nightcrawler

or minnow on a hook.

While I do fish for bass and enjoy catching them, I’m not a bass fisherman. In terms of freshwater fishing, I’m a trout and salmon guy. Observing how bass anglers rely on soft plastics, I started wondering why trout anglers don’t make serious use

of soft baits.

Occasionally I’d be out with a bass pro at a lake like Pardee or Berryessa and they’d pick up a random trout, often a jumbo rainbow, on a soft plastic bass bait. I’ve seen quite a few nice rainbows caught on wackyrigged Senkos and flukes worked along shoreline structure. Clearly, in the right situation trout will blitz a soft plastic bait with gusto, yet trout anglers rarely if ever employ soft baits.

Fast forward to the time I’ve spent guiding for trout full time. On my boat we catch a lot of trout and most of my anglers like to take some trout home for dinner. As a result, I clean a lot of trout and I find some interesting things in their stomachs, in addition to the shad and immature panfish which represent the preferred forage of most trout in most California reservoirs.

Sometimes I’ll find a crawfish, small twig – even a rock. The most common nonorganic item I find in their stomachs, however, are soft plastics discarded or lost by bass anglers.

I’ve found dozens of Senkos, plastic worms and creature baits in

For vertical presentations in stillwater and drifting in a stream, a small wacky-rigged worm is a highly effective option. (CAL KELLOGG)

Author Cal Kellogg’s five top soft plastic trout baits include (from left) a 4-inch worm, a minnow bait, a grub, a tube bait and, last but not least, a thin 3-inch plastic worm. (CAL KELLOGG)

the stomachs of trout. Most of the baits are faded, weathered and look like they’ve been in the lake for quite a while. I concluded long ago that these baits are not being stolen from the bass anglers while fishing.

Instead, the baits are in the lake and the trout seek them out. Are they drifting into shore and moving as a result of wave action, or just sitting on the bottom when a trout comes by and gobbles them down? I don’t know and unfortunately the trout aren’t talking. The only thing I know for sure is that trout find soft plastics, pick them up and swallow them!

PUTTING PLASTICS TO WORK

All this information swirling around in my mind pushed me to a conclusion:

This quality rainbow couldn’t lay off a naturally colored minnow-shaped bait trolled just beneath the surface of a lake in the California foothills. (CAL KELLOGG)

Author Cal Kellogg displays a husky lightning trout that blitzed a Trout Trix Worm trolled at 2 mph and 15 feet beneath the surface. “Observing how bass anglers rely on soft plastics, I started wondering why trout anglers don’t make serious use of soft baits,” he writes. (CAL KELLOGG)

I needed to integrate soft plastic baits into my trout fishing arsenal. This was going to be a challenge, the kind of challenge I really enjoy, because there were few soft plastic baits manufactured for trout fishing, and since trouters didn’t utilize soft plastics there was zero information on how to rig and present them. If I were going to start hooking trout on soft plastics, I’d have to hack both the baits and the tactics out of the

wilderness, so to speak!

Going down the soft plastic rabbit hole, the one and only soft bait routinely utilized by trouters was the soft plastic grub. I trace the use of curly tail grubs back 20 years or more to Eagle Lake, located outside of Susanville in Northern California.

Anglers there, such as the legendary Sep Hendrickson, have been using soft plastic grubs to imitate tui chubs for a long time.

They typically use earth-tone 2-inch grubs and troll them slowly without flashers or dodgers.

TROLLING SOFT PLASTIC GRUBS

Having been introduced to soft plastic grubs at Eagle, I’d fished them quite a bit all around the state. However, the results you get when trolling grubs are very hit and miss. The trout will either fall all over themselves to inhale a grub, or they’ll pay it no mind and reject it.

If you look at a 2- or 3-inch grub being trolled at 1.5 to 2 mph, they look absolutely fantastic. They move like a frantic baitfish, with both a ton of tail action and a slow, disoriented roll, so why don’t trout pounce on them all day, every day? The same reason they don’t grab fast-trolled spoons all day long. Sometimes all that action is simply too much for trout that aren’t actively feeding or inclined to chase.

For soft plastic trouters, grubs should have a spot in your tackle array, but they are not an end-all, be-all bait.

A DIVERSE COLLECTION OF BAITS

Soft plastic trout baits are all about shape, size, color and action. My plastics arsenal currently includes five different shapes in a range of different colors. I manufacture trout gear, so I’ve developed my own baits to meet my needs. However, to be clear, you don’t need to buy my baits. You can find effective soft plastic baits among the traditional bass baits at any well-stocked tackle shop.

My No. 1 bait, the Trout Trix Worm, is a 3-inch plastic worm, which I use for both trolling and casting. I like to have the worms in both bright and natural colors. Before I came up with my own design, I used 3-inch sections of the tail end of hand-poured finesse worms used by bass anglers. For trolling, I simply thread the worm on a hook with an Action Disc rigged directly above it on the leader.

The disc gives it an incredible erratic swimming action while trolling the bait at speeds from 1.5 to 2.5 mph. It’s a killer on inactive fish because it

“The sun has risen on the new frontier of trout fishing,” Kellogg says. “We have entered the era of soft plastic trout baits!” (CAL KELLOGG)

has a ton of lifelike movement at slow trolling speeds, so it stays in the strike zone for an extended period.

For casting applications, whether for stream or lake fishing, if I want a horizontal presentation, I rig the worms on light jigheads. If I want a vertical presentation in stillwater or a drifting presentation in a stream, I wacky-rig them on a No. 4 octopus hook and add a small split shot to the leader for the proper amount of weight to get the baits down.

MINNOW-SHAPED BAITS

Running a close second behind the worms are 2- to 3-inch minnowshaped baits. In the bass fishing world, these are most often called drop-shot baits. The ones I pour are called Trigger Minnows. For trolling, I rig these baits just like I rig the worms with an Action Disc. For casting, I rig them on a jighead and present them horizontally. The minnow shapes are a match-the-hatch sort of bait, so you are trying to imitate the movements of a frightened minnow.

My third shape is a basic 2-inch Gitzit-style tube, much like the baits used by crappie anglers. For casting, these baits do a great job of imitating a chunky-bodied minnow, such as a small threadfin shad, when rigged on a jighead and moved through the water column with a rise-and-drop retrieve.

I rig them on a treble hook for trolling. I often pair them with an Action Disc, but if the trout are being especially timid, I get rid of the disc and troll them naked and slowly in the 1- to 1.8-mph speed range and employ a do-nothing action.

Rigged this way, the tubes don’t look like much moving through the water, but they are often just what the doctor ordered for triggering trout with lockjaw.

My fourth bait is a curly tail grub, usually in the 3-inch size. We’ve touched on these a bit, but here’s the specifics on how to fish them. For trolling, I rig them on a No. 2 Mustad Slow Death hook. When rigged this

way, the grubs have a killer rolling action combined with the swimming tail. It’s a real killer on active fish and I’ll pull it at just about any speed, from slow to fast to very fast.

For casting, rig the grubs on a jighead just like a bass angler. Fish it like a miniature swimbait. Cast it out, count it down and slow roll it through likely areas. That’s all you need to do to get hit; of course, you can play with pauses and such to make the bait rise and fall in the water column.

My fifth bait looks absolutely ridiculous, but it catches trout, particularly big fish. As of this writing I had a client land an 8-pounder on the bait about two weeks ago. The bait I’m describing is a thick-bodied plastic worm. Think 4-inch Senko.

To rig it, I take a piece of 10- or 12-pound fluorocarbon, tip it with a red No. 4 treble hook and then slide on a bead.

I string the leader through a threading needle and insert it about an inch from the bait’s tail. I then run the needle through the bait, exiting at the head, and pull the leader all the way through. You end up with a big worm with the leader going right up the center. The treble hook just hangs outside the bait. I know it’s crazy, but stick with me.

Take the smallest-sized Action Disc and slide it down the leader. Add a drop of super glue to the stem on the disc and shove it inside the nose of the worm. Tie a surgeon’s loop in the top of the leader and you are ready to troll.

It took me three years to develop the rigging method I just described. The bait has a killer swimming action when trolled from 1.8 to 2.5 mph and the trout actually seem to strike at the exposed treble. Yes, I’ve designed a bait that makes the trout strike the hook!

If you want to cast the bait, make the leader short, attach it to your spinning rod, add a few split shot and fish it just like you’d fish a Rapala or other minnow bait.

SOME FINAL NOTES

Yes, soft plastics are the new frontier of trout fishing. Fishing them for trout is in its infancy and it’s a world ripe for experimentation. I’ve barely scratched the surface.

In terms of color, I use both bright and wild hues, along with natural colors. As bizarre as it sounds, bubble gum has proven to be deadly on everything from fresh planters to wild high-country trout that earn a living selectively eating natural insects.

I think scent is key. I use ProCure Super Gel. I really like Anise, Anise Krill, Trophy Trout and Sweet Corn. You probably have your own favorites.

When fishing these baits, the trout often come in and hit them a time or two before getting hooked. If you see or feel a tap when working the baits, it is critical not to react. Just keep the bait swimming through the water column. Remember, the baits feel and taste real. Sometimes, particularly when trolling grubs, a trout will hit the tail of the bait three or four times before getting hooked.

Finally, I have a theory about trout baits in general and my array of soft baits in particular. Consider the oldschool Floating Rapala. It’s deadly for a long list of gamefish that includes trout. Why?

I think in part we can trace its attractiveness to the long, thin profile. Predatory fish instinctively know a long, slender bait is easier to swallow than a short, fat bait. Slender profile equals easy prey item, if you will.

This is why 3-inch worms are my No. 1 most effective soft plastic bait for trout, followed by the slender minnow shapes. These baits are long and thin, combined with a fluid action and realistic feel. They are truly baits that scream “Eat me!” to trout! CS

Editor’s note: Cal Kellogg is a longtime Northern California-based outdoors writer. Subscribe to his YouTube channel Fish Hunt Shoot Productions at youtube. com/user/KelloggOutdoors.

32ND ANNUAL ISABELLA LAKE FISHING DERBY

What an amazing opening weekend for the 32nd Annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby, as our anglers had a weekend of amazing weather with unbelievable fishing.

To kick off the derby on Friday, May 19, Elysa Foley came in for her registration card, but was told there was an issue and had to wait for me to assist. The issue was a simple one as she had just won the $250 early bird entry, which is a good problem to have when someone wants to hand you cash money.

We were informed of anglers boating 20-plus trout per day on the troll with full limits of trout all over the shorelines of Isabella Lake.

The map we utilized at derby HQ to share the location of the trout being caught became nothing but a board of dots versus a color map of our lake with the anglers’ reports coming into derby headquarters.

The $10,000 trout was not caught, but it is still out there valued at $1,000 through June 4. This weekend’s big trout went to Scott Embree with a five-and-one-half-pound trout in addition to his family catching a number of quality fish.

The largest tag paid out so far is a $500 tag, which went to Daniel White of Orange County, California, and if that was not enough, on Sunday, he took two more tags valued at $50 each for a $600 weekend at the derby.

One very special person to my team is a long-time attendee, Jeremey Hill Jr., who grabbed one of the 32 sponsored Bobber Bowl trout on Sunday as well.

Our Blind Bogie Drawing was a raging success again as we handed out a total of $2,000 in cash to our lucky 40 anglers who had the winning drawing tickets.

I want to thank all of our anglers for making 2023 a fantastic event, and please keep the photos coming, as we enjoy being allowed to share your family moments with everyone within the fishing community on the Isabella Lake Fishing Derby Facebook Page.

More exciting news and highlights are on the way as the derby enters into days three through seven, so stay tuned.

–Fred Clark, Isabella Lake Fishing Derby President

BEST FISH IN THE PAN

By Scott Haugen

If you’re new to trout fishing, know that there are many ways to clean trout and even more ways to cook them. Keep in mind that how you cook trout often comes down to how you clean them, so plan ahead.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

To get the most from your trout, deliver a quick blow to the top of the head between the eyes. Immediately break a couple gill rakes to bleed out

HOW TO HANDLE, CLEAN YOUR CAUGHT TROUT FOR OPTIMUM FLAVOR

the fish; if in a boat, hold the trout over the water to do this.

Once bled, place trout in a cooler with ice to chill as soon as possible. Don’t try to keep the fish alive on a stringer, as it stresses them and compromises the overall meat quality.

Some folks like cooking trout with the scales on, and some like scaling them. Scaling a trout can be done with a knife, but a quick and easy way is with a garden hose. Line up your trout in the grass – heads facing away – and use the jet of the nozzle to remove the

scales. It’s quick and easy, and cleans the fish of slime, too.

GO WITH THE GUT

To gut a trout, place the fish on its side on a cutting board or hold it upside down in one hand. Insert the tip of a filet knife into the vent while sliding and lifting as you cut to the throat. Place the fish on its side and run the knife behind the gill plate until it hits the spine atop the back of the fish, right behind the top of the head. Cut down

How you want to cook trout often dictates how you’ll clean them, and they can be cleaned many ways. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

Rainbow trout can be used to create a great appetizer dip. (TIFFANY HAUGEN)

TAKE A DIP WITH YOUR TROUT

By Tiffany Haugen

Trout is one of the most versatile fish to cook, but sometimes presents issues when served whole due to the tiny pin bones. While it may not have the “wow” factor that a beautifully cooked filet of salmon has, mild trout can

be prepared in many ways. When tossing into soups, pastas and dips, care should be taken to remove all the bones prior to adding trout to the dish. If grabbing a trout from the freezer, smoking or baking the fish will yield a firmer meat that’s easy to add to a quick appetizer or main dish.

When defrosting fish, always do so in the refrigerator to prevent the fragile meat from getting mushy. The slower that fish thaws out, the better the quality of the meat will be. Speaking of quality trout meat: With summer finally here, warm water temperatures will ensue in some shallow ponds – even streams. If the fish feels warm and has a thick slime layer, we like scaling and removing all the slime with a garden hose or the back of a filet knife, which is quick and easy to do.

2 cups cooked trout, bones removed and flaked

¼ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh dill

1 tablespoon fresh herbs of choice (basil, chives and/or parsley)

2 teaspoons spicy mustard

½ teaspoon lemon zest

¼ teaspoon white pepper

¼ teaspoon granulated garlic

Additional fresh herbs for garnish

In a medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise, yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice and zest, herbs, mustard, pepper and granulated garlic until thoroughly combined. Gently fold in trout and mix until just coated. Serve immediately with crackers or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Editor’s note:

To order signed copies of Tiffany Haugen's popular book, Cooking Seafood, visit scotthaugen. com for this and other titles.

alongside the fish right under the pectoral fin and behind the gill plate. Flip the fish over and repeat the same cut on the other side.

With the skin cut all the way around the head and gill plate, grab the trout in one hand, head in the other hand and break the neck at the cut, forcing the head toward the body cavity. The head, pectoral fins and all entrails are removed in one piece

Next, clean out the kidney – that long, dark purple organ running the length of the backbone on the inside of the fish. It’s encased by a subcutaneous membrane that holds it tight to the spine. Cut down the center from head to tail and scoop out the

kidney. Force any remaining blood from the vessels and thoroughly rinse fish inside and out. You may choose to filet away the rib bones at this time.

COOKING PREP

With the trout cleaned, it’s time to prepare for cooking. Some folks like peeling off the skin and others like the skin on; try each to see what you enjoy.

Cooking a whole trout is one option, and many people like this because once cooked, the meat easily peels away from the skeleton. There will be some small pin bones remaining, which run perpendicular to the lateral line, and these can be eaten or removed once cooked. Trying

to remove pin bones prior to cooking can separate the delicate meat.

You can also filet a trout. With the fish on one side, insert the knife at the base of the neck and – keeping the blade tight to the spine – slide it all the way to the tail. You’ll feel the blade cutting through pin bones as you go. Remove the entire filet, flip fish over and repeat. If you’ve not yet removed the ribs, it’s easily done by cutting underneath them with a sharp filet knife, or, again, they can be removed once cooked.

Trout can also be cut into steaks. Remove all remaining fins, position trout on one side and cut through the skin and meat all the way to the spine,

Scaling trout with a garden hose is quick and easy, and it removes the slime. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

leaving 1½ inches between cuts. Turn the fish over and continue the cuts, meeting prior cuts atop the back. With a sharp knife, cut through the spine at each cut, cleanly removing each steak. No matter how you clean trout, they can be fried, smoked, baked, poached or grilled, and so much can be done with the meat once it’s cooked. Cooking time varies based on the size and thickness of cuts.

IT’S ALL IN THE TASTE

Be it in streams, rivers, ponds or lakes, with spinners, worms or flies, there are many places and many ways to pursue trout this time of year. There’s more than one way to clean them too, which ultimately reveals just how tasty trout can truly be for all to enjoy. CS

Editor’s note: For signed copies of Scott Haugen's popular book, Bank Fishing For Salmon & Steelhead, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott on Instagram and Facebook.

When cutting trout into steaks, slicing through the skin and meat all the way around the fish before cutting through the spine ensures the tender meat won’t be compromised. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

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Show the water who’s boss with the new F200 In-Line Four. Incredibly light, responsive and fuel efficient, it serves up plenty of muscle to handily propel a variety of boats. On top of that, its 50-amp alternator offers the power to add a range of electronics, and its 26-inch mounting centers and compatibility with either mechanical or digital controls give you the flexibility to easily upgrade your outboard or rigging. Experience legendary Yamaha reliability and the freedom of forward thinking, with the all-new F200 In-Line Four.

HOOVER UP BASS WITH HOVER RIG

’JAPANESE FINESSE SENSATION’ CATCHING ON IN LARGEMOUTH, SMALLIE AND SPOTTIE FISHING CIRCLES

By Mark Fong

The hover strolling rig is the latest Japanese finesse sensation to gain mainstream notoriety in the bass fishing universe.

For a while now, those in the know have been tight-lipped, but fueled by social media and recent tournament successes, the proverbial cat is now out of the bag.

INTRODUCING THE HOVER RIG

The hover rig is a clever rigging method that allows an angler to effectively present a soft plastic offering in a natural horizontal orientation. It is a great tool for targeting uncooperative or highly pressured bass that just don’t want to bite.

The hover rig can be fished very slowly while maintaining its position in the water column, an attribute that makes it ideal for targeting suspended bass. When allowed to fall on a semislack line, the hover rig produces an erratic gliding action that is a strong trigger for reluctant fish.

Because it is a relatively slow way to fish, the hover rig is not well suited for covering water, but it excels once fish have been located, making it the perfect partner to use with today’s new forward-facing sonar technology.

In textbook form, the hover rig is composed of three components:

a small, 2- to 4-inch soft plastic minnow imitator; a 90-degree light wire jig-style hook; and a nail weight. My favorite soft plastic is a 4-inch blue pearl- or baby bass-colored Yamamoto Shad Shape Worm.

While there are specialty hooks designed for the hover rig, I have had good success using a No. 1 Gamakatsu 90-degree jig-style hook. I prefer

to employ a small tungsten nail weight over a traditional lead weight. Tungsten is denser than lead, allowing me to use a smaller sinker to achieve the same weighting.

BUILDING BASICS

To construct the hover rig, start off by tying the end of the line to the eye of the hook. Next, insert the point of

Author Mark Fong caught this pretty Lake Oroville spotted bass on a hover strolling rig, which utilizes Japanese finesse techniques via a soft plastic fished “in a natural horizontal orientation,” he writes. (MARK FONG)

the hook into the top of the bait. A key to remember is to start the hook 1/8 to 1/4 inch behind the nose of the bait. Positioning the hook in this fashion allows the bait to maintain its

horizontal orientation in the water. Thread the bait approximately halfway up the shank of the hook before carefully exposing the hook point in the top center of the back,

making sure that the bait is rigged completely straight. To complete the rigging, insert the nail weight into the head of the bait below the hook. Adjust the size of the weight accordingly to compensate for the depth of the fish.

OBSERVATIONS

I have been experimenting with the hover rig for a while now and have had good success with it on the clearwater lakes and reservoirs around Northern California. It has proven to be effective on all three species of bass: largemouth, smallies and spotted bass. Good areas to fish it include steep rock walls, bridge pilings and points.

When the fish are relating to the bottom, I’ll fish it a lot like a Ned rig. I’ll start by making a long cast and letting it slowly glide to the bottom. If I don’t get a bite on the initial fall, I’ll slowly work the bait back to the boat by either dragging it or by lifting the rod tip and letting it glide and dart back to the bottom, pausing between each lift of the rod tip.

Perhaps my favorite application for the hover rig is to target suspended fish using my Livescope forwardfacing sonar. Once I have located fish on my Livescope, I’ll make a cast to them. After the bait hits the surface of the water and begins to sink, I’ll watch it carefully on my graph. As it falls, I’ll watch to see how the bass are reacting to my bait.

If I see a fish or group of fish streaking toward my offering, chances are good that I am going to get bit. If the bass are less aggressive and just slowly swim up to the bait to investigate, that’s when I’ll keep my bait slightly above the level of the fish and start shaking my rod tip, which causes the hover rig to dart and wobble side to side, all while I slowly turn the reel handle to take up any slack.

While I won’t entice every fish that I target into striking, the hover rig’s unique action will get the best of many bass, and that’s the beauty of it.

Here are the tools to create your hover setup: 2- to 4-inch soft plastic minnow imitation, 90-degree light wire jig-style hook and a nail weight. (MARK FONG)

ESSENTIAL GEAR

The hover rig is a very precise presentation, so it is important to use the right tackle. It took me a bit of experimenting with different rods before I settled on a 7-foot, 2-inch light-action Prolite Rod Technology spinning rod (SVX 72L-S) that I paired with a 2000-size Daiwa Kage spinning reel. I usually spool it up with 10-pound braid mainline and 7-pound fluorocarbon leader, but for this presentation I go lighter –5-pound braid and 4-pound leader.

Using the hover rig’s basic framework, I was able to adapt it to suit my own fishing style. And as more and more anglers begin fishing the hover rig, it will only continue to evolve. Already we are seeing new hooks, jigheads and soft plastics designed specifically for the hover rig.

The hover rig is an easy and effective technique to learn. If you like catching bass – and who doesn’t – you owe it to yourself to give it a try. CS

Oroville is one of the Northern California lakes where the hover strolling rig can work well. “It has proven to be effective on all three species of bass: largemouths, smallies and spotted bass,” Fong writes. “Good areas to fish it include steep rock walls, brdge pilings and points.” (MARK FONG)

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PUT A BOW ON IT

A NEWBIE TRIES HIS LUCK FIRING ARROWS AT INVASIVE CARP

By Tim E. Hovey

Iclearly remember watching the outdoor show with interest. The host and a few guests were standing at the front of the boat looking into the water. It was a flat, calm day, and instead of fishing rods, each person within view had a bow.

Then, one of the hosts drew the bow back, aimed almost straight down into the water and released.

Seconds later they hoisted aboard a fat carp with the white arrow sticking out of his back. I remember thinking that was pretty cool.

I’LL BE THE FIRST to admit it: In a lifetime of hunting, I’ve probably picked up a bow twice, and both times were to make sure I was buying the correct one for my daughter. I’ve never hunted with one or drawn one back. As far as hunting any kind of wild an-

imal, I just know that bowhunting is not my thing.

But last year I was contacted by a friend of mine, Roger, who owns a ranch. I had helped him out a number of times by removing problem animals from his property, and it was always good to hear from him.

Roger’s property is watered through a series of canals that are fed off a main river system. Right out of the gate, I knew this was going to be a

Tim Hovey had never used a bow for hunting, let alone attempted to arrow an invasive carp with one. But that and a buddy’s problem would be his ticket to trying something totally new. (TIM E. HOVEY)

FISHING

different conversation. “What do you know about fish?” he asked me. I’ve spent close to 30 years as a marine and fisheries biologist, and if there’s one thing I know a little about, it’s fish.

Roger explained that as the river water got warmer in spring, hundreds of carp migrated into his canals, messing up the water quality so severely that his cows were shying away from drinking it.

I mentioned that I knew that some people use bows to shoot carp. He thought that was the craziest thing. After a back-and-forth discussion, he essentially told me to have at it. I knew I had the basic gear for the job, but I was going to need to investigate it further.

I FOUND MY DAUGHTER’S bow in a soft case in the garage. With college and other young adult responsibilities,

she hadn’t touched the pink Diamond bow in a few years. I took it out and looked things over. Having watched a handful of videos on the internet, I knew some parts would have to be switched out to make the hunting bow into a bowfishing bow.

I made a visit to a local archery shop and looked around. The guy behind the counter was very helpful, and in a matter of minutes produced a brand-new bow, already set up for shooting carp. The arrow rest was little more than an adjustable arm that supported the arrow. A plastic bottle mounted to the side was filled with bright orange line. A small handle mounted at the mouth of the bottle told me this was the reel.

The owner showed me two arrows used for sticking fish. Bowfishing arrows don’t have any fletching and are secured to the reel with a slid-

ing collar attached to the line. They are heavier than traditional hunting arrows and made of fiberglass. The arrowhead is also different. These arrows aren’t designed for cutting. They are designed to punch a hole in a fish and to hold them on the arrow. Backward-facing prongs do the holding once a fish is stuck, and the arrow is removed by loosening the arrow tip, reversing the prongs and pulling the arrow free.

After some discussion, I was presented with the price tag – a whopping $600 for the ready-to-go bow that included two arrows. Despite my urge to learn what I could about shooting carp with a bow, there was no way I was forking over $600.

Knowing I had the bow at home, I settled for purchasing an arrow rest and reel bottle that would fit the bow I already have. Before I left, the own-

These were the new tools Hovey would play with. The bow was his daughter Alyssa’s. Now it was Dad’s turn to give it a try. (TIM E. HOVEY)

er gave me some very helpful pointers on getting things set up.

Back at home, I removed the quiver, arrow rest and peep sight on my daughter’s bow. In the middle of the dissection, I sent my daughter Alyssa a photo of the operation. Her response was funny. “Nooooooo!” she texted, and a minute later she called. I explained what I was doing, and she instantly asked me if she could help with the fish shooting.

Roger, emphasizing his urgency, called me while I was tightening up the last of the modifications. I assured him that I was headed his way. Before I packed things up, I looked over the bow and tested the draw weight. Everything seemed to work. I attached my one and only fish arrow to the bright orange line and called it good. I then headed out the door with my new toy, having never fired a single arrow at a target, animal or fish.

OUT AT THE RANCH, it was easy to spot Roger’s problem. The main canal stretched the length of his property and watered everything from crops to cattle. The water was clean and clear at the head of the canal.

As soon as it reached the carp area, it was churned into a muddy mess. Carp were in their spawning mode and dozens of 20- to 40-pound fish were thrashing and splashing on the muddy bottom, all the while messing up the water.

I walked up and down the canal just to check things out. I could see the fishes’ backs in bunches jostling near the canal edge. Occasionally I saw large splashes up and down the waterway as carp of all sizes attempted to spawn. Even with the muddy conditions, fish were visible in the shallows.

I returned to the truck, grabbed the bow and hiked back to the canal. A narrower side channel appeared to be the focus of a lot of the fish activity. I eased up to the brushy shoreline and waited. Suddenly a slug of carp, with their backs out of the water, started

The solution: bowfishing. Here are two of the carp that the author managed to arrow. His first connection was a double, and the fish fought him hard as he worked them to the bank. (TIM E. HOVEY)

The problem: Carp migrating into a rancher’s canals were impacting water quality so much that his cattle didn’t want to drink from them. (TIM E. HOVEY)

thrashing across the 8-foot canal.

I drew the bow back, pointed in the general direction of the commotion and let the arrow fly. The bright yellow arrow started dancing through the water, indicating that I had connected with something.

Excited, I made my way to the water’s edge and started pulling the arrow and the unseen fish to the shore. The fish was heavy and still

very full of fight. After a brief battle, I grabbed the arrow and pulled my prize ashore. I was shocked when I noticed that I had arrowed two 10-pounders with my very first shot.

I dragged the double to shore, pulled the arrow back through and kept hunting. After five misses, I decided to file that first shot under beginner’s luck. It took me a bit to adjust for refraction and shoot lower than the fish appears.

After making some adjustments, I started connecting again.

I spent an hour walking the shore of the narrow canal looking for carp. I noticed quickly that after one or two shots, the fish didn’t stick around. They’d swim further down the canal looking for calmer waters. They also started to shy away when they’d see me. I decided to find a likely looking area, stay low and still, and wait for the fish to swim by my position.

WITH THINGS SLOWING DOWN, I returned to the truck and checked out my haul from the short afternoon hunt. I had connected on five carp, the largest weighing about 11 pounds. I took a few photos of my catch, all taken with my daughter’s bright pink bow.

I loaded up the fish and headed over to where Roger was working. He peeked over the truck bed and started laughing. “You actually shot those?” he said. We talked a bit about the process and then he instructed me to take the haul to a bin near his chicken coop. “I’ll chop those things up and feed them to my chickens!”

I dropped off the carp and headed home. I sent my wife Cheryl a few of the pictures of me and the day’s catch. It had been a great day trying out something new and helping a good friend. Roger had extended an open invitation for me to return anytime to help with the carp problem. With no plans for the following day, I told him I’d be back.

On the drive home I was thinking of other items I’d need for shooting fish. I only had the one fish arrow, and if for some reason that was lost, I was done. I knew I needed to pick up a few backup arrows. The little pink bow performed flawlessly, so I felt I was good there. That is, until Cheryl called.

The conversation was short and to the point. She asked if I had shot all five carp with the bow. I replied, “Yes!” Cheryl’s next statement was going to cost me a little bit more money. “Well, I want to try that!” she said.

Looks like I’m buying another bow! CS

Now that Hovey experienced success with a bow in the water, his wife Cheryl wants in on the action. “Looks like I’m buying another bow!” he writes. (TIM E. HOVEY)

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BLUEFIN FOR BEGINNERS

WHAT TO EXPECT ON DAYAND-A-HALF-LONG TUNA TRIPS OUT OF SAN DIEGO

By Joe Sarmiento

Maybe it’s because of the popularity of NatGeo’s long-running Wicked Tuna television show, but hundreds of people visit San Diego annually in hopes of landing a big bluefin tuna.

We don’t get them quite as big here as they do on the East Coast, but landing a 200-plus-pound cow bluefin is not that uncommon either. Fish weighing more than triple digits get caught on just about every trip in the day-and-a-half range these days.

And since most people have not pulled in a fish of this size ever in their lives, preparing for one of these trips can set off some serious anxiety. It will also cause people to bring/buy a bunch of gear that they won’t even use. I’ll try to demystify it all here so you don’t waste your money on stuff you don’t need. You will rest easier and gain confidence that you have the right gear for a successful trip.

WHEN TO GO

There have been years when bluefin have been caught every month of the year. If you’re going to spend the requisite $500 or so to go on one of these 36-hour trips, though, you want to maximize your chances and go when the opportunity is best. Most visitors come in the summer. That’s not my favorite time to go. No offense, but the crowds are highest and talent level lowest on the boats in summer. The bait is also at its worst during the

Author Joe Sarmiento’s pal Rich Kyo with his first bluefin tuna. Kyo and Sarmiento fished  on the T-Bird out of San Diego. Similar day-and-a-half trips will be happening throughout the Southland this summer and fall. (JOE SARMIENTO)

FISHING

summer high season because it hasn’t had time to “cure” – that is, recover from the trauma of being caught and then stuffed into the bait pen.

But the bluefin fishing opportunity gets going in earnest in May. The boats have been back in the water for a month or so and have had time to get out and look around. They have an idea of where the fish will be, maximizing your opportunity as an individual angler.

And bluefins still offer a good opportunity in the fall too. My favorite time to go is October. By then the crowds have diminished and anglers who go during this timeframe tend to be better sticks, so tangles are less frequent. Also, the weather is still typically good.

If you do end up going in the summer and want to catch a bluefin, call the landing before booking

and make sure it’s a bluefin trip. Otherwise, you may go the traditional route and “paddy hop” for yellowfin tuna, yellowtail and dorado. I prefer this kind of offshore fishing to a “bluefin or bust” kind of trip, but I understand it will be a different trip.

WHAT TO BRING

Clothing-wise, layers are always the ticket. The key thing to mention here is that you will fish at night, so don’t forget some long pants and a jacket. It’s also a good idea to have a headlamp. The decks are lit, but as you are shuffling around the boat, it helps to be able to see your line in relation to the other anglers. Obviously, a headlamp helps as well if you are retying or changing up tackle at night. You also need to bring your own bedding these days. I have a camp pillow, sleeping bag insert and

Boats stock up at the bait dock before hitting the open waters of the Pacific. “While the crew is loading bait, the captain may use that opportunity to gather everyone to give a safety briefing and talk about the fishing program,” Sarmiento writes. (JOE SARMIENTO)

camping blanket that all fits into one tidy bag ready to deploy in my bunk.

OK; now the good stuff. What gear do you need to bring? I want to mention out of the gate that if you don’t already have this gear, you don’t need to go out and buy it to go on one of these trips. I remember when we first started catching these bigger bluefin. I binged the following year and spent just under a grand putting together a heavy bluefin setup. Honestly, based on the amount of time I’ve spent using it, it wasn’t a great investment.

The San Diego sportfishing landings all have quality gear for rent now. For a day-and-a-half trip, it will be about $100 to rent a high-quality 80-pound rail rod setup. Because of the way the trips go, you can use this one setup for both your 60 and 80 setups. Then all you need is a quality 40 setup (also

available for rent, but a lot of anglers will already have one) and you are good to go.

Outside of the setups mentioned above, it’s nice to have a long rod to be able to throw a jig at a foamer – a spot of fish boiling topwater on bait –on the bow. You will also see people bring specialized vertical jigging setups. They’re nice to have, but they’re not 100-percent required.

In terms of reels, bluefin tuna is the species where you need a twospeed lever-drag reel. Having that low second gear is critical at the end of the fight when you’ve got the fish vertical and it’s doing its death spiral coming up.

I’ve seen guys bring out star-drag reels and think just because they have 40-pound spooled on it, they’re good to go. They aren’t. If you get lucky and only get bit by a schooliesized fish – say, 30 to 50 pounds – you’ll have a chance to land it, but it will be tough, take longer than it should and may not have a high likelihood for a successful conclusion (plus, the deckhands and other passengers will hate you).

WHAT TO EXPECT

I mentioned previously about a dayand-a-half-long trip, which is the minimum length I’d say to book to have the full bluefin experience. Do bluefin get caught on full-day trips and overnight trips? Yes, they do, but that range of trip is very limited. You’re also coming across the most pressured fish because the day boats, overnights and private boaters are all hitting the same schools. At a dayand-a-half range, you’ll see other boats, but it gives you a chance to get out and away from the local fish.

When you get out, chances are you will “see” – or at least the captain will see them on the boat’s electronics – multiple schools of fish. You only need one that will stick with the boat and bite. One good school can make the trip. You want to give yourself enough time, though, to run into the

right school.

Now, let’s assume you’re going on a trip covering a day and a half. This is how it will go: Your departure time could be anywhere from 5 to 8 p.m. Don’t be that guy who the boat is waiting on. I’ve been that tardy angler, and it’s not a good way to start a trip. Know your departure time and arrive a couple hours prior.

When you board the boat, find a place for your tackle bag and find your bunk. You’ll need to find space to stow your rods, but those are my first priorities upon boarding. Once you’re onboard, the boat will depart and head to the bait dock.

While the crew is loading bait, the captain may use that opportunity to gather everyone (usually in the galley or on the bow) to give a safety briefing and talk about the fishing program. No one is so knowledgeable – myself included – to not need to listen intently to the briefing. Remember, the crew wants you to succeed. If you catch fish, you’ll want to come back and tell your friends. They have also seen the most recent fishing activity and know the details of what’s working. Don’t

be that guy who thinks just because you were successful doing something else last year, that whatever you did before is what is working now.

Once the briefing is over, set up your heaviest rig with a heavy knife jig. My heavy setup consists of the Fishing Syndicate FSC-OS 760 3XH (60-130) paired with an Okuma Makaira 30 filled with 100-pound braid to a 50-foot topshot of 130-pound mono. I like having some mono in between braid and fluoro to have a bit of shock absorber.

You can set up the other stuff later, but this rig is what you’ll need on the first night. Don’t be shy; introduce yourself to the deckhands and ask for help getting set up. Have them tie your knots and check your drag.

The knife jigs have become an important weapon. Guys will bring 400- and 500-gram jigs. If the current is fast or wind is pushing the boat, those heavier jigs can be an advantage. I like 300 grams, though, because I feel like it doesn’t just sink straight down and gets more action in the zone. Before you get on the boat, you should either have a tackle shop

Sarmiento prefers to mark the braid on his Okuma Makaira 30 reel so that he has an idea on the depth his lure is fishing. (JOE SARMIENT0)

rig the jig with the appropriate hooks and a heavy leader, or buy a premade heavy leader at the landing.

Often, the nighttime knife-jigging portion of the trip is the most productive part of the entire experience. Be ready. Get that setup together and hit your bunk. You’ll be back up in the middle of the night to fish.

WHEN THE SUN COMES UP

Daytime can be good if you find the right school, but it’s typically slower. You’ll need two setups during the daytime portion of the trip – a sinker rig and 40-pound flyline bait. If you only have the one setup that you used at night for jigging, you can convert that one to your sinker rig.

Here’s how that works: Tie a connection knot from your mainline to your fluorocarbon leader, and then affix a torpedo weight (typically 6 to 8 ounces) using a rubber band where they connect. Something I picked up last year – I’m always learning – is instead of tying a connection knot, use a heavy-duty swivel (200-pound test or more) in between your main line and leader. It helps keep your leader from getting twisted up. Use heavy-duty hooks for these two applications. I’ve had lesser hooks straighten out on me.

Because I have it, I’ll set up two sinker rigs – an 80-pound and 60/50-pound setup. I use my Fishing Syndicate FSC-OS 760 2XH (50 to 100), paired with an Okuma Makaira 16 with 80-pound braid to an 80-pound mono topshot, and then 80-pound fluoro leader to the hook. For the 60/50 setup, I use the FSCOS XH (40 to 80) and a Penn Fathom 40 LD2 with 65-pound braid to a 60-pound mono topshot, and the 60or 50-pound fluoro leader to the hook.

For the sinker rig, find a lively bait and hook it from the bottom of the mouth through the top of the nose. This keeps their mouth shut and results in less tangles. You also want to be mindful of not dropping in too fast, as the leader likes to come up and tangle on the main line. Because

Enrique and his son Ricky Jr. had a memorable first trip out on a long-range bluefin trip. (JOE SARMIENTO)

BEST OF CHARTERS

These guys had an epic three-day trip and brought home a bunch of cowsized tuna. Sarmiento’s final advice? “Listen to the crew and engage their help. Remember that they want you to succeed.” (JOE SARMIENTO)

of this fact, a dropshot-style setup where you use a ringed hook has become popular. Tie both the main line and the line down to the weight onto the ring. With the weight on the bottom, you can drop in faster.

Finally, the 40-pound flyline bait setup is really simple. I use the Fishing Syndicate FSC 800H (30 to 60), paired with a Shimano Talica 16II. The reel has 65-pound braid for about half the spool and then straight 40-pound mono for the rest. Some people like braid to a short fluoro topshot, but I like casting mono. Pick a lively bait once the boat stops and cast it out. I feel like the longer rod and long mono topshot allows me

to get my bait out and away from everyone else’s. I feel like doing that is a key component of successfully flylining a live bait.

HEEDING THE EXPERT’S ADVICE  Choosing which setup to deploy during the day is a matter of listening to the captain. If he says the fish are down, use your sinker/dropshot setup. Go heavy in the morning and at dusk. Go lighter during the day. If he says the fish are up, or just as a change of pace, go with the flyline. Always keep an eye on what’s getting bit and change up appropriately.

You’ll fish the entire day through to dinner. After dinner, you will no

longer be fishing and you can break down your setups and take pictures before hitting your bunk. You’ll arrive back at the landing early the following morning.

There are some small details that in the interest of saving space I’m leaving out (like bait selection, different ways to hook your bait, the tuna shuffle). These are things that the crew will cover in the briefing, or as the trip progresses. If not, just ask.

Again, listen to the crew and engage their help. Remember that they want you to succeed. Good luck out there. Hopefully, you’ll be in the hero shot with your trophy catch at the end of the trip! CS

PUDELPOINTERS: A VERSATILE BREED

By Scott Haugen

Jess Spradley is one of the most respected trainers and field trial specialists in the country. He’s been around dogs his whole life and built his field trial reputation working with German shorthaired pointers. A decade ago he had the opportunity to start working with pudelpointers.

“I did a lot of looking at breeds and chose pudelpointers due to their versatility,” states the owner of Cabin Creek Gun Dogs (cabincreekgundogs. com) in Lakeview, Oregon. “As a trainer, working with a breed that naturally hunts upland birds, waterfowl, shed antlers, squirrels and more made my choice pretty easy. And we owe these qualities to the breeders before us who set high, stringent standards and stuck with it. When I got into it, the breed was well-handled and hunters could get great dogs, but today, as more people are breeding litters to sell at high volume, the quality of dogs has become watered down, so potential owners need to do their homework.”

IN THE LATE 1800S, Germany aggressively promoted hunting within their country. The development of dogs to be used in hunting was also encouraged, and this is when pudels – the German spelling of poodle – widely known as water dogs, were becoming extremely popular. The water dogs varied in coat color and length, but they all had long hair, usually curly, and worked diligently in water and cold conditions, largely as herding dogs. They were known for their drive and intelligence.

During this time in history, English pointers were very popular

Lon is likely the most accomplished, renowned pudelpointer in history and is the sire of author Scott Haugen’s two dogs. The breed is great for first-time dog owners and seasoned hunters alike. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

HUNTING

throughout much of Europe, which added to the interest of a new possible breed. English pointers were known for their speed and drive to work hard in the field. Breeders of the time crossed various water dogs with prized English pointers. Eventually, desired hair types and behaviors were achieved, and ultimately, pudelpointers were born.

In the 1890s pudelpointers became a registered breed, meaning pudelpointers could be bred with other pudelpointers. The goal of early lovers of the breed was to produce a rough-coated dog with a wide range of hunting abilities to be utilized in an array of habitats and conditions for multiple species of birds and small game.

Sigbot “Bodo” Winterhelt is credited with bringing the pudelpointer breed from Germany to North America in the 1950s. Winterhelt, a cofounder of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, eventually settled in Oregon. Oregon has a very active, dedicated group of pudelpointer breeders and owners.

“Pudelpointers are very intelligent to train,” states Spradley. “They retain information for a long time and there’s often little need to reteach them, even the following season, like you would other breeds. They’re also a great firsttime dog for people because they’re easy to handle and their disposition is second to none. Pudelpointers have a great personality and have an off switch, and they know when to use it. They’re fantastic around children, yet have a tenacious drive in the field.”

I OWN TWO PUDELPOINTERS, both coming from Spradley’s bloodline, and everything he says about them is true. I quickly learned with my dogs –and other pudelpointers I’ve worked with – that they’re a sensitive breed.

“Pudelpointers don’t do well with a heavy hand,” notes Spradley. “I can steer most of the training with verbal commands and eye contact, versus having to use an e-collar. These dogs know quickly if you’re disappointed

in them and they’ll try their hardest to please you.”

Hunters who’ve owned Cabin Creek Gun Dog pups will wait years for the perfect pup on their second go-around.

“Starting out, my goal was to finish with pudelpointers that were better than what I started with,” concludes Spradley. “I wanted to improve the breed any way I could and have tried doing this by importing high-end bloodlines and infusing those into the best U.S. bloodlines I could find.”

Spradley’s plan worked, but with such high standards, he’s only breeding one to three litters a year.

Understandably, many new dog owners don’t want to wait that long for a pup. While Spradley has been rigorously importing, training and testing pudelpointers at the highest level, then tediously trying to breed them, many other pudelpointer breeders in North America

including lots of new ones – have been producing more litters and selling them for much less. Even after months of training, if a dog doesn’t fit Spradley’s standards, he’ll sell it, which sets him back further. For Spradley, it was never a race to mass produce and sell lots of pups. He wants

Noted trainer Jess Spradley works with one of his prized pudelpointers. Spradley doesn’t breed many litters a year, but you can bet the pups he does produce are elite. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

quality pudelpointers that seasoned hunters will truly appreciate.

If you’re not in a rush and looking for an extremely high-quality bloodline of pudelpointers, then Spradley is your man, but get on his waiting list right now. If you’re wanting one of these lovable, highperforming dogs sooner rather than later, carefully research the bloodline you’re considering. As with any hunting dog breed, quality bloodlines are vital to a healthy dog that’s designed to hunt and behave at an optimal level. Either way, once you see how hard pudelpointers hunt, how intelligent they are, and the level they’ll reach to please you, you’ll likely be planning on getting another one sooner rather than later. CS

Editor’s note: Scott Haugen is a full-time writer. See his basic puppy training videos and learn more about his many books at scotthaugen.com. Follow his adventures on Instagram and Facebook.

The author and his then 2-year-old pudelpointer Echo with a mixed bag. Haugen chose the breed for its versatility, intelligence, ease of training and because they’re a great family dog.

(SCOTT HAUGEN)