FISHING • HUNTING • TRAVEL CALSPORTSMANMAG.COM
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California
Sportsman Your LOCAL Hunting & Fishing Resource
Volume 12 • Issue 11 PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andy Walgamott EDITOR Chris Cocoles CONTRIBUTORS Jim Dickson, Scott Haugen, Tiffany Haugen, Todd Kline, Lance Sawa, Bill Schaefer SALES MANAGER Paul Yarnold ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mamie Griffin, Jim Klark, Mike Smith DESIGNER Lesley-Anne Slisko-Cooper PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Kelly Baker DIGITAL STRATEGIST Jon Hines ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Katie Aumann INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@calsportsmanmag.com CORRESPONDENCE Email ccocoles@media-inc.com Twitter @CalSportsMan Facebook.com/californiasportsmanmagazine ON THE COVER Todd Kline recently fished a bass tournament at Northern California’s Clear Lake, which for the first time was named the No. 1 bass fishery in the country by Bassmaster magazine. (TODD KLINE)
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CONTENTS
VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 11
FEATURES 17
RUN THE COAST FOR SPOTS Capt. Bill Schaefer loves to get out and crank the nearshore waters of the Southern California coast for spotted bay bass. The gear and techniques aren’t much different from largemouth fishing, and when you hook into one of these feisty fish, the fight will make the trip worthwhile. Find out how Schaefer does it!
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SCOOP AND SCORE! Clamming offers a fun foraging experience up and down the California coast, with the reward being some delicious bivalves for your summer clambake. Scott and Tiffany Haugen team up in our Field to Fire feature with a checklist every clammer needs to scoop up a bounty along the shoreline, as well as a smoky clam dip recipe you’re sure to “dig.”
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FLATFISH IN THE FAR EAST Lance Sawa, our “American Angler in Japan,” spent much of his younger days in California out fishing, including for halibut off the SoCal coast with a family friend. But Sawa was never able to score a legal flatfish of his own. Now living across the Pacific, an opportunity to get out on a charter boat in Japan provided the chance to reel in the fish that had got away so many times before.
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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE (PETER TIRA)
CLEARLY BEST FOR BASS
9 10 13 15 39 45
The Editor’s Note Adventures of Todd Kline Photo contest winners Outdoor calendar Fishing a Bay Area lake amid the pandemic Road trippin’ with your hunting dog
Young Deo Tira has become, in the words of his dad, California Department of Fish and Wildlife communications officer Peter Tira, “a bass fishing fool.” And with the Sacramento-area-based Tira family close to perhaps the country’s best bassing lake, why not? Indeed, Bassmaster magazine recently ranked the state’s largest freshwater lake No. 1 in its annual national poll. Jim Dickson explains why this is a haven for largemouth anglers, and how to catch its bass.
Read California Sportsman on your desktop or mobile device. Go to www.calsportsmanmag.com/digital California Sportsman is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 14240 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Send address changes to California Sportsman, PO Box 24365, Seattle, WA 98124. Annual subscriptions are $29.95 (12 issues), 2-year subscription are $39.95 (24 issues). Send check or money order to Media Index Publishing Group, or call (206) 382-9220 with VISA or M/C. Back issues are available at Media Index Publishing Group offices at the cost of $5 plus shipping. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2019 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A. 6 California Sportsman AUGUST 2020 | calsportsmanmag.com
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THEEDITOR’SNOTE
I
’ve become accustomed to the 800-plus-mile drive – each way – between my current home in Seattle and the Bay Area. But on an early July road trip to visit my family (and get in a little social distance fishing; see page 39), signs of normalcy were few and far between. As my dog Emma and I made good time on Interstate 5, the freeway sign boards – which usually warn motorists of upcoming accidents or construction zones, or provide reminders about buckling seat belts and not drinking and driving – featured public service announcements about COVID-19 mandates, such as wearing face coverings and keeping distance from others. Speaking of coverings, the masks that I’ve been wearing to a dental appointment, grocery stores and takeout eateries came in handy on the road to California. Stopping at the usual I-5 rest areas to hit the bathroom, stretch my and Emma’s legs and to fill the pup’s water dish meant putting on my mask, as did most other highway travelers as we all erred on the side of caution. Hours after I started the trip and had crossed the California state line, the first sign of normalcy struck me when passing by Shasta Lake. That’s usually a landmark that tells me I’m getting close to home during a 14-hour trip. And in the summer heat, Shasta appeared like business as usual, with a flotilla of houseboats, ski boats and other vessels exploring the 30,000 surface acres that offer plenty of space to social distance on the water. Still, even as many of us managed to get away for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, it’s important to continue staying cautious as COVID-19 cases spread once again. As family members and I spent the morning of July 4 fishing at Lake Chabot in the Bay Area, wearing a face covering that wasn’t for simply blocking the sun was a common accessory for others visiting the lake that day. It’s something we should be all doing if we’re near crowds of people, even if Chabot wasn’t massively crowded that day. On the drive back north, I again spied the Shasta boaters trying to keep cool in 103-degree weather. It’s a scene that offered some hope in a time of uncertainty. -Chris Cocoles
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The new normal for the editor and so many others is donning a facemask on a fishing outing to Lake Chabot. (CHRIS COCOLES) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2020 California Sportsman
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s e r u t n e v d A
This past month I took a road trip to Northern California for the California Open tournament at iconic Clear Lake. My rig was ready for the ride. (TODD KLINE)
W
e’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 coangler 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 And here’s a sunset perspective on the lake. (TODD KLINE) I had some fun in practice, catching a few bass on the DEPS Tiny Bullshooter. This was my first time fishing that bait and it was awesome. (TODD KLINE)
The sun begins to rise over the lake, one of the nation’s best bass fisheries. (TODD KLINE) 10 10 California CaliforniaSportsman Sportsman AUGUST AUGUST 2020 2020 | calsportsmanmag.com | calsportsmanmag.com
The calm before blastoff. Bassers and their boats get ready for a day on Clear Lake. (TODD KLINE) On the tournament’s final day I had some trolling motor issues and had to install a loaner. With the help of my co-angler, we got back out there with positive attitudes and smashed the bass. I had one over 6 pounds and my co-angler caught an 8-plus-pounder. We dropped almost 25 pounds on the scale, which jumped me from 39th to finish 10th. (TODD KLINE)
And it’s not just bass devouring the Coolbaits. Check out this fat crappie! (TODD KLINE)
Closer to home, the largemouth at Lake Perris have been eating the silversides. And with that said, they love the Coolbaits I threw at them. (TODD KLINE) calsportsmanmag.com| AUGUST | AUGUST2020 2020 California Sportsman calsportsmanmag.com
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PHOTO
CONTEST
WINNERS!
Jerry Han is the winner of our monthly Fishing Photo Contest, thanks to this shot he sent of son Corbin and his mid-March walleye from the Columbia River. It wins him gear from various tackle manufacturers!
Jeff Benson is our monthly Coast Hunting Photo Contest winner, thanks to this pic of daughter Carly and her southeast Washington spring gobbler. It wins him a knife and light from Coast!
For your shot at winning hunting and fishing products, send your photos and pertinent (who, what, when, where) details to ccocoles@media-inc.com or California Sportsman, PO Box 24365, Seattle, WA 98124-0365. By sending us photos, you affirm you have the right to distribute them for our print or Internet publications. calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2020 California Sportsman
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OUTDOOR CALENDAR
Editor’s note: Because of COVID-19 restrictions, all events should be checked for changes or cancellations. Below are events that had been scheduled in August and September, with websites/phone numbers for you to check for updates. AUGUST
5
8 8-16 11-14 13-16 15 15 15 15
Zone A deer season opens Owens Valley Multiple Zone Archery-only bull tule elk hunt Grizzly Island Period 1 apprentice antlerless tule elk hunt Grizzly Island Period 2 apprentice spike bull tule elk hunt Zones B-1, -2, -3, -5 and -6 archery deer seasons open Most Zone C archery deer seasons open Most Zone X archery deer seasons open Stampede Reservoir Team Kokanee Derby; kokaneepower.org 15 Falconry pheasant season opens 22 Zone B-4 deer season opens 22-30 Apprentice pronghorn hunting season 22-30 Most pronghorn hunting season dates 28 Start of Ambush at the Lake fall fishing derby; convictlake.com or (800) 992-2260
SEPTEMBER 1 4-8
Opening of first dove season Annett’s Mono Village Labor Day Fishing Derby, Upper Twin Lakes, Bridgeport; (760) 932-7071
Statewide Free Fishing Day (no general fishing license required); wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/free-fishing-days 12 Shaver Lake Team Kokanee Derby; kokaneepower.org/ derbies/20200912.pdf 12 Zone Q1 mountain quail hunting season opens 12 Grouse season opens 12-20 White-tailed ptarmigan hunting season 19 Most Zones B and C as well as D-6 and -7 deer hunting seasons open 19 Zones X-9A, -9B and -12 deer hunting seasons open 19-26 North zone band-tailed pigeon hunting season 26 Most Zone D seasons open 26 Zones X-8 and -10 deer seasons open 31 Bridgeport Fish Fest, Twin Lakes Resort; twinlakeresort.com For more details on deer hunting seasons, go to wildlife.ca.gov/ Hunting/Deer.
TBD Fred Hall Show, Del Mar Fairgrounds; fredhall.com
Stampede Reservoir, near Truckee, hosts a team kokanee derby on Aug. 15. It is sponsored by Kokanee Power. (MARK FONG)
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FISHING
BANK CRANKING FOR SPOTTIES ‘FREIGHT TRAINS OF THE SEA,’ THESE BAY BASS RESPOND WELL TO BAITS PITCHED AROUND THE SHALLOWS By Capt. Bill Schaefer
O
ne of the most fun ways to catch spotted bay bass in Southern California is to reel them up with crankbaits. It’s definitely one of my favorite ways to fish. Spotties are hard-fighting fish that when they hit your bait, you feel it all the way to your handle. If you fish freshwater a lot, you may already be in tune with fishing crankbaits for largemouth and smallmouth bass. You can definitely learn new skills or just stay in tune while learning to work cranks around docks, rocks and pilings for these little freight trains of the sea.
CRANKBAIT OPTIONS The choices are endless when it comes to “cranking” baits. Almost any lure with a lip is technically a crankbait. The size of the lip is what sends the bait down to the selected depth you want to fish. After you get good and develop a rhythm, you will be able to “walk” the bait through any depth with great skill. You can even use deeper divers in shallow situations, eliminating some of the in-between size lures. Let me give you an example: If you go on a day when there is a super high tide, many times the bass are right up in the shallows. You can go to a shallow-running crank or use a deeper diver, but walk it out.
Crankbaits are a great option for saltwater anglers hoping to get in on some fantastic spotted bay bass action. Lure designer and custom painter Eric McIntire shows off a nice fish he cranked up on one of his Spotty pattern baits. (FISHHEAD CUSTOM LURES) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2020 California Sportsman
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FISHING Author Bill Schaefer caught this nice Mission Bay spotty on a white Fat Free Shad. (BILL SCHAEFER)
mixed with pauses. This commotion will attract the bass. They may take this for a wounded baitfish or a crab scurrying across the bottom. You may pick up a few weeds, but sometimes this can attract a giant spotty. As we all know, the spots will also hang on docks and pilings. As you get better with casting crankbaits around pilings, you can swim your crank right out along the pilings and score some giant bass. Empty boat slips can also be a great target area for cranking up a larger spotty. But I caution you to avoid bouncing your bait off the side of boats, which might lead to an angry owner in your face. Respect the boats as if they’re your own and usually people will leave you alone to fish.
RODS, REELS AND LINE CHECKLIST
I tend to mostly use floating crankbaits. When I pause my retrieve, the erratic motion of it floating up often triggers a strike. Trust me, you will definitely feel it. If the bait floats up every time you pause, you can throw that crank up into the shallowest of water and work it back by reducing your retrieves between pauses. As you venture further from shore, you increase the cranks between the pause, making the bait dive deeper.
DIVE INTO THE WATER Now, if you find that the bass are consistently biting in shallow waterweeds or on rocks, you can fish parallel to the shore and throw a shallow diver that may only go down 3 to 5 feet deep. Remember that even
though your meter says it is 5 feet deep, there could be weeds coming up a foot or two off the bottom, which narrows the column of open water you have to work your bait. Hard jerkbaits, which are also technically a crankbait, do well in this scenario. This might be one of the only times when I might use a neutral buoyancy jerkbait.
INTO THE DEPTHS As I get into deeper water and the weeds disappear and a sandier bottom is apparent, I like to walk the crankbait along the bottom, using the bill to dredge up sand with the tip of the bill occasionally. Crank the bait down until you make contact and then go to a slow retrieve,
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For tackle, your regular spotty rods and reels will do. Whether mono or braid, the diameter of your line will play a factor in how deep a lure dives also. I tend to use mono 99 percent of the time. It takes more skill to learn the cadence of your retrieve than the casting of the bait. That will only play into the scenario when you get around the docks and rocks, as I mentioned. Colors can vary with your favorites. I use Bomber Fat Free Shads in a firetiger and plain white more than any other. I also use a chrome/black back Devil’s Horse jerkbait to emulate an anchovy. I also like some of the custom-painted baits, like the Fishhead Custom Lures’ Spotty pattern crank.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT You can buy an assortment of cranks to get you through all depths, but you can practice and eventually work your way into using only one or two to cover those same depths. Don’t lose faith; you will get better the more you throw crankbaits for spotted bay bass, acquiring the skills you need to work them in more scenarios. You will find it hard to put the crankbait rod down once you start catching fish on it. Good luck out there and have fun. CS
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FISHING
FROM FIELD...
SLAM-DUNK CLAMMING WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SCORE SOME TASTY SEASIDE TREATS By Scott Haugen
C
lamming offers one of the highest returns on investment for outdoor enthusiasts. With just a license and some basic gear, you’re well on the way to experiencing what clamming and its
benefits are all about. When compared to other forms of fishing, clamming is among the most basic and cost-effective. Most people already have the gear needed to successfully clam, and with the purchase of a shellfish or clamming license, that’s all that’s needed to have
a fun, productive day. Here’s a look at other gear a clammer may find useful, depending on what species they’re targeting:
TIDE BOOK A tide book shows the year-round tidal changes in every region along
Softshell clams are among the most abundant, easy-to-dig clams along the Pacific Coast. Authors Scott and Tiffany Haugen are pleased with limits they dug in a mudflat during a minus tide. (SCOTT HAUGEN) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2020 California Sportsman
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FISHING
... TO FIRE
Clam meat can be used in multiple dishes. Once you get through the cleaning process you’ll be rewarded with a great meal. (TIFFANY HAUGEN)
YOU’LL DIG THIS CLAM RECIPE By Tiffany Haugen
C
lams are some of the tastiest bounties the sea has to offer. While the digging is fun, the cleaning can be tedious at times, but it’s worth the effort in order to maximize the
1 cup smoked clams*, chopped 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon hot chili sauce (sriracha) Fresh chives or green onion, optional
should be brined first. To brine clams, place in a shallow dish and sprinkle 1 cup clams with 1½ teaspoons Morton TenderQuick (or a mixture of 2 teaspoons salt and 2 teaspoons sugar) and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse, pat dry and place on mesh racks in a cold smoker or a barbecue with a cold smoke generator attached. Cold smoke one to two hours and then cook smoked clams 15 minutes at 250 degrees. To hot smoke clams, place on a wire mesh rack and smoke one hour at 165 to 170 degrees.
In a medium bowl, whip cream cheese with Worcestershire, lemon juice, garlic and chili sauce. Gently fold in clams and stir until combined. Garnish with fresh chives or green onion. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. *Clams can be hot or cold smoked but
Editor’s note: For signed copies of Tiffany Haugen’s best-selling cookbook, Cooking Seafood, visit tiffanyhaugen.com.
flavor of the clam meat. Prior to cooking any clams, make sure the meat is free of sand and that any skin and dark portions of meat are removed. Clam meat can be prepared many ways. This recipe is a family favorite, as we simply enjoy smoking a lot of our fish and game meat.
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FISHING the Pacific Coast. Tide tables are available online, but having a hard copy is great for quick reference. Keeping a copy at home, in the car and in the boat is a good idea. Tide books change each year and are available at local marinas and most sporting good stores. Tide monitoring websites for California can be found at tides.net/california and saltwatertides .com/dynamic.dir/californiasites.html.
SHOVEL The most widely used clamming tool is a garden shovel. But specially designed clam shovels are a must when it comes to razor clams. These narrow-bladed shovels also work well for digging some bay clams. When digging bay clams, where large amounts of substrate must be excavated, a regular garden shovel is useful. Note, when creating piles of sand, mud or other substrates, flatten them out before leaving the area so clams beneath them don’t suffocate.
RAKE A rake is often used when going after bay clams and cockles. A simple steel garden rake will suffice, but many clammers prefer longer prongs to dig deeper into the substrate. Some clam rakes have a basket attached to them to help gather the clams.
BASKET, BAG OR BUCKET Specially made clamming bags are ideal for stowing your catch while digging, especially in beach and bay settings where you’re wading in water. Burlap bags and buckets also work. Take note of state rules regarding the requirement of each clammer to carry their own catch and transport vessel. If hitting the road this summer, note that some states prohibit clammers from digging and gathering clams from the same hole.
CLAM TUBE/GUN There are two types of clam tubes, or clam guns: a fixed tube and a
California has no shortage of places to dig the state’s many varieties of clams. Here are some options to consider. (STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
pump-action tube. The fixed tube is a cylindrical piece of metal with a handle and small hole on the top end. As you push the gun into the sand, leave the hole in the top open, pushing and twisting with the "show" – the clam’s breathing hole – centered. When you’ve reached a foot or so in depth, place a thumb over the hole in the gun and use your legs to lift the gun and its sandy contents. Empty the sand to the side and search for a clam. If no clam is found, repeat the process. A pump-action clam gun is smaller in diameter than the fixed cylinder style, and some states have laws that clarify what minimum diameter the tube should be. If using a clam gun for razor clams, position the show one-third from center, toward land. This will allow two-thirds of the cylinder to extend toward the ocean, which increases the odds of finding a clam since they burrow at a slight angle toward the sea, not straight down.
GLOVES AND COOLERS
Clamming requires minimal gear, but what you need depends on the species you’re targeting and where you’ll be digging. (SCOTT HAUGEN) 24 California Sportsman AUGUST 2020 | calsportsmanmag.com
Clamshells are sharp and fragments are routinely encountered when digging and reaching into substrates. Wearing rubber gardening gloves, ones that are firm yet flexible enough
FISHING to offer dexterity, is a good idea. If transporting clams home to clean, they must be kept alive, and this is easy to do by adding fresh saltwater to a big cooler. An attached aerator provides oxygen so clams don’t suffocate.
WHERE TO GO When it comes to finding a place to clam there are no secrets. If new to clamming, arrive at the bay of choice at least two hours prior to the peak of the low tide, see where fellow clammers are congregating and join the crowd. Check state-specific clamming regulations and updates as to the beaches and estuaries offering the best clamming. Sometimes emergency closures and short notice openings occur on individual beaches. It’s your responsibility to be aware. This link will help: dfg. ca.gov/marine/mapregs6.asp.
California’s top razor clamming beaches are found in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. Historically, Clam Beach has been the top razor spot. Littleneck clams can be found along the entire California coast, with Bodega and Tomales Bays being the top areas around the Bay Area. Further south, the Pismo clam is one of the largest found in California, with the best digging occurring just south of Pismo Beach. The best digging for butter clams is found in the tidal estuaries north of Humboldt Bay. Another species known as Washington or butter clams, along with gapers, are commonly targeted in Humboldt Bay, Bodega Bay, Tomales Bay, Drakes Estero, Elkhorn Slough and Morro Bay. The largest clams in the world, geoducks, are hard to dig but can be found in Drakes Estero, Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay and Humboldt Bay on
low minus tides. Softshell clams are found in most bays, estuaries and river mouths north of San Francisco, with some of the best digging to be had at Drakes Estero, Bodega Bay, Humboldt Bay, Lake Earl and Ten Mile Creek. The inlets of the Navarro, Big and Eel Rivers also have softshells.
THE REWARD With some simple gear and a bit of homework you’re on the way to experiencing what clamming is all about. Like anything outdoors, the more you do, the more you’ll learn. And when it comes to clamming you’ll likely want to do it for years to come. CS Editor’s note: For a signed copy of Scott Haugen’s $10 pocket guide on clamming, including how to clean and cook them, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott on Instagram and Facebook.
calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2020 California Sportsman
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Author Lance Sawa learned a lot about halibut fishing in California from his friend Jimmy (right), but he never managed to score a legal-sized one off the Southland coast. He gave it another try in his new home, Japan. (LANCE SAWA)
FLATTIE FULFILLMENT
AFTER BEING LEFT COLD BY CALIFORNIA HALIBUT, AN ANGLER TRIES AGAIN IN JAPAN
By Lance Sawa
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arina Del Rey, a coastal community not far from LAX, has a small halibut derby that my family and family friends would participate in when I was younger.
The organizers were a small, tightknit group and seemed to know all the anglers. This derby was the only time each year that I would see certain fishermen, people who I knew and who knew my family. Even though it was a tournament and a competition, I remember very few of
us took it seriously, though whenever we all put out rods, we’d still check them regularly. We’d move the boat and reset lines as the day drifted slowly by, and over the years our group would grow and shrink. Some of us moved far away, some married and started families,
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Sawa booked a spot on a charter boat in the coastal city of Niigata, on the Sea of Japan side of the island nation. At the dock was a message about social distancing, advising people to stay one bluefin tuna length away from others. (LANCE SAWA)
some stopped fishing for personal reasons, some are no longer with us. Over a weekend, a year’s worth of stories would come out. Funny stories. Sad stories. Long stories that were hours-long epics. Short and sweet stories. No matter the story, I was there to hear them as I watched the rod tips. If anyone got a bite, I told the person quickly. The fish would come here and there, some thrown back in and others taken into port to be weighed. Jimmy, a great family friend, was relaxing with us when I noticed his rod had a slight nibble. I pointed at his rod and he just nodded. Many times
I went to Jimmy’s house in Ventura, where instead of a backyard he had his own dock and moored to it was his own boat that he would use in the local waters. It seemed like he would only go fishing for salmon, though – for reasons unknown to me. “Aren’t you going to get it?” I asked, nervously watching the fish bite. “Not just yet.” Jimmy seemed to not even care about it at all. After about five minutes that felt like five hours to an energetic kid, Jimmy slowly got up and picked up the rod. Setting the hook and winding a few times, the fight was on. The tip was bouncing in that flat halibut way. Everyone was watching as he carefully and expertly brought the fish in. I was the closest person to Jimmy and so was tasked with netting his fish. Being so young at the time, I really did not want to do it. What if I missed or knocked it off the line – or maybe even
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broke the line all together? He advised me that even if that did happen, it wouldn’t matter. Jimmy also said that all I had to do was put the net into the water; he would guide the fish into the net and then tell me when to pull it out. Just as I calmed down with his words, we saw deep color. This made me slightly nervous, but I waited and remembered what he said. The fish was almost to the surface and I put the net into the water. Jimmy perfectly guided what we could now all see as a halibut into the net. I gently pulled up the net and we had our first fish of the weekend. In remembering it now, I kept thinking about this factoid: I never did catch a legal halibut in all my years of fishing in California.
FAST FORWARD AND AFTER one long Japanese winter finally ended, I was ready to go fishing once again. I had
wanted to go on the ocean again and decided that Niigata, on the western coast of the main island of Honshu and about a four-hour drive northwest of Tokyo, was the best place. But I had a few things holding me back. I had no tackle and no idea where to fish. I began to look around and found a few nice places to go, and some even had a calendar of what fish could be caught during certain times of the year. The calendar was a true blessing and curse, though. It seemed that every time I wanted to go fishing, the fish I wanted to try for was out of season. I always missed the yellowtail season by a week or so. Sea bass season is so short that you can blink and miss it; plus the boats are full months in advance. But I was just in time for halibut season. A charter sold tackle and rented rods, and I asked for both from the helpful woman on the phone. The boat left at two different times – either at 5 p.m. or at 11 p.m., with both trips lasting five-and-a-half hours. I was not looking forward to
a twilight trip, but I decided on the 5 p.m. option. When I arrived, the woman on the phone was also doing all the paperwork in their office, and I loved the sign about social distancing, which to them was the length of a bluefin tuna. The crew was great and explained everything to me because I had rented a rod. The captain was helpful and said that if I had any problems, I should ask him. The deckhand showed me where and how the boat systems worked, including the 12-volt electric motor for the automatic reel. That was a joy to use, but I couldn’t get used to it and ended up hand-cranking it in and it was at only about 70 fathoms, which isn’t much anyway. Speaking of electronics, I was amazed at the amount of technology some people brought for fishing. One guy had a personal fish finder that told him depth, what kind of fish were below and where his bait was. Some had LED lights above their hooks and baits. Most had two rods and one even had three, with one just for catching Spanish mackerel. The
rod knew when a fish was hooked and reeled up automatically for it to then be used for bait. I was happy with one rod with a depth clicker.
FOR BAIT WE ALL had Spanish mackerel bought back at the dock. That helpful woman was once again to the rescue; she had it all ready to go, for the original price she quoted me. On the boat, the deckhand showed me where to put the bait into my own personal livewell, with fresh water pumped in to keep the fish alive and healthy. On the way out, I rigged up with a double-hook setup but with a huge sinker for the depth. I was surprised that the anchor was dropped and we did not drift. We also did not fish the bottom. The captain informed us that the fish were from about 3 to 6 feet off the bottom. My rod tip was very flexible and looked like I could tie it into a bow – another variable I was Live Spanish mackerel made for good halibut bait for the anglers aboard the vessel. (LANCE SAWA)
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Lights on the water drew “random fish” to the boat as the anglers fished. (LANCE SAWA)
not used to. I followed the crew’s instructions and began waiting. The man next to me with a personal fish finder was the first to hook up. It took about an hour for him to get it. I took the time to check my bait and reset it in the 3- to 6-foot zone. Some people started fishing for more bait as the sun slowly set. A light was put into the water for safety so other boats could see us. Another huge light above the deck was turned on for the same reason. Almost two hours in, I noticed my rod acting strangely. I watched it closely because I was not sure what to make of it. There was a slight tap but maybe it was just the Spanish
… n a – – o t f i
(
As the evening twilight flickered, Sawa had his first-ever keeper halibut to take home. (LANCE SAWA) 30 California Sportsman AUGUST 2020 | calsportsmanmag.com
mackerel. Another tap. Then the tip bent even more than before; I grabbed it from the rod holder and set the hook. Instantly that flat feeling was there. I set my drag a little too loose and in the first run, the halibut took about 10 feet of line. I tightened the drag just the tiniest amount and reeled down into it. I got those 10 feet back quickly – plus another 20 feet. The deckhand was next to me with a net watching. The electric reel beeped to tell me I was just 15 feet from the surface; and then the fish took another run. Another beep signified that it was 3 feet from the surface. The braided line ended and I could see the leader coming out of the water. In one fell swoop, the deckhand netted the halibut into the boat. And that flat sound on the deck brought back so many memories of those days in Southern California. The trailer treble hook had gotten the halibut cleanly in the side of the mouth. The fish was taken to be stored in cold water to stay cool and fresh. After the excitement died down, I went back to waiting for another bite. I noticed random fish swimming
around the boat – most likely attracted to the lights. I threw a jig to try to catch something, as I kept one eye on the rod tip. A needlefish was tempted into a strike and it was put into the icebox to show my son Nico. Another hour went by and the random fish disappeared, leaving me to go back to watching my rod tip again.
AT ABOUT 8 P.M. I got another weird tap on my line. Again, I watched it – unsure if it was my bait or another larger diner. Once again, a second tap and then a third tap. The taps stopped, but just when I reached for the rod to check the bait, it bent hard. I pulled the rod out of its holder and set the hook. This time the drag was correct and it only moved 5 feet, but it was a smaller fish. Then came the now-familiar 15-foot beep, the 3-foot beep and out came the net again. Before I realized it, another halibut was thumping on the deck at my feet. I had to cross an ocean to get a halibut, and while one fish would have made me happy, with two in the box – plus that bonus needlefish – I was over the moon. CS
On this night for Sawa it was all about the halibut – two of them – and memories of fishing for the species with family and friends in California ... (LANCE SAWA)
... But he also managed to score a needlefish to show his young son. (LANCE SAWA) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2020 California Sportsman
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FISHING
BIG LAKE, BIG FISH CLEAR LAKE’S NATIONALLY KNOWN BASS FISHERY MAKES IT A PRIME DESTINATION Editor’s note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Clear Lake was closed to out-of-area anglers throughout the spring and while open at press time, contact Lake County officials (800525-3743; lakecounty.com) for updated information before heading there. By Jim Dickson
BIG BASS ABOUND
C
The largest bass caught there so far weighed in at a whopping 17.52 pounds. That was back in 1990, but a 16.07-pounder was landed in April 2019. While Clear is most famous for largemouth, it hosts a variety of other species, including bluegill, crappie, catfish and carp. The state-record white crappie was caught there back in 1971 and scaled 4 pounds, 8 ounces. Now that’s a big crappie! Fishing is so famous at Clear that before the coronavirus hit, 113 tournaments were scheduled to be
lear Lake’s place as bass capital of the West comes with plenty of evidence to support the moniker. California’s largest natural lake – fully within the state’s borders – covers 68 square miles and was recently ranked by Bassmaster as the number one bass lake of the last decade. Since the magazine began ranking bass waters in 2012, Clear has consistently appeared high in national rankings and most years was best in the West.
held there this year, the majority for bass. After all, two-thirds of the fish caught in this lake are bass. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife aims to keep it that way and they regularly stock Clear with fish. So this lake definitely stacks the odds in favor of bass fishermen. After all, bass fishing is now a multibillion-dollar industry and they are the most sought-after fish in the country. Talk about popularity!
CHANCE TO CATCH A LUNKER The aforementioned lake record bass is close enough to the joint world record 22.25-pounders, caught in Georgia in 1932 and Japan in 2009, to give many Western anglers hope
Bass boats can crowd even the massive waters of Clear Lake, which produces some of the country’s best fishing for largemouth and hosts a multitude of tournaments. There are nearly a dozen launch ramps. (PETER TIRA) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2020 California Sportsman
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FISHING that Clear may eventually produce an even bigger fish. There are also tournaments for crappie and catfish. And no matter what type of fish you are after, this lake offers them in abundance. Some anglers who aren’t targeting the popular black bass prefer just to catch a stringer full of bluegills on a cane pole. It’s hard to beat that for fun; plus bluegills are very tasty. The late Jack Rowe, who represented the United States at the International Carp Fishing Championships in Europe a few years back, said he preferred carp fishing because he caught a big fish every time he went out. There is a lot to be said for that. Carp may be too bony to be good eating, but so are tarpon, which are considered a prime ocean game fish. And while carp may not leap about when hooked like a tarpon, they and catfish pull like a bulldozer on the line. They take second place to no fish when it comes to putting up a fight and no one ever doubted the table fare popularity of a channel cat, which the lake produces plenty of, particularly in the hot Lake County summer.
Most anglers head to Clear Lake for a chance at a big bass, like these lucky anglers did fishing with local guide Don Paganelli. (DON’S BASS FISHING EXPERIENCE) Deo Tira caught this nice largemouth last summer along the shoreline at Lakeside County Park near Kelseyville. (PETER TIRA)
CONDUCIVE TO GREAT FISHING Conditions are very good at Clear Lake from a fish’s point of view, including plenty of warm and shallow water. The average depth is 27 feet, with a maximum depth of 60 feet. Water temperature averages 40 degrees in the winter and a warm 76 degrees in the summer. The lake does not fill up with silt because it sits on a massive stone block that tilts north at the same rate sediment fills in the lake; thus it keeps a relatively constant depth.
A YEAR-ROUND FISHERY February is prespawn time for Clear Lake bass. Big swimbaits, Alabama rigs, and slow moving crankbaits work well. The bass are feeding on Clear Lake hitch, a fish native to these 34 California Sportsman AUGUST 2020 | calsportsmanmag.com
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waters. As these forage fish move up to the creeks to spawn, they provide a great food source for the bass. By the beginning of March, some of the largemouth have moved up to beds and are starting to spawn. Flipping plastic worms along the edges and docks works well, with a slow-moving crankbait working even better. As you get into spring and postspawn, the reaction bite can be fantastic. Topwater cranks, plastic worms and spinnerbaits will catch fish for you all summer long. Summer is also an opportunity to catch lots of fish. While catfishing is popular this time of year, in mid-July the Lake County Record-Bee reported that the bass fishing was at a “torrid pace” and many anglers were landing up to 20 fish per outing. Clear Lake has plenty of lakeshore access at public parks and resorts. There are 11 free boat ramps for whatever boat you bring along (check with local authorities for launch ramp availability due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Bait shops are plentiful and these can usually give you the most updated information about what the fish are biting on at that given time. There are also plenty of fishing guides who will take you to the best spots on their boat and help you get a good catch. A good example is Don Paganelli of Don’s Bass Fishing Experience (916-502-3474; guidebass.net). CS
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calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2020 California Sportsman
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FISHING
FISHLESS FOURTH COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS MAKE FOR A SLOW FREE ANGLING DAY ON BAY AREA’S LAKE CHABOT By Chris Cocoles
C
ASTRO VALLEY–As we headed up the residential streets and then a winding road – we missed the first turnoff and had to backtrack a bit – on the way to Lake Chabot, I was more curious than excited. Normally, a sunny day, a lake full of
trout and catfish and the promise that fishing would be free on this Fourth of July Saturday would be reason enough to be thrilled just to be there. But in a COVID-19 world, everything I do carries a what-about-the-pandemic subplot. This would be no different. Still, any chance to cast out the Shakespeare spinning combo I
purchased about a year ago brings some anticipation. But our routines are anything but routine in the coronavirus era. As we packed up my sister Charlene’s SUV early on July 4, I was just as much concerned about carrying my facemask and having enough antiseptic wipes as confirming that we had sunscreen
July 4 was the first of California’s two annual Free Fishing Days, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bay Area’s Lake Chabot was mostly quiet, with only a handful of anglers participating. (CHRIS COCOLES) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2020 California Sportsman
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FISHING and some cold drinks. Welcome to a whole new ballgame.
DESPITE GROWING UP JUST across San Francisco Bay from Chabot, I hadn’t fished the lake before. My favorite childhood destination, San Pablo Reservoir (California Sportsman, March 2020), along with San Francisco’s Lake Merced and nowclosed Parkway Lakes south of San Jose were always my preferred spots to get in a fishing fix. I’d always read about Chabot’s solid fishing for trout, catfish and bass, but I’d never made it. But in perusing some options as I planned to take advantage of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s first of two Free Fishing Days for 2020, Chabot (ebparks.org/
parks/lake_chabot) looked intriguing enough to give it a go. So we packed up the gear, our dogs and chairs – plus all the COVID-19 essentials – and headed across the bay. When we finally reached the right parking lot and saw all the cars, I assumed the shoreline would be filled with anglers. After all, why not take advantage of a day when a state fishing license isn’t required to wet a line? And during the pandemic, Chabot’s usual $5 daily fishing permit is being waived by the East Bay Regional Park District, which also suspended fish releases at its recreational fisheries, such as Chabot, Lake Del Valle and Shadow Cliffs Lake. So we already knew these were strange times. But after we found a parking spot in the already nearly full
lot, it didn’t take long to see that the coronavirus was in charge. Warning signs greeted us at nearly every turn. They read: COVID-19 Visitor Information; Social Distancing Tips; and Inspection Station Closed: No Watercraft Of Any Kind Allowed On The Lake. Yellow caution tape was wrapped around several tables in a picnic area. And like us, as we walked from our car toward the water, a lot of folks wore facemasks. Despite all the people milling about, it was strange to see that the store and cafe at the marina were closed (we didn’t see the sign that it would open about 90 minutes later at 9 a.m.). That led me to wonder about what we’d use for bait until I remembered the
COVID-19 restrictions were omnipresent at this popular East Bay recreation area. (CHRIS COCOLES) 40 California Sportsman AUGUST 2020 | calsportsmanmag.com
FISHING
Despite this holiday-weekend Saturday not requiring a state fishing license or even a daily fishing permit, the shoreline was mostly sparsely populated with anglers. (CHRIS COCOLES)
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FISHING Berkley Gulp! jar I had in my tackle box from our last trip, so we made due and headed for the shoreline.
I STILL EXPECTED THERE would be a fair number of bank anglers, given the holiday weekend, beautiful sunshine and, most importantly, the lure of fishing without a license. But while the trail was crowded with walkers and joggers, we didn’t have to go far to find a spot to fish from. A few anglers had claimed the small fishing pier and a section of shoreline next to it. But we only had to go maybe 50 feet past that cluster and set up shop just below the stairway dropping down to the water’s edge. After our trip, I asked Peter Tira, information officer for CDFW, if the state had surveyed whether this most unusual scenario we are in had affected fishing participation
The author’s dog Emma found some relief and solace in the shade. (CHRIS COCOLES)
on the free day. Tira said no official count was made on July 4, but with the pandemic limiting Californians’ entertainment options, more people do seem to be interested in fishing. “I know I purposely stayed off the water that day to avoid the mob
Rental boats finally got out on the water after the marina opened at 9 a.m. (CHRIS COCOLES) 42 California Sportsman AUGUST 2020 | calsportsmanmag.com
scene. However, California fishing licenses and sales are up overall this year compared to last year and growing,” Tira said. “Everyone is out fishing, it seems like.” So maybe the diehards and even some without a license shared Tira’s fears about big crowds. But that was fine for us and the others who showed up at the 315-acre lake. There was plenty of room to socially distance. Across the small inlet – accessible by a bridge on the other end of the parking lot – a few anglers also casted from that side of the bank. After we found our spot, a family with a couple adorable kids came down the stairs and politely asked if they could walk past us and claim a stretch of bank beyond us. “My daughter might be a little scared of your dogs,” the dad said with a smile. My German shepherd/Lab mix Emma and my sister and brotherin-law’s puggles Angel and Nala were mostly oblivious to the visitors. While we could hear the chatter of hikers shuttling back and forth behind us and musical sounds coming from a device on the pier, we settled in for a mostly relaxing morning. Unfortunately, nobody’s line was getting any action either.
THE SUN BECAME TOO much for my sister, who graciously grabbed the dogs and found a spot in the shade. But my Gulp! wasn’t attracting any nibblers.
FISHING
The fishing may have been for the birds on this holiday weekend, but getting outside and safely social distancing can be cathartic in these very difficult times. (CHRIS COCOLES)
The pier anglers had their music but no bites. The family’s bobber rigs were floating aimlessly. I started having flashbacks to recent Bay Area trips of fishing failure. Just after 9 a.m., we started to see signs of life on the water – just not in terms of much fishing action.
Suddenly, rental boats emerged from the marina – small fishing craft and larger patio boats. Some occupants had fishing gear and others seemed to just be pleasure boaters seeking some Fourth of July fun (maybe next time we’ll rent a boat too, but we figured that with the dogs we would
stick to shore fishing). My brother-in-law Alan walked to the store to investigate and I texted him a request to buy some nightcrawlers. He came back with a container and quickly made the switch. (When the folks next to us gave up a short time later, the father generously offered his remaining ’crawlers, though I knew even more worms weren’t going to be needed with bites so scarce.) Oh well. I was thrilled to just be outside and spend time with my family and our dogs during my visit to the Bay Area, which I stayed away from the previous four-plus months due to stay-at-home orders. After a couple more hours and with the sun burning a little warmer, it was time to reel ’em in, pack up the gear and chairs, put the masks on and head for home. I couldn’t tell what won the day more: the fish or COVID-19? CS
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calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2020 California Sportsman
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HUNTING
PREPPING PUP FOR A ROAD TRIP By Scott Haugen
B
ird hunting season is almost here, which means preparation for those road trips starts now for both you and your canine hunting partner. At this point, hopefully you’re both in hunting shape, but just like you, your gun dog needs to have all the gear, food and first aid supplies ready for the hunt. Here’s a rundown on things to consider.
IF TRAVELING TO other states or into Canada (assuming the border is reopened to nonessential travelers this hunting season), make sure your dog is up to date on rabies and any other vaccinations that may be required. If hunting in Canada, you’ll need a current health certificate issued from your vet. Be sure to get a first aid kit ready for your dog with all medications, bandages, tape, gauze and ear/eye ointments. Be sure to include anti-inflammatory, joint and pain relief medicines. Prior to hitting the road, make a list of veterinarian offices you can get in contact with along the way. Check for clinics that are open after hours and on weekends, when most hunting takes place. Keep their phone numbers handy and easily accessible when in the field so you can immediately contact them should an emergency develop. If your dog travels in a kennel, make sure it’s firmly secured so it doesn’t slide around on the bed of your truck. Speaking of bed, bring a cushion or mat for the dog to sleep on inside the kennel. Your dog might even have its
The list may be longer than you expect, but be sure to have all the gear your gun dog may need when embarking upon any hunt this season. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
own bed to toss on the floor. Taking a blanket or sheet to put on hotel beds and furniture will help keep them clean, and don’t forget towels; I can never have enough grubby towels for the dogs, especially when it’s wet and muddy outside.
DON’T FORGET FOOD and water bowls. I’ve covered a lot of ground this
year with my dogs, and have fallen in love with Yeti’s new Boomer 8 Bowl. The stainless steel bowl is the most durable I’ve ever used; ideal for rugged road travel and abuse. The nonslip bottom is perfect, and the bowl easily cleans up. It’s also a nice bowl for water and it keeps it cool. I actually take a five-gallon jug of water for my dogs on road trips, so
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HUNTING they can drink whenever we stop. When traveling with dog food, keep it in the original bag (this should also be done at home). Dumping food into metal or plastic bins can lead to quick spoilage. Instead, close the bag, then put it into a bin for travel. Companies invest a lot of time and money creating the perfect bag to keep dog food fresh, so trust and use them. If you’re a fan of treats, freezedried foods for the field, along with raw or canned foods that can be used as toppers, are great choices for the road. Freeze-dried foods don’t leave oil in your pockets and are a great protein source, while food toppers offer a fun, healthy change for your dog’s diet. Large cow bones, gambrel tendons and bully sticks are good to bring on road trips, too. You don’t want your dog’s diet to be boring on the road or at home. Should your dog have a favorite toy, bring it. Yes, it’s OK for a hunting dog to like toys. My 8-year-old pudelpointer Echo’s favorite toy is actually a plastic lid from a paint bucket. Kona – my 3-year-old pudelpointer – prefers a soft rubber frisbee. Both dogs love bumpers, but these are training tools, not for play. Yes, bring those bumpers along for short training sessions, which
Upland bird hunts throughout the West can take place in big, rugged country, and being prepared is important for you and your dog’s safety. Here, author Scott Haugen’s dog Echo brings in a blue grouse that fell in a deep canyon in the Cascade Range. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
are great to engage your dog in while on the road.
IF YOU HAVE a selection of leashes and collars for your dog, bring them. I have a short, 1-foot-long leash I like using when walking in populated areas and around other dogs where immediate obedience is a must, a 3-foot-long leash I use in small areas, and an 8-foot-long leash I prefer using in big, open areas where I can give the dog a bit more freedom while still maintaining control. It’s a good idea to bring an extra On this hunt, Haugen and Echo encountered a porcupine, loads of grass seed, thistles and cacti, but being prepared to deal with each resulted in an opening-day mixedbag limit of ducks, valley quail and pheasants. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
collar along in case something happens to one. I like collars with a built-in reflective strip so I can see them in the dark with my flashlight beam. I have my collars customengraved with Reward, along with three phone numbers: my cell, my wife’s cell and my home phone number. I will not engrave my dog’s name on any collar, as I don’t want someone picking them up and knowing their name. I want that person to call me so I can get my dog back and pay them for their efforts. Finally, don’t forget dog vests, your e-collar, remote control and charger, along with a hair brush and nail clippers. Nail clippers are great for trimming splitting nails, while a brush might be used daily to remove noxious seeds.
WHEN YOU LOOK at this list, it’s longer than you may have expected, which shows the importance of being organized so you don’t forget something. Your dog is your hunting partner and they need you to look after them and make sure they have everything they need when you both hit the road this hunting season. CS Editor’s note: To watch Scott Haugen’s series of puppy training videos, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott on Instagram and Facebook. 46 California Sportsman AUGUST 2020 | calsportsmanmag.com
