Anglers Spot

DFG Releases Mobile Website with MPA Maps

2011-11-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

DFG Releases Mobile Website with MPA Maps

posted: 10/27/2011

By: Taylor Hill

SACRAMENTO — Anglers heading out on offshore fishing trips will be able to locate all the planned Marine Protected Areas off Southern California with a glance at their smartphones — as long as they have cell service. The California Department of Fish and Game’s new mobile website recently added maps of the north, central and south coast Marine Protected Areas, so anglers can see where the no-fishing zones are — wherever they may be.

“We think this site is a thing of genius,” said DFG Director Charlton H. Bonham. “This site will help immensely in our outreach efforts regarding the MPAs.”

With the regulations already in place in the north coast and central coast areas, the south coast region regulations are expected to be implemented Jan. 1, 2012.

Though some offshore areas may have spotty cellphone coverage, the website is expected to be useful to anglers, boaters and others who plan to use or pass through MPA waters. Users can access the information from personal computers, as well as smartphones, tablets and other portable devices. The site’s color-coded map shows distinctions between different levels of protection in each MPA — and it allows users to select areas by map, county, region or by alphabetical order.

“This site is testament to the caliber and commitment of DFG employees,” Bonham said.

To view the site, visit dfg.ca.gov/mobile.
Marine Protected Areas to go into effect Jan. 1, 2012:

San Diego County:

Agua Hedionda Lagoon State Marine Reserve
Batiquitos Lagoon State Marine Park
Buena Vista Lagoon State Marine Park
Cardiff-San Elijo State Marine Conservation Area
Encinitas State Marine Conservation Area
La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area
Mia J. Tegner State Marine Conservation Area
San Diego-Scripps State Marine Conservation Area
San Dieguito Lagoon State Marine Park
San Elijo Lagoon State Marine Park

Orange County:

Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area
Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area
Doheny Beach State Marine Conservation Area
Doheny State Marine Conservation Area
Heisler Park State Marine Reserve
Irvine Coast State Marine Conservation Area
Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area
Niguel State Marine Conservation Area
Robert E. Badham State Marine Conservation Area
South Laguna Beach State Marine Conservation Area
Upper Newport Bay State Marine Park

Los Angeles County:

Abalone Cove State Marine Park
Arrow Point to Lion Head Point Invertebrate Area, Catalina Island Special Closure
Catalina Marine Science Center State Marine Reserve
Farnsworth Bank State Marine Conservation Area
Lover’s Cove State Marine Conservation Area
Point Fermin State Marine Park

Ventura County:

Anacapa Island Special Closure
Anacapa Island State Marine Conservation Area
Anacapa Island State Marine Reserve
Big Sycamore Canyon State Marine Reserve
Footprint State Marine Reserve, Anacapa Channel

Santa Barbara County:

Carrington Point State Marine Reserve, Santa Rosa Island
Goleta Slough State Marine Park
Gull Island State Marine Reserve, Santa Cruz Island
Harris Point State Marine Reserve, San Miguel Island
Judith Rock State Marine Reserve, San Miguel Island
Painted Cave State Marine Conservation Area, Santa Cruz Island
Refugio State Marine Conservation Area
Richardson Rock State Marine Reserve, San Miguel Island
San Miguel Island Special Closure
Santa Barbara Island State Marine Reserve
Scorpion State Marine Reserve, Santa Cruz Island
Skunk Point State Marine Reserve, Santa Rosa Island
South Point State Marine Reserve, Santa Rosa Island
Vandenberg State Marine Reserve

Free Fishing Day Sat Sept 3, 2011

2011-09-01T10:16:00.001-07:00

This information is provided by the California Department of Fish and Game.
http://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/free-fishing-day-to-fall-on-the-saturday-of-labor-day-weekend/

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) invites Californians to kick off their Labor Day weekend celebration by fishing in our state’s spectacular waters. Saturday, Sept. 3 is the second of California’s two 2011 Free Fishing Days, when people can try their hand at fishing without having to buy a sport fishing license.
All fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect. Every angler must have an appropriate report card if they are fishing for abalone, steelhead, sturgeon or spiny lobster anywhere in the state, or salmon specifically in the Smith and Klamath-Trinity River systems.
DFG offers two Free Fishing Days each year – usually in conjunction with the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend - when it’s legal to fish without a sport fishing license. This year, the Free Fishing Days were set for the Saturdays preceding Independence Day and Labor Day (July 2 and Sept. 3) because they fall on holiday weekends, when a fishing excursion is likely to be most convenient for the public.
Free Fishing Days provide a low-cost way to give fishing a try. Some DFG regions offer Fishing in the City programs where you can go fishing in major metropolitan areas. Fishing in the City and Free Fishing Day clinics are designed to educate novice anglers about fishing ethics, fish habits, effective methods for catching fish and fishing tackle. You can even learn how to clean and prepare your catch so you can enjoy it for dinner that night.
Anglers should check the rules and regulations at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/ for the waters they plan to fish. Wardens will be on duty to enforce them. For more information on Free Fishing Days, please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/freefishdays.html.

Mexico checking anglers’ passports

2011-08-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

San Diego-based sportfishing boats, which have been having a tough time because of poor fishing offshore, lately have been encountering problems with the Mexican government over passports.
Last week, three sport boats — the Horizon, a dive boat out of H&M Landing, and the Royal Polaris and the Searcher out of Fisherman’s Landing — were boarded and detained by the Mexican navy off Cedros Island. Passengers were checked for passports. One of the boats, the Royal Polaris, was told to leave Cedros by the captain of a Mexican navy boat because one of the anglers did not have a U.S. passport.
Long-range boats are scrambling to make sure all of their anglers have current passports, but there also is confusion for shorter fishing trips into Mexican waters.
Carlos Luken of the San Diego-based CONAPESCA, Mexico’s national aquaculture and fishing commission, said Americans must have a yearly Mexican fishing license ($44.80) to fish in Mexico from a boat. A Mexican sportfishing license is not required for shore fishing. Luken wasn’t aware of the passport requirement and recommended anglers call the Mexican consulate general to get that information. Calls to the consulate general’s office in San Diego were not returned.
John Yamate, part owner and office manager of Seaforth Sportfishing, said his landing is telling all anglers who plan to fish in Mexico to bring a passport. But at this point, he said they’re not required for three-quarter-day or one-day trips into Mexican waters.
“I’m telling them if they have a passport to bring it,” Yamate said. “But we are not aware of any change in the regulations or policy at this point.”
Michelle Gandola, a spokeswoman for the Sportfishing Association of California, said association officials are working on the issue with Mexican officials at CONAPESCA, the fisheries representatives, and the Mexican consulate general.
“We’re trying to get some kind of official statement from the Mexican government,” Gandola said. “But as far as we know, no new Mexican regulation or policy has come out about passport requirements on sport boats. All we know is that a few of our boats were boarded, and passengers were asked to produce passports.”
Gandola said right now there “are no specific answers and nothing in writing to show anything was changed” regarding passports for U.S. anglers.
“We’ve been operating in Mexico for over 50 years and have had great relations with Mexico,” Gandola said of the sportfishing fleet’s relationship with Mexico. “Our hope is that we can work this out and that it’s just a slight hitch that can be taken care of so we can get back to operating without any additional requirements.”
Local sources said the issue began a few weeks ago when three-quarter-day boats were stopped by a Mexican navy boat around the Coronado Islands. The boat captains were asked if all the anglers had passports and if the captain had a boat permit to be in Mexico. The captains told the Mexican navy captain that passports weren’t required and that boat permits also had been done away with a few years ago. The CONAPESCA website indicates the requirement for boat permits for U.S. sport boats ended in January 2008. There also is nothing stated about anglers needing passports to fish in Mexico from a San Diego-based sportfishing boat.
ed.zieralski@uniontrib.com (619) 293-1225

Charter tipping etiquette: To tip or not to tip?

2011-07-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

Charter tipping etiquette: To tip or not to tip?

A debate that comes up sometimes between some friends on tipping a charter; I'd appreciate your feedback:
1. How much to tip? What is an average tip? 10% min standard being 15 to 20%
2. Who to tip? - If there is more than 1 mate do you give them each an equal tip or give it to the captain to divide as he sees fit? I would always tip the Capt to split up, or tell him "this is for the crew"
3. Do you tip a captain when there is no mate (small boat)?YES
4. Do you tip even if you catch nothing, especially if you feel that the captain or crew didn't try their best? This is touchy.. To one person not doing the best can be one thing.. I would say, if you did not get the service you had in the past or was expecting, then tip what you think will get them to understand.
5. Should you tip for the charter and again for cleaning fish? Depends of if the boat or a cleaning service does the job, if it is not part of the boat, then yes.
6. Is there a typical per fish cleaning tip? No it should be based on total cost
7. Do you tip if the boat insists on keeping whatever fish you don't want (rather than allow release?) This is a regional matter and you should understand this before going on the trip.
8. Is tipping with fish acceptable (instead of cash), or is cash expected too? This too is a regional matter, depending on the laws on whether the fish can be sold.
9. Should you tip in countries where tipping in general is not the custom? Check before going out and ask what is standard for that area, in some cases it is included in the trip cost.

Always ask around as to what is standard if your not sure and always check with what is allowed. US West coast fishing (Ca.), sport-fish cannot be sold.

Inox Lubricant - Fishing and Boating

2011-03-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

iNox MX3 Lubrication, Review
January 13th, 2011

by Captain Chuck Simpson

Making a living in the outdoor industry demands that my equipment function properly and for this to happen, it must be properly maintained – I cannot afford malfunctions. The different pieces of equipment I use for work and play have moving parts, which means they need to be routinely lubricated. A good quality lubrication product will not only aid in keeping moving parts working smoothly, but will also serve as protection against many of the harsh elements found in outdoor environments: salt, sand, dirt, moisture, etc. Let’s face it; reliable gear is expensive, so why not use a product that will prolong the life of your equipment, one that will drastically reduce wear, the possibility of down time, and expensive repairs?

After receiving a sample over a year ago, I have been using the Inox MX3 aerosol lubricant extensively and I am convinced it is one of the best lubricants and protection on the market – especially for fishermen and outdoors men. Not only is MX3 a lubricant and protection, but it also displaces water and is a penetrate. I can spray my reels lightly after washing them down from a day’s fishing trip and rest on the confidence they will be protected from the elements and function properly the next time I pick them up. I have even started coating the inside of the plastic tackle boxes where I store my expensive plugs, spoons, and hooks to combat rust and oxidation. It doesn’t affect the finish on my lures, nor does it have a negative effect on a fish’s olfactory senses.

The unique formula used in the Inox MX3 lubricant contains no silicon, acid or acid-forming ingredients and is not petroleum-based. It will not harm metal points, surfaces, plastics, paints, enamels or finishes, fiberglass, neoprene seals, or degrade the quality of braid and mono-filament fishing lines. MX3 is non conductive and non-static so it can be used on electrical connections and will not attract foreign particles. It will not dry out, become gooey, gum up or wash off. In addition, Inox MX3 aerosol is ozone-safe, contains no CFCs, and is environmentally friendly, though its makers recommend against its use on natural rubber products. MX3 also is available in non-aerosol applicators.

As of now, fishing tackle isn’t the only thing I’m using the Inox lube on: my guns, bow, mountain bike, door hinges, locks, skiff (no worry of stain) and just about anything else you can imagine – I am totally impressed. With Inox I don’t have to apply nearly as much as with other brands, it does a far superior job, and a little goes a very long way. What more could I ask for?

For more information regarding the extensive Inox supreme lubrication product line and to find a dealer near you, I highly recommend visiting WWW.inoxlubewest.com

NOAA Graphic of Tsunami Wave across the Pacific.

2011-03-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

An energy map provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows the intensity of the tsunami in the Pacific Ocean caused by the magnitude 8.9 earthquake which struck Japan on March 11, 2011.http://d.yimg.com/a/p/rids/20110312/i/r3138901053.jpg?x=400&y=266&q=85&sig=FaNnjot4eh3SmwALolpqkw--

Buying a 2011 California fishing license online?

2010-12-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

Outposts
Outdoors, action, adventure

An angler's take on buying a 2011 California fishing license online
December 21, 2010 | 11:19 am

Carson_tunaVeteran angler and frequent Outposts contributor Steve Carson recently purchased his 2011 California fishing license, and did so using the new online system. Here's his take on the process:

The 2011 California state fishing licenses are now available, but buying one is not quite the same as it has been in the past. Along with the traditional spots like local sporting goods stores, the Department of Fish and Game now sells licenses online.

California’s previous attempt at online license sales a decade ago ended in a technological nightmare. One benefit of waiting so long to start again is that much of the license-buying public is now very comfortable with online purchases.

Accordingly, this writer tackled the new online system this week, with apparent success. I was able print out a "temporary" license, with the permanent version hopefully to arrive by U.S. mail. It should be noted that I am only a moderately active online shopper, but was an actual license dealer for more than 30 years, and so was extremely familiar with the "old way" of issuing licenses.

The entire process took about 20 minutes; and the DFG’s online purchase form is slightly less intuitive than say, Southwest Airlines'. California has more different fishing license options than any other state. It helps to be familiar with the kind of license options you will need, or the process may take considerably longer.
Purchasing licenses as Christmas gifts is still possible, but the purchaser must know all of the recipient’s personal information, including driver’s license or other ID number. It is also important to purchase the correct type of license, as no refunds or exchanges are given by the DFG for online purchases.

A typical Southern California-based angler who fishes all of the possibilities within a two-hour drive (but doesn’t go lobster hooping) can get by with $48.35. Fishing only in the High Sierras (without a second-rod stamp) can be done with the basic $43.46 license. Versatile SoCal anglers who want to "do it all" within a five-hour drive will need to ante up $73.86. The traveling angler who fishes all areas of the state, and enjoys abalone diving will shell out a whopping $106.78.

Online purchasers must have access to a printer. Those purchasing short-term licenses must immediately print out their license before use. Anglers who do so are cautioned that the vast majority of printer ink is not waterproof, so a sealed license-holder is a good idea.

Anglers purchasing annual licenses can print out a temporary copy for immediate use, but this expires in 15 days. The website states that a permanent copy will be sent via U.S. mail within 15 days. The various "Report Cards" do not print out, so anglers wishing to use them immediately must instead go in person to a license dealer to purchase them.

Photo: Steve Carson with a nice tuna caught last fall out of San Diego. Credit: Steve Carson
Twitter: @latimesoutposts
Facebook: latimes
More in: Abalone, Bass fishing, Fishing, Freshwater fishing, Lobster fishing, Saltwater fishing, Trout fishing

Surf Fishing

2010-09-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of people out there who are very much interested in surf fishing and if you are one of them, then you will be very happy to hear that there are a lot of things that you will be able to benefit from when you will be engaged in such an activity.
So, I guess that you already know, if you are internet savvy, that you will be able to find a lot of tips surfing the internet and use them in your hobby. But if you are an inexperienced fisherman and you want to try out and see if this will be your next big thing and the next hobby that will make you wake up smiling every morning, then you should give it a shot and see if surf fishing can be that hobby.
Yes, I know that when you are just a newbie, you will have a hard time when it comes to anything. You will mostly hear the fact that you will need to have a state of the art collection of equipment in order to have chances of getting a good catch.
You know very well that the biggest problems that fishermen have are related to their Surf Fishing Equipment. So yes, this will be something that will utterly confuse you and hearing different opinions from all of those people, will certainly make your head spin.
Again, you will feel very confused and all of this info that will come straight at you will make you feel a little discouraged. Many of these people will recommend you all sorts of surf fishing rigs and they will also offer you Surf Fishing Tips that they have used, so that you will be able to have a good catch from your first cast.
But you dont have to feel that way anymore as there is a guide out there that will be able to make all of these worries just poof away. Surf Fishing, The Quick Start Guide To This Exciting Sport is just one of the best guides when it comes to such fishing and reading it, you will be able to find out a lot of tips and tricks that will help you out with your hobby. You will also be taught how to make special Surf Fishing Knots that will never untie and thus provide you with that solid catch that you've planned to have by the end of the day.

One Cool Tuna -
www.onecooltuna.com
Fishing Line Weight Labels - "Always Know your Line weight on your reels"

Fishing Tips & Tricks

2010-09-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Well people are always asking me how to do things when I am out fishing. Well here are a few of the most asked questions from my last trip.

1. What is the best knot to tie? Well that is easy, use the one you know how to tie the best, it is the fastest and if it hasn't failed on you before, use it. If you want to learn a new one, don't do it when your fishing. Always practice a new knot at home after a trip or before a trip, they will fail the first few times you tie them and you don't want to lose a fish due to a bad knot. Most of the major fishing line manufacturers as well as the hook maker all have a cheat sheet on how to tie knots that you can pick up at your favorite tackle store. Try a few out and find new that is easy for you to tie and doesn't break when you put pressure on it.

2. What is the best bait to use? Well that all depends on the fish you are targeting at the time. I was on a Off-Shore trip and we where after tuna, in that case my suggestion was live bait. With live bait you always want the liveliest and best looking bait. The bait should be the slimy and not red spots, as well as the hardest one to catch in the bait station. You can also use trolling lures, these can be a feather or Cedar plug are my favorite ones. But check with the crew if it is a charter and they will tell you what has been working the last few trips.

3. What is the best line? Line that doesn't break... The best line is one that fits your fishing style, I mean it depends on the fish and the conditions. Mono is the basic and most common used, but with the new spectra lines and braided lines it can be one of those or a combination of those lines. I use a Spectra line with a short top shot of mono or fluorocarbon of the same weight or one size smaller. If you are in an area with a lot of plant material or rocks you should go with the straight braid or spectra line. This line will give a better chance if you get caught on something.

4. What is the best time to fish? When the fish are Biting.. The best time to fish depends on the a few things and what you are fishing for. But a few things hold true for all fishing, Moon phase, weather and water temperature. Moon Phase cycles have an impact on the tides and a few days before a full or new moon and a few days after are always a good time to fish. Weather fronts moving into an area with a change from high pressure to low pressure is a good time as well, the day a storm is moving in is a great time to fish a lake. Temperature of the water is something to watch, in ocean fishing you want to find the breaks in the water and fish those warm to cold changes.

5. Who makes the best reels? The reels that fit your price and work the longest without repair. I know that it is not a clear answer but to name one or two brands would not help you pick the one best for you. I use different reels for different types of fishing and I have my own favorites. You can check with some of the fishing forum and websites on reel reviews and they can give you a good starting point. Check to see which ones are asked most about getting fixed and cross them off your list. Check to see who has the most positive feed back or the best pricing in the style you are looking for. Always remember price is not always the important point, you can pay a little more now and save you a lot later.

The best tip I can give you is talk with other fisherman and people in the sport, the more time on the water the more you will learn or find out. As long as you are fishing and having fun you are doing it right.

One Cool Tuna - Jeff

IMPORTANT COW COD CONSERVATION UPDATE - Send a letter

2010-09-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

ACTION BY YOU IMPORTANT COW COD CONSERVATION UPDATE On October 21, 2010, the California Fish and Game Commission will vote on the proposal. There is a request out for public comment. SAC has already submitted a letter of support to the Fish and Game Commission and will be at this meeting to testify. It is important we get more letters before the Commission in order to move this modification to the regulations forward. PLEASE help us form a UNITED FRONT from a UNITED FLEET and send letters of support for the initiative on your letter head to the Fish and Game Commission. A sample letter is as follows as well as an E-mail address you can send it to. Many people have worked quite hard to get this topic to the table. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Click here

To send a letter now, takes 30 seconds.

New Proposed Regulations - Ca. Fish and Game

2010-09-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

New and Proposed Regulations

The California Fish and Game Commission is considering the following changes to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. A business or a person submitting a comment to a proposed regulation or proposed amendment or repeal of a regulation has the right to request a copy of the final statement of reasons. Copies of the final statements of reasons will be available on this web page as they are prepared. Requests may also be submitted to the California Fish and Game Commission, 1416 Ninth Street, Room 1320, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Click here for info

Fishing Picks of the Week - San Diego - Southern Calif.

2010-09-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

JIM MATTHEWS’ PICKS OF THE WEEK

     1. The San Diego tuna fishing is still our number one pick this week. The tuna bite has been good to excellent for the overnight to 2 ½-day boats fishing just 40 to 60 miles out of port, and the fish are all quality tuna. Most catches being mixed bags of bluefin, yellowfin, and albacore tuna, they are all averaging 25 to 35 pounds. Five-fish limits, sometimes of more than one species, aren’t uncommon on overnight and longer trips. Loads are light. Now is the time to go. For an update or to check on boat availability and costs, call Fisherman’s Landing at 619-221-8500, H&M Landing at 619-222-1144, Seaforth Landing at 619-224-3383 or Point Loma Sportfishing at 619-223-1627.
     2. Diamond Valley Lake’s topwater striped bass action has continued excellent again this past week. Lots of fish up into the 20-pound class have been landed on surface baits, cranks, spoons, or swim baits hurled into boiling fish, and scads of smaller fish are whacking the same baits. This bite is getting a lot of attention and even during the week rental boats are going fast. For an update on the action, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait and Tackle at 951-658-7410.
     3. All the picks are staying the same this week. The striped bass bite at Willow Beach on the Colorado River has been excellent for the past three weeks now, but getting relatively light fishing pressure. Lots of fish from 12 to 30 pounds have been reported, most on large trout-like plugs and swim baits in the mile marker 52 to 53 stretch of river. For an update on this bite, you can call the Willow Beach Resort at 928-767-4747.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

     TROUT: Top trout bets in Sierra continue to include Bridgeport Reservoir, Lake Crowley, Silver Lake, South Lake, Lake Sabrina, and most of the Bishop Creek and Rock Creek drainage streams, Virgina Lakes, and West Walker River. No plants in Sierra this week, however. For fly guys, the East Walker River improved this week, but Bridgeport Reservoir and Crowley remain hot spots. At Crowley, the big browns on working perch minnows in the backs of bays with water inflows. In Southern California, there continues to be good action at just a handful of waters. Top bet is Big Bear Lake, but Green Valley Lake, Lake Hemet, and Lake Gregory are all fair at best.
     BLACK BASS: The largemouth bass action is fair to good just about everyone this past week with very good surface action a lot of places. Diamond Valley Lake has been wide open on topwater. Other good bets include Casitas, Castaic, Skinner, Sutherland, Otay, Irvine, Perris, Silverwood, Pyramid and Puddingstone. The smallmouth action on the Colorado River has been very good in the lower river stretches and Topoc Gorge, but slowish in Lake Havasu with only a few fish showing on the points. Further up on the Central Coast, Santa Margarita continues to improve, and Lopez is fair to good, too. The spotted bass are pretty fair in Nacimiento.
     STRIPED BASS: Top bets this week are Diamond Valley Lake and Willow Beach on the Colorado River for quality fish, but there are good bites in most of the region’s striper waters. Silverwood, Pyramid, Castaic, and Skinner all decent bets. San Antonio Lake is still good for six to 10-pound fish with a few into the mid-20s each week, but there were darn few reports from there this week. The California Aqueduct near Taft remains pretty good, too, with a lot of three to five pounders, but weed growth is a problem.
     PANFISH: Redear and bluegill bites are hot just about everywhere -- with Perris, Diamond Valley, Casitas, Lower Otay, Sutherland, and Puddingstone some of the top picks. Crappie are off most places, with only Cachuma producing any crappie of note.
     CATFISH: Good action just about everywhere. Corona Lake and Hesperia Lake both continued to crank out a few bigger fish and have very good action for pan-sized fish. Other top bets include Elsinore, Santa Ana River Lakes, Irvine Lake, Diamond Valley, and Henshaw. Silverwood, Skinner, and Casitas are also good with a lot of cats to eight pounds. Isabella has been fair to good for cats from 1-8 to three pounds. The channel and flathead action is pretty much wide open along the whole lower Colorado River, especially in the backwaters and irrigation ditches. This is the top bet for a quality fish over 20 pounds and big stringers of channels.

Contact Information: Jim Matthews, Editor and General Manager

P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427-0007

Office: 909-887-3444 Fax: 909-887-8180 E-mail:odwriter@verizon.net

Yellowtail vs Yellow Fin

2010-09-05T07:41:00.001-07:00

Difference between a Yellowtail and a Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowtail off San Diego and Baja often get confused with Tuna. The main difference between the two fish is the California Yellowtail is a Jack and a cousin to the Amber Jack on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico and the Yellowfin Tuna is a Tuna.

The Yellowfin Tuna is just one of many tuna's targeted from San Diego based sport boats. Bluefin, Big Eye, Albacore and Skipjack are all species of tuna in the same family as the Yellowfin (locally called "Ahi" in Hawaii) targeted from late Spring to Fall with best action usually from July to Sept. Large Yellowfin Tuna 200+lbs are referred to as "Cows" by the long range community and are usually caught as far north as Magdelena "Mag" Bay off the Baja Coast between Fall and Spring.

The explosive fighting Yellowtail peak season is summer months just offshore San Diego for 1/2 day and 3/4 day sportfishing party boats and at the Coronado Islands but it's not uncommon for them to be within 3/4 day trip range until about mid January. Both Yellowfin Tuna and Yellowtail are excellent eating both as Sashimi as Wasabi or Hamachi. For more info on catching Yellowtail I wrote a article about them here- Rob -

14 Dec 2004 by rmailly

Freshwater Picks of the Week- So Calif. Catch report

2010-08-19T10:57:00.001-07:00

JIM MATTHEWS PICKS OF THE WEEK

     1. Diamond Valley Lake is having an epic topwater largemouth bass bite. The reports are for 15 to 40 topwater fish in a morning as the fish boil all over the lake. “Epic” is not used lightly here. This bite is epic. Guys will refer to this bite for years: “Remember the 2010 summer topwater bite at DVL?” Lots of two to four-pound fish on a wide range of surface baits or near-surface cranks and swimbaits resembling shad tossed toward boils. Even if there’s not a boil, toss the same baits around structure and the bass are blowing up on it. This is one of the best bites of the year. Go. Even during the week, rental boats are going fast. For an update on the action, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait and Tackle at 951-658-7410.
     2. OK, a week of heat like this is enough to remind us that we live in the desert. So a trip to the Sierra for a weekend cool-off is completely understandable. The fact that a lot of the region is seeing its best trout fishing since May is also a good reason to go. There’s not one spot in the region that stands out, but a lot of solid candidates that are just wide open. Some of the top picks are South Lake in the Bishop Creek drainage, Crowley Lake for fly anglers (perch minnows), Silver Lake (getting Alpers fish each week now), Saddlebag Lake out of Lee Vining, and Bridgeport Reservoir.
     3. The bluegill and redear action at Lake Perris actually got better over the past week, but so did several of the other good panfish bites in the region. More Perris fish over a pound were reported this week than the week before. The bigger fish are all in 20-feet of water or more and the best spot has been off the north and west sides of the island. Full limits have not been uncommon for anglers fishing crickets, meal worms, or wax worms. Jigs tipped with one of those baits are as good or better. Other spots nearly as good at Perris have been Diamond Valley and Lower Otay. For an update on the Perris bite, call the marina at 951-657-2179.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

     TROUT: Top trout bets in Sierra continue to include Bridgeport Reservoir, Lake Crowley, Silver Lake, Rush Creek, South Lake, Lake Sabrina, and most of the Bishop Creek and Rock Creek drainage streams, which are getting heavily planted each week. Virginia Lakes has also been wide open on fish to two pounds, and the West Walker is very good now. For fly guys, the East Walker River is tougher this week, but Bridgeport Reservoir and Crowley remain hot spots. At Crowley has more and more fish are working perch minnows in the backs of bays with water inflows. In Southern California, there continues to be good action at just a handful of waters. Top bets are Green Valley Lake, Big Bear Lake, and Lake Hemet with all three pretty fair and improved over the previous week. Deep-water trollers at Cachuma are still getting quite a few fish, but no one is trolling Diamond Valley for its big, holdover rainbows, and this is staying our sleeper trout pick.
     BLACK BASS: The largemouth bass action has improved just about everyone this past week with surface action turning on a lot of places. Diamond Valley Lake has been wide open on topwater -- as good as this kind of fishing can get. Other good bets include Casitas, Castaic, Skinner, Sutherland, Otay, Irvine, Perris, Silverwood, Pyramid and Puddingstone. The smallmouth action on the Colorado River has been very good in the lower river stretches and Topoc Gorge, but slowish in Lake Havasu with only a few fish showing on the points. Further up on the Central Coast, Santa Margarita has continued tough, but Lopez improved with fair action. The spotted bass are pretty fair in Nacimiento.
     STRIPED BASS: Striper bites are generally pretty good everywhere, with Silverwood, Pyramid, Castaic, and Skinner all decent bets. San Antonio Lake is still probably the best fishing for six to 10-pound fish with into the mid-20s each week but it was a little up and down this past week. The Colorado River is finally seeing some good reports on boiling fish at Lake Havasu the first hour of light, and there’s always a chance for a big fish at Willow Beach. The California Aqueduct near Taft remains pretty good, too, with a lot of three to five pounders.
     PANFISH: Henshaw and Cachuma crappie bites are both fair but hanging on with some real whoppers at Henshaw (over two pound!). Lake Isabella’s crappie bite finally died. Redear and bluegill bites are hot just about everywhere -- with Perris, Diamond Valley, Casitas, Lower Otay, Sutherland, and Puddingstone some of the top picks.
     CATFISH: Simply good action just about everywhere. Hesperia Lake, Henshaw, Elsinore, Corona Lake, Santa Ana River Lakes, and Irvine Lake have been the hottest spots in Southern California with a lot of fish landed at all six. Elsinore, Skinner, Silverwood, and Diamond Valley are also good with a lot of cats to eight pounds at these four. Isabella has been fair to good for cats from 1-8 to three pounds, and the California aqueduct near Taft has also been good, too. The channel and flathead action is pretty much wide open along the whole lower Colorado River, especially in the backwaters and irrigation ditches. This is the top bet for a quality fish over 20 pounds and big stringers of channels.

Contact Information: Jim Matthews, Editor and General Manager

P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427-0007

Office: 909-887-3444 Fax: 909-887-8180 E-mail:odwriter@verizon.net

Help Restore Billfish Stocks

2010-08-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Help Restore Billfish by Ending Commercial Overfishing of These Threatened Iconic Sportfish

Send a letter to your U.S. House of Representatives Member
urging him or her to support the Billfish Conservation Act of 2010

The SituationMarlin, sailfish and spearfish, collectively called billfish, are some of the world’s most majestic marine fishes. In the U.S., billfish are highly esteemed by recreational anglers, who practice catch-and-release fishing while generating substantial income to the economy. Unfortunately, stocks of these magnificent big ocean fish have been greatly depleted in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as a result of commercial overfishing, primarily from foreign countries.

On July 21, 2010, Representative John Shadegg (R-AZ) introduced the Billfish Conservation Act of 2010 (H.R. 5804), which will prohibit the commercial harvest, sale and importation of billfish throughout the United States.

It is currently illegal to harvest or import Atlantic-caught billfish into the U.S., but Pacific-caught fish come into U.S. markets in substantial numbers. According to a study commissioned by the International Game Fish Association, the U.S. is the world’s largest importer of billfish, buying about 3 million pounds of marlin in 2006 - or between 10,000 and 15,000 fish a year – for sale in restaurants and grocery stores.

The Billfish Conservation Act would close U.S. commercial markets to billfish, preventing their harvest and importation. It would have a negligible impact on the commercial industry in the U.S. while increasing billfish abundance and thus the value of the recreational fishery, which brings in billions of dollars but has a minimal impact on billfish populations.

How You Can HelpIn order to ensure this important bill is passed, we need your help! Please click here to send a letter now to your U.S. House of Representatives member asking him or her to support the Billfish Conservation Act of 2010. You are encouraged to personalize the letter as you see fit. Thank you for your taking the time to help to Keep America Fishing!

Tuna Fishing off San Diego - On again - Off Again

2010-07-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

It appears that the tuna fishing for Albacore and Blue Fin has started in the San Diego Area, off-shore anywhere between 120 to 180 miles South West. But it is a hit or miss type fishing. When it is on it is on big, but when it is not it is scratch at best. I would say if you are going, go for at least a 3 day or longer trip. The 1.5 day trips have been getting them but if the bite is slow you will need that extra day or 2 to get limits.

Cool Tuna - Jeff

Action Alert - MLPA So. Calif.

2010-06-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

Action Alert

Urge the California Fish and Game Commission to Hold a Series of Scoping Meetings for the South Coast Phase of the MLPA The Commission plans to railroad the process and hold just one meeting for the entire South Coast

Background

In order to gather information essential to the development of Environmental Impact Reports for the implementation of marine protected areas (MPAs) along the Central and North Central Coasts, the California Fish and Game Commission held a series of scoping meetings under the state's Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). The purpose of the scoping meetings was to solicit input from other agencies, the public, stakeholder organizations and other interested parties on issues related to the potential environmental effects of the MPA proposals being considered.

This is not the case with the South Coast. In an attempt to meet rushed and arbitrary deadlines, the Fish and Game Commission plans to hold only one scoping meeting for the entire South Coast at a date, time and location to be determined. Given the complexity and heightened controversy surrounding the South Coast process, multiple public scoping meetings are essential to ensure that all the potential impacts of MPAs throughout the South Coast region are heard.

What You Can Do

Send the letter below to the Fish and Game Commission urging them to hold more than one scoping meeting on the South Coast MPA Project Environmental Impact Report. Without stakeholder input, the Commission will continue to unnecessarily accelerate the process and ignore the need for further input. Send your letter today!

Local Bass Tournaments _San Diego 2010

2010-04-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

Director: Dave Brantley
Contact Ph: (619)448-0988
Contact: Dave Brantley
Assistant Director:
Contact Ph:
Local Division Web Site

Entry Fees:
Divisional Qualifier: $70.00
(includes big bass)
Divisional Championship: $140.00
(includes big bass)
Payout and more information click here

Special Message from Director:

Download the 2010 Division 63 Flier (PDF) Click Here

2010 Season Division d063 Schedule

	Date	Lake	Ramp	Days	Register
3442	2009-10-25	El Capitain	Main	1	Register
3443	2009-11-22	El Capitain	Main	1	Register
3444	2010-01-17	El Capitain	Main	1	Register
3445	2010-02-28	Otay	Main	1	Register
3446	2010-03-28	Hodges	Main	1	Register
3447	2010-04-25	Otay	Main	1	Register
3448	2010-05-30	Sutherland	Main	1	Register
3449	2010-06-27	Hodges	Main	1	Register
3450	2010-07-17 2010-07-18	Otay	Main	2	Register

OneCoolTuna Line weight Ad

2010-03-23T15:24:00.001-07:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Fred Hall Fishing Show - Del Mar, Ca. 2010

2010-03-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

Come on by the Fred Hall Show at DelMar this weekend and stop by the M7M Rod booth and check out the One Cool Tuna Line Weight Labels.

One Cool Tuna - Line Labels

2010-03-21T19:25:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Fishing Report for Southern Cal

2010-02-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

JIM MATTHEWS' PICKS OF THE WEEK

     1. The action on the big Humboldt squid slowed at the more northerly spots this past week for obvious reasons, but this action will stay our top pick, especially with moderating weather. The squid are still showing from San Diego all the way into the Santa Monica Bay. The boats out of Seaforth Landing, which have pioneered this fishery over the last couple of years, are seeing the best scores with eight to 10 squid per angler per evening trip. The best part is that the squid are running up into the 50-pound class. Contact Seaforth Landing at 619-224-3383
     2. There are two 30-pound class rainbow trout swimming in Southern California. The state record-sized rainbows were released in Santa Ana River Lakes and Corona Lake this week and anglers can see video clips of the release at The Lakes web site at www.fishinglakes.com. The fish were planted as part of a big fish promotion at the two waters where the angler who lands the biggest fish could win a $5,000 Alaskan fishing trip. Both lakes are a little murky because of rain, but both also still have a pretty darn good trout bite if you fish shallow water and scent-enhanced floating baits on short leaders. For updates, you can call SARL at 714-632-7851 or Corona at 951-277-3321.
     3. Department of Fish and Game biologists say at least some of the largemouth bass at Diamond Valley are already moving shallow to spawn, and with forecast warmer weather and a new moon on Sunday, DVL might be the place to head for a little sunny day plastic worm tossing for largemouths that are averaging from 3 1/2 to 5 pounds. There is no water in the state that has a better average size largemouth than DVL. Oh, and there could also be good striped bass and trout action, too. To get the latest on the bite, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

     TROUT: This is reading like a broken record, but the trout bite is still generally good throughout Southern California at all of the urban waters. The best action is at the lakes planted each week. Those include Irvine, Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, Hesperia Lake, and all of the San Bernardino County Park lakes. Hesperia Lake is getting 2,500 pounds of trout a week and has been excellent. Santa Ana River Lakes and Corona Lake were stocked with a pair of 30-pound rainbows. Off-color water hasn't slowed the bites at most waters. The next tier are the lakes planted alternating weeks (most everything else), including all of the popular waters in San Diego County, where Wohlford, Poway, Jennings, and Dixon all remain top picks with regular plants, but Cuyamaca remains perhaps the best bet in this region with limits showing in less than an hour for good anglers.
     BLACK BASS: The largemouth bass bites are still mostly slow throughout the region, but there are increasing signs that the pre-spawn movement of fish up into shallower water is beginning. Top indicators of this are all of the San Diego City lakes, Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Perris, and Casitas Lake. While Diamond Valley has been the hands-down best bass water, Casitas, Otay, and El Capitan have been improving each week. The smallmouth action on the Colorado River looks like it might be poised to take off again, too, and Cachuma's smallmouths are also picking up. It looks like some of the pre-spawn bite might be poised to start in the next couple of weeks, especially with the warmer weather and good moon phase. It's that time of year. Some big fish are going to start popping.
     STRIPED BASS: The Diamond Valley and Castaic are the top bets. DVL has stripers over 12 pounds and Castaic has fish just over 10 pounds. While Skinner has been tough, there was a 20-plus this past week. Silverwood, Pyramind, and the California aqueduct are all producing a few fish. On the Colorado River, there has been very little fishing pressure and most bites are off.
     PANFISH: Little to report on this front. Bluegill are quiet just about everywhere, and Lake Perris is only producing a few deep-water redear under a pound. Crappie bites even have seemed to lull. Only a few fish are showing at the Buena Vista Lakes. The Topoc Marsh on the Colorado River is also one to keep an eye on, but its still in a funk. El Capitan in the San Diego region looked like it might be turning on for crappie, but it has fizzled in the past week. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea is very slow.
     CATFISH: Slow most places, but there is again a notable bite at Casitas in the Santa Ana Arm where the runoff enteres the lake. It produced cats up into the 20-plus pound class again this week. But the rain didn't seem to perk much other action except for a fair bite at Corona Lake and Santa Ana River Lakes. Hesperia Lake has had a pretty good catfish bite thanks to plants this week and two weeks ago. It cranked out cats to 15-plus this past week.

To view the rest of this week's report go here.

One Cool Tuna Labels

2010-01-23T09:49:00.001-08:00

Line Weight Labels - OneCoolTuna.com

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Jan. Fishing Report - Freshwater and Saltwater - So. Cal

2010-01-22T13:44:00.001-08:00

JIM MATTHEWS'PICKS OF THE WEEK

     1. Picking the top bites after a week like this is a fool's errand, but one of the most consistent bites the past three weeks has been the action on big Humboldt squid out of San Diego and Oceanside. Seaforth Sportfishing and H&M Landing in San Diego and Helgren's Landing in Oceanside have all be making evening trips and their anglers have been slamming the 15 to 30 pound squid. Well, they were before this wave of storms. This is the most likely of the three picks to come back on quickly. For updates, call Seaforth Sportfishing at 619-224-3383, H&M Landing at 619-222-1144, or Helgren's Sportfishing at 760-722-2133.
     2. Diamond Valley Lake's striped bass continue to be one of the best bets of a soggy lot this week. There was a 20-pounder caught this past week and Mt. Lassen trout were slated to go in Thursday this week, which may or may not happen with the weather. The trout plants have been key to turning on the striper bite. Call ahead, and if the plant didn't make it, you might want to reconsider and try one of the other top picks (or stay home and watch football). For that update, call the marina at 951-926-7201 or Last Chance Bait and Tackle 951-658-7410.
     3. With the weather forecast calling for nicer weekend weather, Hesperia Lake continues to look like a top bet for trout fishing. As with most places this week, call ahead to make sure the bite hasn't been messed up or even closed by the heavy rain. You might want to make sure the stocking truck was able to make it down. Hesperia Lake is still getting 2,500 pounds of trout a week, and it produced rainbows to just over 12 pounds this past week. For an update on the action and trout stocking, call the store at 800-521-6332 or 760-244-5951.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

     TROUT: The urban trout season is wide open, and all the lakes are cranking out nice stringers of fish. Hesperia Lake is getting 2,500 pounds of trout a week now and cranked out trout to 12 pounds this week. Irvine Lake has been good but it was closed much of the week because of rain. Call ahead. Corona Lake's water level rocketed up and it was muddy but still producing trout and had a 20-pounder this past week. Santa Ana River Lakes was also muddies up but still pretty darn good on fish to eight pounds. All of the San Bernardino County Park Lakes -- Glen Helen, Cucamonga-Guasti, Prado, Yucaipa, and Mojave Narrows -- also remain good with a few nice fish over five pounds showing. In San Diego County, Wohlford, Poway, Jennings, and Dixon all remain top picks with regular plants, but Cuyamaca is perhaps the best bet in this region with limits showing in less than an hour for good anglers. Check ahead everywhere to make sure lakes are open and plants were delivered.
     LARGEMOUTH BASS: The largemouth bass bites are just spotty right now, with really just one big exception -- Diamond Valley Lake continues pretty good. There are a few quality fish showing at lakes where trout are being planted, with Casitas the best of those in a distant second place behind DVL. Smallmouth bass remain fair with flurries of good action in the lower Colorado River from Parker to Palo Verde. And there's almost no fishing pressure.
     STRIPED BASS: The Diamond Valley bite remains a top bet with fish to 20 pounds this past week. Skinner remains slow thanks to weather, while Pyramid, Castaic, and Silverwood all had light fishing pressure and are harder to gauge. Before the storms, all three were fair with lots of two to five pounders showing at Pyramid. On the Colorado River, there has been very little fishing pressure and most bites are off.
     PANFISH: The bluegill have all but died everywhere, but one decent redear bite is lingering for diligent panfish anglers. That bite is Lake Perris with the action in deep water on nightcrawler pieces or jigs tipped with bait in the marina area. Crappie bites are surging a couple of places with others keying up to take off. Top bet for bigger fish are the Buena Vista Lakes (west of Bakersfield). On the Central Coast, Lopez Lake turned on with a number of 25-fish limits posted before the storms, but the fish are all just under a pound. The Topoc Marsh on the Colorado River is also one to keep an eye on, and quite a few crappie are showing El Capitan and Lower Otay in the San Diego region. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea is very slow.
     CATFISH: Slow most places, but water flowing into most lakes from the rain has a tendency to turn on the catfish bites. Casitas is a notable spot for this kind of activity in the Santa Ana arm of the lake. Perris, Skinner, and all of the San Diego area lakes can also see their catfish bites perk in the rain. Catfish would be our sleeper picks of the week.

This weeks Fishing - So Californa

2009-10-30T09:56:00.001-07:00

JIM MATTHEWS' PICKS OF THE WEEK

     1. Diamond Valley's largemouth bass bite and striped bass bites improved even more this past week thanks to the season's first trout plant. A bunch of stripers over 10 pounds reported, and the largemouth are also good on the big trout-like swim baits or you can catch them on just about any presentation anywhere on the lake. Lots of smaller fish, but just enough fish to six pounds to keep things interesting. For the latest update, call the marina at 951-926-7201 (www.dvmarina.com) or Last Chance Bait and Tackle at 951-658-7410 (www.lastchancebaitandtackle.com).
     2. The late fall trout bite in Crowley Lake is simply awesome for fly anglers fishing perch minnow imitations and midge patterns, mostly in the Owens River arm of the lake. There has been an incredible number of rainbows from 18 to 24 inches (five pounds!) and lots of browns in the stream and Owens River mouths in the same size class. For updates on this bite, call The Troutfitter at 760-934-2517, Performance Anglers at 760-924-2181, or Crowley Lake Fish Camp at 760-935-4301.
     3. Warming weather and a coming full moon could really turn on the already good striped bass at Lake Havasu. This could be one or your last chances to have a wide-open surface bite of this season as the water cools. The best action has been from the mouth of the river to California and Thompson bays on surface baits or jerk baits. For an update, call Bass Tackle Master (formerly Angler's Pro Shop) in Lake Havasu at 928-854-2277.

FRESHWATER HOT SPOTS

     TROUT: The urban trout season is rolling into gear with plants the last three weeks at Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, and Hesperia Lake, and all three have been cranking out fair to good numbers of rainbows. Most everyone will be stocking by the early part of November. In the local mountains Big Bear is still producing a few fish, especially at the mouth of Grout Bay, and Lake Hemet is still pretty good. In the Eastern Sierra, the bites are slowing in the planted trout waters, but for fly anglers, the East Walker River, upper Owens River, Hot Creek, Crowley Lake, and Kirman Lake all have good to excellent bites, with the Crowley streamer bite on around the wed beds. In the Western Sierra, the Kern River recovered and has a fair to good nymph bite with some dry fly action early in the day.
     LARGEMOUTH BASS: The largemouth bass bites mostly just fair right now, but the cooler evenings are really starting to turn on the bite across the board as the fish come up to chase shad and pack on some weight for winter. There are a number of decent morning and evening topwater bites, and a surge in bigger fish. The top picks are again Diamond Valley, Perris, Castaic, Casitas, El Capitan, along with Upper and Lower Otay. Other decent bets include Pyramid, Piru, and Skinner. Silverwood was planted with trout again this week. It's a spot to watch, too. On the lower Colorado River, the smallmouth bass bite from Needles to the I-40 bridge, in Lake Havasu, and Havasu downstream through about Palo Verde is good, and the largemouth bite is starting to really improve in lower river backwaters.
     STRIPED BASS: The bites were fair to good and improving at all the usual haunts. Castaic, Skinner, Pyramid and Silverwood all are pretty good bets, and some bigger fish are showing everywhere and a number of topwater bites came back on with the warmer weather. Diamond Valley may be the best bet this week after trout plants. It cranked out more than 12 fish topping 10 pounds this week. On the Colorado River, Willow Beach continues to produce a few quality fish on big, trout-like baits, but mostly in the pre-dawn hours, and there has been very little fishing pressure. Mohave is fair on small fish to four pounds, but Havasu is good with a great topwater morning and afternoon bite. Hesperia Lake was planted with wipers three weeks ago and has been pretty good, but Elsinore has been very quiet.
     PANFISH: The bluegill and redear bites remain good in a number of places, and the bite seems to be getting better as we move into fall. Diamond Valley, Lake Perris, El Capitan, and Lower Otay all are good bets, but most waters with bluegill and redear are cranking out fish for dedicated bluegill anglers. Wind and cool weather at mid-weeks slowed this some, but not much. There were some good reports at Piru and Skinner this week. Crappie bites have slowed most places, but the Isabella bite is still there, and the Topoc Marsh bite on the Colorado River is surging right now. The tilapia bite at the Salton Sea is still very slow.
     CATFISH: Santa Ana River Lakes, Corona Lake, Irvine Lake, and Hesperia Lake all remain top bets for planted fish in the urban region, with Hesperia perhaps the best bet for quality fish. For wild fish, Skinner, Isabella, and Diamond Valley are all fair to good, while Cachuma, Casitas, Silverwood, and Pyramid are pretty fair, too. A number of the San Diego area lakes are improving but there was little fishing pressure this week. The lower Colorado River is turning on again with good flathead and channel catfish action in the backwaters, canals and drain ditches. The main river is also starting to kick back into gear, too.

Freshwater Picks of the week

2009-10-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

JIM MATTHEWS' PICKS OF THE WEEK

     1. Diamond Valley's largemouth bass bite remains excellent. You can catch them on just about any presentation anywhere on the lake. Lots of smaller fish, but just enough fish to six pounds to keep things interesting. Add in a shot at a striper to 23 pounds, and you have the No. 1 pick of the week. For the latest update, call the marina at 951-926-7201 (www.dvmarina.com) or Last Chance Bait and Tackle at 951-658-7410 (www.lastchancebaitandtackle.com).
     2. Castaic Lake's striped and largemouth bass action is excellent, and some quality stripers are showing in the mix with fish at 12 and 17 pounds this week. The bite is best on live shad or shad-like baits and some of the action is topwater. Follow the boils in the morning and you'll be into fish. For an update on the bite check with the marina at 661-775-6232 or go to www.CastaicLake.com.
     3. This is staying in the top picks one more week, but you should clip this out and save it. This bite will last right through the end of the trout season in the Eastern Sierra. Kirman Lake near Bridgeport continues to crank out the trophy brookies and cutthroats. The action is wide open in the main cove on the lake for fly anglers with fish to 26 inches reported this week. In case you didn't know, Kirman is a spring-fed lake and rich with aquatic crustaceans and insects, and a 25-inch fish will weigh in the six to eight-pound range. For an update on the bite and directions how to hike into the lake, call Ken's Sporting Goods 760-932-7707.

San Diego Area Freshwater report

2009-10-15T11:13:00.001-07:00

SAN DIEGO AREA LAKES

     BARRETT: The lake is now closed for fishing and will reopen in May, 2010. This past week there were 38 anglers checked and they reported catching 569 bass. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     HODGES: There were 41 anglers checked and they reported catching just 22 bass. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday schedule with boat rentals on the weekends only. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     EL CAPITAN: The 76 anglers checked reported catching 131 bass, six bluegill, 28 crappie, and two catfish. The lake is open Thursday through Saturday and Monday for fishing. There are no boat rentals during June, July, and August. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     LOWER OTAY: There were 133 anglers checked who reported catching 157 bass to 5.8 pounds, 231 bluegill, one redear, 19 catfish to 21.5 pounds, and one carp at 17 pounds. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     UPPER OTAY: Fair bass action. The seven anglers checked reported landing eight bass to 2.3 pounds. The lake is open on a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing, sunrise to sunset. The road to Upper Otay is open. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     MURRAY: No report. The lake is open for fishing and boating seven days a week. Boat rentals are not availble during October and November. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     MIRAMAR: No report. The lake is open for fishing seven days a week. Boat rentals are not available during October and November. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     SUTHERLAND: The lake is now closed for fishing and will reopen March of 2010. Lake information: 619-465-3474 or www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/. Rental boat reservations: 619-668-3274 or ssmith@sandiego.gov.
     WOHLFORD: The catfish action is mostly slow with the last plant over a month ago. Mackerel and chicken liver are the top baits and the top spots are the buoy line areas. The bass fishing was fair to good this past week with the best action on live bait or dark colored plastics. Bluegill and crappie are fair. Trout are slow with only a few showing in deep water at the mouth of the canal or along the west buoy line. Carp action has been good on dough baits. The lake is now closed weekdays and will only be open Saturday and Sunday each week. There are four new bass boat-type rentals available. Quagga mussel fears still have a private boating ban. Information: 760-839-4346 or www.wohlfordlake.com.
     DOANE POND: No DFG plants in over a month.
     DIXON LAKE: The catfish bite is slow to fair with the last plant of the season over a month ago. There is a fair bass bite with some topwater activity. Fair to good bluegill action with mealworms or redworms fished at any of the fishing piers working well. Lake information: 760-839-4345 or www.dixonlake.com.
     POWAY: Bass action slowed as the shad have dissipated. The catfish action was good, especially for anglers fishing the log boom or the fishing pier. The last catfish plant of the season went in over a month ago. Justin Ross and Graham Burkley, both of San Diego, caught an eight-pound catfish on mackerel at the log boom. Some bluegill are still showing in Hidden Bay but the bite is mostly slow. Trout action slow. Lake information: 858-668-4770, tackle shop 858-486-1234.
     JENNINGS: Catfish action spotty with the best bet the buoy line on nightcrawlers or mackerel. The bass bite is still mostly slow with a few fish showing on cranks thrown to boils. Some redear are still showing on mealworms and wax worms but the fish have moved deeper and become more difficult to locate. Upcoming events: Free fishing class on catfish fishing 1 p.m. Sunday hosted by Ranger Hugh Marx. For information call 619-443-2510. Lake information: 619-390-1300 or www.lakejennings.org.
     MORENA: No report. Information: 24-hour fishing update line 619-478-5473, ranger station 619-579-4101.
     CUYAMACA: Continued fair to good trout action with Power Bait and nightcrawlers working best. The hot spots have been the dam buoy line and the willows. The largemouth bass bite is fair with a few nice fish reported this week. The crappie action is good for those targeting them, but they are small. The occasional catfish is also showing. Don Murphy, San Diego, caught an 18-pound catfish off the T-Dock. Private boats are allowed on the lake again, but the boats must be sprayed for quagga mussels by a high-pressure heated wash prior to entering the lake. The cost is $10 for the spraying and it lasts for multiple trips to Cuyamaca as long as the boat is not used in another reservoir. The decontamination wash down station is for all craft and items used in the water, including boats, motors, kayak, canoes, float tubes and waders. Information: 760-765-0515 or www.lakecuyamaca.org.
     HENSHAW: Fair to good catfish action on shrimp, chicken liver, and mackerel. The bluegill bite has been good near the dock. The crappie action is also fair with fish averaging around a pound each and some bigger. A few bass and carp showing, too. Information: 760-782-3501.

Action Required Now to save Fishing So.Cal.

2009-10-08T12:39:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends of Cool Tuna:

It is a critical time in the development of the MLPA phase for the south coast, and we need your help. Please click the link below and send an e-mail in support of Proposal 2, one of the three options and the only one that would minimize the damage to recreational fishing. It takes just a few seconds and could make the difference in our fishing future.

Thank you

Jeff - Cool Tuna

Blue Ribbon Task Force Nearing Recommendation on Recreational Fishing Access in the South Coast - Take Action! Letters from anglers and boaters needed to persuade BRTF to support Proposal 2

The Situation

At its upcoming October 20-22 meeting, the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) is scheduled to vote on which marine protected area (MPA) proposal to recommend for the South Coast under the state's Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). The Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO), which represents the interests of recreational anglers and boaters, is supporting Proposal 2 for the South Coast. Proposal 2 places MPAs in locations with a high level of conservation while minimizing the economic impact on local communities and still allows anglers maximum access to fishing. It is the only proposal that truly reflects the spirit of conservation.

SEND YOUR MESSAGE NOW!

To protect as much recreational fishing opportunity as possible, send a letter to the BRTF in support of Proposal 2. The Task Force needs to hear from you before its upcoming vote - send your letter now!

Thank you for doing your part to Keep America Fishing!

Fishing Trip Sunday - 1.5 days 09-06-09

2009-09-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

Anyone want to go fishing this Sunday? A buddy has a 1.5 day Private Charter going out on the Eclips out of Seaforth. Back on Tues. AM. Still time to go to work.. Full day of fishing on Monday and the fish are biting big time.. Contact me at - bentrods@gmail.com for info..

$325 includes all the good stuff - permits - food and fish..

Tip and Beer Extra..

Make the long weekend a little better, go fishing..

New Product from One Cool Tuna

2009-08-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

Check out the new product from OneCoolTuna,it is a line weight Label. Have you every forgot what line you have on your reel? Well with the new fishing line, spectra and all the new mono it is hard to figure out what size line you have on your reels. Fishing summer and winter you have many reels with line that you can't remember what line is on it, well not anymore, with the One Cool Tuna labels you will always know what is on that reel. These durable labels are pre-printed with the line weight on them. They won't peel off and won't fade for as long as you have the line on the reel. The labels are tested to hold up to the weather, the conditions and time.. Test in the heat and saltwater as well as fresh water and the cold, they won't come off until you want them to..

Available in 5 different styles:

Standard Mono
Spectra
Fresh water
Heavy
Mixed Pack - all 4 in one pack

88 labels per pack in a variety of weights.
More than enough to last many seasons or multi-setups.

Go To www.onecooltuna.com/tackle

Welcome to the latest Blog from OneCoolTuna.com

2009-08-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome..

This site is for Anglers who love to fish. We will be posting stories and news about the fishing world. As well as product news and issues about fishing from around the world.

This is a Global site on fishing.. I hope you enjoy it..