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Saturday, July 6, 2013

Fishing report

Best bet

Paul Ripa of Rippys Bait and Tackle in North Miami Beach reported that the Newport Fishing Pier is now open and pier anglers are catching scattered bluefish and sharks. A few schools of tarpon also have taken up residency at the pier. On the reefs offshore of Miami mangrove snapper are spawning at night.

Miami Dade/Broward

Captain Quinton Dieterle from the charter boat Cutting Edge out of Key Biscayne reported a nice blue-water edge moved in on the reef and lots of bonitos and a few schoolie dolphins could be had along that edge. … Captain Paul Roydhouse of FishingHeadquarters.com out of Fort Lauderdale reported mangrove and mutton snapper fishing has been very good on the reefs, especially at night. Live pinfish and cut bait is getting the snapper bites.

Keys

During the Islamorada 50th Tarpon Fly Fishing Tournament 25 anglers fished five days in a row to try and win the 2013 Gold Cup. When all was said and done, angler Ron Halstead from Texas and captain Brian Helms teamed up to land three weight fish that were released unharmed plus six other tarpon that were released for a total of 4,503 points to take the Grand Champion honors. … Captain Bill Hauck of the party boat Sea King out of Marathon reported that the nighttime mangrove snapper season has started and, since the full moon, large numbers are eating cut baits and live pilchards fished on the bottom in 50 to 100 feet of water.

Treasure Coast

Captain Kevin Drennan of Slammer Guide Service out of Stuart reported offshore fishing has resulted in a mix bag all month. Dolphins have been mostly hit and miss with some days producing big numbers of schoolie dolphins. Sailfish are being caught and released in areas where bait pods have been holding, especially in depths from 60 to 120 feet of water. Cobias have been schooled up along the Bull Shark Barge and the Sand Pile. North of St. Lucie Inlet kingfish have been eating live threadfin herring in 50 to 60 feet of water. Lots of bonitos are being caught in 80 feet of water and on the bottom small black sea bass, trigger fish; vermillion, lane snappers, bluerunners and almoco jacks also are available.

Florida Bay

Locals Dennis and Vicky Horn fished out of Flamingo in Florida Bay with 4-pound line with tipped and plain jigs and caught more than 70 fish. Included in their catch was snook to 26 inches, tarpon, and sea trout to 6 pounds, redfish to 8 pounds, tripletail, and mangrove snappers. … Captain Jason Sullivan of Rising Tide Charters reported finding and catching lots of tailing redfish and snook on the shallow flats outside of the Flamingo boat ramp. All of the fish ate top water artificial lures. … Natalie Block, 9, from Plantation, fished with her father, Mark, and brother Andrew in Florida Bay with captain Alan Sherman of Get Em Sportfishing Charters and caught and released her first snook on a live pinfish fished under a Cajun Thunder float.

Southwest Coast

Captain Lisa Williams of SeaGone Fishing Charters out of Marco Island reported that due to lots of afternoon thunderstorms and high temperatures, the mornings have been the best time to fish the waters of the Ten Thousand Islands. Snappers are moving into the deeper water of the passes and eating shrimp on a light weight. Plenty of snook can be found around the passes and points for catch and release. Flounder, sea trout and sheepshead are in good supply and can be caught over the grass flats using live shrimp under a float.

Freshwater

Captain Michael Shellen of Shellen Guide Service out of Buckhead Ridge reported loads of largemouth bass are holding on the east side of the Lake Okeechobee. Many of these are first-year fish, but there are some large bass mixed in with small bass. Spinner baits have been working early in the day and then flukes and soft plastics fished slow and near the bottom are getting the strikes late in the day. … Joe Schillace of Weston fished the C-30 canal with fishing guide Alan Zaremba and caught 52 largemouth bass and 15 peacock bass to 3 pounds using Gambler ribbon tailed worms, Flappin Shads and Mirror Props.

Capt. Alan Sherman

Super Bowl standout Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens will host the 2013 UM Sports Hall of Fame Celebrity Dolphin Tournament on Friday and Saturday in Islamorada. Headquarters is the Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle. Other football celebrities include: Warren Sapp, Ted Hendricks, Jim Kelly, Brett Romberg, Gary Dunn, Damione Lewis, and Randall Hill. For more information, visit www.canesfish.com or call tournament director K.C. Jones at 305-925-3660. 1372309220

<br /><br />Javier Picon, mate on the charterboat Lisa L, holds up a bonito caught by Sascha Ruggeri, 10, of North Miami during the 2013 session of the Summer School of Fish.<br /> <br />

Weeklong sessions teach school-age kids how to fish ... and a whole lot more.

View the original article here

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

South Florida fishing report

South Florida fishing report - Sun Sentinel Home?Collections?Florida Bay South Florida fishing report if (jQuery("#mod-article-header .kicker").length > 0) { var topOffset = jQuery("#mod-article-header h1").offset().top - 50; if (topOffset > 150 && topOffset June 21, 2013|By Steve Waters, Staff Writer

Fishing report

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

Look for bass schooling offshore in the morning and catch them on lipless crankbaits and topwater plugs. Bluegills were biting off the outer grass lines.

EVERGLADES/FRESHWATER

Bass were biting in the canals along Alligator Alley. Use shaky head jigs around the bridges and ledges. Topwater lures have also been effective.

SOUTH FLORIDA INSHORE

Lots of sea trout and some tarpon were biting in Florida Bay.

SOUTH FLORIDA OFFSHORE

Capt. Dave Kostyo, who fishes out of Haulover Inlet on Knot Nancy, said late afternoons have been best for catching sailfish, blackfin tuna, kingfish and dolphin. Joel Reid, John Boekestyn and Lawrence Hopman had three sailfish, a kingfish and two tunas live-baiting in 110-160 feet. Bonitos and a few small kingfish were caught off Boynton Beach Thursday morning.

THE KEYS

Schoolie dolphin, along with a few big fish, and small blackfin tunas were biting. Capt. Bill Hauck of the Sea King party boat in Marathon reported tough snapper fishing.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Family fishing in the spotlight

It is not often that we get to participate and volunteer in events that create much joy, pleasure, happiness and satisfaction as has been happening at the Courtenay and District Fish and Game Protective Association (CDFGPA) over the past two weeks with the Fishing Forever Program and culminating with the Family Fishing – Father’s Day celebration this weekend.

I was unable to participate with the former but I had great pleasure in volunteering this past weekend. Once in a while somebody says just the right things in the right way in expressing gratitude to those who made the events a success, as was the case expressed by Evelyne Posetha in a card of appreciation she presented to Jan MacKenzie and Brian Allen – the joint chairpersons of the events. Evelyne spent much of her volunteer time at the fish cleaning table – on behalf of all of us, thank you, Evelyne.

Evelyne’s card of appreciation:

“Dear Jan and Brian,

"It is an honour to have worked with you both and for such good causes.

"Many thanks for your guidance, your generosity and all the support you give to the volunteers. You are both 'Awesome,'

Keep up your 'Great Work.'

PS I will wear the beautiful polo shirt with pride as soon as I am not cleaning fish. …

Evelyne Posetha.”

Inscription on the card read – “Kindness spreads like wildflowers … leaving happiness behind.”

The celebration at the CDFGPA did not happen in isolation of many other connected events. First the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC made the fishing possible with the generous supply of catchable rainbow trout they stocked in the ponds. Thrifty Foods of Courtenay generously supplied free treats of hotdogs, pop and bottled water to all participants on both days. These annual treats are a huge gift to all concerned and a sincere thank you to the Thrifty stores for their generosity and corporate support.

I took some time out from my volunteering to wander around the pond with my camera. Pictured with the column are a father and son enjoying some quiet, secluded fishing on a very crowded pond. It is an appropriate Father’s Day celebration where the child is spending some special time with father. In the process they are both getting an infusion of emotional medicine that helps to close the nature deficit deficiency so common in our increasingly disconnected society.

I spent most of my time putting together small containers of worms, (thanks to Dennis) and Power Bait plus untangling lines on what seemed like an endless chain of novice anglers with injured tackle. Throughout the whole process I never talked to one unhappy participant.

One lasting effect from the weekend will be the memory of large numbers of novice anglers and happy children and others who had caught a nice trout to take home for supper. It is reassuring to know that the celebration taking place in the club pond was being reenacted throughout the province wherever people were gathering to celebrate this Family Fishing – Father’s Day Weekend.

The overriding purpose of the Family Fishing Weekend is to interest families and others to taking up the family oriented hobby of recreational fishing in our thousands of freshwater lakes and rivers and rich marine waters that make up our beautiful and bountiful province. Indeed the promotion of free family fishing weekends in now a national custom.

Earlier in the week I came across an interesting little magazine-style booklet – Vancouver Island Fishing 2013. It is free and is available at tackle shops, tourist information centres and other places. It is published by Goldstream Publishing who are the people that produce the Angler’s Atlas.

The booklet features 22 Vancouver Island lakes with contour lines, special information pertinent to the lake plus directions on how to get to each lake. In my view it is a gold mine for freshwater anglers. On page 34 there is a detailed 2012 stocking list for each lake. It would be an interesting challenge to fish all 22 of them in one season.

In closing, I wonder what it takes for Valley politicians to think beyond athletic fields and stadiums to bring Maple Lake into the public domain – what a jewel it would be, developed as an urban family fishing lake.

Ralph Shaw is a master fly fisherman who was awarded the Order of Canada in 1984 for his conservation efforts. In 20 years of writing a column in the Comox Valley Record it has won several awards.

View the original article here

Saturday, May 25, 2013

South Florida Fishing report

Best Bet

Henry Caimotto of the Snook Nook Bait & Tackle in Jensen Beach reported that along the beaches bluefish in the 6- to 10-pound range are eating cut bait. Offshore in depths from 150 to 250 feet of water dolphin in the 20- to 50-pound range are biting trolled ballyhoo. Inside of that depth sailfish, blackfin tuna and bonitos are plentiful on the bottom lane, and mutton snappers and some groupers are being caught. In the Indian River big snook are eating jigs and live baits at almost every bridge. Best action has been at night.

Miami-Dade/ Broward

Captain Bouncer Smith Of Bouncers Dusky out of Miami Beach Marina reported that despite zero current outside the reef offshore of Government Cut, his clients landed five cobias, four gray groupers two big mutton snappers, kingfish and bonitos. Most of the action took place over artificial reefs with live baits. … Captain Paul Roydhouse of FishHeadquarters.com out of Fort Lauderdale reported that during day trips fishing between 100 to 200 feet of water offshore of Port Everglades, his clients have been doing well on kingfish, blackfin tuna and a few sailfish on the top and some nice snappers and a few groupers.

Keys

Fishing 13 miles offshore of the middle Keys, Nick Milbery of Davie hooked and landed a 55-pound bull dolphin. Milbery was fishing with his dad Jack. The huge dolphin ate a trolled homemade squid. … Captain Wayne Gilbert Jr. of Fish Florida Bay Charters out of Islamorada reported he has been having good success using live mullet on the tarpon during the outgoing tides and with the moon being in his favor for the next few weeks, he expects a great tarpon bite to take place on the outgoing tides. … Captain Steve Hancock of Fly and Spin Fishing Charters out of Sugarloaf Key reported plenty of tarpon are being caught on both natural baits and fly. The tarpon can be found on both the Atlantic and Gulf sides.

Treasure Coast

Captain Charlie Conner of FishTales Charters out of Port St. Lucie reported sea trout have been the main focus this week with plenty of trout measuring more than 20 inches. Look for the big trout in two feet of water where there are big sandy holes around grass. Casting DOA lures and Deadly Combos or live baits will get you into the fish. Redfish have been holding close to the mangroves and snook are feeding next to the docks.

Florida Bay

Captain Nestor Alvisa of Hooked on Flamingo Charters reported that due to lots of rain and west winds, fishing in Florida Bay has been tough. When the winds are down plenty of sea trout are biting along the deeper sides of the grass flats. Lots of ladyfish, jacks and some nice snappers are being caught in the same areas. Live shrimp under a float and soft plastics on a jig are getting the strikes. Along the islands there have been some redfish and snook and offshore tripletail have been available.

Southwest Coast

Captain Rob Modys of SoulMate Charters out of Fort Myers reported tarpon have moved into the back waters of Estero Bay, Pine Island Sound and along the beaches, where they are feeding on white bait and mullet. Snook are moving into the passes where they will spawn and can be chummed up and caught on white baits. Redfish are pushing up onto the shallow grass flats with the best action taking place in the morning using gold spoons. Sea trout can be found along the deeper edges of the grass flats in three to four feet of water. Spanish mackerel, bluefish and jacks seem to be everywhere from the beaches out into the open water of the Gulf and will eat anything that moves fast

Freshwater

Alan Zaremba of World Peacock Bass Fishing Charters reported with recent rains that water levels are raising in the canals of the Everglades Conservation Areas. Not as many largemouth bass are being caught but the size of the bass has increased. Soft plastics and floating Rapala minnows are catching the bass. In the urban canals plenty peacock bass are being caught on artificial lures.

Capt. Alan Sherman

Amanda Burke advanced to Fina 3-meter springboard final, scoring a 297.70 for second place behind China’s Liu Jiao. 1368160767

<br /><br />Dave Nyitray (L) and Carl Grassi, members of the pro-staff for the upcoming Bimini Extravaganza, show off large yellowtail caught on Hammerhead Reef near Bimini.<br /> <br />

Many South Florida anglers with small boats yearn for the adventure of fishing the bountiful waters of Bimini about 50 miles away. But crossing the Straits of Florida to fish in a foreign country — even a small and friendly one — an be daunting to some.

View the original article here

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Michigan fishing: Walleye biting on the Bay

Walleye, pike and muskellunge season for the Upper Peninsula Great Lakes, St. Mary?s River and the inland lakes will open on May 15

. Bass anglers enjoying the early catch and release season in the Lower Peninsula are doing very well. The opener for the Upper Peninsula is May 15.

SOUTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Lake Erie: Catch rates were slow for walleye. The majority of anglers are starting to troll harnesses with inline weights. Some fish were caught near the Dumping Grounds and in front of Sterling State Park when trolling or jigging in 16 to 18 feet of water. Until the water cleans up, anglers will want to stay in 12 to 18 feet and fish throughout the water column.

Huron River: Has lots of white bass being caught. Good smallmouth bass action as well but all these must be released immediately. Walleye have been caught in the evening up near the Flat Rock Dam. Try pink and black flies. The steelhead run is just about done.

Detroit River: Has very good walleye fishing. Anglers are jigging lead head jigs with minnows or worms. Good colors were green, orange, black, purple or pink. Perch were caught along the south side of the Cross Dike. Very good white bass action as the river is full of them. Smallmouth bass were also caught and released.

Lake St. Clair: Smallmouth bass fishing is heating up. The usual areas like Selfridge, Metro Beach, and off the Mile Roads have all been good.

Clinton River: Had excellent rock bass fishing at the mouth.

St. Clair River: Is good for walleye especially between Marine City and Algonac.

Lexington: Pier fishing has been slow with only a couple bullhead and a few rock bass taken by those still-fishing. Those casting caught the occasional steelhead. For boat anglers, those trolling spoons or body baits caught chinook, lake trout, brown trout and steelhead. The fish were scattered in waters 20 to 70 feet deep.

Harbor Beach: Pier fishing was slow but boat anglers were getting a few trout and salmon in waters 20 to 60 feet deep.

Port Austin: Had rumors of a few walleye being caught.

Saginaw Bay: Had very good walleye fishing between Linwood Road and the Saginaw River. Off Linwood, try crawlers in 18 to 20 feet, crawler harnesses in four to six feet off Kawkawlin, jigging crank baits around Spoils Island or jigging minnows and plastic worms near Consumers. No perch to report. On the east side, the water remains muddy and most of the marinas were not open yet. Quanicassee had no activity as the skid piers were not yet in. At Sebewaing, bass were caught from the channel and in the canals. The marina at Bay Port is still being dredged and the water is muddy. Only a couple boats were out trolling near the sailboat buoys. Bass anglers had fair action out by North Island. At Caseville, those fishing off the wall caught a few walleye. Smallmouth bass were caught and released.

Saginaw River: Many walleye were caught in the lower river.

Tittabawassee River: Had excellent walleye fishing between the Center Street launch and the M-46 launch. Anglers are also catching fish by the Caldwell launch which is near the Gordonville-Mapleton area. Try rapalas or jigging with crawlers.

SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
St. Joseph: Fishing overall was very slow. Pier anglers are catching a few catfish and freshwater drum on crawlers. No trout or salmon were caught. Boat anglers were struggling to find fish.

St. Joseph River: Water levels are slowly receding. The DNR launch in St. Joe still had some water over the docks. The St. Joe city launch is almost back to normal.

South Haven: Overall fishing was slow. There still seems to be a few fish in 45 to 60 feet of water but the bite was slow. Boat anglers did manage to catch a few lake trout when trolling.

Black River: In South Haven is currently being dredged. Boat anglers need to use caution around the buoys in the river channel because there is a floating dredge pipe hanging under them.

Holland: Boat anglers are starting to catch chinook and coho when trolling in waters 40 to 150 feet deep however 80 to 120 feet was best. The fish are high in the water column. They are trolling spoons in green, yellow, blue and gold as well as green and blue flies with pearl flashers. Pier fishing was slow. No perch to report.

Grand Haven: Dredging is underway at the Island Harbor boat launch. The boat ramps were not in but the launch is open. No word on when the dredging will be done. Chinook and coho salmon are just starting to show up. Boats are trolling in waters 80 to 120 feet deep with spoons. The salmon are high in the water so small lead core is working best. For spoons, best colors were green, blue, yellow and gold. Flashers and flies worked well. Pier fishing is very slow. Some are throwing cast nets for alewife but none were taken.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Is producing some walleye. Try Hot-n-Tots, body baits or a jig and crawler. Catfish are hitting on live or cut bait.

Grand River at Lansing: Catfish and smallmouth bass are being caught below the dam at Moore?s Park. Anglers should be able to find catfish below any of the dams. Live bait or cut bait works best.

Muskegon River: Water levels were still high and stained but steelhead and walleye are still being caught. Try flies, spawn, wax worms, spoons or body baits.

Whitehall: Very few walleye have been caught from the pier. Anglers were casting body baits with not much luck. Those trolling did well for brown trout in the shallows about a mile or two north and south of the pier. A couple coho were also caught.

White Lake: Boat anglers are still taking good numbers of pike. They are using spinners in four to 15 feet of water.

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA
Cheboygan River: Steelhead and walleye were caught below the dam.

Ocqueoc River: Still had a good number of steelhead. Many were moving to the beds as they prepare to spawn. Fish were caught between the mouth and the lamprey weir. Try the deeper holes and the gravel when drifting spawn bags, flies, yarn or small jigs. Depending on the weather, the run might last another week. A few suckers were caught.

Rogers City: The docks are in that launch ramp however the fish cleaning station was still closed. Boats up to 24 feet were launching with no problem. Catch rates were slow because water temperatures were still just a little too cold. Catch rates will increase once water temperatures reach the mid 40?s. For now, try fishing the shallow waters of Swan Bay and Calcite. Lake trout season is open but there is not much to report. Anglers will have to find the fish. Try fishing shallow, suspended, or just off the bottom in 40 to 60 feet of water.

Presque Isle: The dock is in at the launch site. Those out lake trout fishing had to work hard to catch a few as the water is just too cold. Try cowbells and spin glo?s either suspended or just off the bottom.

Rockport: The docks are in and the gate is open. No boats were out and those fishing off the old dock caught nothing.

Alpena: Those fishing in the bay caught a few walleye between the pier and Grass Island. The fish cleaning station in the marina is now open.

Thunder Bay River: Is still producing a couple steelhead and walleye even though the steelhead activity has slowed down with now that spawning is just about done. Those targeting suckers have done very well.

Harrisville: Boat anglers reported good catches of steelhead in and around the harbor. Spoons and body baits seem to work the best. As of now the water is high enough at the docks to launch most boats. Tandem axel trailers had no problem getting in and out. The channel depth seems to be deep enough, however be very careful as the makers were not in yet and you will need to swing out at the mouth to avoid shallow water. Walleye are starting to make their way into the area. Early morning and late evening were best for those using crawler harnesses or body baits.

Au Sable River: The water is up, making it easier for boats to make their way up and down the river. The water is still muddy but looks to be clearing. Good numbers of steelhead can be found. They are hitting on flies, spawn, wax worms, spoons and body baits. Suckers are also making their way up into the river but walleye were still moving in and out. Those fishing down near the mouth did catch walleye in the late evening when using crawlers, leeches or body baits.

Tawas: Catch rates slowed with only a couple walleye taken in 14 to 16 feet of water off Jerry?s Marina. Most were using Hot-n-Tots or body baits. Pier fishing was slow.

Au Gres: Had good walleye fishing with an average of five to eight fish per boat. Boats were fishing straight as well as north and south of Point Au Gres. Try 15 to 30 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow.

Au Gres River: A few walleye were caught near the Singing Bridge.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Harbor Springs: The dock was not in at the public boat launch. According to the city, the harbor is being dredged so the dock may not be in until May 15.

Petoskey: Pier anglers have caught steelhead on spawn. Some were fishing the ?bobber hole? at the mouth of the river but no fish were caught. A few boats were starting to head out to Bay Harbor for lake trout but no fish were reported.

Bear River: Had good steelhead fishing but the number of fish caught has dropped. The run is winding down. Anglers can still try spawn bags and rubber eggs between the mouth and the dam. Early morning was best. Those looking for suckers should get out now as the river is full of them.

Charlevoix: Fishing was slow. A few were trying the channel for walleye but no fish were caught. Night fishing for walleye should pick up soon.

Lake Charlevoix: Had a lot of boats going out for walleye and perch. Rumor has it walleye were caught on the north end of the South Arm near Holy Island. For perch, they were fishing in front of the Belvedere Club and around Two Mile Point.

Traverse City: Lake trout fishing has been good in the bays. Depths were variable with some caught while jigging in 125 feet of water but others caught when trolling plugs in water as shallow as eight feet. A couple cisco were also caught. Pier and surfcasting were hit-or-miss with the occasional steelhead taken on minnows or spawn bags. Smallmouth bass are being caught and released. Try tube baits in 10 to 35 feet of water.

Elk River: Has a decent number of steelhead. The bite was slow for most but some were able to catch a few fish using fresh spawn or a jig tipped with wax worms.

Boardman River: Steelhead fishing is winding down there is a good number of suckers in the river. A few pike and carp were caught.

Glen Arbor: The boat launch is now open.

Platte Bay: Fishing pressure has slowed. Those trolling spoons caught lake trout and brown trout.

Platte River: Continues to produce walleye and steelhead.

Frankfort: Pier anglers on the north wall were catching a couple steelhead and brown trout on spawn bags. The water is beginning to clear up and anglers can see alewife. Those trolling caught brown trout on UV spoons (not Magnums) and body baits. Black and silver or black and gold were still the hot colors. Lake trout were active in waters over 25 feet deep.

Onekama: Pier anglers targeting brown trout reported hit-or-miss. Catch rates were better when the water was choppy. Try casting spoons, body baits or spawn. Those trolling the shoreline did best north to the golf course and south to Bar Lake in 15 to 22 feet of water with silver and perch body baits.

Portage Lake: Catch rates for the bigger perch have slowed but several small ones have been caught. Try minnows and wigglers. Those trolling for walleye have caught fish ranging five to seven pounds. The water is beginning to settle so bass anglers are having a great time with the early catch-and ?release season.

Manistee: Pier anglers have caught perch on wigglers. Brown trout action was slow for those trolling around the piers.

Manistee River: Anglers continue to take good numbers of steelhead and walleye. They are using spoons, crank baits and flies.

Lake Cadillac: Is producing some walleye. The better fishing starts in the evening and runs through dark. Most are casting floating rapalas from shore. No word on bluegills yet but crappie are starting to hit on minnows.

Ludington: Brown trout action continues to be slow for boat and pier anglers. A few have been caught on black and silver body baits and orange spoons.

Pentwater Lake: Had very few anglers but a couple nice walleye were caught in the channel by those casting body baits. Those trolling Lake Michigan had no success.

UPPER PENINSULA
Copper Harbor: Splake fishing was slow with only a few fish taken. The boat launches are finally open and boats traffic is picking up. The local rivers are still very high and fast making them impossible to fish.

Eagle Harbor: The boat launch is open but catch rates were slow. A few splake and coho were caught off the marina wall.

Keweenaw Bay: A few boats were finally able to get out and start trolling for salmon. The bite was slow but a couple coho were caught. Those fishing off the pier in L?Anse were able to catch a couple fish when the floating pack ice allowed them to fish. No word on smelt in this area.

Falls River: Was fishable. Water levels were still high but starting to come down.

Stannard Rock: Catch rates were fair for those heading out on their first trip. They were jigging for lake trout in 150 feet of water and took one or two fish per hour. Size ranged from 20 to 27 inches.

Marquette: Fishing was slow. Most were trolling crank baits or stick baits for coho but few fish were caught.

Chocolay River: Still had high water levels but steelhead were caught.

Menominee: The mouth of the river was a popular spot for boats to anchor or trolling if there was enough room. Some walleye have been caught but the number has dropped since last week. A few brown trout were also caught. Anglers are jigging with or without minnows, trolling rapalas and crawler harnesses. Early morning and late evening were best. Those that headed south of the mouth also picked up a few walleye. Those trolling off the Cedar River caught brown trout in shallow waters in front of Wells State Park when trolling rapalas or spoons. This area is full of large boulders so anglers must use caution! Early morning was best. Near Stoney Point, a few boats were launching however anglers need to be careful because of shallow water heading out of the launch. It has been flagged. A few walleye and brown trout were caught by those trolling rapalas or spoons in 10 to 15 feet of water.

Menominee River: Shore and boat anglers between the mouth and the Hattie Street Dam picked up some walleye and white suckers. They were mainly casting or trolling Rapalas. Quite a few of the walleye were ripe or spent.

Little Bay De Noc: All the launches are open and the docks are in. The spring perch action is just starting. Good perch fishing was reported off the sand bar near the Day?s River. Anglers are still-fishing with crawlers and wigglers in 18 to 25 feet of water. Perch anglers could be found near Kipling and the ?Narrows? but catch rates were slow. Last year; the best catches were after the Big Bay run which is going on now. Rivers were still high so steelhead fishing was a bit difficult.

Day?s River: Anglers caught steelhead between the mouth and the Golf Course.

Big Bay De Noc: The spring perch run has started with fair to good catches in Garden Bay. Most are using minnows or worms in six to eight feet of water. Boats were averaging 20 to 30 fish and many were nine to 11 inches.

Sturgeon River: Was close to flood stage. Those looking for steelhead will have to wait until water levels come down.

Ogontz River: Suckers are running and catch rates were good.

Au Train: The bay is ice free and the dock is in at the Brownstone Launch. Boat anglers targeting coho caught four to ten fish after five to six hours of fishing. Many had a mix of coho, chinook, steelhead and brown trout. The coho were about 16 inches, steelhead were 20 to 26 and the browns were right around 20. One large whitefish was caught. Most are trolling small crank baits or stick baits between the Brownstone Launch and Au Train Point.

Au Train River: Water levels are coming down but the current was still strong enough to make fishing difficult.

Newberry: Lakes in area are open but some of the access roads still had snow pack on them. Rivers and streams were still high everywhere but conditions will improve as the rivers should come down this week.

Sucker River: Has steelhead.
DeTour: Those fishing Albany Creek have caught steelhead on spawn.

Drummond Island: Has very good perch fishing in Scott Bay and Maxton Bay. Try minnows and leaf worms in two to four feet of water.

Cedarville and Hessel: Some nice splake have been caught off the pier when using smelt or minnows. Those trolling caught also caught fish on blue and silver or purple Cleo?s.

Carp River: Water levels have dropped but there is still a strong current.

View the original article here

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Fishing Enthusiasts Can Access Real-Time Information from Fishidy at Walmart

Maps, tips, fishing reports and more available in 2,600 Walmart stores nationwide

By Fishidy

MADISON, Wis., May 9, 2013 — /PRNewswire/ -- Fishidy, a leader in the delivery of superior fishing and on-the-water fishing information based in Madison, Wis., today announced its fishing resources will be available in approximately 2,600 Walmart stores to help anglers of all kinds maximize their upcoming fishing outing.

"Our mission, quite simply, is to help anglers learn and determine where, when and how to fish – and ultimately to help them have more fun," said Brian Jensen, CEO of Fishidy. "Since the launch of Fishidy last year, our catalog of information and our user base have grown exponentially. We look forward to continuing to make Fishidy even more valuable and fun for our user base."

Through signage and a display interface found in the Outdoors section, Walmart customers can use Fishidy to access maps, tips and fishing reports by zip code, as well as browse a checklist of recommended items to bring on their fishing outing.

Linked by common waterways and a love of fishing, Fishidy is a network of anglers and fishing resources, including professional and serious anglers, fishing groups, guides and businesses. Through both an interactive website and a mobile app, Fishidy users have full access to accurate fishing maps for thousands of freshwater and saltwater waterways – the kind of information unavailable anywhere else online today. In addition, users have the ability to track, record and catalog their catches and hot spots. They also can join the rapidly growing Fishidy community and share their tallest fishing tales, upload photos and videos of their catches, make new friends and more.

There is no cost to use Fishidy, however premium memberships are available to those who desire access to additional fishing insights such as marked maps with fishing hot spots, details on underwater composition and structures, real-time sea surface temperature charts and more.

About Fishidy Fishidy, which is owned and operated by Outdoor InSite, LLC, creates and delivers a one-of-a-kind fishing resource to help anglers of all ages and skill levels catch more fish. Fishidy delivers interactive fishing maps, social connections and a wealth of proven, valuable information on thousands of waterways across the country, including freshwater, saltwater and Great Lakes maps. Fishidy also works to enhance other outdoor sports experiences through innovation, intelligence and technology. For more information, visit www.fishidy.com.

SOURCE Fishidy

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Friday, May 17, 2013

Proposed new bag and size limits for recreational fishing

Recreational fishers in NSW are invited to comment on proposed changes to fishing rules. The proposed new rules cover bag limits, size limits and fishing methods. The NSW Department of Primary Industries says the proposals are based upon community feedback and advice from expert anglers. With approximately one million people enjoying recreational fishing the department says the rules are about providing a sustainable fish stock.

The intention of the rules is said to support the opportunity for recreational fishers to catch and eat fresh fish while protecting stocks by prohibiting the sale of their catch or bartering the catch for in-kind services.

The Department is working with the Aboriginal Fishing Advisory Council to meet the needs of Aboriginal cultural fishers.

The proposed rules include a general reduction in the bag limit from 20 to 10 for species that do not have a prescribed bag limit.

The proposed rules for specific saltwater species include:

Reduce the recreational bag limit from 20 to 10 for flathead (other than Dusky Flathead), Yellowfin and Black Bream, Tarwhine, Tailor, Trevallies, Luderick, and Blue Swimmer Crabs.

Reduce the bag limit from 10 to 5 for Dusky Flathead, Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Grey Morwong, Jackass Morwong.

Reduce the bag limit from 5 to 2 for Yellowtail Kingfish, Cobia, Blue-eye Trevalla, Banded Rockcod, Hapuku, Bass Groper, Gemfish, Spanish Mackerel and Spotted Mackerel, Wahoo, Mangrove Jack, Teraglin.

The proposed rules for specific freshwater species include extending the spawning closure for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch in all NSW waters from 3 months to a 4 month period from 1 May to 31 August to protect early migrating bass from excessive fishing pressure.

Comments are sought on the management of trout and salmon stocks.

One specific proposal is to reduce the bag and possession limit for trout in general inland waters (areas not notified trout waters) from 10 and 20 to 5 and 10 respectively, so as to bring the limits in line with those for general trout streams and dams.

Other proposals include the prohibition of 'transshipping of fish species from one boat to another when on any waters by persons where the fishing activities that resulted in the catch are subject to NSW recreational fishing rules'.

This proposal is to prevent that transfer of a catch between boats as an illegal sale or as a way to get around bag limits.

Another proposal has been put forward by Game Council NSW to allow bow and arrow fishing of Carp.

Submissions can be made online or in writing up to July 31, 2013.

See the DPI discussion paper for details: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/464765/review_discussion_paper_web.pdf

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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Speck fishing becoming increasingly popular

While most of the attention in the freshwater fishing world goes to the bass fishing community, another group is filling up local waterways just the same.

During most weekday mornings, you'll find a group of retirees at Great American Coffee Roasters on Magnolia Avenue talking shop about their favorite hobby — speck fishing. You'll hear words like "spider rigging" and "skipper jigs."

Specks, also known as speckled perch, or maybe more commonly known as crappie, rarely bring in the trophy catch like a bass does. The record black crappie in Florida weighed in at just 3.83 pounds, while a big catch is considered 14 inches or 2 pounds.

Vernon Hopkins, 78, John Blackstock, 68, John Townsend, 70, and Larry Wood, 74, are four from the group of seven or eight who meet at the coffee shop who venture out on local waterways a couple times a week in search of the delicious speck. "There is not a better tasting freshwater fish," Hopkins said.

The group spider rigs Crescent Lake, Lake George, Lake Lochloosa and the St. Johns River among others. Like the legs of a spider, sometimes as many as four poles on each side are cast into the water — each at different lengths — with jigs, minnows and other baits to try and lure in a school of specks. Pushing refers to casting in front of the boat, while pulling refers to casting in the rear and trolling forward so the bait makes its way over a school of active crappie.

"Both (pushing and pulling) are a lot more fun than working," Hopkins joked.

An angler is allowed to have 25 specks on board in a day. The group rarely goes home without their limit.

While the group of retirees fish specks for pleasure, statewide tournaments have become popular in recent years as the Florida Crappie Club has grown since its inception three years ago.

"The elusiveness of the fish is what makes it so fun," FCC secretary Harold McGhee said. "I believe the speck is tougher to find than a bass."

The FCC holds 20 tournaments a year culminating with the Crescent Lake Classic in December. In order to qualify for the Classic, anglers must attend at least four other events throughout the year.

The last tournament was held at Lake Okeechobee on April 27. Leesburg's Darryl and Terri Cole finished first with a seven-fish bag weighing an even 8 pounds. Darryl Cole is the president of the FCC. McGhee reported that the Coles spider rigged in 12- to 15-foot waters with Wally Marshall rods and orange, chartreuse skipper jigs tipped with minnows.

The next tournament is Saturday at Lake Monroe. Registration starts at 5:45 a.m. with poles in the water at 7. Lake Monroe is located north of Orlando. Take exit 104 off I-4 to get to the ramp. The cost is $60 per boat of two anglers or $50 if fishing alone. Call McGhee at 813-215-9759 for more information.

-----

Contact Ted Beck at ted.beck@starbanner.com to contribute story ideas for this weekly column.

Speck fishing becoming increasingly popularBy Ted Beck Ocala.comMay 8, 2013 12:34 PM

While most of the attention in the freshwater fishing world goes to the bass fishing community, another group is filling up local waterways just the same.

"Both (pushing and pulling) are a lot more fun than working," Hopkins joked.

An angler is allowed to have 25 specks on board in a day. The group rarely goes home without their limit.

While the group of retirees fish specks for pleasure, statewide tournaments have become popular in recent years as the Florida Crappie Club has grown since its inception three years ago.

"The elusiveness of the fish is what makes it so fun," FCC secretary Harold McGhee said. "I believe the speck is tougher to find than a bass."

The FCC holds 20 tournaments a year culminating with the Crescent Lake Classic in December. In order to qualify for the Classic, anglers must attend at least four other events throughout the year.

-----

Contact Ted Beck at ted.beck@starbanner.com to contribute story ideas for this weekly column.

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Fish Tales Fishing Report

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Fish Tales Fishing Report By JOHN?SANTAGATA
Times Fishing Correspondent The Hour Publishing Company | 0 comments

As the weather gets a little better each day, fishing on the Long Isand Sound seems to be improving every day, as well.

Customers are all doing well at Cove Island and the Holly Pond inlet, catching lots of small striped bass on sandworms and soft plastics.

Sean Elumba of Stamford sailed down west earlier in the week to do some trolling. He caught three bass up to 25 pounds.

Porgy fishing is now open as of the beginning of the month and fluke fishing will also open this month on May 15.

Fresh water fishing has remained good all around. Kensico Reservoir is your best bet right now for nice lake trout and browns. Locally, the Norwalk River and Mianus River are also producing nice fish.

This Saturday the DEEP has announced that it is Free Fishing Day. Anyone who want to fish freshwater or salt anywhere in Connecticut can do so without a license. This is a great opportunity to take someone and introduce them to the sport. Please remember all regulations still apply to size and creel limits.

See you out there,

John

Posted in Sports, None on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 1:03 pm.

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Friday, May 10, 2013

Jim Sutton's fishing report: A foot of rain leaves local waters in a mess ...

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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Freshwater sport fishing brings substantial revenue to the province of BC.

032113_fisherman Freshwater fishing's economic impact has grown to over $500 million dollars a year in direct spending, and this economic activity is spread across all regions of the province.

Participation in freshwater fishing is also growing and predictions are the trend will continue, according to the results of the just-released 2013 BC Freshwater Sport Fishing Economic Impact Report. The report also highlighted potential for future growth - and showed that reinvestment of fishing licence revenues in BC's stocking, conservation and angler outreach programs is yielding increasing economic returns.

Using data from the 2010 Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada, which has been conducted every five years since 1975, the report shows that the number of active anglers province wide grew 6% from 2005. These anglers represent over $546 million a year in direct expenditures on goods and services including accommodation; fishing, boating and camping equipment; licence sales; packages; air and ferry transportation expenditures and fishing supplies. After adjusting for inflation, freshwater fishing annually contributed $23 million more in direct expenditures than in 2005. Anglers also spent more per fishing day, $142 and $131 per day in 2010 and 2005 respectively.

While the benefits of this expanding industry are felt across the province, specific impacts vary by region. The Cariboo region received 11% of angling effort in the province, and was one of the preferred destinations by international anglers. The direct economic impact of freshwater fishing for the Cariboo region is $57 million. The Thompson-Nicola region received 18% of provincial angling effort, second only behind the Lower Mainland. The Thompson-Nicola region also placed second in total fishing package expenditures, with almost $4 million being spent on lodge, guided charter boat and fly-in fishing packages. The direct economic impact for the Thompson-Nicola region is $99 million.

032113_fishingBC "Angling is an increasingly important industry in the province - one that has remained strong despite the economic slowdown in 2008," says Don Peterson, President, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. "It's positive news for the province as a whole. A significant number of BC anglers live in urban areas and fish in rural areas, which represents a transfer of economic activity from urban to rural."

Freshwater sport fishing brings substantial revenue to the province of BC.

Highlights from the report include:

3,119 person years of employment (up from 2,500 person years in 2005)286,167 active anglers (up from 270,800 in 2005)$545 million in direct angler expenditures (up from $480 million in 2005)Every $1 invested in services delivered by the Freshwater FisheriesSociety of BC returned an average of $24 in angler expenditures (up from $21 in 2005).

"BC's user-pay model of fisheries service delivery is having a positive impact on enhancing public fishing opportunities and is also generating positive economic outcomes for the province," says Peterson.

The FFSBC is a private, not-for-profit organization largely funded by anglers through freshwater fishing licence revenues. It works in partnership with Provincial fisheries managers to deliver fish stocking programs that support 50 per cent of all fishing in B.C. lakes, conservation fish culture services for sturgeon recovery programs, and initiatives to enhance participation and access to fishing for all British Columbians. Stocking programs deliver between 6 and 8 million fish annually in 800 lakes and streams throughout the province. Through these programs, the FFSBC is working to ensure BC has the best freshwater fishing in North America.

032113_fish_stocking

Freshwater Fishing and the BC Economy was commissioned by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and was prepared by Megan Bailey (Environmental Policy Group, Wageningen UR) and U. Rashid Sumaila (Fisheries Centre, UBC).

The economic impact estimates in the document are based on the 2010 Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada.

For more information and to see the full report visit the FFSBC's website at www.gofishbc.com.

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Thursday, April 4, 2013

April Brings Great Fishing Before the May Flowers

From FWC Fish Busters Bulletin

By Bob Wattendorf

April showers bring May flowers, but in Florida there is already an abundance of blooms and a great bonanza of freshwater fishing opportunities that began earlier this spring. All across the state, anglers have reported great catches of a wide variety of freshwater fish. Innumberable anglers enjoy targeting sunfishes that move into the shallows to spawn this time of year.

Typically, black crappie (specks), redbreast sunfish and largemouth bass (the largest sunfish) begin spawning when water temperatures get over about 62 F. Crappie will stop spawning before bass, which continue to work the beds until it warms up to about 75 degrees. They are followed by redear sunfish (70-80 F) and bluegill (75-85 F). There is quite a bit of research and angler lore that say the fish key their peak activity to a few days before and after the full and new moons during spring.

Louie Echols with a huge bluegill that not only qualified for a Big Catch certificate but helped him to become Florida’s youngest elite angler (documenting Big Catch submissions from ten different species). Photo by Dan Echols

April is a favorite time of year for freshwater anglers, not only because fish congregating in the shallows provides great catch rates with lots of quality-size fish, but also because temperatures tend to be comfortable for an outdoor expedition. Another reason is that the first Saturday in April each year (April 6, this year) is a license-free freshwater fishing day across the state. People are exempt from having a license that day, so it is a great opportunity to reach out to people who don’t have a freshwater fishing license and show them how much fun a day on the water can be. Or, perhaps you have children who have been bugging you to go, and you haven’t wanted to buy a license to accompany them. Now is your chance.

Tom Champeau, director of the FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, points out that dedicated saltwater anglers may want to take this opportunity to see what they are missing a little closer to home. Freshwater angling provides a chance to expand fishing skills without having to travel far, as everybody lives near freshwater sites.

Florida has 7,700 named lakes and 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals, so nearly everyone is within 30 to 45 minutes of a fishing hole. If you want some help finding a location or seek fishing tips and seasonal fishing forecasts, check out MyFWC.com/Fishing (under “Freshwater Fishing,” choose “Sites & Forecasts”). Quarterly forecasts by fisheries biologists are supplemented with links to local bait-and-tackle shops, marinas or guides, for even more timely updates.

Bob Williams shows off the first Hall of Fame Bass certified by the TrophyCatch Program. The 13 lb, 14 oz bass was caught, weighed on certified scales and released back in Rodman Reservoir after taking a fin clip for genetic sampling. Photo by Sean Rush/Trophy Bass Expeditions

Florida’s Big Catch Angler Recognition Program provides an opportunity for anglers to commemorate their memorable freshwater catches with a certificate and having their photo posted online. Thirty-three different species are included in the program, and all it takes to participate is a photo of a fish that exceeds either a specified length or weight. It’s a great incentive for youth, who can qualify by catching fish that are roughly 25 percent smaller than the qualifying measures for adult anglers. Visit MyFWC.com/BigCatch for more details and to enroll.

However, the ultimate challenge is the race for the biggest trophy bass of the year. Florida’s fame as a bass fishing destination lies in an abundance of lakes and rivers that consistently produce trophy-size bass. To document locations and frequency of bass catches over eight pounds, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) launched TrophyCatch (TrophyCatchFlorida.com) in October with the support of more than 20 industry partners. The goal is to enhance and sustain trophy bass fisheries and to promote Florida as the Bass Fishing Capital of the World, based on documented catches.

To participate, catches must be verified by FWC for the angler to earn awards. For Lunker Club (8 to 9.9-pounds) and Trophy Club (10 to12.9-pounds), verification requires photos of the entire bass clearly showing its length and weight, and then the bass must be released. Photos are submitted via the website. For Hall of Fame bass, which earn for the angler a free replica valued at $500 and an additional $500 in other prizes, the fish must be caught before the end of April and weighed on certified scales by an FWC representative. If you catch one, keep it alive and call 855-FL-Trophy. From May through September, bass over 13 pounds can still be photo-documented as Trophy Club bass, but won’t be entered into the Hall of Fame, to prevent undue stress when water temperatures are too warm.

Tony Stewart, Tom Champeau and Johnny Morris all delight in Champeau’s catch and release of this 11 lb, 8 oz Florida largemouth bass caught in the vicinity of the Three Forks Marsh Conservation Area, off the St. Johns River. Photo by Richard Gibson/for Bass Pro Shops

The biggest bass of this season (ending Sept. 30) verified by TropyCatch will earn a $3,000 championship ring provided by the American Outdoor Fund. The biggest bass caught in Osceola County and verified by TrophyCatch will take home $10,000, courtesy of Explore Kissimmee. If a registered guide helped (see website for details), the guide earns a $2,500 bonus. So register now, check out the rules, grab a rod-reel, camera, scale and tape measure, and go catch yourself a lunker, document it and then release it. By the way, just registering gets you into a drawing for a Phoenix bass boat powered by Mercury.

The biggest fish of the year currently is a 13-pound, 14-ounce monster caught by Bob Williams. It became the first Hall of Fame fish entered into the program. He was fishing wild shiners on Rodman Reservoir, with guide Sean Rush (Trophy Bass Expeditions). Check out YouTube.com/TrophyCatchFlorida to see a video of the current leaderboard, including Williams’ catch.

Another truly awesome fishing story from this spring was Champeau’s catch and release of a Trophy Club-level bass weighing 11 pounds, 8 ounces. At the time, Champeau was giving a tour to Bass Pro Shop founder John L. Morris and NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart. Champeau explained how the area near Three Forks Management Area is being reclaimed through a partnership with the St. Johns River Water Management District and the FWC. Marshes that were drained for agriculture are being reclaimed to protect water quality in the Indian River Lagoon and St. Johns River. The famous Stick Marsh, which opened for fishing in the 1980s, was the first of these. Within the next five years, an additional 47,000 acres will be thriving with trophy bass, and the FWC is taking measures to ensure these fisheries continue to produce decades into the future.

“We estimate the economic impact, once the project is completed, will be around $20 million to local businesses,” Champeau said.

While on their tour in the vicinity of the Three Forks Marsh Conservation Area, Morris, Stewart and Champeau, led by fishing guide Capt. Mike Tipton, caught 36 bass in a few hours.

“Catching and releasing a trophy bass while fishing with the founder of our major sponsor was incredible,” said Champeau. “The only way I could have scripted it better would be for either Johnny or Tony to catch her,” he added Morris was ecstatic himself remarking, “What a way to promote this great conservation program!”

Champeau’s catch is posted on on the TrophyCatch website; however, as an FWC employee, he is not eligible for rewards.

“Catching the bass of a lifetime, with Johnny Morris and a racing legend like Tony Stewart, was the best reward I could ask for,” said Champeau.

Now it’s your turn! Enjoy the great freshwater fishing Florida has for you this spring. Make memories and memorialize them through Florida’s angler recognition programs at TrophyCatchFlorida.com, and if you release a lunker bass, you’ll be able to say “My Trophy Swims in Florida!”

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Saturday, March 23, 2013

Legendary Race Car Driver Tony Stewart Relaxes By Fishing In Florida Before ...

Posted on Friday, February 22, 2013 · Leave a Comment

It was a perfect Florida February day, with mostly sunny conditions and a high in the low 70s. Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, NASCAR champion Tony Stewart and the director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Tom Champeau, were on a tour of the upper St. Johns River in the vicinity of Three Forks Marsh Conservation Area. Led by fishing guide Capt. Mike Tipton, they caught 36 bass in just a few hours. Champeau got a strike and then landed an 11-pound, 8-ounce trophy. Such is the stuff dreams are made of and the basis for which the FWC launched TrophyCatch (TrophyCatchFlorida.com).

“Catching and releasing a trophy bass while fishing with the founder of our major sponsor was an incredible experience,” said Champeau. “The only way I could have scripted it better would be for either Johnny or Tony to catch her,” he added.

Bass Pro Shops is a major TrophyCatch partner, and with their expansion to 12 stores throughout Florida, this partnership is a win-win for the fishing industry, conservation and anglers. Morris was ecstatic himself, exclaiming, “What a way to promote this great conservation program!”

Stewart, who hoped to spend the day relaxing before the Daytona 500, said, “Seeing Tom catch that fish was awesome, I was so excited to be there for it.” Three-time Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart will drive the #14 Chevrolet sponsored by Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Marine on Sunday, February 24th, in the 55th running of the Daytona 500.

Capt. Tipton took photos of the beauty, showing the weight registering on the scale, as required for TrophyCatch documentation.

Champeau’s catch will be submitted to the TrophyCatch website; however, as an FWC employee, he is not eligible for any rewards other than a handsome certificate commemorating his catch.

“Catching a bass of a lifetime, with Johnny Morris and a racing legend like Tony Stewart, was the best reward I could ever ask for,” said Champeau.

Florida’s fame as a bass-fishing destination lies in an abundance of lakes and rivers that consistently produce trophy-size bass. To document locations and frequency of catches over 8 pounds throughout the state, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) launched TrophyCatch (TrophyCatchFlorida.com) in October with the support of more than 20 industry partners.

The goal is to use catch information to better conserve and manage trophy bass fisheries and continue to promote Florida as the Bass Fishing Capital of the World.

“Florida leads the nation with more than 25 million days of freshwater fishing participation and attracted more than 1.2 million anglers from all over the world to fish famous lakes like the Kissimmee Chain and Okeechobee and the St. Johns River,” said Champeau. While Florida’s marquee fisheries receive most media attention, Champeau said that anglers should not overlook the countless smaller lakes, ponds and canals.

“TrophyCatch is already revealing that many trophy bass are caught in typical neighborhood ponds,” he said.

While touring the Three Forks Marsh Conservation Area with Morris and Stewart, Champeau explained how the area is being reclaimed through a partnership with the St. Johns River Water Management District and the FWC. Vast marshes that were once drained for agriculture are being reclaimed as impoundments to protect water quality in Indian River Lagoon and St. Johns River. One such impoundment is Stick Marsh, which opened for fishing in the 1980s and is well-known in fishing circles. Within the next five years, more than 47,000 additional acres of water will be thriving with trophy bass, and the FWC is taking measures now to ensure that these fisheries continue to produce decades into the future.

“We estimate the economic impact, once the entire Upper St. Johns Project is completed, will be around $20 million to local businesses,” Champeau said. “The reservoir-enhancement projects being completed now will provide increased depth and more complex lake-bottom topography, which will be more beneficial than simply flooding an old sod farm.”

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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The 2013-14 Freshwater Sports Fishing Regulation pamphlet issued

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued the 2013-14 Freshwater Sports Fishing Regulation pamphlet.

Changes this year include new regulations on sturgeon, salmon and steelhead retention, new areas where hatchery trout or steelhead may be retained, and a black bass slot limit removal on five waters. Regulation changes are highlighted in the front of the pamphlet for quick reference.

New sturgeon fishing regulations establish a new method of measuring sturgeon and a new size limit of 40-60 inches. Barbless hooks are required when fishing for sturgeon and snares are prohibited. Fish longer than 68 inches fork length may not be removed from the water. For more information: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=58288&;inline=1 .

Salmon and steelhead anglers in inland valley waters can not fillet steelhead or salmon until they reach their permanent residence, a commercial preservation facility or the fish is being prepared for immediate consumption. All steelhead and salmon must remain in such a condition that their species and size can be identified.

Anglers will be allowed to harvest hatchery trout and hatchery steelhead in most catch and release areas under new regulations.

There will be no slot limit regulation for black bass in McClure, Millerton, Oroville, Orr and Siskiyou lakes. The statewide standard daily bag limit and 12-inch minimum total length regulations will apply on these waters.

Other changes include:

Yellow Perch have been removed from the sunfish bag limit. Yellow perch have a year-round season with no bag limit.Spearfishermen will be allowed to harvest striped bass by spearfishing in the Valley District and all of Black Butte Lake will be open to spearfishing.Eulachon may not be taken or possessed.Wolf Creek (Mono Co.), Chowchilla River, and Eastman Lake will be open to fishing.The Sisquoc River will be closed to all fishing all year to protect listed steelhead.Silver King Creek tributaries (Alpine Co.) below Tamarack Lake Creek will be closed to all fishing all year to protect threatened Paiute cutthroat trout.Davis and Pine creeks in Modoc County will be closed to the harvest of trout. Catch and release fishing is allowed.Smith River Low Flow Regulations – The minimum flow trigger on the Smith River has been increased from 400 cubic feet per second to 600 cubic feet per second.Eight amphibians and three reptiles have been removed from the list of species authorized for take with a sport fishing license.

There are other changes to the freshwater sport fishing regulations, so please review all of the 2013-2014 regulations pertaining to the species you intend to pursue.

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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

FWC commission names June 1, Sept. 1 license-free fishing days

CRESTVIEW — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Wednesday selected June 1 and Sept. 1 as this year's saltwater license-free fishing days.

The requirement to have a recreational fishing license will be waived on these days for Florida’s residents and visitors who saltwater fish.

All other regulations such as seasons, size limits and bag limits still apply on these days.

The commission offers four license-free fishing days — two saltwater and two freshwater— each year. While it annually selects new saltwater license-free fishing days, freshwater license-free fishing days are always the first Saturday in April and the second Saturday in June.

This year’s freshwater license-free fishing days are April 6 and June 8.

This year’s June 1 saltwater and the June 8 freshwater license-free days are during National Fishing and Boating Week. This week promotes boating and fishing across the country as fun and healthy outdoor activities.

In 2012, 37 states had at least one license-free fishing day during this annual event.

"The Sept. 1 saltwater license-free day falls on Labor Day weekend, when many families will be out on the water, enjoying one of the last big fishing weekends of summer," a spokesperson said.

"License-free days not only introduce new anglers to the lifetime sport of fishing; they also economically benefit the state, as those 3 million anglers cited by the American Sportfishing Association’s 'Sportfishing in America' report, shop at tackle stores, purchase boat fuel and bait and travel to their favorite fishing hole," a spokesperson said. "Some of this money even finds its way back to the FWC via the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Program specifically to create more fishing and boating opportunities."

See MyFWC.com/Fishing to learn more about saltwater and freshwater fishing in Florida.

BE RECOGNIZED

You can sign up for a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission freshwater angler recognition program at www.TrophyCatchFlorida.com.

Those who photograph and release a largemouth bass heavier than 8 pounds are eligible for rewards or certificates for catching qualifying freshwater fish from among 33 species in the program.

DID YOU KNOW?

The state has more than 3 million anglers, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

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Friday, January 25, 2013

Rhinelander entrepreneur leads USA ice fishing team

Hand drill 50 holes through 40 inches of ice as fast as you can, and what do you have? Besides intense chest pain, you also have a picture of The World Ice Fishing Championship (WIFC), in which Team U.S.A. will be competing Feb. 16-17 on the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir near Wausau.

"It is a very athletic event. It's all-out sprinting from hole to hole, as many as you can catch in three hours," said Brian Gaber, U.S.A. Ice Team Head Coach and Rhinelander resident. Only hand drills are allowed. "We are working with the International Freshwater Fishing Association to make it an Olympic sport."

To maintain speed, heavy Sorrels with liners give way to sponsor-donated Power Boots from Sweden that weigh less than two pounds each. Footwear isn't the only change made since the team first came together in 2009.

"The first year we competed, in Poland, it was like we landed on Mars. Our gear was too big, everything was wrong," Gaber said.

Team U.S.A. went from dead last in 2009 to taking home the gold in 2010 when the WIFC was held in Rhinelander. "Fishing on home ice is always an advantage," Gaber said. "But the team also has been making modifications. We've had to downsize everything It's been a trick to change the way we do things to do it well. Many of the people we compete with eat two-thirds of what they catch. These are the best finesse anglers in the world."

The typical American ice fishing pole is more than twice as long as a Palm Rod, what is used in Europe and Asia. Their jig is much smaller, too. They fish from their knees, six inches from the water, Gaber said. As soon as they set the hook, they throw the rod and pull the line in with their hands.

The competition for the few spots on the teams from Europe and Asia shows the popularity of the event: Russia and Poland had 100,000 people compete for a spot on each of their teams, according to Gaber. In the United States, 50 competed and 11 were selected. Members of Team U.S.A. are from states spanning South Dakota to New York.

"All ice belt people," Gaber said.

The team has an assistant coach, Jason Gruett, also from Rhinelander, and a delegate from Minneapolis who communicates with all the other teams. "He is fluent in multiple languages, and attends the international meetings held in Rome each year. In September, they approved the location for the WIFC in 2013-Wisconsin again. We had to bid on it, like the Olympics," Gaber said.

In 2011 it was hosted by Ukraine, and Kazakhstan in 2012. The U.S. team did not place those years, but has high hopes for this year. They will be facing teams from Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, England, Estonia, Finland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Russia, Sweden and Ukraine. The event is hosted by the U.S. Freshwater Fishing Federation along with the city of Wausau.

"There is fierce competition between the top teams-the Russians, the Poles and the Ukrainians-in part because of geopolitical conflicts between countries," Gaber said. "But there is also this camaraderie because of the common denominator. Last year the Russians gave us a bunch of their Palm Rods."

The competition is a two-day event in a fishing zone divided into five grids that are each the size of a football field. One person from each country/team fishes each grid.

Gabor utilizes the tools of his business, Outdoor Technologies, LLC, to get detailed information about the underwater habitat of the grids.

Started in 2002 with his wife Sheri, Outdoor Technologies, LLC, uses advanced geographic information systems (GIS) and sonar technologies to give a clear picture of what is under the water.

"The side image sonar unit sees the bottom of the lake as if the water is gone…you see everything: rocks, stumps, logs, fish and it digitizes all of it," Sheri said.

For the Big Eau Pleine, Sheri reviewed more than 20 gigabytes of logged sonar data to identify key cover and bottom types on the lake. All the information will contribute to the game plan development for Team U.S.A., Gaber said.

They also use the technology to set up the boundaries of where the competition will be, with a goal of making sure there are key structures in every grid. "After the boundaries of the zone are set, we gather data around the grid, not in it," Gaber said. The grids are closely guarded before competition.

"Once the competition starts, everyone mobs onto their grid at the same time. [In 2010] other teams sent their members where we were because [as the home team] we had the advantage," Gaber said. He considers their tactics when making decisions about strategy, but doesn't subscribe to it.

"We don't follow people around; we make data-based decisions. Our play book looks like an NFL Sunday game plan; nothing is left to chance."

Interested in trying out for the 2014 U.S.A. ice team?

An informational meeting and registration will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at Holiday Acres. The USA Ice Team tryouts are similar to the international competition, a two-day event in a fishing zone divided into grids. There will be two open heats for anyone wanting to try out, starting Saturday, March 9. The 2014 team will be announced after the event concludes on Sunday afternoon. Team member names will also be broadcast from the team's USTREAM channel (http://www.usaiceteam.com/).

The 2014 competition will be in Belarus.

Follow the U.S.A. Ice Team on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/USA-Ice-Team/318429564835351

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Sunday, January 20, 2013

Fresh water is the difference maker in fishing

If you found that new rod or reel under the tree Christmas morning, (I can’t imagine Mrs. Claus springing for both at today’s prices) this weather is not doing you any favors. Before you curse the foul weather, however, consider the fact that the mid to lower coast is still suffering from drought conditions and their fisheries continue to suffer greatly. They will tell you that any source of additional fresh water is a good thing for the saltwater fisherman!

I talked with Everett Johnson, owner and publisher of Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine last week and he said the only good fishing reports he received from his guide/writers last month came from the upper coast.“It is still bone dry down here and our bays have really suffered,” he stated while adding that even the drum fishermen have now run into problems they have never experienced with the texture of the meat.

As a rule, the average bay fisherman does not appreciate how critical freshwater is to the health of their fragile ecosystem. Surrounding marshes and swamps are not only breeding grounds for everything from small finfish to shrimp, but provide vital nurseries that support several species of game fish until they mature as well.

Excessive rain and minor flooding changes the catching game for local fishermen virtually every winter, but they are the lifeblood of our very unique fishery. Covet every drop of water that arrives via the Neches and Sabine rivers and consider local rains to be a welcome inconvenience.

Thus far, we have had neither too much rain nor too much cold to alter the bite on Sabine Lake to any extent. The fish have changed their patterns of late due to a change of diet, but the bite is still above average for this time of the year.

Two years ago, and it may have had something to do with our own min-drought, the redfish just covered us up and it was difficult to locate any numbers of big sow trout. That has not been the case this year, however, as local die-hard winter fishermen are not only still limiting on reds with ease, but catching good numbers of five-pound plus trout as well.

The surface temperature on some of the shallow flats was as high as 60 degrees this weekend and there is nothing in your winter arsenal that won’t work when the water is that warm. I talked with two Houston anglers Saturday night that caught 12 to 15 trout up to six pounds wading the north end of the lake on two very cold days early last week.

They started their wades after lunch and caught most of their fish just before dark on Corky Fat Boys. They returned to wade the same flat Saturday evening and caught 16 trout up to nine pounds four ounces on top waters. The same water was eight to ten degrees warmer. I realize that it doesn’t serve as much help to the average fishermen, but they caught their four largest trout after dark!

While all of that was going on we continued to catch our trout and most of our reds much deeper. The trout weren’t as large, we did have a few in the five pound class, but the numbers were certainly there. We were crawling Maniac Mullets and Corky Devils or five-inch paddle tails across the bottom in 12 to 16 feet of water.

If you just wanted to target redfish, all you had to do was tie on a crank bait or Swim bait and spend more time fishing 4 to 8 feet of water. We have done very well with a River 2 Sea Biggie that dives 3 to 5 feet and an H&H Usual Suspect Swim Bait. Not surprisingly, the crank bait bite was better in water north of the ICW.

For those of you that may not have noticed, the Maniac Mullet comes in a fast sink and a slow sink model. If you no longer have the package, the ones with the gold eyes are slow sink and the fast sinks have red eyes. If you haven’t developed any confidence in the Corky Devil over the years, however, you probably are not going to like the Maniac Mullet until it catches a fish in spite of you. Just ask Eric Roning the next time you are in Daley’s!

It is still just a little bit early to find many double digit bass staging on Rayburn or Toledo Bend, but the spoon and drop shot fishermen have been absolutely hammering a mixed bag of yellow, white and an occasional black bass as well as crappie and catfish. They are locating the fish with their electronics and fishing them vertically.

The most consistent bite this past week was anywhere from 22 to 30 feet deep over even deeper water. Tree lines and bends in the main river channel have been holding good concentrations of shad and fish. I received two decent reports on white perch in the Chicken Coop area above Pendleton, but the better bite on that end of the lake right now is apparently still in the major creeks.

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Saturday, December 15, 2012

Concord Rod and Gun Club offers fishing series

The Concord Rod and Gun Club will offer a winter-long series of six seminars focused on local and vacation fishing experiences, techniques, and equipment.

Local anglers will gather at the outdoor sporting club for presentations by expert fishing enthusiasts. Seminars will include information about local saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities, fresh and saltwater fly fishing techniques, fishing for beginners, various fishing methods, equipment examples, recommended informational resources and planning a fishing vacation.

The first seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. and will cover world-class saltwater fishing opportunities within two hours of Boston. Attendees will be encouraged to share their recent fishing experiences and techniques which they have found successful for various species.

Local saltwater fishing expert and club member Capt. Steve Kirk will lead the discussion. Kirk is the program coordinator for Project Healing Waters at the VA Hospital in Bedford, founder of Captain Kirk Enterprises, and an avid fisherman. “This is a great opportunity for beginners to fishing or advanced anglers to learn about where, when, and how to catch the predominant game fish in areas around Massachusetts, and to engage in discussion with other fishing enthusiasts about techniques and tips,” he said.

The full seminar schedule is:

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 7-9 p.m. - World-class Saltwater Fishing Opportunities Within Two Hours of Boston

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013 7-9 p.m. - An Overview of Fresh and Saltwater Fly Fishing – Techniques, Tackle, Locations, Sources of Educational Information and Training

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013 7-9 p.m. – Best-in-Class Freshwater Fishing Opportunities within Two Hours of Boston

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 7-9 p.m. - Getting Started Fishing for Beginners age eight to 80 & Places to Fish in Concord, Carlisle, and Surrounding Communities

Tuesday, April 9, 2013 7-9 p.m. - Planning a Fishing Vacation: Travel, Lodging, Guides & Fishing in Montana, Florida, Alaska, Canada, Bahamas, & Central America

Seminars are open to the public and free of charge. To register or for more information, please visit: www.concordrodandgun.com and click on "upcoming events" or email fishing@concordrodandgun.com

The Concord Rod and Gun Club will offer a winter-long series of six seminars focused on local and vacation fishing experiences, techniques, and equipment.

The full seminar schedule is:

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 7-9 p.m. - World-class Saltwater Fishing Opportunities Within Two Hours of Boston

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013 7-9 p.m. - An Overview of Fresh and Saltwater Fly Fishing – Techniques, Tackle, Locations, Sources of Educational Information and Training

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013 7-9 p.m. – Best-in-Class Freshwater Fishing Opportunities within Two Hours of Boston

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 7-9 p.m. - Getting Started Fishing for Beginners age eight to 80 & Places to Fish in Concord, Carlisle, and Surrounding Communities

Tuesday, April 9, 2013 7-9 p.m. - Planning a Fishing Vacation: Travel, Lodging, Guides & Fishing in Montana, Florida, Alaska, Canada, Bahamas, & Central America

Seminars are open to the public and free of charge. To register or for more information, please visit: www.concordrodandgun.com and click on "upcoming events" or email fishing@concordrodandgun.com

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Northern California fishing report

The weekly fishing report will highlight the best Bay Area angling opportunities. For a more comprehensive report, go to http://www.norcalfishingnews.com for reports from more than 100 waters from 12 regions.

LAKES

ANDERSON: Bass are in deeper water. Try Rat-l-Traps at launch ramp or corner of dam. Drag jigs slowly near rocky points. 408-463-0711.

BERRYESSA: Trout have moved a bit deeper and rainbows to 2.8 pounds are being caught. Some are catching kokanee at 45 feet. Catfish will get busy in the north end. Use shad or mackerel. Bass will scatter if shad move. 707-255-5544, 916-502-3474.

CALERO: Senkos will get bass. Back of dam has been productive with live minnows. 408-463-0711.

CHABOT: Double plant of trout went in last week but lake is getting muddy. This will need a few days and maybe a week. 510-247-2526.

CHESBRO: Catfish bite continues and rain shouldn't hurt. Fish near dam with cut baits. 408-358-3741, 408-463-0711.

CONTRA LOMA: Trout bite has been steady this week. Night crawlers get most fish. Limits are common near boat launch, Channel Point and east shore. Catfish bite has slowed. 510-544-3154.

COYOTE: Fishing is slow. A 4-pounder was caught last week with a shaky-head but that was exception rather than a common place occurrence. 408-463-0711.

DEL VALLE: Trout anglers are getting two to three

fish per outing fishing from bank. Bonus plant of trophy fish is paying results. Trout 8 to 12 pounds being caught near Marina and East Beach. Smallmouth bite and striper bite has slowed. Lake-record 100-pound sturgeon was caught and released Monday. 925-449-5201.

LAFAYETTE: Trout and catfish have been biting well. Chicken livers get cats. Night crawlers, Power Bait get trout from shore. Rapalas, Kastmasters get trout on the troll. Trout plant from DFG is scheduled this week. 925-284-9669.

LEXINGTON: Drop-shot with heavier sinkers (quarter- to half-ounce) to reach deeper water. RoboWorms a good choice. 408-463-0711.

LOS VAQUEROS: Plant of 1,000 pounds of trout went in Tuesday and shoreline anglers are catching them with Power Bait and night crawlers. Trollers get 18- to 21-inch striped bass. No big striper catches recently. Lake won't get cloudy but shorelines will be muddy. 925-371-2628.

MOUNT TAMALPAIS LAKES: Bon Tempe received 1,000 pounds of DFG trout last week and Lagunitas received 500 pounds of half-pound fish Tuesday. 415-945-1194.

QUARRY LAKES: Four trout larger than 8 pounds and limits are being caught, too. Best spot is backside of Horseshoe Lake. Power Bait or spoons take trout. Catfish will take shrimp. 510-544-3133.

SAN LUIS RESERVOIR: Basalt and Trash Racks are best spots to drift live jumbo minnows, pile worms or blood worms for stripers to 10 pounds. 408-463-0711.

SHADOW CLIFFS: Plant of 1,125 pounds of trout went in last week and another 1,000 pounds went in this week. Lake doesn't get muddy and is a good bet during breaks in rain. 510-544-3230, 925-426-0197.

UVAS: Fish points and coves near dam with shaky heads. Bass to 3 pounds are being caught. 408-463-0711.

DELTA

ANTIOCH: Collinsville is a hot spot for sturgeon and striped bass. One striper caught last weekend was 28 pounds. Broad Slough is also good for both. Sturgeon are being caught from River View Bridge. Handful of keeper sturgeon also have been caught from Antioch Pier. 925-706-7400.

BENICIA: Bouy 2 under Benicia Bridge kicked out stripers to 13 pounds last weekend. Few have been going out for sturgeon. 707-745-4921.

FRANK'S TRACT: Stripers will take anchovies or shad. Most are schoolies. 925-625-2441.

FREEPORT: Bite has gone quiet. No salmon, stripers or sturgeon over past few days. 916-665-1935.

PITTSBURG: Before the storm, striper bite for bass in 6-pound range was good. They were in shallow water near Broad Slough and Collinsville. Sturgeon bite is so-so. There are a lot of undersized fish. Pittsburg Marina and Dockside Bait & Tackle will hold a sturgeon and striped bass derby Dec. 14-16. Entry fee is $35 and includes lunch. All proceeds go to prizes. 925-252-0151.

RIO VISTA: Striped bass and sturgeon action is improving. Stripers are found from Sherman Island to Cache Slough. Some are caught daily from the Rio Vista Pier. Sizes range from 5 to 25 pounds. Best way to get stripers is drifting live mudsuckers or minnows. Bigger fish seem to prefer drifted minnows. Sturgeon like ghost or grass shrimp. Best action is in Cache Slough and Sherman Island. 707-374-2372, 916-777-6498.

TRACY: Striped bass continues to be steady for keeper fish 6 to 8 pounds. There is plenty of action for catch-and-release. Trolling with Rat-l-Traps gets action. Some jig, some use live bluegill. 209-835-3182.

RIVERS

NAPA: Night anglers are getting sturgeon. Freshwater should draw sturgeon farther upstream. Striper fishing will be tougher with muddy water. 707-255-5544.

RUSSIAN: River will be blown through weekend but should draw last of the king salmon run and bring more steelhead into system. 707-869-2156.

SALTWATER

BERKELEY: Trips are scheduled Saturday. If that fails, crab/cod trips will go out Wednesday and Friday. Happy Hooker on Saturday had 21 limits of ling cod, 21 limits of rock cod and limits of crab while fishing above Duxbury. 510-235-2032, 510-849-3333, 510-223-5388, 707-334-4827.

BODEGA BAY: If there is a chance to get out Saturday, New Sea Angler will go for crab and cod. Cod limits are regular. Ling cod action is hit-or-miss. Limits of crab and cod have been achieved every trip. 707-875-3344.

EMERYVILLE: New Huck Finn on Monday had 22 limits of rock fish, 14 lings to 12 pounds and limits of crab. Fishing took place at the island. Scores have been similar. Six weekend trips all limited. Call to see if weekend trips are a go. 510-654-6040.

MONTEREY: Caroline on Tuesday had 70 crab and near limits of rock cod. Next trips might be on weekend, but that could be a wash. Call first. 831-375-5951, 831-372-7440.

MOSS LANDING: Rock cod trips will resume next week when weather settles. 831-633-2564.

PACIFICA: Crabbing has been slow and much of recent catch has been pregnant females and juveniles. Commercial boats have been working close to the pier and that is impacting crabbing from shore. 650-355-8303, 650-359-9790.

PILLAR POINT: Weekend crab/cod and rock cod only trips are in limbo because of weather. Call first. 650-726-7133, 510-581-2628.

PORT SONOMA: Sturgeon fishing is expected to be much better during breaks in the storm. Additional freshwater coming from rivers will attract sturgeon looking for food washing down. 707-762-7818.

SAN FRANCISCO: No sturgeon being caught but conditions are improving. Pier anglers at Oyster Point get sharks and rays. 650-589-3474, 510-703-4148.

SAN PABLO BAY: Sturgeon fishing was good before rain, could be sensational after storms move through. Striper fishing has slowed. 415-456-0321.

SUISUN BAY: Keeper stripers are being caught near Glomar and Garnet Point. Sturgeon are being caught from deep water in front of Mothball Fleet. 925-229-9420, 916-777-6498.

-- Tim GoodE

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Fishing Features

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Saturday, July 6, 2013

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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

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Thursday, April 4, 2013

April Brings Great <b>Fishing</b> Before the May Flowers

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Legendary Race Car Driver Tony Stewart Relaxes By <b>Fishing</b> In Florida Before <b>...</b>

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The 2013-14 <b>Freshwater</b> Sports <b>Fishing</b> Regulation pamphlet issued

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

FWC commission names June 1, Sept. 1 license-free <b>fishing</b> days

Friday, January 25, 2013

Rhinelander entrepreneur leads USA ice <b>fishing</b> team

Sunday, January 20, 2013

<b>Fresh water</b> is the difference maker in <b>fishing</b>

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Concord Rod and Gun Club offers <b>fishing</b> series

Northern California <b>fishing</b> report