Del Valle 1/26/09

I was really hoping my first report would have been a lot better than this.  Tales of wild trout  stripping line off of my ultralight, alas it was not to be.  I was skunked.  The weather going in was heavy fog, it started breaking after I came across the crest.  There were maybe mix of a dozen PB's and kaykers out there.  I ran into stormscrambler out there.  Intresting that we both have the same last names as Storm isn't the most common name out there. 

What I did see were two guys bring in 4 trout, one decent size, and the rest looked small.  There was some sort of ruckus on the shore as some guy had landed a 10lb 8 oz trout.  Turned out when I left I parked next to him, nice fish.  He said he caught it in the narrows on a plug.  The two guys next to me were using knastmaster's and hit there trout on them.  I passed the info to Stromscrambler, and I hope he had a better day then I did. Hopefully  his report will fill up your screen with freshwater monsters.


So much for report #1 

Sorry I missed saying hello  today but I had to leave early. Got to DV around 845 with Karen and Molly and launched a little after 9. The weather sucked but I really wanted to try my new ride (OK Malibu 2XL in Red). Used my mobile kayak fishing sytem so rigging was easy. Trolled around the launch for an hour and hooked a skinny 13" DFG bow on a J-7 Firetiger. Off the water at 10 AM because Molly was not digging the weather. Ran Molly through the leaves to try to make the trip a positive experience. Lot's of yakers out there but only had time to talk with James. The new ride was good with some subtle improvements over the original version but I forgot how hard it was to paddle up wind. 

Scott

I was really hoping my first report would have been a lot better than this.......So much for report #1 

It's the thought that counts, Kevin.  And don't forget that a few pics or some description of your state of mind/therapeutic value of the trip is always appreciated by so many here.  I'll look forward to more reports.   

Great Bass 2, I think I saw you at the put in. Small black SUV? 

Abking, my state of mind as I walked back to the truck was "damn my feet are cold and damn stiff.  I had brought my Desert Camo surplus gortex gear, and a pair of "foot warmers," at least that is what the dive shop called them , suffice to say they did not live up my expectations. Surplus goretex, the bomb, did a great job, I had a light sweater ona dn a pair of gym sweats on underneath and never felt the need for more. Although next time I might break out my old neoprene waders, hell I have had them since I lived in SC I hope they haven't dried out on me...then again it might be the excuse I need to get a set of gore tex ones...hmm

 I did get a chance to try out the anchor system.  Troller if your reading this, it worked fine!  Stormscrambler entertained me with his Steurgeon story of the previos week, and how his small anchor really didn't get the job done, I had an image of him being towed out with tide...lol 

Sorry to hear about the skunk Kevin.  Maybe you should come on out tomorrow to wash that smell away.   I'll be there when it opens and hope to launch by 7:30.

Not bad Scott for such a short trip.  Too bad the dog reduced your stay to an hour but I guess that is the way it goes sometimes.

Michael

nice to meet you kevin and i only got a couple of good bites, kind of frustrating when they are catching fish within casting distance of you. fish for 09=00.0 

Yeah some times the fish Gods mess with you like that.  James I am sure 09  will go up.  If it makes you feel any better I am crusing the bottom as well.

kms - thanks for the report, regardless of fish.

scrambler, sorry to hear about the frustration - I KNOW how it is! Keep puttin' in the time & your turn will come.

G B 2, Is the "mobile kayak fishing sytem" that pvc contraption behind your seat?
Always love seeing pics of Molly! She didn't like the rain? You must me babying her!

A Lab that doesn't like the rain?  Never hear dof such a thing!

Thanks for the input Guy's.  I am not getting much homework done tonight.

Molly looks to be much larger now.

Don't feel bad Kenin, I got skunked there last wknd. I soaked bait all day and it was rather embarrasing haha. Thanks for the report!

Amen....Del Valle is a mystery. I have been out there several times in my PB with no love. My last two trips (in the yak) have netted 5 fish total. I have yet to get one on the troll. All five came on dropper looping night crawlers right in front of the launch. Feels kinda like a 'sure catch' trout pond. Not very sporty, but fish are fish I guess. Keep at 'em boys.

-Eric

I think the main problem here was fishing in the future!  You found fish where they were going to be tomorrow, not where they were when you were there!

LOL

G B 2, Is the "mobile kayak fishing sytem" that pvc contraption behind your seat?
Always love seeing pics of Molly! She didn't like the rain? You must me babying her!

The mobile kayak fishing system is the PVC and aluminum gizmo which is all attached to the seat. I use it on the tandem since I fish from either the rear or center seat. I also use it when I fish baja on rental kayaks. Karen was also not digging the weather which was the real reason for the early departure. 

DV can be tough fishing in January and February due to poor water clarity which is why I switch to Shadow Cliffs and Quarry sometimes in the winter. Bait soaking usually is more productive in Jan-Feb at DV IMO but I only fish on the move with artificials so here are some things that work for me...
1. Use the brighter color lures (firetiger, perch, brook trout) and apply scent
2. Slower presentation speeds 1-1.75 MPH
3. Tie the J-7 with a Rapala knot not a palomar.
4. Monitor VHF 69 for intel from the Fishsniffer PB guys like the legendary "Woody"
5. Change lures every 30-60 minutes if no hits
6. Work the shoreline with Kastmasters or other spoons.
7. Use a downrigger with flashers if there is no surface action
8. Slow troll or trooch powerbait grubs
9. When nothing works pop open a cold one and enjoy the scenery 

Scott

Great advise, thanks!