NorCal Kayak Anglers
Kayak Fishing Zone => Fishing Tournaments and Events => Topic started by: bbt95762 on January 31, 2024, 09:20:21 AM
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Hey all, planning a Fish n chill at Bullards Bar, Dark Day Camp/Launch the weekend of May 10-12th, 2024
Similar setup to last year, same target (MONSTER 10-12" Kokes), the lake also hold some bass and trout...so you might be able to check off 3 fish on your AOTY list!
We'll base out of the Dark Day Campground and Dark Day boat launch. Friday afternoon pre-fish, and should be some campfires and barley pops to be had. Saturday morning fishing, Saturday afternoon we'll have a pot luck. Plug-n-jug will be organizing our friendly competition again (Photo based, so keep or release as you like) $10 donation, 100% payout
For those not familiar with Bullards, it’s a super nice place to go fishing. If you go on a weekday, you'll have the lake to yourself…and be listening for any unwanted banjos. Come on a weekend, especially in the summer, and you'll need to share the lake with a few folks. Spring can be gorgeous up there, you get the early morning crisp air of the mountains, the unmistakable smell of pine in the air, and generally a lot of -----quiet---- which is nice. The Kokes tend to be easy to find, but can hide on some days, they are small, with a limit of ten. They cook very nicely whole, or just slice them in half, and pull the bones out after cooking. Personally, I prefer the small BB Kokes to the larger kokes in Fallen Leaf Lake - I cannot yet compare them to the larger cokes over at Whiskeytown.
Camping spaces are limited so get one now if you want to join, and ideally plan to share it with another NCKA camper.
If you're not up for the camping - just join for the day - it a lovely lake and a nice drive.
Agenda
- Friday 5/12 pre-fish and/or arrive
○ Friday evening, walk campfire to campfire, chatting
- Saturday 5/13
○ AM Fish (comp from 7am to noon)
○ Afternoon: Biggest Fish comp picture turn in
○ 5 PM Pot luck
hope to see you all out there,
Brian.
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It's worth the drive for you bay area people! With wives and girlfriends last year there were about 20 of us. I had a great time meeting, fishing and just hanging out with new people. Not so much with the ones I already new. :smt044 I'm expecting larger Kokes this year. I have seen many 14 and a few 15 inchers come out of there already this year. If Dark Day Campground is full and we cant squeeze you into one of the sites with us, there is another camp campground just down the road called Schoolhouse. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5298300.pdf
Kevin
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I'll be there!
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We had so much fun last year! I’m really looking forward to it again. I’ve already reserved a campsite for the weekend.
There was a little beach at the bottom of the campground hill (lake level depending) that we all hauled out on and had a campfire on. Fishing was really good and fun was had by all. I doubt this year will be any different!
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Thanks for the open invite Brian. I want to learn catching kokanee. I caught pinks in Alaska before, but I don't think they're the same. Would love to come up if my schedule allows.
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Ugh if I didn’t have a wedding to attend that weekend I’d be there! :smt013
Hoping to attend one of these meetups this year.
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Ugh if I didn’t have a wedding to attend that weekend I’d be there! :smt013
Hoping to attend one of these meetups this year.
We are in the planning stages of a camping/fishing get together at Sly Creek. Tentatively the weekend of June 22nd.
Kevin.
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Agenda
- Friday 5/12 pre-fish and/or arrive
○ Friday evening, walk campfire to campfire, chatting
- Saturday 5/13
○ AM Fish (comp from 7am to noon)
○ Afternoon: Biggest Fish comp picture turn in
○ 5 PM Pot luck
Friday is the 10th and Saturday is the 11th, unless I have the wrong year...
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Any of the sites allow for a travel trailer?
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Any of the sites allow for a travel trailer?
Yes, each of the sites lists the depth I believe, two of us had trailers last year. There is also a larger campground about 1 mile down the road (School House)
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Looks like Dark Day is already full, but Schoolhouse has lots of availability as of right now. Still checking with the wife to see if we are available that weekend :)
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Ok Reservation made at Schoolhouse campground Site 3 for Friday and Saturday night! Hope to see everyone there!
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Note: You do not have to join the derby! If you want to just come up to fish and enjoy yourself, that's fine with us!
Derby rules:
$10 donation for each person fishing.
100% payout.
3 chances to to win.
This is a photo or retention contest. Pics must clearly show length when on a measuring board. Those that wish to keep their fish can bring them to the judges for measurement.
#1 - Kokanee - Longest total length of your 10 fish limit.
#2 - Kokanee - Longest single fish.
#3 - Alternate fish - This can be any fish you catch.... Trout, Bass, Carp, Sturgeon, Whatever.... Longest single fish.
If there happens to be a tie, you can split the prizes or just Indian Leg Wrestle for it!
All cash and prizes will be split up between the 3 categories.
Prizes - Last year, a few people generously donated Lures, Dodgers, Stickers and other items to the pot. If you have something/anything to donate, please let me or bbt95762(Brian) know. Does not have to be fishing or kayaking related.
Looks like we already have more people signed up than last year. It's going to be great. I'm stoked already and it's still 4 months away!
Kevin
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Dark day #6 is where I'll be :smt007 :smt006
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Dark day #6 is where I'll be :smt007 :smt006
excellent!
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Dark day #6 is where I'll be :smt007 :smt006
So we (being kayak fishing people) have 6-10 I think. Did anyone get 5?
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A friend of mine picked up site 3D, a double, they'll have a trailer in one spot, and truck in the overflow parking - so one spot available - they're looking to split the cost with someone if anyone is interested - PM me and I'll connect you.
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BigDistance1, you might want to jump on this. You could cancel your School House reservation and and join in the Fuckery with us at the Dark side!
Kevin.
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Thanks for the heads up! I"ll message BB. I may have another group coming with me, so I would need to make sure there is room.
BigDistance1, you might want to jump on this. You could cancel your School House reservation and and join in the Fuckery with us at the Dark side!
Kevin.
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Good chance I'll be there Saturday (5/11/24). Is there a sign up or sumthin' to be in the derby? Or just show up and put my $10 in the hat?
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Dark day #6 is where I'll be :smt007 :smt006
So we (being kayak fishing people) have 6-10 I think. Did anyone get 5?
I grabbed 5 a while back.
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Good chance I'll be there Saturday (5/11/24). Is there a sign up or sumthin' to be in the derby? Or just show up and put my $10 in the hat?
Just give the 10 spot and any donations, if so inclined to Brian or myself.
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Hi Folks, we are only 5 weeks out! soooo looking forward to this weekend...and hoping the weather clears up by then!
for Saturday's potluck, I'm going to start a list of what folks plan to bring - not that it's a restriction or anything - but, if someone is unsure what to add, they can look and see if any items need covering. For example, i don't know what I'm bringing yet. IF DFG, Weather, fishies are good to me - maybe I'll be lucky enough to make up some rock fish tacos from the previous weekends success...or maybe just 'fish stick' tacos - lol.
anyway, if you have an idea of what you might like to bring, either PM me, or drop a note here - and I'll add a list to the top post.
see ya,
Brian.
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Same weekend as Gimme Shelter XVIII it would seem.
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For those of us that cannot make the pilgrimage. This was planned first too! :smt044 :smt044 :smt044
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For those of us that cannot make the pilgrimage. This was planned first too! :smt044 :smt044 :smt044
More than likely see you there, Ron.
As much as i would like to see some NCKA members at Shelter, it makes no sense for me to make such a long drive for just halibut if that's all that will be open.
Especially with all that Monterey bay has to offer and it is only 15 minutes away. Crossing my fingers, I will be looking at a 20 ft bayrunner kayak tomorrow. :smt002 :smt002
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Only 2 weeks away!!!
POT LUCK sign up list:
Kevin - BIEROCK -think of a German Hot Pocket. Ground Beef, Cabbage, Garlic, Onion, Celery Seed in a homemade bun. Serious good eats!
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I will bring something for Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Don't get to exited... Gonna be something basic. Heading home Saturday evening for mothers day stuff.
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Schoolhouse 25 Friday - Monday :smt006
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Looks like the weather will be similar, maybe slightly cooler than last year - forecast bouncing between high 70's and 80's depending on which day I look - should be perfect for camping, fishing, and chilling.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53
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Friday: Sunny, with a high near 78.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 77.
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POTLUCK
Sam and I are going to make some green chili shredded chicken and bring some tortilla shells etc for some shredded chicken tacos.
RAFFLE
I’ll bring something to throw in.
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Hi everyone,
I will be at campsite 6a for Thursday night and hope some one will have a spare parking place so I can stay Friday night as well..... out Saturday by about noon as I have to beat feet to Grass Valley for a wedding. I am happy to pay for the parking if any is available as I sleep in my truck.
Look foreward to seeing fellow Ncka folks.
Troy
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Hi everyone,
I will be at campsite 6a for Thursday night and hope some one will have a spare parking place so I can stay Friday night as well..... out Saturday by about noon as I have to beat feet to Grass Valley for a wedding. I am happy to pay for the parking if any is available as I sleep in my truck.
Look foreward to seeing fellow Ncka folks.
Troy
Hi Troy, sounds good, we'll find a place to squeeze you in
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Reminders for everyone!
There are bears in the area. Use the Bear Boxes to store your food!!! There were several coolers lost to them last year. Ask the Ranger for a key.
Bring firewood and Beer!
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Reminders for everyone!
There are bears in the area. Use the Bear Boxes to store your food!!! There were several coolers lost to them last year. Ask the Ranger for a key.
Bring firewood and Beer!
good catch - does the ranger have keys for the boxes that missing them? a bear did dump my ice cooler last year. do you recall who brought the truckload of firewood last year? I recall someone brought a lot of good firewood.
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None of the boxes had keys with them last year. I brought some last year and will bring at least two full tubs with me Friday morning. I don't have any kindling though.
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None of the boxes had keys with them last year. I brought some last year and will bring at least two full tubs with me Friday morning. I don't have any kindling though.
ok, I'll bring some a little shy on the seasoning side, but if the fire is hot, it will burn. I'll also bring the Solo stove a two bags of pellets
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None of the boxes had keys with them last year. I brought some last year and will bring at least two full tubs with me Friday morning. I don't have any kindling though.
ok, I'll bring some a little shy on the seasoning side, but if the fire is hot, it will burn. I'll also bring the Solo stove a two bags of pellets
I have a decent stack of wood coming with. Also for potluck brie and I will do lumpia like last year :smt001
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For the potluck I'm bringing Deet :smt005
Er well probably some form of vegetables and meat, maybe in curry form
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from the responses we've seen so far, Elena and I plan to make a bunch of grilled veggies, all the veggies, covered in Olive Oil/Salt/Pepper, then on the grill - super yummy, healthy.
and weather update, as I said, highs keep bouncing between 70's and 80's, looks like we've moved form BeeGees to INXS - similar weather to last year
5/8 update
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 79. East northeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 54. North northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 54.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 55.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 82.
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Change my potluck to "Spicy Corn" :smt044
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Al, be sure to pack the SPF20,000 sun screen!!! If I remember correctly, you Lobstered yourself last year!
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And bug spray!!
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Al, be sure to pack the SPF20,000 sun screen!!! If I remember correctly, you Lobstered yourself last year!
Since spring I've been out in the sun twice, and twice have been burnt to a crisp :smt004 Got the sun screen, the alovera gel and the DEET as well :smt005
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Bummed I'm gonna miss it. Leave some fish in the lake for me later.
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I am excited to get some kokes and see some folks.
See you all soon
Troy
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anyone coming in on Thur and want to hook up for a fish?
I hope to be there somewhere around 7 am.
Troy
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You guys have fun. I want to join but I'm busy with Mother's Day weekend. Go slay some MONSTER kokes!
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anyone coming in on Thur and want to hook up for a fish?
I hope to be there somewhere around 7 am.
Troy
I'm coming up Thursday, but likely afternoon - if wind not too bad, hoping for a short afternoon troll - maybe just in the cove if it's too bad - a couple circuits of the raceway.
You guys have fun. I want to join but I'm busy with Mother's Day weekend. Go slay some MONSTER kokes!
shhh don't tell anyone about the monsters, everyone knows there are just minnows up there.
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My mom is coming up with me! She recently moved to the area and is very interested in getting a fishing kayak of her own. I told her you guys are a great group to ask all the questions she has!
You guys have fun. I want to join but I'm busy with Mother's Day weekend. Go slay some MONSTER kokes!
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I have to bail on the weekend, some family stuff came up. Have fun out there everyone!
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I have to bail on the weekend, some family stuff came up. Have fun out there everyone!
Bummer Matt. What site were you in? Did you cancel your reservation?
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I have to bail on the weekend, some family stuff came up. Have fun out there everyone!
bummer, do what ya gotta do, we'll catch ya next time!
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My mom is coming up with me! She recently moved to the area and is very interested in getting a fishing kayak of her own. I told her you guys are a great group to ask all the questions she has!
does she have a license and pole? I could bring an extra Yak if you want
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stocking up
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She has both of those things! if it isn't too much trouble, she would love the opportunity to try one. I have a tandem that we both use also, but certainly nicer in your own yak!
My mom is coming up with me! She recently moved to the area and is very interested in getting a fishing kayak of her own. I told her you guys are a great group to ask all the questions she has!
does she have a license and pole? I could bring an extra Yak if you want
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She has both of those things! if it isn't too much trouble, she would love the opportunity to try one. I have a tandem that we both use also, but certainly nicer in your own yak!
My mom is coming up with me! She recently moved to the area and is very interested in getting a fishing kayak of her own. I told her you guys are a great group to ask all the questions she has!
does she have a license and pole? I could bring an extra Yak if you want
Awesome! Just make sure she has a PFD! We'll have plenty of tackle for her to use.
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stocking up
Good price! Don't forget the Tuna in oil! And the garlic. And the Anise. And......Gezzus, this is so addicting!!!
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She has both of those things! if it isn't too much trouble, she would love the opportunity to try one. I have a tandem that we both use also, but certainly nicer in your own yak!
My mom is coming up with me! She recently moved to the area and is very interested in getting a fishing kayak of her own. I told her you guys are a great group to ask all the questions she has!
does she have a license and pole? I could bring an extra Yak if you want
honestly, Tandem may be better - then she can just focus on the fishing while you focus on the rest!
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Thanks Everyone for making it out to the Bullards Bar FnC. Another great weekend in the books, weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold, the fish were willing, the company and food were AWESOME!
PlugNJug/Kevin - big thanks to you for organizing the friendly comp, and getting so many nice prizes and the 1st place trophy - very very cool - Thanks! Also a huge thank you to you for bringing and sharing your amazing Tri Tip on Friday night. That seasoning, cooked to perfection over the open wood flame is amazing!
Elena and I pulled in Thursday around noon - We were second to Troy, who'd waited out the windy Thursday for an opportunity to fish. The wind was blowing when we got there, so we setup camp, and I skipped the Thursday evening patrol. Friday showed up gorgeous, some light wind to keep a ruffle on the water. I caught enough kokes for a shore lunch with my bride, along with a delicious salad she put together. Friday night we had a nice fire to keep the skeeters away, Kevin prepared and shared his amazing Tri Tip, and Adrian made a niche Ceasar Salad to go with it.
Saturday was time for the big challenge - lines in at 7am, lines out at 1pm. the wind layed down all day - water was glass, the warm valley temps and weekend did bring up more of the PB traffic - but not too bad. I fished two rods all day, one on the DR and one with a sliding weight. I went to my lucky spot...struggled an hour for one fish...thne bolted ( I really need more discipline) headed up river, the wind was flat - so this was my opportunity to explore. I caught a (barely) 13" trout up the creek, and started working my way back, caught two more on the troll back - very soft hits - didn't know they were there, I'd thought my line had fouled, and boom, more bait in the boat. Ended the day with 3 Kokes (11" biggest), and one trout. fun day on the water and great folks to share the water with. Headed in for a late lunch, Elena had another great salad for us - yum.
Saturday afternoon started preparing for the potluck and awards. Elena and I decided to just grill up a bunch of veggies, part of our diet, and also looking at the offerings - looked like green matter was in short supply - so grilled up some asparagus, various eggplant, various zukes, chiles, and for desert we sliced and grilled a pineapple with cinnamon.
There were so many yummy things to eat, plenty of good salad, lumpia, shredded chicken tacos, caprese salad, the biggest spread of queso I've ever seen (with yummy bread rounds), delicious sausage, ... I know I'm leaving stuff out, there was just so much.
Some pics below, though I really didn't touch my phone much - thanks again everyone - really a good time, this had become our summer kick off.
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...more pics....
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Thanks again everyone for all the hard work! It was a great weekend! We will be returning next year!
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Sorry I had to miss it, but hopeful for next year!
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Great day that I had to end a bit early :smt012 missed hanging out Sat night and potluck. Next time I'll be on the kayak. this health stuff is no joke! next year lets not pick Mothers day weekend :smt044 Tri tip fri night was soooooo good! We caught 10 kokes and a bunch of bass out on the boat.
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Nice !
Thanks for posting
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Wow, what a fantastic weekend! Perfect weather, a plethora of amazing food and a bunch of good people. I was great seeing old friends again and meeting a lot of new people.
Big thanks to Brian for getting this set up again this year. The 3rd Annual BB FnC is already on my mind for next year! From talking with others there, it's on their mind too.
Only took a few photos. I'll post them soon. As usual I was too busy talking, drinking and fishing to remember to get the phone out. I know that others did, so please post what you got.
I never got a count, but I'd guess that 15-20 people decided to join in fishing tournament.
Here are the results:
1st place for best limit(10) by total length-----Plug-n-Jug. Ok. I admit it John, I bribed the kokes to bite my hook!
Longest single Kokanee----Bree. She took that with a nice 13-3/4" beauty.
Longest alternate specie fish----Brian. He brought home the prize with a nice 14" Rainbow trout.
Thanks to all those that donated swag to the prize piles!!!
Thanks again to all of you for making this such a wonderful event!!!
Kevin.
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Well Kevin, you convinced me to try to make some of my own kokanee lures, but now I am trying to figure out a good source for all the beads and spinner blades. Any suggestions?
Wow, what a fantastic weekend! Perfect weather, a plethora of amazing food and a bunch of good people. I was great seeing old friends again and meeting a lot of new people.
Big thanks to Brian for getting this set up again this year. The 3rd Annual BB FnC is already on my mind for next year! From talking with others there, it's on their mind too.
Only took a few photos. I'll post them soon. As usual I was too busy talking, drinking and fishing to remember to get the phone out. I know that others did, so please post what you got.
I never got a count, but I'd guess that 15-20 people decided to join in fishing tournament.
Here are the results:
1st place for best limit(10) by total length-----Plug-n-Jug. Ok. I admit it John, I bribed the kokes to bite my hook!
Longest single Kokanee----Bree. She took that with a nice 13-3/4" beauty.
Longest alternate specie fish----Brian. He brought home the prize with a nice 14" Rainbow trout.
Thanks to all those that donated swag to the prize piles!!!
Thanks again to all of you for making this such a wonderful event!!!
Kevin.
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Well Kevin, you convinced me to try to make some of my own kokanee lures, but now I am trying to figure out a good source for all the beads and spinner blades. Any suggestions?
[Hit Amazon, fisherman's warehouse and general search for Koke stuff. Tons of stuff online
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Well Kevin, you convinced me to try to make some of my own kokanee lures, but now I am trying to figure out a good source for all the beads and spinner blades. Any suggestions?
[Hit Amazon, fisherman's warehouse and general search for Koke stuff. Tons of stuff online
Ron is right. I've purchased a lot of my materials from Fishermans Warehouse here in Sac. If you have a decent Fly Tackle shop near you, they should have what you need. There are a ton of tackle shops on line to use. I just prefer to support the local guys when I can.
Kevin
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... my materials from Fishermans Warehouse here in Sac. If you have a decent Fly Tackle shop near you, they should have what you need. There are a ton of tackle shops on line to use. I just prefer to support the local guys when I can.
Kevin
+1 on FW in Sacto, lots of good stuff, reasonable prices, and some very knowledgeable staff as well.
only downside...I always leave with more than I needed when I walk in.
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The best tip I can give you is to start with #2 Gamakatsu Drop Shot hooks. Most pre packaged lures come with #4 Octopus type hooks. The drop shot hooks are thin wire and have a different bend to them. They penetrate way better than any octopus or Mosquito hook I've tried. When you snell the 2nd hook, keep 1/2" gap between the eye of the 1st hook and the bend of the second.
Kevin
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We did just fine with packaged green wedding ring setups 12" behind a dodger. Corn on the hook, drop and catch!
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We had such a phenomenal time this year as we did the last. Big thanks to Brian and Kevin for all the organizing. We are eagerly awaiting the 3rd annual next year.
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some pix
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more pix
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BUMMED that I couldn't make it...
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Sam and I had so much fun! We’re already looking forward to next year!
We packed up the rig on Thursday morning and hit the road around noon. Easy drive up to the lake. We relaxed Thursday. Fished a little Friday. Fished Saturday. Fished a little Sunday and hit the road home around noon.
Great company, great food, great fun!
Some highlights were everyone coming through when Sams downrigger weight and release went to the bottom of the lake. Julian, Troy, and Brian all came through to get us back up and running! Me falling out of my kayak and into into the lake while trying to help out a dead motorboat. Sam getting a hook past the barb directly into her thumb, but having some medical staff in the group resolved it quickly without drama (thanks Brie!). A great potluck with everyone. Brian being kind enough to Ken me try out his PA14 (tempting boat for sure!). A out of bald eagles beating up an osprey to steal his fish. The monster carp that were trained to be hand fed at the marina, and the big trout lurking a few feet below hoping for scraps. The goddamn hill that gets me every time ugh!
It was a great weekend. Weather was great. Fishing was great. Company was great. Thanks Kevin and Brian and everyone else that made it possible!
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Couple more
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Looks so fun!
Congrats to the winners & all.
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They may not be salmon, lingcod or rockfish, but they are super fun to catch those Bullards kokanee. It was a lot of fun fishing with many other koke stoked fisherman on the beautiful waters of Bullards Bar. One could do with less blood suckers and lake lice, but being with other NCKA'ers makes it too much fun you forget about them quickly. Arrived Friday and was greeted by Brian and Kevin at the camp ground and got setup then we all had an afternoon session. I lost a few bites and then after switching rigs I landed one! It was as excited as I was and was happily returned to the water after a quick shot. The next day it was game on and bit was hard to find in the early morning. After getting two it took several hours of trolling to get another bite. On the far side of the lake (or wherever I was) I was getting waked by two joy riding boats at the same time just after I set my DR. i look back and the rod had popped the clip, and I was thinking the wake fowled my set out, but no there was actually a 13" koke on my rod :smt005 From there I picked up 4 more and it was an hour left before the end. I tried to pickup three more, telling myself I can get two double hookups by the time I"m back to the launch, but I had left the fish got no more bites. I stayed another day at Schoolhouse since I had Monday off. It was empty on a Sunday, I had the entire area I was in all to myself. Really enjoyed the weekend catching those tasty kokes, hanging with good friends and enjoying the comradery and potluck.
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Hi everyone,
I had a fantastic time this weekend .... caught a few fish met a bunch of nice people. I had a wedding to attend in Grass Valley (missed the derby out by 11) and it was great with great drinks and food..... All of my kids were there which was really cool. They wanted me to go out with them when the party was over at 11 but my eyes were already closing on their own and the old man nod was taking hold..... had to pass.
Was a great event and I hope to join next year. If I can nab one of the upper trailer sites I may try to get my wife to join.... she will hate the hill though.
Troy