Lake Mendo, 10-28

Thanks everybody!

Adam - we launched from the South ramp and headed North along the West shoreline. We started fishing right around the first point and never even made it to Vinegar Point! Plus, I think this is the first time I've ever fished the lake and not gone to the East side. We fished the drop-offs...you know what I mean. And if you head back up there this week-end I'll more than likely join you.

....i just noticed that both of you have the same hat!   no wonder he HOOKED UP FAT!  that's the hat you wear when giving me lessons (schoolin) on how to find fish without a FF.....and i think that CAPER might have some type of "special powers" or something like that.   better keep that one Dus'

Not only that they looks alike too... ..Hey Dustin where did you guys buy those hat?...I might need to get one too... for luck....did you guys troll?


Kiel

Thanks everybody!

Adam - we launched from the South ramp and headed North along the West shoreline. We started fishing right around the first point and never even made it to Vinegar Point! Plus, I think this is the first time I've ever fished the lake and not gone to the East side. We fished the drop-offs...you know what I mean. And if you head back up there this week-end I'll more than likely join you.

SSHHHHHHH!!!!  that was "MY" hot-spot last week........we planned to hit the point, but i got held up by these FAT ARCHs that would appear on my TV.....Mooch and Dan left me behind and never looked back.
....at one point, i was in 15fow and my screen was ALMOST BLACKED-OUT w/the FAT TYPE ARCHs, dropped down last 2-baits on them , had INSTANT Dub-Hk. and lost both due to crossing lines beneath yak!    REVENGE!!

LOL. The hats look the same, but are different. I got mine at Tides Wharf in Bodega Bay.

Kiel - we were "slow trolling".

Here's my "secret method".  

I use a size 1 live bait hook on a ~3', 12lb. Berkeley Vanish leader. (I've heard some negative comments about Vanish, but I have never had a problem with it.) I also use a heavier sinker than most people (3/4 - 1 oz.). I drop my bait all the way to the bottom ('cause that was the only way I knew how deep I was fishing before I got an FF) and then reel it up a foot or two. Then I paddle a few light strokes and drift, paddle a few light strtokes and drift, etc. If there is a good enough breeze I will hardly paddle at all, other than to zig-zag along the drop-offs. Kinda like fishing for rockfish, without the jigging.....or the rockfish.

I use vanish also, no prob so far, I use 14, The last 2 times Ive been using a 3 way swivel and a small round weight on one rig, I keep it handy so when I mark fish, I can put it right in thier face quick.
Its a good way to slow work a lure down deep too. Seven fish on a first trip, thats some Mojo!

My same method of MADNESS (sorta) I use 6-10lb fluro-lead& 1/8oz.sliding egg. I keep em on top, then when i mark BIG fish, along the drops and changes below, i open bail and DOWN THEY GO for their first tour of duty.

LOL. The hats look the same, but are different. I got mine at Tides Wharf in Bodega Bay.

Kiel - we were "slow trolling".

Here's my "secret method".  

I use a size 1 live bait hook on a ~3', 12lb. Berkeley Vanish leader. (I've heard some negative comments about Vanish, but I have never had a problem with it.) I also use a heavier sinker than most people (3/4 - 1 oz.). I drop my bait all the way to the bottom ('cause that was the only way I knew how deep I was fishing before I got an FF) and then reel it up a foot or two. Then I paddle a few light strokes and drift, paddle a few light strtokes and drift, etc. If there is a good enough breeze I will hardly paddle at all, other than to zig-zag along the drop-offs. Kinda like fishing for rockfish, without the jigging.....or the rockfish.

Thanks for the information, I used a 10lb, Berkeley Vanish also and a 1/4 oz....I'll try to set it up like yours next time....I am still learning from you guys.



Kiel

Great report and insider tips, too.  Thanks, I can't wait to get back out there and try my luck. Just a few more FAF projects  and I'm there.

John

tip: drop your line to 6 to 8 pound mono  Gotta have a really sharp hook (I use owner - triple edge hooks) , smooth drag and a rod that matches your line.


http://www.tackledirect.com/owner-freshwater-cutting-point-hooks.html

My same method of MADNESS (sorta) I use 6-10lb fluro-lead& 1/8oz.sliding egg. I keep em on top, then when i mark BIG fish, along the drops and changes below, i open bail and DOWN THEY GO for their first tour of duty.

That'd never work for me since somebody sold me a POS FF that barely works long enough to show the depth...let alone any fish marks.   

Owner hooks the best

I use Owners and Gamas.

I like the Gamas because they are a little thinner in size 1, and almost as sharp. I rarely "set" the hook on Mendo stripers. They usually set the hook good enough on themselves when they slam the bait.

Dustin, that evening, just before sunset, the boils took off. They were right against the bank, against the small island.
Oh yeah, has anyone mentioned that car access to the lake is restricted now? Bring your wheels or friend to help you carry your boat.

My same method of MADNESS (sorta) I use 6-10lb fluro-lead& 1/8oz.sliding egg. I keep em on top, then when i mark BIG fish, along the drops and changes below, i open bail and DOWN THEY GO for their first tour of duty.

That'd never work for me since somebody sold me a POS FF that barely works long enough to show the depth...let alone any fish marks.   

Have you tried to clean and treat ALL electrical connections?  if it works for a little bit it should work period. Maybe one of the PRONGS/long-copper-things that stick into connectors are loose/corroded and not getting good conductivity.

great report!  and another happy graduate of Mr Hoppers striper school.