Berryessa - First For Me!

Wonderful report!  Glad you got some fish too! 

Kenny,

Personally after a hit i kayak about another minute or 2 and if i didnt get a hit ill reel it in, check they lure and turn around and go right past that spot I got the hit on. Sometimes fish will hit it and then follow it for a few seconds before hitting it a second time. So never reel up right away after a hit!

When you first start off, drop the lure in the water next to the yak, and get familiar with it's action.  Let out a bit of line and watch your rod tip... it should shake, wiggle, pulse... something that indicates the lure is "working".  Pay attention to your rod tip at all times... if that action changes, something is wrong.  Your hooks are over the line, or fouled up with a stick or leaves or something.  Sometimes after a hit, particularly with aggressive species, I have found that letting the lure "die" in the water... can induce a second strike.   It makes sense to me that after the fish hits it the first time, it expects what it thought was a baitfish to be injured... so seeing the lure suddenly stop, or at least slow down, is natural. 

I'm also a noobie here and live in Vacaville. Let me know next time your heading out again. Went up there to lake berryessa last week just to get the feel of kayaking. I've always done a lot of banks fishing successfully and know a good amount of spot for fishing. Now to put my kayak into action..! By the way, great catch.. Haven't caught a fish from the yak yet. Heading to Sacramento deep channel for crappie, stripper and catfish..

Congrats on your first fish from the yak! Love these reports.

This place is great!  Thanks for all the good tips guys - I'm a sponge; soaking it in.  I think I mentioned previously - although I missed out on the big strikes, I learned something.  You guys are expanding on that and I'll definately heed the advice next time out.

Always open to heading out with others also - will post up in "hook up" threads next time I head out!