Delta Bass Report: 6/16-6/19

I really thought the tides looked good this week, but fishing was slow, until tonight (6/19).  I threw a lot of topwater early in the morning for a couple of decent fish and several smaller ones.  When the sun got a bit higher in the sky, it was a real tough bite.  Fish were holding on deeper weedlines, 10-16 feet deep, and were hitting red crawdad crankbaits.  On Monday night, it was dead with no fish on topwater until dusk.  Then I had a 2.75 pounder hammer my popper.  A few minutes later, it was crushed again, just a huge explosion, which ended up being this 4.5 pounder (pic1).

Tonight, the wind died down and the tide was a fast incoming.  About 6:45, the fish started jumping and feeding all around, splashes everywhere.  I started throwing my popper on the rocks, and it was on!  I was getting hit on every other cast it seemed.  Only problem was I couldn't get 'em to stick.  I must have missed 15 fish tonight; but, I managed to get 9 in the yak, biggest was three pounds.  I'll be lamenting the one who got away though.  When I wasn't looking, a fish splahed and slurped up the popper.  I set the hook, and she took off 10-15 yards down the bank back towards me.  Jumped (maybe 22+ inches), shook, and sent my popper back to the yak air-mail style.  Could have gone 7-9 pounds.  Darn it!  I also lost another one tonight that looked to be in th 4-6 pound range.

It was a fun night with lots of action.  Plus the sunset was absolutely spectacular (pic2).

Next time I'll have sharper hooks!

Hobieblue

Great sunset shot and a very entertaining fishing narrative, Bryan.  You've got the place dialed, and this seems like an acception to the rule of you landing a huge one!   

awesome report, Bryan!  I need to make it out there sometime soon.  My kayak has been dry for weeks, and it has even been longer since I caught a fish.  I think I forgot what a bite feels like!

Nice HB. Only you would be disappointed by landing a flawless 4.5# LMB.. 

I've totally had fish do the same and chuck my lure right back at me. At Forebay a few years ago I had my personal best on the line, big striper. Had 'em on for a good long time when he bent out the hook and sent lure right at me. Splashed a few inches from the yak. Watching it float there motionless is the worst when your veins are pumping.

Z

HobieBlue, Where on the delta do you fish?  I've been reading the section here on the delta and today I'm going to do a delta recon trip.  This looks like a nice spot...

All over the place.  Since I live on the Eastern side, that's where I usually fish.  I look for the quieter sloughs with lots of islands and vegetation.  Paradise Point off Eight Mile Road has an easy launch, and it is free if you ask nicely 

Whiskey Slough is another good option.  It is a dead end slough, so there are not too many boaters there. 

PM me if you'd like to hook-up sometime.

HobieBlue

don't know how this quality report slipped past my eyes....Nice night out Bryan!
You are the only one, that gets it done on a consistant basis.
A flawless bass makes for a flawless shot...GOOD ONE(s)!
Thanks for the report!