King river near Lemoore, California 11MAR2012

Here for you smart phone users. I wanted to get out on Saturday, that day felt right. I had obligations so I went out for a few hours Sunday.
I wanted to get out for some evening/night fishing and get out closer to where I wanted to fish so I had to find a new spot to put in. I drove past my usual spot and turned onto a dirt ranch road and soon found the river on my right. As i was driving i spotted someone in a yellow kayak headed the way I was driving towards where I wanted to put it. I drove to the weir, the banks were really steep and the two spots that seemed to have decent access had people standing there. I turned around and found a spot I could slip down. I knew I would launching this way so my gear was all together and it took no time to get ready.

 I figured I should fan cast a little before I launch and stir up the whole area. I grabbed my Abu Garcia reel with the Warrior Buzzbait and let it rip, I buzzed it past a clump of reeds and a Bass blew up at it. I went to set the hook and the line gave, my drag was set way loose. I reeled the slack and tried to thumb to spool to set fish and it was gone.A real bummer but I was excited I got a topwater hit finally, I knew the past 3 warm days would open them up to more aggressive feeding. I cast the buzzbait a few more times with no luck. So I grabbed my other setup and threw a jig at the clump I missed that last fish and hooked a feisty little guy.

 I launched and set off towards the other kayaker, working the shore. The water was about 6 inches lower than the last trip and surprisingly clear in the sheltered areas. The wind was pretty steady out of the north blowing me into the rocky bank. I kept switching between the jig and buzzbait hoping to get some topwater action. But it was just not happening. I picked up a few more fish, one the same size as the first and this guy who was a little larger and scrappier. 

 I met up with the other kayaker it turned out to be Cccoyote from Central Coast Kayak Fishing, he sent me a PM saying he would be out but I didn't get it. He had a Ocean Kayak Tetra Ultra Pro 4.3 I couldn't help but drool over. We talked fishing, it was nice to fish with another angler. I caught a few more on the jig and gave him one to use. i had one that hit like a Mack truck and stole my grub and had another that missed my buzzbait. The sun started to set and Cccoyote had to get back so we parted ways. I turned back towards the weir and picked up a few more on the jig.   

Gotta add a sunset picture, especially due to the purple sunset.

I fished an hour or so after dark only caught 2, I tried to get a picture of myself with one but I just couldn't seem to keep my eyes open, so I let the poor guy go on his way.

 I decided to turn in, I got back to my launching site and realized it was not as good as I thought it was. There were little thorny seed things all over the ground, I didn't realize this until I went to pull my self up the bank and my hands were covered in them. My neighbor said they are called "Goat Heads" I think Satan Berries is a more appropriate term. Even my tires were coated in them. To top that off there were a few dozen large Wolf spiders running around and one managed to bite me on the inside of the wrist. It is dangerous out there.

Look at he thorn sticking out of that guy, I pulled it out of my tire.
Cccoyote it was great fishing with you, hope to do it again. 

Thanks for the great report and beautiful pictures.

I have read a couple of your posts now.  Looks like you are a fish catching machine.  Nice reports, I might have to make my way out there some time.  It looks like I am about 2.5 hours away from you. 

Jerry

I have read a couple of your posts now.  Looks like you are a fish catching machine.  Nice reports, I might have to make my way out there some time.  It looks like I am about 2.5 hours away from you. 

Jerry

It is decent for a local hole, I'd rather meet you up in the San Luis for some Striper action. 

Lets make a plan.  No experience with Striper, but it should be a blast.

those pics make that river look very very fishy. I may need to head out there sometime.

those pics make that river look very very fishy. I may need to head out there sometime.

It is the only fishable water next to the Aquaduct within an hours drive. It gets hammered daily by boat and from shore. Still some fish to be caught.

Its nice to fish off the beaten path.  Awesome sunset pic!