Lake Del Valle - Sun Jan 13

I got on the water about 9:00 AM on this sunny and calm day and trolled along the shoreline across from the launch ramp for a while to get a feel for the action of my new Seps dodger (just one of my many ISE purchases). As I was heading toward the dam, I hooked into a nice catfish at the mouth of the cove across from Hetch Hetchy Campground and 30 minutes later hooked a decent trout in the same vicinity just as Rob, a prospective NCKAer from San Jose, pedaled up (another Hobie man) to introduce himself and chat a bit. Was I successful in recruiting you to the madness, Rob?

Even though the water wasn't as muddy back in the narrows, the bite was slow there, too, but the paddle was incredibly beautiful. I ran into Rob again, who kindly demonstrated how to use a Scotty Lake Troller (another of my ISE purchases). And, as a thanks, I again twisted his arm about getting on the NCKA forum.

I leisurely trolled back to the launch ramp, but before I got there, regrettably I snagged and lost my new dodger. I was off the water by 3:45 PM, invigorated by the gorgeous day and a better stringer of fish than I've seen for a long time! So, I'm on the leader board, too, but not nearly with the splash that Melissa made. Watch out, guys--Woman Power!!

Janice aka "Big J"

Right on, Janice!  Great report and pics.   

Nice pics & report, Big J!
man, today (my b-day) was a day for women! that sounds about right tho...  I should have taken Ash to fish today too.
WTG, Big J! hopefully, I can join you next time!

Watch out, guys--Woman Power!!

Janice aka "Big J"

Right on!!!

I love the scenery.  Great pictures.  Congrats on your catch! 

Way to stick it Janice. I've been hearing that Del Valle has been tough lately. At least you were able to pull something out of there. Too bad about the dodger... you need to buy two of everything.

Freddie

Great work Janice - at the ISE and at Del Valle! Sounds like you did damage at both places.   Fabulous photos also.

new Seps dodger (just one of my many ISE purchases)

Which one did you end up getting?  I got a 4/0 in Ultra Violet with pink splatterings all over the front.  I fell for the guy's UV spiel.

Not often that one troll's up a catfish, especially trolling a dodger.  Were you pulling it on, or near, the bottom?  What were you trolling behind the dodger?  Also, do you ever use two rods?

Michael

Way to go Janice.  I LOVE catfish with hush puppies.   I'm ging to give DV a try this week, so what Michael asked.

Ron, I know you are lurking, sign up!  I'm a Hobie kayaker also.

Nice report Janice, and way to get yourself on the leader board!

CHEERS!

Janice, when you replace your dodger, are you going to get the same (color) one? The only thing I picked up at the ISE show was my fishing license...it felt so weird to pay more fifty bucks for everything I needed. Resisted the urge to go to the ATM machine.

Howard

...today (my b-day) was a day for women!

Whoa! How could I have missed wishing you a happy birthday? (Look at this: I'm highjacking my own thread!) Hope you had a good day, Naoaki!

Which one did you end up getting?  I got a 4/0 in Ultra Violet with pink splatterings all over the front.  I fell for the guy's UV spiel.

Yep, I did, too! I got the 4/0 UV Raspberry, smathered it with anise gel, and used a 12"-15" leader with a #4 aberdeen hook threaded with a nightcrawler--just like Dale, the seminar speaker at ISE on Thursday, said. I liked the action in the water, and I'm crediting it for my success in the muddy water. I was trolling close to the shoreline 8'-15' so I have to learn how deep the dodger dives because I had more snags than usual (even before the fatal one!).

And, yes, Hojo, I'm going to buy another one...or two (thanks, Freddie!).

Big J

I have to say that it was unusual to see a woman at the ISE taking seminar notes, but to go out and apply it, and make it all work.... that's very cool! 

The dudes on the board need to worried.  The gals are on fire.  At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised to see a woman taking AOTY.

I met you at Fisherman's wharehouse awhile back...Nice fish!!

FYI, my buddy Steve and I took my Montauk out to Shadow Cliff on Sunday for some trout and trolled a small berkley minnow on the surface.  We ended up with a 10.75, a 9 and a 4.5lber!!  They have some big trout there but they are sure ugly!!  Try that place out next time.  Pics to come tomorrow!

Dave

 BigJ! ....You are the WOMAN!  I would have been scared to buy that stuff and like Chuck said,"and then to APPLY IT"...you GO GIRL!
Great pics and report too!  ......and she touches CATFISH?  now that's SEXY!
   

Full size Humminbird FF, downrigger, dodgers  ... looks like there is a new trout slayer on the board. Soon you can write the new edition of Joel's trout fishing article. WTG Janice!!!

Scott

Good job Janice. Hey ChuckE said I just miss you at the show. We will have to catch up at a later date.