East delta March 1st/2nd

I'm looking to hit Whites Slough near Lodi for some pre-pre-spawn bass.  I usually launch out of Tower Marina and head south in my Hobie, fishing tules, rip-rap, and weed beds with cranks, spinnerbaits, worms, and jigs...  If anyone in the area would like to give it a try, let me know.  Also if anyone is interested in trying Don Pedro or other Modesto-Stockton spots I'd be interested in hooking-up.

Bryan

I would be available on the second, I do a lot of Delta fishing and have been wanting to try that spot since I have never been there.

Jeff

Welcome Bryan.  What kind of Hobie do you pedal?  I've got an Adventure.  I'm looking to get back over that way this summer - I'm originally from Modesto.

Michael

I might see you out there on Saturday, depending on weather conditions.  I fished Whites about two weeks ago, the water was the clearest I have seen in the delta recently.  I have never launched from Tower before though.  What is the scoop on the launch, parking close to the ramp? 

Xsquid...the Tower Marina people have been very friendly.  I have launched there three times and they have not charged me yet.  They might want some cash when it gets busier this spring/summer.  I park down by the KOA campground store.  The ramp is right there.

Michael... I just got my Hobie Sport over Christmas break.  It is a nice set-up and a lot of fun.  I can't wait for spring to roll around and we have a bit better bass bite...

Jeff...I used to bank fish it in the 90's when Guard road was open, I always caught a lot of fish there.  A friend of might float tubes it and has done real well fishing Whites.  I will be there at Tower on Sunday the 2nd (weather pending) around 7:00-8:00.  Plan to fish all day, until about 3 or 4.

Bryan

If you are planing to fish Whites slough you should go in at Kings Island marina at honker cut. Whites is only about 1/4 miles from King island marina. From highway 5 go west on Eight mile road takes you right to Honker cut. Good luck.

Thanks reelfish.  Are there any fees at that Marina? 

XSquid--how about launching from Kings Island Marina on Saturday? 

Howdy Bryan/HobieBlue, 

Just saying welcome from a fellow Hobie Sport enthusiast.  Do you have any pictures of your new Sport to post?  We love pictures...
 
-Matt in Mendocino ('07 Moss colored Sport)

Here a few pics...

The striper was caught in January at Mossdale in Manteca. 

Saturday is good for me at King's.  There is also another launch that I have used on White, between King's and Tower.  It is an abandoned ferry crossing cement ramp on Corriea Rd.  The only minus is that you have to park your vehicle on the levy instead of a more secure marina lot.  I haven't had any problems, but probably wouldn't do it at night.  King's is pretty user-friendly.  There is a drop box by the ramp, I think it's ten bucks.  Looks like it will be in the 60's, no rain!

Kevin

Kevin...

King's it is.  I know what ferry crossing you are talking about.  I've just heard about too many bad things happening on delta levees to trust leaving my car by itself for longer than 2 hours.  Weather does look good.  When will you be there? 

Any others are welcome to join, its time to wake those big mouths up from their winter nap.  I'm still launching out of Tower on Sunday too.

See ya Sat....Bryan 

well you guys are getting me interested in meeting up with you
so tell me the gear you are bringing..... most of my fishing is for trout and trolling for trout
not so much lmb
as far as hardware i have all that .....t120-ff-rod holders-waders-pfd-anchor-paddle-ice chest-etc.
just don't have software for bass....???? worms jigs spinners plugs etc.
let me know what your bringing and maybe some secrets and i will purchase them and meet you there.

Yeah, I know what you mean about the levy thing.  I found myself constantly going back to scope out my vehicle.  Just thought I'd throw that location out there for future reference.  With the water temp still in the low 50's I'm thinking that predawn wouldn't be too productive.  The bass will probably be on the direct sun side of the banks, still somewhat comatose.  I'm thinking about getting to Kings and putting in around 7:30.  If you want to hit it earlier I'm cool with that as well.

Shotgun, I'm still trying to get the prespawn figured out.  I've been flipping dark (black/blue & black/red) jigs with pork trailers.  I've also heard that t-rigged yamamoto creatures flipped into tules around rocks are producing.  I'll also bring spinnerbaits a mission fish (my wishfull thinking swimbait) and alot of other crap that I never get around to using.  From what I've been reading, this time of year jigs rule in the delta.  Just make sure to bring some scent, the water is still murky as hell.

Xsquid/shotgun

7:30 sounds perfect--I'll see you there. 

I agree with your game plan--jigs and worms are the best bet.  I'm going with black/blue 1/2 oz rattling jigs with Berkley Gulp trailers or Yum trailers.  Scent and noise are a must in the mud.  Also going to use Texas rigged Berkley power worms on the deep edge of the weed beds.  I'll also start out chucking a crawdad crankbait (bomber A or Norman) that has a medium diving depth.  I plan to bounce that crank down the sunny rip-rip and hope to bump into a few fish, I have caught 4 so far this winter on that pattern...  For tules and over the tops of weed beds, I'll throw a chartruse spinnerbait. 

Shotgun, I hope this helps.  Get some Berkley Gulp turtleback or power worms (4-7 inch in dark colors). Texas rigged with bullet weights from 1/8 to 3/8 oz.  Worm hooks in 1/0 to 3/0 Gamagatsu.  This set-up are easy to learn and won't get hung up in the weeds.  A few 1/4 to 1/2 oz double-willow spinnerbait in chartruse/white or chartruse/blue would be good too.  I'm using 10-12 lb test line on a 7 ft. medium/heavy baitcaster and 6-8 lb test on a medium 6 ft spinning reel for the lighter cranks and worms.

See you guys on Saturday...7:30....Kings Marina.

Bryan

How is the wind out there?  I am thinking about joining you guys if I don't have to work on Saturday.  I still haven't caught a delta bass, and I have been itching to get out.