Berryessa Royalty

     Rolled out of bed at 3:30 this morning and hit the road for Markley's Cove.  Ramp opened at six, and Rory was first in line as we pulled in behind him at about a quarter till.  Paid our dues and picked up what I would call guppies rather than minnows, biggest of the three dozen was maybe two inches, most about an inch.

     Got to the ballfield to find only one boat, things would change...  by the end of the day we were surrounded, even had wakeboarders using us as a slalom course. 

     The bite once again was early, dying off sharply mid morning.  Trolled RGT and spinners behind dodgers anywhere from 15' to 45'.  Had the first fish to the net within 30 minutes of trolling, I stuck to the thirdbase side in about 150' to 225' FOW.  Ended up with three King's, upgrading in size with each catch and topping out at 17".

     After trolling round and round, decided to sacrifice a few of the guppies to the smallies.  Caught a half dozen or so smallmouth by pinning two, sometimes three minnows on at a time.  No real size to any of the bass though I did see one real nice female in a bed with two little studs giving her lots of attention. 

    Don't get me wrong, I had a great time out there today and those little fish are a blast to catch on light tackle,  but all day in the back of my mind ran thoughts of chasing salmon in the ocean.  Growing up and spending practically every summer weekend and weekday evening fishing out of Bodega for salmon with family and friends is the foundation that springboarded me to more than my fair share of fond memories on the water.  Hopefully with less pressure the salmon will be able to make a comeback and the runs will start improving, and I can carry on the tradition of showing my children just how special these fish are.


-Patrick



     

Hopefully with less pressure the salmon will be able to make a comeback and the runs will start improving, and I can carry on the tradition of showing my children just how special these fish are.

-Patrick

Bravo!   

Excellent report, and way to go on the AOTY points. 

I know exactly where you're coming from regarding the family times on the water trolling for salmon.  I lost my Dad to cancer two months ago, and this will be the first Summer since I was a little kid that we won't be out there together.  Ironic that there won't be a season, but he probably would've been with me at the Cove.  Anyway, enjoy the time with your Dad and your kids, Patrick.  You and Allen have shown that you guys have a strong family tie - it's very admirable, and it makes me feel good, thinking of that connection I had with my own Dad.

Where's the smiling through the tears emoticon?

 

Nice job filling the slot,

 Fine report,

 Guess you just let out tons of line to get down and don't use a Downrigger,  Kool...

 How do you know how deep you are?

It was "GREAT" being on the water with you two. I was able to catch a couple of SMB. The minnows were very bad, but they did catch a couple of fish. Looking forward to doing it again. 

Excellent report and very nice looking fish. Glad you didn't let the "other boats" get the bet of you.

Man, I gotta take my boys out more.

Patrick-

Nice score... How was the wind out there? Also, I'd call that king 17.25" You'll need that extra point at the end of the year when your Pops has you beat by 1 point.  Keep'em coming...

Freddie

Nice report.  How come none of your smallmouth made it up on the AOTY board?

Brian

Patrick -

Very nice on the kings. I tried for them last year on Berryessa with no luck. The PB's can be pretty scary there.

scott

Nice work! Those land locked chinook very cool looking. Nice work trolling and not losing your cool w/ the lame wakeboarders that messed with you. I get pissed pretty fast and start throwing my extra sinkers at 'em.

Z

Patrick,
awesome report and love the way you and "the old man" are charging through the AOTY fish.
Inspires some pressure to get out on the water more.

Yeah, what Hydro said. Your report serves to inspire us on!
I like the positive spin you put on the closure, it's being done so we have something to fish for in a season or two, right?
I appreciate the report.

Patrick,
awesome report and love the way you and "the old man" are charging through the AOTY fish.
Inspires some pressure to get out on the water more.

Ditto.  Congrats Patrick!
When you or your dad are on a mission there's no stopping you guys.

Growing up and spending practically every summer weekend and weekday evening fishing out of Bodega for salmon with family and friends is the foundation that springboarded me to more than my fair share of fond memories on the water.

         

Picture of one Patrick's "fond memories"

Too bad we won't be able to make memories like that for a while...

Freddie

PURE SWEETNESS! you guys are unstopable! Way to hit that BULLsEYE!
....are you guys done with that yardwork?  can you please organize the garage for the next 40 or so remaining weekends til years end?
hope that dream continues too Patrick!
....canYOUteachMEasWELL! thanks for thepics&port fellas!