Chabot Shame

Met up with Fishunter at Chabot on Friday...  Shoulda went to Bean Hollow instead...

It looked promising when we arrived, as the weather was perfect, the lake flat, and the wind...  what wind?

Furthermore at the launch there was a school of 20 or so FAT trout just milling about, watching us get ready to launch.  I couldn't resist tossing out a test-cast, but Adam pointed out the launch is a no-fishing zone.  Oh well, the water is low, the lake must be FULL of fish!

It is true...  once we got out around the far side of the island the fishfinders showed so many fish that I found myself looking over the side to see if I could see them...  (I couldn't)... 

But catching them was another matter.

I was going with my usual minimalistic and prehistoric rig...  One pole and a 25 year old reel.  Adam had no less than four rigs and used them ALL and only ended up with one trout, the hardest working fisherman I know...

But I'm getting ahead of myself.  After a couple hours not catching we were hailed by non other than Big J and met up with her at shore:

Chabot is a tough lake to fish. From what I understand, you have to hit that lake very early to get bit there.

After chatting a bit is was back to fishing, me casting a Kastmaster and Adam dropshotting, trolling, and other stuff too...  Finally he radios that a 14" trout took his rapala....  Still nothing for me.

Hours pass by and we cross to the shady side on the way back, and finally I get some love:
 

I shoulda tried the fish sniffer pose...

I shoulda tried the fish sniffer pose...

 

You have to stop holding your fish so far from the camera!

...and finally I get some love:
 

LOL that thing is a monster. You're lucky he didn't swallow your boat. 

-FF

That's a lure, right?!   

Love those cute little guys!  Great report - way to hook it up.   

Hey Eric. Ya finally got to meet Janice. Great!

Howard

Thanks for the report and pictures Eric B. Fish is a fish so no skunk for you.

Jedmo

TOO FUNNY!! that is the TOUGHEST, smallest LMB I've ever seen! ...and seeing Janice was a surprise too, evenTHOUGHsheFORGOTherYAK
My aftermarket-backup batt. goes from full to dead in three pics so I don't have but one to share with the world. (i'll post a pic of what it looked like from the road looking down, taken last year.)
It was good to get out, without having to think about all the stuff you gotta think about when out in the Ocean....yeah! i take lots of crap with me on the lakes.....one day I'm gonna paddle into a full on feeding frenzy, of some sort, and I'll be ready-like-Freddie(S)
I'm not gonna complain that I put in over 6mi. for my "much needed" pectoral-finless&tail-grounded 14in.Trout!! it swam hard and fought just-like-a 15incher would've!  what a difference, having to fish for SMART freshwater fish, instead of those dumd RF!!...who'sTEACHINGtheseTHINGSsoWELL?! 

I bet that little guy fought like a 3lb'er! Hahahaha.  Hey luv is luv rite?  Nice to see you out and about Janice!

Troy

What a great day to be on the water! I'm sorry I didn't paddle/fish with you guys, but my body is starting to remind me that I really am a senior citizen. It sure was good to see FH again and to meet Eric B. Hey, Eric, how did you prepare your catch? Any good recipes? 

Janice aka Big J

Adam, don't forget to use that extra battery I gave you.

Ha gave it to me...  and it's charged and ready to be handed back.

Adam, don't forget to use that extra battery I gave you.

Howard~ after further review, mine was a 20....Eric has the 30 so I gifted it to him in your honor and made him promise to post pics with EVERY report he makes.

...iGOTaCHEAPbackup&ITisJUSTthat!