Del Valle 12/5/09 - Cold and Slow

Got to DV at 730 AM and met PatR, StormScrambler, Jaywo and Daviator. Launched aroud 8AM to overcast skies, Air temp 48, water temp 53, little wind and fair water clarity. Seemed like good conditions for some topwater trolling.  PatR bagged a chunky trout on a wooly bugger after 30 minutes. I was thinking this was a good sign but after 90 minutes trolling the south end for nada I decided to check out the dam. I was joined by Jaywo and Daviator and we made it to the dam cove around 1045. Trolled the cove till noon for nada. Pretty much tried everything I had (J7 Rainbow and Firetiger, J9 rainbow, SR5 and JSR5 shad, Kastmaster blue/silver, firetiger, Thomas bouyant red/gold, rainbow and assorted grubs, wooly bugger teasers). Took me awhile to remember how to tie a Rapala knot after 7 months on the ocean.  At the end of the day it was skunk #1 for the 2009-2010 trout season but at least Pat caught something and I got alot of exercise. Forgot how much work it is to paddle a tandem solo. Of course Molly had a good time especially the "shore leave".  It was good connecting with my freshwater friends and catching up with the families. 

Scott

Adorable pic of Molly as usual.  Way to get out OTW.   

Molly looks sooo relaxing on the yak!  Thank you for the report and picture Scott.

freshwater?  What the hell is that? 

How are we ever going to keep up with you if train by paddling a tandem?

Forgot to mention no more "secret agents" allowed at DV. PatR can give the details.

wow Scott, you guys covered alot of ground & Molly is getting bigger!
I wanna a fishing dog too now...

It is so hard to picture you not coming home with any fish let alone a trout Scott.
At least you were blessed with some good companies. See you soon.

Jedmo

cold day on the water i got two rainbows and that was it oh and a lot of free lures form the trees 

The “secret agents” Scott is talking about are MINNOWS. Before heading to Del Valley I stop at Castro Valley Sportsmen’s bait shop and pick up a dozen jumbo minnows; I was planning on targeting the stripers. I had every thing rigged and ready, bait tank in the water just about to set off when one of the workers from the lake (bait shop, boat house) came up and asked if that was my minnow bucket my reply was yep and his reply was you cannot use live bait in this lake, I asked since when? He said it’s been that way forever. He also said if the game-warden catches you with them it’s a stiff fine and could take you gear away from you. The guy was just trying to save me from getting a ticket witch I appreciate. So to all who likes to use minnows at lake del valley probably not a good idea . Out of the three trout I did hook, one broke off , one came unbuttoned at the boat and the one I did net was about 22” long  sorry on pics. I had a good time fishing with the group see you all next time .

Pat R           

scott..thx for setting up the hookup..
I have been meaning to check out del valle for a while since I have flown over it a couple times and viewed it from above.
good meeting Pat and Jay on the water too.

in spite of the slow fishing conditions..always good to be on the yak in calm waters. very scenic there too although I am not too thrilled about all the fees..(parking+daily permit+boat launch+boat inspection) geeez guys let go of my arm..

as for free lures...I donated my lucky kastmaster + trolling rig so hope someone enjoys it. I think it was a snag but honestly it happened before I realized it.

awaiting shipment from Cabelas/Hook1 for my rod holder, FF mount etc..so I can finally have my rods in fwd section of boat.


I look fwd to bringing family back here for a leisure day of paddling / biking though as the park has a lot to offer.
dave

 

  That sucks about not being able to use minnows! What if agents are recruited from the lake?

Daviator: Sorry the lake trip didn't produce this time.  Martin and I missed your company Friday. After the weather and holiday action clears, hope work schedules permits a hook-up soon.

I knew about the minnows, since I asked for clarification last time.

Didn't make sense to see them hassling people over condensation in a yak while others are driving in with buckets of minnows no prob...

G2B,

From one golden kayaker to another, Bear is eight now and when it gets cold like this or up at the north coast when he swims (which is all the time) before we go kayaking, he gets really cold in the boat. I checked with a vet and goldens don't have the same hair and body fat like labs do so I bought him a duck hunting wetsuit which is also a pdf. He's not real thrilled putting it on but he also doesn't shiver either. Bear also likes a piece of indoor-outdoor carpet in the bottom of the boat but he's really spoiled. Just FYI.

Tight lines!

rob
jrsyboy

Rob

Thanks for the tip. You are correct about goldens getting hypothermia. Molly got hypothermia last year at DV before the AOTY ceremony. Luckily she revived in time to get into some fried chicken. Since then, I only let her swim during the summer. She does like to wade in the shallow water on shore leave and I dry her off afterwards. I am going to write an article on kayak fishing dogs. 

Scott