New Melones Trout Bout - February 20th, 2010 ROLL CALL

mike i'll post more info tomorrow on the main event thread.

I'll be there for sure and maybe with one or two others. One's a prenewb, (he might get a kayak) and the other guy Korn, well he and I have tramped a good portion of the Sierra's together. Korn tends to like motors on his boats though. Oh and lets not forget the dog. We will be self sufficient and/or can contribuite to the collective.

Ben I will have a PFD, and am currently looking at kayak racks for my Thule system. I'm thinking of just getting the Top Deck. Does anyone have an opinion on the 881 or maybe the 883?

I'm going to hold off buying a new rod and reel until I know more. It seems (from the pictures anyway) that a lot of guys carry 3 or 4 poles. Can somebody tell me how they are rigging up these different poles?

Sounds like it's going to be cold. What do you guys wear, dry suits, waders, wind breakers?

I will firm up my count when I know more.

it will actually be pretty warm.  bit chilly in the morning but 45-50 degrees is hot this time of year. i will just be wearing waders with fleece underneath and a paddle jacket in my hull in case i get cold. i wear a kokatat rash guard thing, its great.

how many kayaks do you plan to carry? if its only one, you don't need a rack. if its two, then one j rack should be fine. 

you should be able to see my kayak rack system when i get there, as well as those of others.

i'll send you a PM later this week with more info on where to meet me.  right now i'm planning to launch from tuttletown as its about 10 minutes closer to my house and i can keep away from the basscar guys.

I would like to make my maiden voyage at the New Melones tournament on February 20th.  Would this be okay as a newbie?  I'm very cautious and would probably not go out very far.  I'm looking forward to kayak-fishing.

WTTM Tiny!  Look forward to meeting you.  Melones will be fine for your maiden yak-fishing voyage.  As Ben mentioned, there will be some basscar folks but I don't think there is anything to worry about.  You can join myself, and my boss and a friend on the water if you choose.

I have zero long-term fishing friends interested.  I want to start fishing within the NCKA.

I completely understand.  I was in the same boat ... er ... yak.    Great group of guys here that are very supportive and helpful.

A couple of questions: Is there a group camp or individual campsites? Is there room still available to participate or am I applying too late?

It isn't too late to get a campsite.  I got mine about a week and a half ago and at that time, had the only site in the loop.  That said, you're free to join us at our site if you'd like.  All you need to do is show up.  We plan on arriving by noon on Friday.

It should also be stated that you can just show up for the day.  I think there are only a half-dozen of us staying the night and I think my group is the only group crazy enough to camp.

Welcome Mike, nice name.

Since this will be my first NCKA event and tournament I have a few questions you all might be able to help me with.

What are the rules for the tournament?
Where will everyone be camping? Is there a centralized area or is it random?
What time does the tournament start?
What are the trout biting on up there now?
Any other advice or knowledge you can share would be appreciated.

The only question I can answer with any degree of certainty is about the camping.  First, it should be mentioned that it isn't necessary.  You can show up for the day of the event if you like.  That said, myself and a couple other people have campsite #107 in Big Oak.  Feel free to join us if you'd like.  Otherwise, here is the link for reservations.

Also, a couple of other people are have chosen, probably wisely, to stay at a local motel. 

As for fishing, check out there website.  They update their fishing report page weekly.  I plan on visiting the store upon my arrival to get all of the latest intelligence.

Ben will finalize all of the important stuff soon.

I'm going to hold off buying a new rod and reel until I know more. It seems (from the pictures anyway) that a lot of guys carry 3 or 4 poles. Can somebody tell me how they are rigging up these different poles?

Probably a good idea.  If you're looking for a new outfit, wait until after event and check out some of the different rods that people have.  I know I don't mind if you want to look over mine after fishing.

I typically carry 3-4, depending on the the type of fishing I'll be doing.  If it is for trout, I'll have a couple lighter trolling rods for spoons, grubs, and rapalas.  I also have a couple rods with a little more backbone should I want to pull a dodger or flasher, or a larger rapala.  I also have a small spinning rod for casting lures at rising fish should I come across some.  That and if I bring a buddy, I usually end up needint to loan a rod or two.

I'm going to hold off buying a new rod and reel until I know more. It seems (from the pictures anyway) that a lot of guys carry 3 or 4 poles. Can somebody tell me how they are rigging up these different poles?

Probably a good idea.  If you're looking for a new outfit, wait until after event and check out some of the different rods that people have.  I know I don't mind if you want to look over mine after fishing.

I typically carry 3-4, depending on the the type of fishing I'll be doing.  If it is for trout, I'll have a couple lighter trolling rods for spoons, grubs, and rapalas.  I also have a couple rods with a little more backbone should I want to pull a dodger or flasher, or a larger rapala.  I also have a small spinning rod for casting lures at rising fish should I come across some.  That and if I bring a buddy, I usually end up needint to loan a rod or two.

Pretty much the sameas Michael. Two trolling rods with 6# and 8# flouro. Make sure you get a 2 rod stamp. One casting rod with 8# flouro. All are spinning rods 6 1/2'. Use the same rods for bass, crappie and trout. Baitcasters are better for trolling and casting heavier lures because of less line twist but spinning reels are better for casting light lures. I prefer finess fishing so I go light but do lose fish in heavy cover sometimes. When fishing the East Bay lakes for trout, I bring only the 2 trolling rods. For kayak fishing, 6 1/2 - 7' rods work well. Personally, I think inexpensive combos (e.g., Walmart) work fine for freshwater fishing unless you a hardcore bass angler. Saltwater fishing is worth investing in better equipment, IMO. For saltwater, I use only 1-2 rods.

Just heard a report on two lake records caught this past week.  A 7.97 lb spotted bass and a 13+ lb brown trout.  Reports said the spot fishing is red hot.

Just heard a report on two lake records caught this past week.  A 7.97 lb spotted bass and a 13+ lb brown trout.  Reports said the spot fishing is red hot.

HMMMM.... maybe a multi-species AOTD format?

Sorry the tournament name has already been called trout bout =) I was there today and saw no evidence of big bass. I think the boat traffic put them down plus this ridiculous bluebird weather.

As I stated, you're free to fish for whatever species you want but only trout will count towards first place bragging rights. Everyone who shows up will be eligible for the raffle. I will put up the rules shortly and some deets. Btw md, don't even try launching off your campground 

Btw md, don't even try launching off your campground 

      Bummer.  What a convenience that would have been.  Oh well.

Maybe in! plus 1

Ben -

Need a head count for the man dogs.

Thanks! Scott

Will be bringing a pair of neoprene waders to give away. Only been used once. Let me know if you would like to try on.

Anyone interested in a gear swap afterwards? I have TONS of unused tackle and gear I will bring.

Jeff