Melones Trout Bout 2/20/2010 *Video added*

I couldn't get a bite on a grub for the life of me. So I start drifting power bait off the bottom. They liked that.

Can you provide a photo on your setup for this one?  I wonder if it will work at other lakes...

Thanks in advance,

Luis

Not the  best pic. Its the same thing I use for trolling grubs... the grubs on there cuz I trolled back to the dock. Just use a treble hook for the power bait instead. Its 6# main line, 4# leader. I just drop it to the bottom and drift with the wind.

Kool! thanks jeff! Nice video too! is the camera attached to your head some how?

Its a GoPro camera, non-hd. It seems to have better quality in brighter light conditions. The angle on some of the vids were kinda off. Im still trying to figure it out. I wish I could mount an external mic so there is sound

I hope Ben didnt freeze last night with the rain. It poured here last night then it got quiet, but thats because I woke up to this....

Actually I came home last night, got off around 1030 and was home at midnight. Noticed it was gonna rain in the morning and decided not to fish early. Last night was pretty awesome out alone in the dark, but no crappie found.

Pretty much the same as most everyone, trolled for trout for hours for nada, then gave up and fished for bass. Ended up with two LMB which I caught on a J7 firetiger at 10-20' down on the spectra downrigger. What a great day on the water, it was like glass with no wind, paddled a lot of miles. Really nice meeting some new NCKA folks. Ghost and Mrs Ghost actually stayed in the same hotel so Molly got to jump on them before the event.  Good to fish with some old friends who I haven't seen for awhile. Fished from 7AM-12 then fired up the grill for some tri-tip and man dogs. Many thanks to Bassmanben for organizing. I think we need to do more of these events which really helps build the good NCKA vibe. Lot of Hobies out there yesterday. Still not ready to get one but afer 3 hours of paddling a tandem with a downrigger and retriever in the bow, I was a little envious. No room for Molly in a hobie, though. 

scott

Thanks Ben for getting this together!

I paddled 6.5 miles in 6.5 hours for not much, did have a few taps while trolling and one while casting towards shore.  but no fish in the boat.  the day was beautiful tho and I had a great time afterwords!

Fishdit, No problem on the paddle loan, I've done that a few times myself!

and I got the paddle returned to Fishworks this afternoon

I had a fun time fishing and hanging with everyone, regardless of being skunked. Great job on the event Ben! Nice helping out with the bbq Ricci & Scott! I think I ate two of everything. Cool video Jeff, you sure got into some nice bass. I think I should of followed Kurt (fishdit) this time! nice job hooking into 3 of them. See you all for the next event! Gary

Alright, here we go

First off, I'd like to thank everyone from coming out. It was a lot of fun.  We had a total of 26 yakfishers come out (I think), for a great turnout!

The weather was great, cloudy but glassy all day.  The bass boat tourney guys for the most part were respectful and spread out through the whole lake.  

Fishing was a bit on the slow side, most of the trout are still milling around between Glory Hole and Carson Creek.  

First place with a 15.25" trout was JWR



Second place with a 14" trout was Barefoot1


Third place was Dilbeck


I fished most of the day for bass, failingly.  I got one on a dropshot, and missed about 6 or 7 bites. Don't know what's wrong with me these days.

On the way back to the ramp, I trolled through the hot zone.  Got one good hit on a j-7 rapala, then a really good hit/hookup on a f5 rapala.  That fish was hooked, I turned around to look at him - then he cleared the air about 2 feet, shook his head and tossed the lure.  JWR was right next to my fish at the time, and turned back around to run through the area.  Shortly after, he caught the 15" winner on a wedding ring.  Good thing that I showed him how its done =)

Thanks to Scott for grilling up the man dogs, thanks to fishdit/kurt for donating some prizes, and thanks to Andy1976 who could not make it but has graciously offered a gift certificate for his lures to the first and second place winners.

We'll try to do this again next year, gonna need a bit more planning and decide whether we want to make it big enough to get some real sponsors, or keep it small and hookup-ish.  

Here are a few pictures for your approval, unfortunately I am forgetful of taking pics while OTW

Makinitcount


JWR


Pat R's brother Bill


GB2 & Molly


Grumpy from the rear


The early crew waiting for lunch


Chattin about fishin'


The group (minus a couple late arrivers) back at camp

Ben - you rock.  Not only for setting all of this up and getting it all organized but even showing the new guy where the fish were.  

The story he tells is true.  I had a couple of short strikes while trolling longer Gulp nightcrawlers on wedding rings.  I shortened the tails and no more hits.

After launching at the crack of 9:30 and trolling straight actross from the ramp and floowing that shoreline around I was heading for the ramp with a skunk.  When we met up.  We were trolling in parallel and he was 50 ft in front.  He gets hit and the fish jumps and spits the hook.

So I peeled off and circled back.  When coming through I got a heavy hit.  After an epic battle with the 15 inch leviathan (I had 4 lb test and a light drag).  I convinced the fish to join me on board.

I'm new to the NCKA and it was great to meet all of the others for lunch at the campsite.  What a great crew of people.  Plus I headed home with a new rod tube.

Thanks again Ben.

A couple of photos from the event and the trolling rig.  The key to using a wedding ring (kokanee lure) is increase the leader length to 4ft from the 2 ft that is in the package.

Ben and Michael,

My thanks as well. My story is much like everyone else. Lots of paddling and lost gear, one little bass. My FF konked out just as I put my line in the water so I lost my clock, and lost my sense of time fishing such a beautiful day, and missed most of the meet-up. I guess next time 

The Other Ben

buy the looks of me in the group pic it is time to trim the beard 

No way, dude, I was just admiring it!  It takes dedication.  Be strong!

mine is getting wild, too....  but beards are manly.

Looks like a GREAT outing guys/gals! Lots of fun with like minded folk Good luck, Eric

Very good on all of yous'......looks and reads like all had fun and it didn't rain or blow= Good day out + good timing Ben!

Congrads to those who were able to fool a fish, cuz it's been hard, round down these parts of the woods.

thanks for clickin and postin!