Mendo getting better!

I hit Mendo before work early today with Bigeyedave and his dad.  Fish were busting by 7:30 all over the south end of the lake.  We chased boils for nada and had a few missed bites.  Things petered out until about 10-ish and then it was on.  I landed 3 (1 kept, 2 released), Dave landed 3 and his dad hit 1.  I had to go to a meeting so I was off the water at 11:00.  

We were the only people on the lake with bait, and the only people catch much, so if you are coming up make sure to have bait because the local guy is still out.

Super nice meeting Dave's dad, he was a delight.

Dave with Mendo money...

Damn... you guys are killing us down here.  I hope you guys leave a few stripers in the lake for us to catch in the October derby.

NICE CATCH!

Hey Sean - are there any other live bait shops around the area? I'm really itching to go this weekend!  

QUestion: On your carolina (live bait) rig, how heavy is your sinker?

Thanks for sharing your report!

We had a blast.  This was my dads third time out on a kayak.  He was getting a little frustrated watching Sean and I catch fish and seeing all the boils with no love for him .  After Sean left we made one last run down the lake toward a boil and I was slightly in front of him.  I heard a huge splash   and turned around to see his boat upside down, the top of his hat and his rod straight up in the air bent over like a candy cane and pumping.  I made a u-turn and paddled back over to him. He had a nice fish on that was towing him away from the kayak like a bobber.  I took the rod out of his hand and did what any son would do.... landed the fish.   We got him back up on his boat and caught breath, laughed our heads off and called it a day.  If you like topwater and get excited about fish boiling Mendo is the place.

If you like topwater and get excited about fish boiling Mendo is the place.

Yeah - I remember it well on our last trip with John & Mike    Definitely a National Geographic Moment! I'd like to capture a boil in a photo next time  

The last time I camped out in the Forebay with John and Rickey, I saw some boils within the weedbeds just before the sun went down but it was nothing compared to the mendo boils

Dave - did your dad loose any gear when he flipped?

No, he didn't lose any gear.  He didn't have any gear.  I had everything on my boat and all he had was his rod he was fishing with.  He had his rod tethered most of the day but I think he was getting a little confident by the end of the day and had taken the tether off.  It made it much easier for me to take the rod from him and land the fish   .

Joel,
I almost forgot one of the funniest things that happened.  My dad didn't lose any gear but Sean did.  I had a fish in my lap and was wrestling the hook out of his mouth when Sean paddled up and asked me if I needed a pair of pliers.  I said sure if you have them handy.  He raises the pliers and casually throws them in my direction   .  At that point it all went to slow motion.  I was thinking , What is he doing?  He looked very calm and cool.  The pliers hit the water and skid just out of my reach as he says, "These are my new floating pliers."  The pliers then stop, nose dive and disappear out of site toward the bottom.  May the rest in peace with the fishes.  We both just sat there in shock staring at the empty spot on the water where the pliers just were.  I say, "I think you better get your money back on those pliers." Note to self.. Check floating pliers in shallow water first.

Boy... I'm sure glad I didn't buy those pricey X-Factor pliers.   I was getting ready to buy a pair until now.   I'm assuming those are the same ones that Sean lost.

My x-pliers did float when they were new, but apparently they lost their mojo over the last 6 months.  The whole thing was hilarious after I was over the shock of it all.

Hana-There arent any other bait shops, but I have bait at the house.  If your coming up let me know and stock up so I can pinch off some of the stash.  The bait I am importing is much better anyway.

Check the weather its looking iffy, but it won't effect the fishing, and it will keep the trafic down.

That's a funny story Dave    

Sean - thanks for the bait offer - but the weather looks like it's gonna suck. I'll take you up some other time! I think I'll stick to local waters this weekend. Thanks again!
 
Good luck this weekend and please take Dave's advise:

"I think you better get your money back on those pliers."