Fishing this season? Be mindful of limits
After fishing for trout with my family at Fortuna Pond, none of us, 5 people including 3 youngsters, even getting a bite of any kind whatsoever, no matter what bait combination we used or where we fished, which is so very unusual — we have never, ever fished Fortuna without catching something. It was as if there were no fish at all in residence, in spite of plantings by Game and Fish. As a result, my plan was to make the suggestion to Game and Fish region IV people to maybe plant more fish, or even better, to possibly plant more fish more often at that location so that more anglers could enjoy the catching experience. Most people fishing were going way over their limits. Most all areas around Fortuna Pond were packed full of RV’rs and tenters along the water possibly from colder parts of our great United States, here to enjoy the sun with the 14-day pass. But I’m thinking that maybe they are enjoying it so much, they are fishing ‘us’ out of the sport which might make it a good suggestion to somehow plant more fish? After fishing for quite awhile, we left Fortuna and headed home empty handed without thinking to try Redondo or other fishing ponds that had also been planted with trout before we ventured to the water. Could be we might have found some fish at other waters but we were tired and ready to head home. Wonder if others are experiencing the same disappointments? It makes me wonder if the campers and anglers are paying attention to limits of the take as they should? Could it be a good idea to leave some fishing regulations at the pond where there are other notices for people to check out prior to fishing? Maybe so!
As a result of our everso-sad fishing day, my son pulled up a copy of the winter trout planting dates online. The December trout planting dates at Fortuna and Redondo ponds was Dec. 3 so by now the trout should be settled down and hungry for some power bait and meal worms. On Dec. 17, the plan is to plant trout at the Somerton Council Park Pond as well as Yuma West Wetlands. Mark your calendars and don’t miss out!
Today’s bass fishing tip: Although bass feed sparingly and are not as aggressive in cold weather, you can still find success by putting your bait, via a vertical presentation in front of the bass for a longer period of time in order to entice a strike. The colder the weather becomes, the more vertical your presentation must become. Light tackle and small lures are also recommended.
Try using a jigging spoon to attract lazy bass. This type of spoon is a perfect imitation of a bass’ main forage in the winter — a dying bait fish fluttering. Also, try using a jig and eel or a slowly retrieved, deep-diving crankbait with a large slow wobble. Tube worms, grubs and soft plastic worms are also good choices for fussy fish.
Remember that overnight weather changes are frequent this time of year. This is advantageous to anglers because fish tend to group tighter and deeper and they don’t move as much as in warmer times. Flipping — tossing a lure underhanded 15 to 20 feet into tight cover — is great for enticing cold-weather bass. Use a weed-less jig and pork dressing and watch for the slightest pause or twitch in the line as it falls against fallen trees, brush or dock pilings. Remember, a slow retrieve is one of the keys to taking cold-water bass.
Fishing clubs
t %FTFSU #BTT "OHMFST i5IF Fun Way to Fish”: Mac McDermott SFQPSUT i5IF XIPMF EBZ PG UIF BOOVBM 1SFTJEFOU T $IPJDF UPVSOBNFOU XBT as slick as can be,’ as Mac put it, for everyone taking part in the 4-fish limit competition as well as enjoying the ever-so-tasty tri-tip dinner afterwards. Hearty Congratulations UP DP BOHMFST PG UIF ZFBS 5JN 1SJDF and Lynn Domby for their heap of hard and steady work put into bass fishing all year long. Tournament results: No. 1 — Scott Nigh/Josh Hodges topped the field with their 13.33 total weight also bringing in the winning big fish weighing 4.48. Husband and wife, James & Krista Gerber placed second with 12.18 as well as enjoying the No. 2 big fish weighing 4.30. Father and son team, Keith & Jacob Lute placed third with 11.86 while Robert Murray took fourth place with 11.42. In the No. 5 spot were Joe Mayerchik/Jack Cotten with 9.57 — they also won the junk fish option with a 2.70 striper. The next tournament will be on the river Jan. 5, launching out of Fisher’s Landing. Club dues are still $15 with additional members of immediate family $10 each. New members are welcome. Call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 726-1984.
t %FTFSU %SBX 4FSJFT 1SP "N Bass Fishing Club: Important note: Michael Obney is encouraging nonboaters to sign up for tournaments as well as boaters. In essence, that is what the idea behind the draw JT 1BJS OPO CPBUFST XJUI CPBUFST UP exchange ideas. A win, win situation. A great way to learn lots of tips for successful bass fishing.
Latest tournament results: The first place honors and first place big fish both went to Robert Murray at the latest club tournament. His winning bag was 13.02 lbs with a 3.96 lb big fish. In second place Brian Velazquez 8.48; in third place team Lanny Brock/Matt Helmken 8.05; and in fourth place team Mac McDermot/Grant Smith 3.21. Reminder: It’s time to pay 2019 dues. Check the next column for results of Saturday’s end of the year tournament or call Michael at (928) 750-7081. Today’s plans are the get-together at Taipan Rods, 3575 E. No Cooler 1MBDF 4VJUF % JO :VNB XJUI UIF club providing carne asada, tortillas and drinks. Each member is asked to bring a side dish. It’s a family event so bring the kids! We ask that no alcohol be brought to the event. Each member will be given tickets for the raffle. Head east on 32nd Street, out of Yuma turning right onto Avenue 3-1/2E, then turn left onto No Cooler 1MBDF OE CVJMEJOH PO UIF SJHIU From the Foothills, it’s 32nd Street to Avenue 3-1/2E, turn left onto Avenue 3-1/2 E, turning left to No Cooler 1MBDF UP UIF OE CVJMEJOH
t "#" :VNB EJWJTJPO .VDI thanks to Yuma’s Billy Clothier and his wife for taking over the tournament’s season here for ABA — very much appreciated. Their next tournament will be Jan. 19 on the river. Time to get in the action if you haven’t done so yet. Results of the December tournament will be forthcoming or call Billy Clothier at 919-0304.
Contact Jean Wilson at jeanrenegade@ gmail.com or call 247-4450.