A chilling wind has followed the wet weather this week. The wet weather we need. The wind I could do without. A quick peak at the lake this morning explains the lack of trailers at the launch ramp. White caps! Lots of ???em. While that makes the fishing a no-go for today, previous days have been pretty good if you don't mind the rain. The weekend is supposed to clear up, but the wind is supposed to stick with us until Sunday. Here's what I'm hearing about the fishing action?Ķ

A good bass bite continues on live bait. Some nice big fish have been reported from six to nine pounds this week. Anglers are finding the fish in deeper water (20 ~ 30 feet) along primary points. Deep rocks have been productive for anglers fishing jigs and drop shotting worms. Patient anglers are throwing swim baits like the Bait Smith in Blue Ghost or Black Hitch and the Ospreys. You'll fish hard for a few fish with these, but the payoff can be BIG when it comes time to meet the scale. If you can tolerate to cold (and sometimes wet), night fishermen are simply killing the big bass. An angler in our store today brought pictures of last night's catch ??? three bass over 10 pounds ??? caught while fishing in the rain and dark. His secret?Ķ Jigs. Oh my?Ķ

Crappie anglers are fishing a few key spots. Kono Tayee is getting the most attention. Shag Rock and shoreline locations along Hwy. 20 north of Clearlake Oaks are too. Word has it that a person could walk from boat to boat without touching the water at the more popular fishing holes. So a little reminder here?Ķ If you're planning to fish the hot spots, bring your manners and your patience. And plan on fishing in close quarters to other anglers trying to do the same thing you are.?? This is also a good time of year to consider cruising to some of the other well-known spots to find your own hot action. Jago Bay, Jones Bay, & Konocti have all had on-again off-again bites. We've been checking the popular Four Poles location every couple of days and aren't seeing any sign yet of a return of the crappie there.

Several of you have been asking for more of the Fin-S Shad lures?Ķ We've got a fresh supply of them in straight from the folks at Lunker City in Connecticut. We've added a new color this year that looks wonderful ??? Piranha is what they're calling it, but most of you call it Fourth of July - it is a mostly clear lure with tiny red, blue and silver flakes. You asked for ???em. We got ???em!

For catfish, we're still looking to deeper water (15 ~ 25 feet) for the best bite. One fellow was telling me just yesterday that he's been doing well fishing near Rattlesnake Island and M&M Campground over in the Oaks. He said that the bite turned off when the weather took a big change on Wednesday. He also noted that the big schools of baitfish ??? that had been present while he was catching fish ??? were absent when he wasn't. So look to this tried and true pattern for cats - look for the birds, find the baitfish, find the whiskerfish. Minnows, Mackerel, and Shrimp were top reported baits this week.

We've brought in lots of great goodies for Christmas this year ??? fun stuff from $5, $10, $20 and up. We also have gift certificates for the "hard to buy for" angler or firearms enthusiast on your list. Stop by our shop - Lakeshore Bait & Tackle ??? and load up on gifts for the stocking or for that special something under the tree. Trying to drop the big hint with your gift giver? We've got a "Wish List" that works a lot like a bridal or baby registry. Come and look for what you want ??? we'll track it in the computer. When your special someone comes in to shop for you we'll have some good ideas for them ??? that you yourself chose. It works out good for both of you!