You can feel autumn in the air now ??? albeit only for a few hours in the early morning. We're seeing consistent upper 40's at night and the lake temperature is gradually dropping. (Low 70's these last few days.) The bass are hinting at a better bite, the cats are still prowling, and there's bluegill to be caught. Here's what I know?Ķ

There's been agreement this week that the bass bite is improving. That short morning window for the bass bite has opened up from just a couple of hours right at sun up to three and even four hours from about six to ten in the morning. A longer fishing window means more fish to most anglers. The other important change to note this week is the jerk bait bite. The bass are now suspending and jerk baits like Lucky Craft's Pointer in the 78 series and Rapala's X-Raps & Husky Jerk lures are now in the mix. I'd also look to some lipless crankbaits to be happening as the bass are more in the mood to chase a lure. I'm very optimistic about the fall bite being some of the best bass fishing of the year for 2008! The crappie season doesn't typically get going again until November. We'll keep you posted as things change on that front. However, several of my local anglers have been chasing bluegill and doing well. We've also got Meal & Wax worms back in stock to help in that pursuit. Fishing below docks during the middle of the day has been the key.

Catfish continue to tempted using mackerel, shrimp, anchovies, night crawlers, and live minnows. Some folks are doing well with other favorites too like chicken livers and clams. There isn't any real trick to the catfish, soak your bait and be patient. You'll likely get bit! Shore anglers and boaters alike are doing well all over the lake where access isn't restricted by weeds.

Now, let's talk about some cool products I'd like to showcase this week ??? I've got two of Shimano's magnesium framed Core reels left in the store. The regular price on these reels is $349.95 ??? our sale price is technically too low for me to advertise so I'll just say that you can buy a nice Sedona reel (almost two) with what you'll save by picking one up now. And speaking of Sedona reels ??? I've got some 2008 models on clearance right now to make room for the new 2009's that we've got coming. (Yes, reels have model years too.) Take ten bucks off any Sedona FB series reel in stock!

And finally, we've got two sweet Smith & Wesson revolvers on sale ??? a model 629 (44 Magnum) and a K22 Masterpiece (22LR). Both are sale priced well below MSRP. We've also got Glock's new Model 21SF in .45 ACP and Model 39 in .45 GAP in stock now. Stop by and check out these recent additions to our growing inventory of handguns from S&W, Glock, Springfield, Para Ordnance, Auto Ordnance, Walther, Ruger, Taurus, Charter Arms, and others. We've got shotguns in stock starting at $200 and rifles starting around $300. Home defense, personal defense, shooting clays, target shooting or hunting ??? we've got what you need! Pepper spray, too.

-Bob Rider, Owner
Lakeshore Bait & Tackle
14913-D Lakeshore Drive
Clearlake, CA 95422
707.994.FISH (3474)
www.994Fish.com

Your local fishing, firearms and fun dealer.