Two exciting things in my universe this week - copious amounts of rain and
jumbo minnows. When you're in the bait business and you're connected to the
fishing like we are, rain is a welcome sight come the end of summer. It
means our lake is getting a surge of fresh everything. We'll typically see a
big jump in fish activity and feeding following the first good soaker of the
season. Add to that a big load of healthy plump jumbo minnows and Bob's a
happy bait guy! Here are the reports from the past week, but keep in mind
this is the true onset of a season change and things should shift for the
better as we move into November.

Bass folks are doing the same thing they've been doing for the past several
weeks. Some success on jigs, tubes, drop shot rigs, deep cranks, and jerk
baits. Some refer to this as "junk fishing" because you're just getting your
tackle box out and digging through to find something - anything - that might
give you an edge. The best bite for these folks continues to be first thing
in the morning. Now, the folks fishing live bait are having marginally
better luck. A couple of my regulars reported fish stacked in layers -
bluegill over crappie over bass. We see this pattern form in the fall and
winter and it can be a great formula for success once you figure out how to
target the species you want to catch. Live minnows should improve your odds.
Get 'em onto a slip float rig and set the depth for what you want to catch.
Look for the deeper points, ledges, and deeper humps/rock piles this time of
year. Our JUMBO minnows arrived yesterday (Thursday) and have been an
immediate success. Once customer reported that he was here just after the
hatchery truck dropped 'em off. He grabbed the first dozen and caught a 5+
pound bass on his first cast. Too cool!

The crappie are back. Earlier than usual, too. We're seeing crappie from the
Jones Bay/Jago Bay area. Most recent reports indicate that live bait is
still the only way to go for crappie success. Last week I proposed the Clear
Lake Crappie Challenge. I plan to continue the Crappie Challenge through the
winter and into the spring. We really want to hear about your crappie
catches and see those stringers here at Lakeshore Bait & Tackle. The
Challenge is simple - register at our shop before you head out to your
favorite fishin' hole. Registration is FREE! Come back in with your catch of
the day and let us take some pictures. Each week we'll judge the best
stringer and award the Crappie Challenge Champion award to that angler.
You'll be featured on our Wall of Fame, in our weekly report, and on our web
site too. You'll have braggin' rights for the week and some good eatin' fish
to boot.

Catfish action seems to have slowed a bit over the last week. It'll be
interesting to see what the current rains bring us.

There are a couple of notable events this coming week. On Sunday, November
2nd, the Lake County Rod & Gun Club is hosting their annual Turkey Shoot.
This club does a super job hosting a great trap shooting event where you
shoot against others and win frozen turkeys. The club is also our county's
premier trap range. Stop on by the Turkey Shoot on Sunday, buy a few rounds
of breakin' clays, and enjoy yourself. These are wonderful family events if
your kids are into shooting too. The Lake County Rod & Gun Club is located
on Highland Springs Road in Kelseyville. The shoot starts at 8:00 am and
will run all day. Snacks and Lunch will be available on site.

The second event I want to mention is Election Day on Tuesday on November
4th. This year's election is possibly the most important election our nation
has seen in many years. From amendments that protect the sanctity of
marriage (Prop. 8) here in California to choosing our country's next
President & Vice President, your vote means more now than ever. Be SURE to
get out and VOTE on Tuesday.