The West's Biggest Bass Fishing Forum

News

28.03 to Win Mead 28.03 to Win Mead | WON Bass Win Mead Final Top Results

Firefighters are working on the Clark Fire near Kelseyville Clear Lake

Double Digit Alert | 10.35 Pound Bass in a tournament

Free Magazine

Fall 2025 Fall marks the close of another exciting tournament season and brings with it the much-anticipated Tournament of Champions events. It’s hard to believe how fast the year has flown by! This season may have spared us the chaos of recent years—no COVID shutdowns, supply chain nightmares, or extreme water levels—but it brought a new challenge for California anglers: Golden Mussel restrictions and launch closures. These invasive species continue to disrupt fisheries across the state, with recent restrictions at Diamond Valley Lake (DVL) underscoring the ongoing impact. That said, there was a silver lining for Delta and Clear Lake anglers: the introduction of the Golden Mussel Region by Randy Pringle at Best Bass Tournaments (BBT). His forward-thinking solution allowed for localized, single-area launch team opens at venues affected by broader closures. We appreciate the continued innovation and commitment to the sport—thank you, Randy. On a more exciting note, shipments of new gear from ICAST 2025 have already begun arriving! It’s always a thrill to see what’s coming next, and you can check out many of the latest product releases from online at Fisherman’s Warehouse—our WesternBass advertisers are rolling out some serious game-changers. Tight Lines

Summer 2025 Hi All, Topwater, six-hour tournaments in California, and ICAST – it all screams summer and while we are used to an FLW or MLF Western Division tournament circuit stop on the California Delta this time of year, for 2025 it was missing. Fortunately, Mark Lassagne and the BAM Trail stepped in and brought those of us that call the tidal water of the West an event. I would like to congratulate Ish Monroe on his win at the Pro/Am event! Quite an accomplishment! Ish has been one of longtime WesternBass supporters and well as one of the Fisherman’s Warehouse pro staff (a WesternBass title sponsor), so it was great to hear that the Fisherman’s Warehouse exclusive color Missile Baits D Bomb in Rotten Tomato played such a big factor in his win! While summer kicks off and we get ready to head to ICAST, we once again ask that the WesternBass readers support the advertisers that allow us to bring this digital mag as well as the site to you for free! We appreciate them and you! Tight Lines Wayne

Spring 2025 Hi All, It looks like spring is on the horizon and we will soon be on our way to a new spawn! It was exciting to see some of the big bass that already have been caught in the early waves such as the double-digit on the cover with WesternBass mag contributor John Liechty and also the teener that has been making its way through social media pages caught by Gary Collins Jr. at Clear Lake. It is so good to see that the big ones like that are still out there! I hope to see even more as the season goes on. It looks like all the tournament organizations are off to a good start with participation and catches. I am hoping that the local lakes figure out a plan regarding Golden Mussels to allow us all to use there facilities this year. I am anxious Sites reservoir turns into the next bass fishing destination soon, like we discussed in the last issue of the magazine, When thinking about your fishing needs, please keep in mind the advertisers that help keep this magazine and website available to you. I would like to express my own appreciation for another year of support from the WesternBass advertisers and welcome our newest advertiser, joining us in 2025 – G-Ratt Baits. As always, tight lines! Wayne

Features

The striped bass fishery fuels a $13 billion economy New closures would devastate small businesses and the science doesn’t support them.

“Father Knows Best” isn‘t a water policy for California‘s future In a powerful commentary published by Maven’s Notebook, authors sharply criticize the Governor’s push to waive key environmental protections through budget trailer bills, which they see as a troubling dismissal of both public input and science.

Newsoms at it again O to CEQA trailer bills for the Bay-Delta Plan and NO to the Delta Conveyance Project”.

Forums

Forum	Last Post
	Trolling motors, pro�s & cons by JVGondal Sun Sep 14, 2025 9:04 pm
	Trolling motors, pro�s & cons by JVGondal Sun Sep 14, 2025 9:04 pm
	Skeet Reese Big Bass Battle begins!! by WB Staff Fri Sep 12, 2025 9:40 pm
	sonar repair around the Delta by mark poulson Sat Aug 30, 2025 10:31 am
	Double Digit Alert \| 10.35 Pound Bass by WB Staff Sun Sep 14, 2025 8:07 am
	Large Swimbait Storage? by RJB Fri Aug 8, 2025 2:37 pm
	The team of Shisiah smashes a victory at Lake Berryessa with Yak a Bass by basstrophy Wed Sep 10, 2025 9:26 pm
	Striper fly fishing by Swimbaitspence Wed Jul 2, 2025 6:41 pm

Classifieds & Latest Posts sponsored by Fisherman's Warehouse

Classifieds	Last Post	Last Post
	2019 skeeter FX20 Hull & Trailer Only. New 250 SHO (optional) by kmah Sat Sep 13, 2025 11:46 am	(2) Minn Kota Talons 12' ft. (RED) Shallow Water Anchor System - $3500 OBO by BlackGmc Sun Sep 14, 2025 9:05 pm
	Wtb 24v trolling motor by Dfowler Sun Sep 14, 2025 9:52 pm	Free PDF: Knowing Bass: the Scientific Approach to Catching more Fish by Kven62 Mon Sep 8, 2025 2:40 am
	Garmin GT 30 Transducer by lj_bass Sun Sep 7, 2025 10:35 am	WTB�steez 76mml the one and nrx872s by Isaac O Sun Sep 14, 2025 4:16 pm
	Z-man CHATTER BAITS BABY -jack hammers by BiggieSmall Thu Sep 11, 2025 5:28 pm	Swimbait Lot and a hard JDM bait by bassbusta Tue Sep 9, 2025 6:03 am
Kayak Classifieds	FS: Hobie 180 drive with kick up by marinerfandave Sat Sep 13, 2025 6:51 am	Sunline Almight Braid by BassBoy3 Tue Jul 29, 2025 8:57 pm
	Clear Lake vacation rentals by Bellaancour Tue Jun 3, 2025 3:44 pm	2014 Ford F-150 4x4 by bj gee Sat Sep 13, 2025 8:09 pm

Recent Forum Posts

Wtb 24v trolling motor by Dfowler Sun Sep 14, 2025 9:52 pm

(2) Minn Kota Talons 12' ft. (RED) Shallow Water Anchor System - $3500 OBO by BlackGmc Sun Sep 14, 2025 9:05 pm

Trolling motors, pro�s & cons by JVGondal Sun Sep 14, 2025 9:04 pm

Looking to buy a fortrex 24v by Dfowler Sun Sep 14, 2025 8:58 pm

Price Lowered Minnkota Fortrex 36V/112 $200 by Dfowler Sun Sep 14, 2025 8:53 pm

Charlie kirk by JVGondal Sun Sep 14, 2025 8:09 pm

Industry Press Releases

Dylan Denny Wins the 2025 WON Bass Lake Mead Open When day two of the 2025 Ranger Boats WON Bass Lake Mead Open presented by Mercury began, Dylan Denny held a lead over Western stalwart pro Joe Uribe Jr.

Dylan Denny Takes Day One Lead of 2025 WON Bass Lake Mead Open When scheduling a bass tournament in the desert outside Las Vegas, there are times that the weather at Lake Mead might rise to wreak havoc.

B.A.S.S. announces Live Sonar rule change for 2026 Elite Series This decision follows two years of careful evaluation.

World Record in Jeopardy The Marathon Man, Jeff Kolodzinski, prepares to break another fishing world record

DVL Update Aug 2025 DVL Update

Recent Lake Reports

Mead Lake By WB Staff Lake Mead Fishing Report – September 12 Current Bite & Conditions: Bass are being caught both up the river and in Vegas Wash, where stained water has helped improve activity. Productive areas include grassy shallows where crankbaits can be ripped clean, and sharp drops just outside coves where fish are staging. A mix of shallow power fishing and deeper finesse tactics is producing. Bass were caught both shallow (grass ripping, frog fish in practice) and deeper (sharp drops, finesse rigs). Dirty water in Vegas Wash helped trigger bites. Consistency was key—big kicker fish played a huge role Best Techniques & Baits: Crankbaits: Lucky Craft LV 500, 6th Sense Curve 55 (ripped through grass). Bladed Jig: Evergreen Jackhammer (B Hite Special) with matching trailer. Carolina Rig: Key adjustment when the bite slowed. Finesse Rigs: Wacky-rigged 5” Yamamoto Senko (Green Pumpkin Purple Copper), Ned rigs. Jigs: Football head with Yamamoto Hula Grub (Green Pumpkin Red). Other Producers: Rapala DT10 crankbait, with frog activity noted in practice. Lake Mead is offering opportunities for both big kicker bites and consistent keeper fish. Anglers should target grassy flats with power techniques early, then shift to finesse presentations on drops as pressure increases. Tournament Spotlight: At the 2025 Ranger Boats WON Bass Lake Mead Open, Dylan Denny (Dewey, AZ) claimed the win with 28.03 lbs (2 days). 2nd: Kevin Hugo (Canyon Lake, CA) – 26.07 lbs 3rd: Joe Uribe Jr. (Surprise, AZ) – 25.73 lbs, including an 8.05 lb largemouth

Mead Lake By WB Staff Lake Mead Fishing Report – September 11 Current Bite & Conditions: Day one of the Ranger Boats WON Bass Lake Mead Open was cut short by severe desert weather, canceling the first scheduled day and turning the event into a two-day sprint. Despite tough conditions, anglers found success both up the river and in shallower water around Mead. Big fish were in play, with one standout largemouth topping the 8-pound mark — a rarity for the lake. Lake Mead continues to show flashes of big bass potential, even under challenging weather conditions. Anglers are finding bites upstream, in shallow cover, and with finesse rigs in pressured areas. Staying flexible with both power and finesse tactics is critical. Best Techniques & Baits: Versatility / Junk Fishing: Shallow and deep presentations worked for the leader. Power Shot Rig: Key producer with a 6” Roboworm Fuego worm on Sunline fluorocarbon. Big Fish Factor: Both power techniques and finesse rigs produced tournament-quality bites, with one kicker weighing just over 8 lbs. Tournament Spotlight (Day One Results): 1st: Dylan Denny (Dewey, AZ) – 17.63 lbs 2nd: Joe Uribe Jr. (Surprise, AZ) – 16.41 lbs (Big Bass: 8.01 lbs) 3rd: Kevin Hugo (Canyon Lake, CA) – 15.22 lbs

From the Blogs

Surf Fishing California With RB Bass Outdoors Angler Ron Howe By Vern Westberg II

Ron Howe talks about tips and tactics as well as spots to beach fish in California. #salty #ima #berkleyfishing #rbbassoutdoors #saltwater #Stripers #halibut #surfpearch Facebook: Ron Howe / RB Bass Outdoors Instagram: @calfisher71 / @rbbass YouTube: RB Bass Outdoors? ??https://www.youtube.com/@calfisher71RBBASS/videos

The post Surf Fishing California With RB Bass Outdoors Angler Ron Howe first appeared on RB Bass Fishing.