Search found 780 matches

by Larry Hemphill
Sat Aug 18, 2018 3:12 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Berryessa
Replies: 12
Views: 3537

Comments for you on Berryessa

As a guide on the lake for 36 years, I don't usually make comments on emails like yours - for obvious reasons. The narrows has been known for years as the home of smaller classes of bass. Not this year!! The two biggest bass hooked this spring by clients - in the 8 to 9 lb range, were hooked in the ...
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Aug 13, 2018 2:09 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: hot foot
Replies: 4
Views: 1393

Re: hot foot

If you are used to hand control as I have been for my last 9 or 10 bass boats, the foot control isn't the problem. Jamming down the hand control forward and your boat is still not moving forward - that is the problem. Clients laughing at me was not nice - LOL!! Oh - I remember - the foot makes it go...
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Aug 08, 2018 12:14 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Jerry brown
Replies: 52
Views: 8964

Road 31 - to Berryessa!

Two examples of a state with goals that don't benefit the general public. Nearly 100% of the general public 16 and over uses our roads and highways. Tow a boat to Clear Lake west of Yuba City on hwy 20. The hwy is nearly down to the original dirt in some places. Fun to watch your 40 to 90 thousand d...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Aug 05, 2018 10:06 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Night Fishing Trip
Replies: 6
Views: 3430

Berkley Fireline

I have used Berkley Fireline, 30 lb test in the Flame Green color now for years. It will even work on a bigger spinning reel. It is really bright in the black light. No broken line lost fish yet, after several years of night fishing!
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Aug 04, 2018 10:47 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Lake Almanor
Replies: 3
Views: 1188

Chiming in!

This is Larry Hemphill - the chime in guy! Always awake!! August is a slow month at Almanor, but can be better if you know some off-shore structure. Smallies will be deeper during the day, but will move shallow at first light and sometimes the hour before dark. I would look for the deepest part of l...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Jul 15, 2018 4:27 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Bass Scoop
Replies: 4
Views: 1266

Good job!

It was wonderful to attend the shows when they were in Vegas. A little far away now from Yuba City!! You have done a great job showing us the new "stuff" coming out. Bobby - you do a great job keeping people "on point" as they explain their new products. Their time was limited an...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Jun 23, 2018 7:49 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Baits for night fishing
Replies: 5
Views: 3159

Re: Baits for night fishing

I agree that crankbaits can be excellent at night, especially if you have a lot of flats next to deep water. My biggest crank bass was a 12 lb 10 oz monster from Amador in the good 'ol days - 1989. I really think that worms will out fish jigs in the summer warm water. I have hundreds of night trips ...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jun 22, 2018 3:11 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Baits for night fishing
Replies: 5
Views: 3159

One more thing!

Remember - if you are fishing a giant worm like the 10 or 12 inch variety, MAKE SURE you use the proper matching hook! Many of my clients bring good night baits with hooks that are way too small. Gamakatsu 5/0 and 6/0 may be needed. Some of our night baits have a lot of plastic to get thru!!
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jun 22, 2018 2:57 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Baits for night fishing
Replies: 5
Views: 3159

Another idea

The baits on his list are good. The 10" Berkley Power worm might be the best - IF your body of water has big bass. I have found after 30 years of night fishing, if I could have only one bait, it would be the 7" black Power worm. This is especially true if your are fishing a lake like Berry...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jun 22, 2018 2:38 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Berryessa Help
Replies: 7
Views: 3250

topwater?

Just a quick comment on topwater. That bite is the most on/off bite in bass fishing. The morning summer topwater bite is the best of the day usually since the water is the coolest in the summer. Yesterday was the beginning of our first major heat spell, and the surface temp was already 81 degrees on...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Jun 10, 2018 8:52 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: New boat question
Replies: 15
Views: 3976

Re: New boat question

I agree with MichaelB! A poet and I didn't know it!! Outboards - of all engines - are designed to run, not sit. A hundred hours in 20 years equals a lot of sitting! DO have it carefully checked out before you buy!!
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Jun 06, 2018 8:35 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Almanor
Replies: 7
Views: 1811

Maybe some help?

I have fished beautiful Lake Almanor for most of my adult life. Vacations, guiding, fun fishing, and even night fishing. And recently - tournament fishing in the spring with buddy Mike Sperbeck. We took 3rd last year and 4th this year at the invitational April tournament. June is a post-spawn month ...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jun 01, 2018 9:01 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Nitro vs Ranger
Replies: 7
Views: 6175

Resale!

I have said this before on the forum. I have sold many of my Ranger boats and they sell fast. Many will not bother to look at a used boat unless it is a Ranger. The last one I sold went in 5 hours after it hit the wb.com classified page. I had cash deposit in my hand, and he lived about 50 miles awa...
by Larry Hemphill
Thu May 31, 2018 4:04 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Lake Oroville Largemouth?
Replies: 5
Views: 1976

Re: Lake Oroville Largemouth?

Ash - your last sentence was clever - loved it!
by Larry Hemphill
Wed May 30, 2018 8:54 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Lake Oroville Largemouth?
Replies: 5
Views: 1976

Re: Lake Oroville Largemouth?

I don't fish Oroville as much as I used to, but some of the "rules" of the lake haven't changed much. The one largemouth over 10 lbs that I have caught at Oroville hit a jig near the dam. That was about 20 years ago - in the fall (November). Most largemouth are known to hang in the north f...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun May 20, 2018 4:13 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Night Fishing
Replies: 12
Views: 3661

Re: Night Fishing

I love your name - must have been a winning ticket number! I have written articles on all your questions - they were excellent questions!! I have fished nights for about 40 years - guiding and fun fishing. Last year and so far this year, everyone wants to fish in daylight - imagine that!! Actually, ...
by Larry Hemphill
Thu May 17, 2018 11:32 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Night Fishing
Replies: 12
Views: 3661

Re: Night Fishing

I was reading this thread about night fishing - and there I was! I haven't had many requests for night fishing lately - not sure why. I just do what the public wants, and they like daylight now I guess. Most of the large bass over 10 lbs that my clients and I have caught are more active at night, es...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Apr 06, 2018 2:01 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: happy day!
Replies: 1
Views: 895

happy day!

I just posted my first photos on the forum with my post - and it worked!! Doing stuff on the computer is not my easiest activity. how 'bout that Wayne - didn't have to call you!!!
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Apr 06, 2018 1:52 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Getting young people into our sport!
Replies: 2
Views: 1344

Getting young people into our sport!

My recent reports (below) mentioned 16 yr old twins and dad with a 16 lb Berryessa limit, caught in one hour! Next trip, 6 yr old Allison put the adults to shame as she caught the biggest bass at 3 1/4 lbs - hooked, fought, and landed the bass all by herself! Dad said she is a pretty good angler - w...
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Mar 21, 2018 7:20 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: What trumps what?
Replies: 8
Views: 2333

temp gauge is your friend!

Most low elevation lakes have water temps that are nearly the same for incoming creeks and streams - depending on their location. The deciding factor is the source of the incoming water. Lake Oroville is the perfect example. Most know that the south fork warms up quicker in the spring because incomi...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Mar 17, 2018 10:25 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: What trumps what?
Replies: 8
Views: 2333

A few thoughts

I could write an essay on this subject. Just remembered - I did once! I only have time for this: sudden, cold, muddy water is the kiss of death for a bass bite. They do not do well with muddy water going thru their gill plates. They will move to cleaner water if they can find it. If they can't, they...
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Feb 28, 2018 7:22 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Bullards Bar weather info - Wed evening
Replies: 0
Views: 533

Bullards Bar weather info - Wed evening

This is just some late weather info - Wed, 7 pm. Big storm coming as most of you know. This is a cold one and there is 6 to 18 inches of snow forecast for the 2000 ft elevation. Will this happen? Who knows. Not sure I would take the chance. Ramps at Bullards are steep as are the approaching roads. J...
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Feb 27, 2018 7:51 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Clear lake guide
Replies: 11
Views: 2732

Just remember....

I have been a guide long enough to learn the patterns of clients. Spring is the time everyone wants to get on the water - especially after this present weather pattern! Fishing is good and the chance for a trophy bass is best in the spring. It is a good idea when trying to book a trip to have more t...
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Jan 31, 2018 11:12 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Oroville guide
Replies: 2
Views: 748

Re: Oroville guide

Most good guides are not available on such notice and do require a deposit check. Ron Gandolfi is the main bass guide there now. I guided for over 30 years at Oroville and still do on occasion.
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Jan 29, 2018 9:02 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: 15 Pounder was caught at Camanche
Replies: 15
Views: 7510

Re: 15 Pounder was caught at Camanche

I just hope he was enough of a serious fisherman to realize the gravity of what he did. Rare catch in northern California these days. He must have used some good fishing skills to land her on 4 lb test. I wonder if there is a record that can be broken (4 lb test) in California if the bass was offici...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jan 26, 2018 8:14 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Cleark Lake end of March
Replies: 5
Views: 1691

Some thoughts

Clear Lake is a harder lake to pattern for the spawn. It is a bit higher elevation at near 1400 feet and often experiences many different weather patterns from March thru the end of May. It has a major coastal weather influence. The bass are often found in the shallows during a warm spell in late Ma...
by Larry Hemphill
Thu Jan 04, 2018 9:03 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: wacky style hook sizes
Replies: 4
Views: 1413

Another idea

Hi George! In my opinion, there is a big difference between the 5 and 6 inch Senko. The 6 inch is a thicker bait and needs a bigger, wider gap hook. Hold the 2 sizes in your hands - feel the difference! The 6 inch is a lot of material to plug up the smaller gap of a 2/0 hook. That hook is ok for a 5...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Dec 09, 2017 6:05 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: New Trophy Bass book
Replies: 13
Views: 2961

Re: New Trophy Bass book

Yes, Stan is an excellent read! I knew him pretty well, even visiting him in his home in Washington state. He was really able to break down some of the major shallow water techniques. I don't think he did a lot of deep water bass fishing. Wonderful, fun gentleman!!!
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Nov 27, 2017 8:37 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: WWBT Sold To New Owners
Replies: 16
Views: 9601

Another great Evinrude

After the accident I had recently, I have a nearly new Ranger 521 rig that came with the Evinrude 250. When the previous owner said that his boat was powered with the Evinrude, I almost jumped for joy! My 3rd one now and it is wonderful! With all the old arguments about Evinrude, Mercury, or Ford, C...
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Nov 13, 2017 11:33 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Again - thank you Jeremy at C&C Marine!
Replies: 2
Views: 1387

Again - thank you Jeremy at C&C Marine!

After my recent accident, totaling my Ranger 521, I was able to buy another nearly new 521 from a private party. I did need several thing checked out and changed for my use - new Minn Kota 112, etc. Jeremy again has been most helpful in helping me make the proper upgrades and giving the Evinrude 250...
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Oct 30, 2017 6:16 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Thank you for the support!
Replies: 9
Views: 3047

Thank you for the support!

I just wanted to thank you for the calls and emails about my accident. I was towing to C&C Marine, Sacramento, for yearly updates a few weeks ago when my trailer had a major problem which led to my boat and truck separating and being totaled. Thankfully, the only un-totaled item was me! God is a...
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Oct 30, 2017 5:48 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: 24lbs of Smallmouth
Replies: 4
Views: 2623

Re: 24lbs of Smallmouth

All those lines so close together on your meter - is that a good thing? - LOL!!! I have been able to fish several lakes near Spokane and have boated on Coeur twice but have never fished it. The smallie you are holding is just beautiful - perfect example of the great fishery you have!!
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Oct 25, 2017 9:35 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Bass ponds
Replies: 5
Views: 2266

Re: Bass ponds

When I first moved to Yuba City in the late 70's, I heard about the Yuba Goldfields ponds, east of Marysville. I fished them for several years as I had never been around ponds - living in big cities like San Jose. You had to pay to fish them and you could buy a yearly pass. There was lots of ponds -...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Oct 14, 2017 11:20 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Year of the Big Bass
Replies: 16
Views: 3949

Re: Year of the Big Bass

I don't know much about Washington bass, but that is a healthy bass. Seems to be feeding well. I remember about 20+ years ago a friend moved to Washington state. He called me a few months later and said the bass fishing was excellent and nobody fishes for them, just salmon and trout! I'm sure that i...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Oct 14, 2017 11:08 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: RIP Lewis Andy "Cooch" Cuccia
Replies: 56
Views: 31687

VERY sad news!

I just found out that Cooch passed away. I was catching up on the forum tonight after posting a report. I didn't know Cooch as well as most of you did since I don't fish the delta much. I did fish one of his youth tournaments several years ago. As I was leaving in the morning with my young people an...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Sep 17, 2017 6:01 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: High pressure vrs low pressure
Replies: 6
Views: 2226

Air mass - cold vs warm

Gary's first sentence pretty much nailed it. To go a bit further, the incoming air mass during an approaching storm is often a warm front. Most storms are followed by a cold front, featuring cloudless skies with bright sun, or at night, a bright moon (during full moon periods). An incoming daytime s...
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Aug 22, 2017 1:03 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Trip Report - Bass fishing and backpacking in Henry Coe State Park, Ca, Coit Lake
Replies: 3
Views: 1958

There is always a big one - somewhere!

When I moved to Yuba City many years ago, I fell in love with the Yuba Goldfields ponds. I fished them for years before becoming a licensed guide - busy on the big lakes. It is true that most pond bass become stunted because of over-population - folks not allowed to keep any bass. However, more ofte...
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Aug 21, 2017 11:48 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: englebright lake, whats the deal?
Replies: 2
Views: 2917

A very nice lake!

I can comment on the lake. I have fished it off and on for about 20 years and guide on the lake when someone wants to try a different lake. It was a smallmouth - largemouth lake until recently when spotted bass have found their way into the lake, as they always seem to do. A 7 lb 3 oz smallmouth was...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Aug 19, 2017 4:19 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Unprecedented Clear Lake Fish Die-Off: Dead fish islands about the size of three football fields.
Replies: 48
Views: 17441

Re: Unprecedented Clear Lake Fish Die-Off: Dead fish islands about the size of three football fields.

I did see several sizes of dead shad yesterday. Some I could barely see (tiny) to 3 inches. I was surprised to see some bigger dead bass. I have noticed this summer that we have caught a lot more shallow bass in spite of all the hot weather. That might be the reason we lost so many bass during this ...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Aug 19, 2017 4:07 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Ralph Miller with an 8.32 lb big fish of the tournament! Yuba Sutter Fishing Club
Replies: 2
Views: 1485

Wow -way to go!!

Congrats on tournament big fish. What a thrill that must have been!! That fish will be in your dreams for many nights! You will land that beauty several more times - in your dreams
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:51 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Jigs - Delta
Replies: 9
Views: 3163

Trailers can matter

I am not a delta expert, but do know jigs. All of the previous posts are excellent! Don't forget that a jig trailer is part of the total package. Try different sizes and actions. In very dingy water, you want a trailer that moves water and offers bulk to the package. Some trailers look good in clear...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:30 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Limit out tackle
Replies: 5
Views: 2034

Re: Limit out tackle

I also am very grateful to Bob for treating my clients well! If I was guiding out of the Oaks, I would suggest clients stop at his shop after the trip, maybe picking up some of the successful baits we used. Bob always was very helpful to them!
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:22 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Western WA
Replies: 6
Views: 2299

Re: Western WA

Many, many years ago a friend of mine moved to Washington state. He called me about 6 month later and was gushing about how good the bass fishing was. We didn't discuss size, but he was one happy dude!!
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Jul 31, 2017 8:26 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Tough Summer Bite
Replies: 2
Views: 1521

Big Lake!!

I have friends who live near Coeur d'Alene (Post Falls). I have never fished the lake but have been all over it by boat. It seems to me it would take years to properly learn that huge lake. One would have to learn the weather patterns for a lake that big too. Big wind could be a problem. I have been...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Jul 29, 2017 7:44 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Deep vs. Shallow in the Summer
Replies: 2
Views: 1953

cloud cover matters

In a typical lake with a typical summer, the water is usually fairly clear except on a Monday after weekend boating activity. If you can fish on a cloudy day, the rewards can be amazing. One of my home lakes is Oroville, in Northern Calif. This has happened more than once, but we had a totally cloud...
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Jul 19, 2017 9:31 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Lake almanor
Replies: 8
Views: 2002

Re: Lake almanor

You can call 530 674-0276. I would be happy to talk to you about the lake.
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Jul 19, 2017 7:46 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Lake almanor
Replies: 8
Views: 2002

I could help you

I have fished and guided on the lake for 30+ years. A friend and I took 3rd place in a large spring tournament there this year. I always like to talk to people rather than post info about a lake, mainly because I need to know the specific questions. I could talk for hours about Almanor fishing - day...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jul 07, 2017 1:59 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Revitalizing Berryessa Tourism
Replies: 4
Views: 2487

Resorts were each given a 50 yr lease

I don't know all the details (does anyone?), but all the original resorts were given a 50 year lease from the fed govt after the lake was filled in 1958. When those leases were over around 2010, all but 2 of the resorts were shut down and torn down. I watched some of the destruction from my boat as ...
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Jul 05, 2017 8:25 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: IGFA Questions Genetics of Newest World Record Spotted Bass
Replies: 11
Views: 6936

Alabamas they were!

Sorry, my fingers were typing while my mind was in a fog. I was thinking about Kentuckys while I was writing Alabamas. My bad!
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Jul 04, 2017 1:32 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: IGFA Questions Genetics of Newest World Record Spotted Bass
Replies: 11
Views: 6936

Re: IGFA Questions Genetics of Newest World Record Spotted Bass

It seems that identifying separate species of certain bass would be difficult these days. There is too much inter-breeding. The only pure Florida strain largemouth I know of are found at Rancho Seco lake. Smallies and spots inter-breed at several lakes - clients and I have caught many at Lake Orovil...