It all began weeks ago when I made reservations to stay in Angels Camp. That's the closest boat friendly place I could find. Having stayed there before I spoke to the front desk and specifically asked for an upper level room as I would need to charge batteries every night. The nice man with the accent assured me a room was available and that he would make sure I was on the upper level. (you can see what's coming huh?) Also coming back from WA state with the Flu and coughing so hard my diaphragm hurt for days.
A special thanks goes to my friend Rob at the Bass Hole, and the guys at the Hook Up Tackle, as I purchased some Mag drafts at the BH and Blitz EX DR (I think) for the series. Went into Rob's shop looking for a I Rod Bailey Special SB rod and a flutter spoon rod. Rob didn't have the "Bailey" but hooked me up with a Jr SB model and a mid cranking level. Think I bought 3 rods. (already had the reels) Then started watching YT videos. (that's a mistake as there are so many differing opinions I felt like my head was a spinning reel filled with the latest. Well, turns out they were fantastic. Was I able to catch fish?????? Well No, but the baits looked fantastic in the clear water......
but there's more to come. Now it was time to check WB Lakes for some info. After all its been like 30+ years. Guess nobody posts since spring, so reached out on fishing forum regarding inspections. A BIG Thanks to RMANZO, who put me at ease and confirmed with what my plan was going to be. I had 3 days to break the lake down and then tournament day. I was going to be fishing solo as Josh was in the middle of harvest.
Wednesday, 3 am up and the Roush and I are on the road. Get to Rivers End, hook up the boat and on the road again.
Arrive at Don Pedro around 6. Prep everything and launch, without incident. Off to fishing. Checking out the middle section today and learning my FFS again. Just can't figure out why I can't see my bait unless I'm in down mode. Anyway, I'm throwing that mag draft like nobodies business in a slight breeze till my shoulder started to ache.
Still does. Ok no followers at all. Fish busting all around me. I don't understand. Every video says this is a great locator. IMHO its great for locating clear water. I kid you not, 8 hrs of on and off throwing with nothing happening is frustrating to say the least but as they say in Rome "gesturum". Finally about 2:30 pm using active target I catch one about 3 on a DS with a 30y/o blue worm. I mean there were several small fish, but this was the first keeper. Came in about 30 ft of water. So off to the ramp. Now here's where for the kind of money they charger they could improve. Install a rail system (it is mining country after all) with a call button at the waters edge. Then a 1 person car comes down from the top of the ramp, you get in and up to the top you go. Would definitely improve pick up time during the summer and help old chunky guys too. 
Pick up the boat and cover her up and off to the hotel. Turning into the driveway, I notice the place is packed. There are tree trimming trucks everywhere. There's no place to park much less charge batteries so I thought. Here we go again. There is a cheerful little desk clerk, not the Indian guy I'm used to, and I tell her about my reservation. She explains to me that its no problem I just need to circumnavigate the hotel and park along the fence where there are several other vehicles already parked.
Then she cheerfully says your room is around the corner on the first level in the back left corner. You just walk past the pool and turn left down the walkway. 
My head is about to explode. I know what I was promised, but I'm too tired to argue now. I mean every room was occupied. What did I get myself into I asked? So I get into the Roush and begin "circumnavigating". Carefully I'm going through the upper parking lot when I have to maneuver between the curb and the trash dumpster. Now my vehicle is pretty long especially with the bat so as is my luck there is a car parked where I really need to swing my truck around. As I squeeze my way through I hear a "loud bang" and a noise like fingernails on a chalkboard". I look in the mirror and the reflection of sunlight looks as though I've wrecked the trailer.("Fire in the Hole" I began thinking as my BP rises to astronomical highs. I am able to park along the fence, get out an inspect the trailer. No damage. Now I'm confused. What'd I hit? All appears to be well. (Eyesite does fade as you get older and the brain makes unnormal things look normal. As I unload the Roush and return, I notice what the noise was. The front trailer tire has a huge hole/puncture in it. Of course its in the sidewall, I mean this is FE where else would it be. So out comes the impact wrench and the ramp and for the next millennium, I get filthy changing the tire. Now covered in trailer and driveway black, I have to parade myself to the back corner room by everyone who is outside. As I string the cord from the building across the parking lot the thought occurs to me What if someone parks on the cord? Please accept my apologies and stay tuned for part 2 as there is more to the story, but this is way long, soTL
FE
Advertising