Search found 33 matches

by benarsenault
Fri Jan 18, 2019 11:20 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Thank you WesternBass, and a big thanks to Kelly Ripa
Replies: 3
Views: 1096

Thank you WesternBass, and a big thanks to Kelly Ripa

I hope this post isn't too long winded, but I'm moving back East and wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of you. Over the last few years I've been more of a spectator than contributor here, but my lack of posting activity is not an indication of how much I value WesternBass and the members o...
by benarsenault
Mon Apr 02, 2018 8:11 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Where to smallmouth fish in Western oregon?
Replies: 11
Views: 2125

Re: Where to smallmouth fish in Western oregon?

sam_m wrote:ok... :roll:
Don't get discouraged. Henry Hagg lake is 35 miles from Portland and it produced the state record smallmouth (8 lbs. in 2005). Even if the rivers around Portland are just okay, it seems like there's a really great fishery within an hour drive.
by benarsenault
Thu Mar 29, 2018 8:03 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Where to smallmouth fish in Western oregon?
Replies: 11
Views: 2125

Re: Where to smallmouth fish in Western oregon?

I love PDX and may end up there myself someday. The Columbia River was in the 2017 Bassmaster Top 100 list. Between the Columbia and Willamette you should have all the brown fish you can handle. Keep us posted!
by benarsenault
Wed Mar 28, 2018 8:49 am
Forum: Kayaks and Kick Boats
Topic: Thoughts on Bonafide kayaks?
Replies: 7
Views: 3287

Re: Thoughts on Bonafide kayaks?

Thanks, Steve. I will definitely think about an orange vs. natural color kayak for safety reasons. Regardless of which color I choose I'll heed your advice and add a bright orange flag, a light on the stern, and will also consider a high visibility PFD. I've heard too many stories of kayakers and ca...
by benarsenault
Tue Mar 27, 2018 3:15 pm
Forum: Kayaks and Kick Boats
Topic: Thoughts on Bonafide kayaks?
Replies: 7
Views: 3287

Re: Thoughts on Bonafide kayaks?

Any thoughts on color of your kayak for visibility vs. stealth reasons? I was thinking of getting a natural color to be less visible to the fish, but am wondering if I should get the bright orange one for safety.
by benarsenault
Tue Mar 27, 2018 7:57 am
Forum: Kayaks and Kick Boats
Topic: Thoughts on Bonafide kayaks?
Replies: 7
Views: 3287

Re: Thoughts on Bonafide kayaks?

Thanks Steve and Eric - glad to hear the general consensus on Bonafide is positive. I'm not aware of any 'yak clubs in my area, but will have to investigate further. I've actually never even seen anyone fishing from a kayak at Casitas besides the bright yellow rentals, and they stick to the Santa An...
by benarsenault
Mon Mar 26, 2018 10:53 am
Forum: Kayaks and Kick Boats
Topic: Thoughts on Bonafide kayaks?
Replies: 7
Views: 3287

Thoughts on Bonafide kayaks?

Hi all, I'm looking to buy a Kayak for Casitas and am pretty interested in Bonafide due to features and pricing. I know these just came out, but has anyone tried yet? There are a few dealers in the bay area but none in my neck of the woods, so I won't be able to try before I buy. If anyone has any t...
by benarsenault
Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:41 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: If you need a fishing buddy for Casitas...
Replies: 2
Views: 643

Re: If you need a fishing buddy for Casitas...

PM sent - thanks!
by benarsenault
Sun Mar 18, 2018 12:30 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: If you need a fishing buddy for Casitas...
Replies: 2
Views: 643

If you need a fishing buddy for Casitas...

Hi all, I live in Ventura and fish Casitas pretty often but I don't have a boat, and I'm spending an arm and a leg at Casitas Boat Rentals. If anyone wants some company and gas money, I'm your guy. I'm from the east coast and am fairly new to the area, and I'm looking to learn as much about the lake...
by benarsenault
Thu Sep 28, 2017 9:20 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Parker 1801 vs. Steiger Craft 19 for SoCal bay fishing
Replies: 0
Views: 496

Parker 1801 vs. Steiger Craft 19 for SoCal bay fishing

Apologies if I am posting in the wrong section - I couldn't find a sub forum about saltwater boats. My buddy in Redondo Beach is looking for a boat for bay fishing and I'm trying to help him out in hopes that he'll take me fishing once in awhile. He's looking at Parker 1801s and Steiger Craft 19s - ...
by benarsenault
Wed Mar 01, 2017 9:38 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Lake Cachuma
Replies: 22
Views: 6079

Re: Lake Cachuma

Thanks again, Mike! And thanks to Dave Wilson if he's on here. I'll be praying for rain in Ventura!
by benarsenault
Wed Mar 01, 2017 9:22 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Guide out of alignment question
Replies: 4
Views: 1081

Re: Guide out of alignment question

TW was very cool and they said I could exchange the rod if I want. I actually ordered a second Tatula spinning rod, which delivered yesterday and this one has the same problem, only it's leaning slightly to the right. I think the blanks of both rods are bent a very small amount, and the guides are o...
by benarsenault
Tue Feb 28, 2017 1:00 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Lake Cachuma
Replies: 22
Views: 6079

Re: Lake Cachuma

Thanks for the helpful info, Mike! Definitely more informative than the information I got from the guy in the booth at the entrance to Casitas. I'll keep an eye out for your posts in the future!
by benarsenault
Mon Feb 27, 2017 8:07 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Kayak vs. Jon Boat for Lake Casitas
Replies: 6
Views: 1869

Re: Kayak vs. Jon Boat for Lake Casitas

The manual says I shouldn't tow anything unless I live in Canada, where I can tow 700 lbs. I'll have to call my insurance company to find out what happens if I get in an accident while towing. Argh. This might have made the decision for me, haha. On that note, if anyone has any suggestions for what ...
by benarsenault
Mon Feb 27, 2017 8:05 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Guide out of alignment question
Replies: 4
Views: 1081

Re: Guide out of alignment question

Thanks guys! I'll email TW and see what they say. It's weird - I usually buy cheap rods (under $100) and have never had this issue before.
by benarsenault
Sun Feb 26, 2017 3:12 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Guide out of alignment question
Replies: 4
Views: 1081

Guide out of alignment question

Hi guys, I recently bought a Daiwa Tatula drop shot spinning rod (6' 11" ML) from Tackle Warehouse and the guide at the tip of the rod is slightly out of alignment with the other guides. Do you think it's a problem? http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv183/benarsenault/IMG_3466_zpspx9r9oob.jpg
by benarsenault
Thu Feb 23, 2017 10:55 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Kayak vs. Jon Boat for Lake Casitas
Replies: 6
Views: 1869

Kayak vs. Jon Boat for Lake Casitas

Hi all, Hoping for a little advice on a decision. I drive a compact car (Toyota Yaris) and I live near Casitas. I'm trying to decide between buying a kayak and roof rack, or a 12' or 14' jon boat with a small outboard and trailer. I'm pretty sure the Yaris can tow up to 1,000 lbs., and a jon boat wi...
by benarsenault
Thu Feb 16, 2017 5:11 pm
Forum: Tournaments
Topic: Record start for RTF Tour Casitas 2/11
Replies: 1
Views: 758

Re: Record start for RTF Tour Casitas 2/11

Wow, sounds like a great tourney with some heavy bags! Thanks for the post, Rich. Those tails don't look too chewed up - guessing those are mostly pre-spawn fish? Looking forward to seeing you in March, and good to know you're on WesternBass so I can keep an eye out for your posts in the future.
by benarsenault
Thu Feb 16, 2017 4:50 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Line Question from a NY Transplant
Replies: 6
Views: 1304

Re: Line Question from a NY Transplant

Thanks, Gary! I'll hit you up the next time I'm shopping for a new rod. Really nice of you to answer my post - thanks again.
by benarsenault
Thu Feb 16, 2017 9:14 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Line Question from a NY Transplant
Replies: 6
Views: 1304

Re: Line Question from a NY Transplant

Thanks Joe and Chad! Very helpful advice. I asked a buddy on the NYBass forum (who grew up in SoCal) the same question and he was also suggesting braid with a fluoro leader for casting reels, and light fluoro or copoly for spinning. Hi Gary, thanks to you as well, and I've heard great things about y...
by benarsenault
Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:34 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Line Question from a NY Transplant
Replies: 6
Views: 1304

Line Question from a NY Transplant

Hi guys, First of all, thanks for reading my post. I moved to SoCal from NYC awhile back and I've always been a mono guy - on the east coast I was using 8-10 lb. for spinning and 10-16 lb. for baitcasting. I just got into drop shotting with 6 lb. mono and it's making me re-think the line I'm using -...
by benarsenault
Tue Apr 26, 2016 1:56 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Shore fishing near LA
Replies: 3
Views: 866

Re: Shore fishing near LA

I've mercilessly pounded the shores of Castaic Lagoon three times now without so much as a strike. Every angler I talk to there says they aren't catching anything. I've thrown everything but the kitchen sink with as many variances in my retrieve as possible. I was actually quite hopeful when I was t...
by benarsenault
Thu Mar 17, 2016 7:40 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: School me on float tubes
Replies: 14
Views: 4630

Re: School me on float tubes

Thanks everybody, this is great information! What do you do when you have to go to the bathroom? Do you take the flippers off and find a spot on the shore to pee, or do you just pee in your waders? I would think going up on shore would be a better option, but curious to hear how you guys handle this...
by benarsenault
Wed Mar 16, 2016 9:18 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: School me on float tubes
Replies: 14
Views: 4630

School me on float tubes

Hi everybody, Thinking about investing in a float tube / belly boat for bass fishing. Any words of wisdom? I imagine they aren't much fun if it's really cold outside or if there is a lot of chop on the lake, but I drive a compact car and I think a float tube might be my best option until I get a tru...
by benarsenault
Wed Mar 16, 2016 8:08 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Shore fishing near LA
Replies: 3
Views: 866

Shore fishing near LA

Hi all, I'm a recent transplant to LA from the east coast. I don't have a boat yet, so for now I'm quarantined to the shore. I've done a little homework and it seems like Castaic Lagoon might be my best bet for targeting largemouth from the banks. Can anyone recommend any other bodies of water withi...
by benarsenault
Tue Aug 11, 2015 2:47 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: UPDATE: What's a good spinning rod for fishing small lures?
Replies: 3
Views: 946

Re: What's a good spinning rod for fishing small lures?

My Super Fluke rod is 6' 6" medium action and I use 10# fluorocarbon. It gives me all the distance I need and to me it's the most fun for fluke fishing. Works great for trick worms too.
by benarsenault
Tue Aug 11, 2015 10:50 am
Forum: Photos
Topic: Some largemouth fishing
Replies: 1
Views: 1241

Re: Some largemouth fishing

Nice! I've heard a lot of good things about Cayuga.
by benarsenault
Tue Aug 11, 2015 10:48 am
Forum: Photos
Topic: I caught a lot of good fish
Replies: 1
Views: 1382

Re: I caught a lot of good fish

Aw man, that's the worst! I missed a weigh in by a few minutes one time and I had what would have been the lunker in my livewell.
by benarsenault
Thu Jul 30, 2015 5:50 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: West Coast Fishing Question from an East Coast Guy
Replies: 14
Views: 3780

Re: West Coast Fishing Question from an East Coast Guy

Being a SOCAL native, moving to NORCAL 10 years ago they are definitely two different worlds. I ended up moving from Orange County CA to Sacramento CA i have to say Sacramento area is where i call home and love it. It does not have the night life or music scene that you will find in LA area but the...
by benarsenault
Wed Jul 29, 2015 12:09 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: West Coast Fishing Question from an East Coast Guy
Replies: 14
Views: 3780

Re: West Coast Fishing Question from an East Coast Guy

Thanks guys! I can't wait to get out there! We're looking for apartments in Silverlake, Echo Park, West Hollywood, etc. Would be fun to meet up with some of you guys if you want to fish!
by benarsenault
Thu Jul 23, 2015 8:15 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: West Coast Fishing Question from an East Coast Guy
Replies: 14
Views: 3780

Re: West Coast Fishing Question from an East Coast Guy

Hey guys, So it took awhile, but we're finally making the move from NYC to LA in late August! I'm going to have to start doing some research about how the drought has impacted the lakes near LA, what the bass are eating in specific lakes, etc. I love the research and discovery parts of fishing so I'...
by benarsenault
Mon May 19, 2014 10:23 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: West Coast Fishing Question from an East Coast Guy
Replies: 14
Views: 3780

Re: West Coast Fishing Question from an East Coast Guy

Wow thanks everybody! I really appreciate your replies, especially given that I'm brand new on this forum and nobody knows me yet. Special thanks to Fast Eddie for the PM invite and to fresnobassman for the fishing invite! You guys are awesome. My lady is leaning toward LA or Portland, and I think b...
by benarsenault
Mon May 12, 2014 6:42 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: West Coast Fishing Question from an East Coast Guy
Replies: 14
Views: 3780

West Coast Fishing Question from an East Coast Guy

Hi everybody, This is my first post, so apologies if this should've been in "off topic" but since it's fishing related I thought it might be more appropriate here. My girlfriend and I are moving out west from NYC but we haven't really narrowed it down and I'm looking for advice on where we...