Search found 53 matches

by nivanov30
Mon Nov 08, 2021 8:46 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Delta dink-fest, why?
Replies: 14
Views: 2531

Re: Delta dink-fest, why?

Well, based on off- and on-line chats I've had here's my own answer to my own question. 1. Fish deeper. It's pretty much given that majority of 3lb+ fish live "off-shore" on the delta, meaning usually 6-12ft only venturing to shallows for a short period of time (except, of course, during t...
by nivanov30
Sat Nov 06, 2021 1:15 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Delta dink-fest, why?
Replies: 14
Views: 2531

Re: Delta dink-fest, why?

Guys - I don't think many, or nobody at all, are fishing for just bites on the Delta. When I posted the original post I've mentioned that I've talked to guys fishing exclusively top-water and punching (including myself as far as punching) - and still coming up with dinks... I think it's more than ju...
by nivanov30
Thu Nov 04, 2021 1:34 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Delta dink-fest, why?
Replies: 14
Views: 2531

Delta dink-fest, why?

Last couple of days on CA Delta is a distinct dink-fest. Catching ~20 fish in 2-3 hours and most of them 1lb or less with a few 2lbs. Met 5-6 boaters on the water and on the dock - same story. Different baits (top water, punching, jerkbaits, drop shot, senko), different places, different tide or tim...
by nivanov30
Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:41 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Your performance on the Delta
Replies: 7
Views: 2036

Re: Your performance on the Delta

Thanks guys, makes sense...
by nivanov30
Thu Oct 15, 2020 8:24 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Your performance on the Delta
Replies: 7
Views: 2036

Your performance on the Delta

I've been fishing Delta for the last 3 years (many more years before that elsewhere). I'm trying to understand where do I stand in terms of my "performance" vs. other anglers. Now, I'm not fishing tournaments so that numbers don't really correlated with me. I'm basically at the stage right...
by nivanov30
Fri Apr 10, 2020 3:25 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Social Distancing... NOT
Replies: 74
Views: 9426

Social Distancing... NOT

Spent 4 hours on the delta this morning (brutal - couldn't get bit). What was more worrying is the number of morons violating the basic social distancing. Just a few examples of what I've seen just driving past either on the water or in the parking lot: 1. Many, many bass boats with 2 or sometimes 3...
by nivanov30
Wed Mar 04, 2020 6:37 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: CA Delta - 3/4/2020
Replies: 0
Views: 1267

CA Delta - 3/4/2020

Quick report on CA Delta. Launched at Orwood around 9:15am. Fished central/south delta. Didn't get bit until around 11am. Had a decent ~15lbs bag by 1:30pm by which time it slowed down again. Biggest was ~5. All fish came on squarebills (just look for 60F+ water temp + some clarity). Plenty of cruis...
by nivanov30
Fri Jan 17, 2020 8:40 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Amazing Deal from ABU Garcia 60% off MGX Reel
Replies: 7
Views: 2189

Re: Amazing Deal from ABU Garcia 60% off MGX Reel

Just spent 4.5 hours on the Delta - got only one bite and didn't connect on it... Blanked (1st time in 2 years). Out of frustration went ahead and bought this reel :-)
by nivanov30
Thu Dec 12, 2019 3:11 am
Forum: Tournaments
Topic: 27.34 to win the Delta | ABA Dec 7
Replies: 7
Views: 2235

Re: 27.34 to win the Delta | ABA Dec 7

27lb bag in December on the Delta... Impressive to say the least!
by nivanov30
Mon Nov 11, 2019 9:45 am
Forum: Tournaments
Topic: 28-Plus to Win the Delta | Fall Delta Classic Winners
Replies: 5
Views: 2083

Re: 28-Plus to Win the Delta | Fall Delta Classic Winners

28+lbs from the Delta (in the last few weeks) is a VERY solid bag... I've seen guys not getting 5 legal fish in a day of fishing. The fall bite isn't there yet or at least is funky, to say the least.
by nivanov30
Sun Sep 15, 2019 10:48 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Delta Boat Crash Leaves 1 Dead and 5 Injured
Replies: 7
Views: 2686

Re: Delta Boat Crash Leaves 1 Dead and 5 Injured

WTH??? I fish around this area quite often and 7:15pm isn't even dark... Whoever's left the crash scene is likely facing a long jail term. I own and love both bass boat (Z521C) and the wakesurfing one (MasterCraft XT23). Observing both operators - the wakesurfing ones are on "another" leve...
by nivanov30
Thu Sep 12, 2019 10:36 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: 9/8/19 Delta report
Replies: 8
Views: 1963

Re: 9/8/19 Delta report

I recognize that bridge, hey man you're fishing my water! :mrgreen: :lol: I need to figure out a way to blur out the surroundings! I've seen you that day flipping that stretch while passing by. I've fished around that place too... Great video, I usually punch only on a low tide as I don't have pati...
by nivanov30
Fri Aug 30, 2019 10:12 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: What's your favorite thing about the Delta?
Replies: 22
Views: 3663

Re: What's your favorite thing about the Delta?

Unpredictability
by nivanov30
Wed Aug 21, 2019 4:13 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Condolences to the Russo Family
Replies: 11
Views: 4736

Re: Condolences to the Russo Family

Man... he launched me so many times our of Russo's. What a great guy he was. RIP.
by nivanov30
Mon Aug 12, 2019 11:58 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Wrecked Brand New Boat. Windy Wednesday Nighter Ep14
Replies: 12
Views: 5254

Re: Wrecked Brand New Boat. Windy Wedbesday Nighter Ep14

First, glad you are guys are ok. That's what important. Boats, gear will be fixed...
Second, can you please write up a description of those guys/boat that caused the incident? It would be helpful to have that and be on a lookout.
by nivanov30
Mon Aug 05, 2019 11:34 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Delta quantity over quality tip
Replies: 12
Views: 2962

Re: Delta quantity over quality tip

I've had 80+ fish day last week (100% crankbaits). Quantity vs. quality for sure... Out of 80+ fish the best 5 were probably 11+lbs :-) Tons o fun! Yeah, by the end of the day I was thankful when I lose a fish before I had to untangle another one of those 12in-ers. Strange - I just could never get ...
by nivanov30
Mon Aug 05, 2019 10:03 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Delta quantity over quality tip
Replies: 12
Views: 2962

Re: Delta quantity over quality tip

I've had 80+ fish day last week (100% crankbaits). Quantity vs. quality for sure... Out of 80+ fish the best 5 were probably 11+lbs :-)
by nivanov30
Mon Aug 05, 2019 10:01 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Best places for boat storage on the Delta
Replies: 10
Views: 1748

Re: Best places for boat storage on the Delta

Orwood Resort (in-door storage). Probably best Delta storage facility for all kinds of boats. Long waitlist to get there.
by nivanov30
Wed Apr 10, 2019 6:30 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Delta Spawn Bucks have moved up...
Replies: 11
Views: 3312

Re: Delta Spawn Bucks have moved up...

Went today for 3 hours starting at 6:30am. Too much wind. Water temps anywhere between 58 and 63... managed to get one bass around 2lbs. Respect to people who get real 20lbs bags in these conditions - I’m no where near that level.
by nivanov30
Mon Apr 08, 2019 12:53 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Braid to mono knot on a spinning reel
Replies: 27
Views: 8359

Re: Braid to mono knot on a spinning reel

Straight braid... I know it's not an answer but I'm really surprised that isn't used more frequently. Especially, at places like Delta that is never crystal clear...
by nivanov30
Mon Feb 18, 2019 10:37 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Fishing Line qestion
Replies: 7
Views: 1498

Re: Fishing Line qestion

What's the reason you guys use any leaders for braid?
by nivanov30
Wed Jan 30, 2019 9:09 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Toxic day on the Delta
Replies: 7
Views: 2484

Re: Toxic day on the Delta

Got zeros two outings in the row... Granted - I only fished from 11am to 3pm both days (yeah, I know...) but not a single bite both days. Haven't happened to me in a while.
by nivanov30
Mon Sep 03, 2018 8:39 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Ulrtex problem - need advise
Replies: 9
Views: 4461

Ulrtex problem - need advise

Guys, Fishing delta today and all of a sudden Ultrex stopped working... Interestingly, the electric steering works and unit turns normal (even in spot lock) but the prop barely turns (as if stuck on speed 1) regardless of the speed dial. Checked the battery - all fine. 1. Any quick checks/fixes that...
by nivanov30
Mon Sep 03, 2018 8:34 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: need Dodge Truck owners input
Replies: 38
Views: 7030

Re: need Dodge Truck owners input

Hi there guys.. I have a 2016 Ram Eco Diesel and I have been beyond Happy with it. I get 20.8mpg on average towing my Ranger and it has more than enough power for towing the boat over the hill to Clear Lake or even the multiple trips over the Tehachapi when im headed for Havasu... Also if youd like...
by nivanov30
Mon Aug 06, 2018 5:50 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: RIVERS END MARINA CA DELTA QUESTION?
Replies: 6
Views: 1871

Re: RIVERS END MARINA CA DELTA QUESTION?

Hm... what levee? I think it’s open water all the way up north, no?
by nivanov30
Tue Jul 24, 2018 2:12 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Fishing CA Delta July 23
Replies: 4
Views: 1704

Re: Fishing CA Delta July 23

That's better than most folks can do on delta under these conditions. With this consistency I would think about start guiding on delta :-)
by nivanov30
Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:33 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Square Bill Questions
Replies: 10
Views: 2350

Re: Square Bill Questions

I fish 30lb braid for crankbait (yeah, I know...). I control depth of speed trap by lifting or lowering the rod on retrieve. I can get it from 7ft to 3ft by just varying the rod position. Short shank trebles reduce the hangups as well.
by nivanov30
Wed Jan 31, 2018 9:24 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Good prop shop around Bethel Island
Replies: 3
Views: 737

Re: Good prop shop around Bethel Island

Thank you guys!
by nivanov30
Tue Jan 30, 2018 8:53 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Good prop shop around Bethel Island
Replies: 3
Views: 737

Good prop shop around Bethel Island

I'm looking for a reputable prop shop to fix some skeg damage courtesy of submerged log in the Middle River (hit at around 40mph). See pic... Any recommendations are very welcome.

Thank you!
by nivanov30
Wed Oct 18, 2017 6:58 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Donating rods & reels
Replies: 6
Views: 1398

Re: Donating rods & reels

Thanks guys for PMs and replies. I think Cooch's Pro Teen is definitely worthwhile cause. I've known Cooch for years and funny enough share the unique distinction of... blanking with him as a guide on the Delta one time :-) Let me repeat - blanking with Cooch on the delta (in February)! We've scratc...
by nivanov30
Tue Oct 17, 2017 1:41 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Donating rods & reels
Replies: 6
Views: 1398

Donating rods & reels

Friends,
I have dozens or more pretty new rods (Dobyn's, Abu, 13) lay around along with number of reels. Instead of selling it I'd like to donate it to kids/teens/vets interested in fishing. Anyone knows on how I can do it (I'm launching at Russo's)?

Thank you!
by nivanov30
Wed Sep 06, 2017 5:39 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: What line do you use for crankbaits?
Replies: 21
Views: 6679

Re: What line do you use for crankbaits?

Rod Martin wrote:I see your views have changed over time.
Yes, like I said above I've switched to braid only earlier this year and can't see much of a difference. Anyways, this was discussed to the end. I just voiced mine, undoubtedly unconventional, opinion.
by nivanov30
Wed Sep 06, 2017 2:11 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: What line do you use for crankbaits?
Replies: 21
Views: 6679

Re: What line do you use for crankbaits?

Ah yes, John Mark Warren--the modern day Tiger Woods of bass fishing. I equate your argument to someone saying that because you have a steering wheel, an engine, a gas pedal, doors and a seat belt, you don't need brakes. It seems like you've got it figured out far beyond what I ever will--good luck...
by nivanov30
Wed Sep 06, 2017 12:19 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: What line do you use for crankbaits?
Replies: 21
Views: 6679

Re: What line do you use for crankbaits?

I'd be interested to know and learn on why you attribute your success to just a line choice rather than bait, presentation, retrieve, light, temps, weather, time of day and dozen or more other of factors that go into each fish caught? In a professional tournament context - the line choice probably g...
by nivanov30
Wed Sep 06, 2017 8:59 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: What line do you use for crankbaits?
Replies: 21
Views: 6679

Re: What line do you use for crankbaits?

Just an observation: it always amazes me how complicated we get with line choices: we care about stretch or no stretch, abrasion resistance for rocks, floats or sinks, visible or invisible... I went through this same phase in my fishing and how just carry one line: 50lb FX2 Sunline braid - for every...
by nivanov30
Wed Sep 06, 2017 6:30 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: What line do you use for crankbaits?
Replies: 21
Views: 6679

Re: What line do you use for crankbaits?

50lb braid, no leader, for everything.
by nivanov30
Tue Jul 25, 2017 8:49 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: 34.30 to win the Delta | 2017 West Coast Bass Cat Owner's Results
Replies: 1
Views: 1656

Re: 34.30 to win the Delta | 2017 West Coast Bass Cat Owner's Results

Man, Delta fishes hard these days. 34lb for 10 fish to win... Congrats to the winners!
by nivanov30
Tue Jul 25, 2017 8:46 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Chuck Russo's 60th birthday ji
Replies: 11
Views: 2470

Re: Chuck Russo's 60th birthday ji

Happy B-Day Chuck!

Having my boat at Russo's your marina is a gateway to the Delta for me. I frequently see you working in the storage yard and you launched my boat many times. Many years ahead and best of luck!
by nivanov30
Tue Jul 04, 2017 4:20 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Boat storage
Replies: 6
Views: 1724

Re: Boat storage

Russo's Marina http://russosmarina.com/ at Bethel Island is one of the most respected & trusted.
by nivanov30
Wed May 24, 2017 1:06 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Bass won't bite, help!
Replies: 19
Views: 5596

Re: Bass won't bite, help!

Here's my take on this. 1. Over 90% of catchable fish in CA Delta is in less than 10ft of water. 2. Most of the time bass is in negative to neutral mood, with ~30 mins windows throughout the day of active feeding (mornings and evenings mostly). Active feeding happens mostly in 10ft of water or less....
by nivanov30
Tue May 16, 2017 1:28 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Flippin & pitching set up for CA DELTA?
Replies: 7
Views: 2276

Re: Flippin & pitching set up for CA DELTA?

On delta (which is where I spend 100% of my time) - I always use 50lb braid (FX2) for moving baits and 50lb braid + 12lb flouro leader for finesse baits. I only use straight fluoro for light squarebills and jerkbaits (to ensure designed running depth). Sort of best line management and strength...
by nivanov30
Tue May 16, 2017 1:21 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: CHRONARCH MGL
Replies: 4
Views: 1167

Re: CHRONARCH MGL

Got it, use it, love it. I've upgraded bearings to BOCA ABEC7 ceramics though. It definitely feels like $300+ reel. I use for weightless plastics and dropshotting.
by nivanov30
Thu Mar 23, 2017 8:25 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Reels
Replies: 19
Views: 3964

Re: Reels

Shimano Curado 70, Daiwa Tatula CT, 13 Fishing Concept A would be my choices in that price range (quality, serviceability, selection of gear ratios). For extra $25 you can upgrade to ABEC9 ceramic bearings and that would be a pretty much new reel all together.
by nivanov30
Thu Mar 23, 2017 8:21 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Reels
Replies: 19
Views: 3964

Re: Reels

Lews Super Duty is a great option for swimbaits and such. It's heavy (8oz) though. Left hands are limited to 7.1 gear ration only.
by nivanov30
Thu Mar 23, 2017 7:35 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Reels
Replies: 19
Views: 3964

Re: Reels

Price range, left/right hand, application (gear ratio)?
by nivanov30
Fri Mar 10, 2017 8:29 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Ca Delta senko and dropshot spinning rod set up?
Replies: 10
Views: 4839

Re: Ca Delta senko and dropshot spinning rod set up?

Fishing senko requires precise casting and spinning gear isn't helpin here. I use Dobyns Campion casting rod 704 + Lew's Pro G, braid to fluro and have no problem casting 5" or bigger senkos within few inches of target. Furhemore, light gear on Delta isn't ideal to say the least.
by nivanov30
Thu Feb 02, 2017 12:56 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Delta? Anyone Been Out Lately?
Replies: 9
Views: 2946

Re: Delta? Anyone Been Out Lately?

What's the "widow maker" on the delta?
by nivanov30
Sun Jan 29, 2017 8:33 pm
Forum: Tournaments
Topic: AMERICAN BASS DELTA REGION 1-28-17 RESULTS
Replies: 3
Views: 2708

Re: AMERICAN BASS DELTA REGION 1-28-17 RESULTS

That's just brutal... 10 teams blanking on Delta. Has it ever happened like that before?
by nivanov30
Sat Dec 31, 2016 4:13 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Struggling on Delta last couple of weeks
Replies: 9
Views: 2768

Re: Struggling on Delta last couple of weeks

Thanks guys! I've been with pro guides on the delta - and learned a lot. I'm not a complete newbie but still it kills me that this river shuts down so drastically in the winter months. Shallow, muddy and cold is definitely a definition of the toughest conditions - but I'd like to develop a pattern w...