Search found 780 matches

by Larry Hemphill
Sun Apr 08, 2007 10:06 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: 15.48# Monster From Lake Oroville
Replies: 36
Views: 6377

1994 was a good year!

Great catch - AND release!!! I'm pretty sure it would be the lake record. You mentioned '94 and your 10 pounder. That was the year I caught and released my only 10 (10 lbs 4 oz) out of Oroville too. Also a 4 lb 3 oz smallie that year - one of the last big ones caught there. '94 must have been a good...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Apr 07, 2007 11:29 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: So I was fishing Clear Lake this morning...
Replies: 22
Views: 3949

Bass fishing is about people too!

One of the nicest posts I have read on the forum!! Must have been fun "hangin" with the big boys!! While the fish are obviously a major part of our sport, people are what makes or breaks it!! Bass, big or small, look and act pretty much the same and they don't talk - which may be a good th...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Apr 07, 2007 11:12 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: How come my 11 pound 13 ounce fish look sooo much bigger tha
Replies: 52
Views: 12465

Inside Line Photography Article!

I just did an article on Fish Photography for Yamamoto's Inside Line Magazine - Jan/Feb '07 issue. Maybe that would help some of you understand how a photo can "make or break" a good looking bass. Depending on many variables, a 4 lb bass can be made to look 10 lbs, and a poor photo can mak...
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Apr 03, 2007 6:25 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: espn pics from clear lake
Replies: 5
Views: 1161

Re: espn pics from clear lake

I don't fish many tournaments but I sure love seeing photos!! Thank you!!!!
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Apr 02, 2007 8:55 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: spawning bass...what do they do at nite?
Replies: 7
Views: 1342

Re: spawning bass...what do they do at nite?

Night fishing can truly be great during the spawn. Since the parents hunker down at night with no interference as in the daytime (and they are probably tired from chasing man and beast off their nest), a slow moving, bulky bait inching into their area can produce violent strikes. And of course, one ...
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Apr 02, 2007 8:48 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: What's the best deal on Bass Boat Insurance?
Replies: 9
Views: 1729

I third it!

I will be the third to suggest Sawyer & Cook. Great folks with a good company!
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Apr 02, 2007 8:41 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: clear lake lodging
Replies: 5
Views: 674

Re: clear lake lodging

Many, many of my clients - and I also stay at the Lake Point Lodge in Clearlake Oaks, especially if fishing south of the narrows. Rooms are clean and a very good Chinese-Thai restaurant is 50 feet away. Limit Out Tackle is on the way to the launching ramp. Of course, no casino!
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Apr 01, 2007 10:17 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Clear Lake and the Delta, we have the best in our backyard
Replies: 5
Views: 793

Re: Clear Lake and the Delta, we have the best in our backya

Ya mean Clear Lake isn't a secret any more?
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Mar 31, 2007 9:17 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Berkley Big Bass standings....7 of 10!
Replies: 6
Views: 987

Re: 55+ just to get a check! B R U T A L!!!!

Look at my client on the home page - she had never bass fished before!!
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Mar 28, 2007 8:44 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Shimano Symetre 2500RI???
Replies: 10
Views: 2936

Re: Shimano Symetre 2500RI???

I have used Symetres for my clients for years and have never had a problem. We just wear them out and get new ones, which get better and better!
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Mar 27, 2007 10:36 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Drop Shottin' Clear Lake
Replies: 20
Views: 2165

Depends where you are fishing!

If you are drop-shotting docks or very rocky areas, it's risky business to use 8 or 10 lb test - IF you hope to land one of the big ones you might hook now. Spring and late fall call for 12 lb test, again, if you are hoping for a big one. In heavy cover, when the water warms a bit, your 8 lb test wi...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Mar 25, 2007 11:37 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Replica taxidermy recommendation?
Replies: 4
Views: 656

Re: Replica taxidermy recommendation?

Hi Brandon - remember me!! Kevin Schumaker of Cledarlake Oaks has been mounting for many years - has done some of my previous big fish in the past - Clear Lake record bass, crappie, etc. His number is 707 478-8508.
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Mar 23, 2007 10:09 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Swimbaits on Clearlake
Replies: 17
Views: 2236

Did your question ever get anwered?

I was reading your question with interest but as usual, small talk took over the discussion. Too bad!
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Mar 23, 2007 10:03 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Lake Amador Spawn??
Replies: 3
Views: 769

Re: Lake Amador Spawn??

The spawn will be over by the end of May. Topwater and Senkos should be great baits for your trip. Good luck!
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:53 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: effects of this rain
Replies: 14
Views: 1269

Re: effects of this rain

This really wasn't a "storm" - such as we had last March. As you know, thunderstorm activity can hammer an area and totally miss another. Only a few drops in Yuba City all day Tues!! With warm weather returning in a day or two, there really won't be much effect on the bass. The north wind ...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Mar 10, 2007 10:28 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Is that a spot on the cover???
Replies: 19
Views: 1889

Compare photos!

His is a great fish and it seems to be mostly smallie. Look at the recent photo on my 4-2 Pardee smallie (it's not a giant!) - ALL smallie. Vertical bars to the tail and no horizontal black line - especially at the tail. See what you think. I heard that there are a few spots in Pardee but I have nev...
by Larry Hemphill
Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:31 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Whats Your Clear Lake Bass Record ?
Replies: 35
Views: 3838

Re: Whats Your Clear Lake Bass Record ?

13 lbs 3 oz, 11:30 PM, Nov 26, 1991. Caught on a Weapon Jig. I was so cold I was surprised I could set the hook!!!
by Larry Hemphill
Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:23 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Who likes to nightfish during spring?
Replies: 14
Views: 1629

Re: Who likes to nightfish during spring?

I have night fished Clear Lake about 10 nights since late November and the bite has been pretty good. Night fishing is usually very good OR - very not-so-good. It is not as consistant as day fishing. One thing I like is that you don't have to bring the kitchen sink to night fish. Just jigs, worms, b...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Feb 25, 2007 11:41 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Why Tip,If I Just Payed $350 Bucks To Pro?/Guide?
Replies: 29
Views: 4704

A few thoughts for Guy.

I bit my lip for about as long as I could - it is now bleeding! This question is for Guy - and it has nothing to do with money. Are you capable of meeting, on a near daily basis, every known type of person or persons (up to 3 in my boat), spend 8 1/2 hours with them in a space of 20 ft by 8 ft, in a...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:59 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Jig rod?
Replies: 8
Views: 1404

Re: Jig rod?

If you purchased a G. Loomis 843 or 844 IMX, you won't be disappointed. The 843 is a medium action - 7 ft all around rod that fishes light to pretty heavy baits. The 844 is my favorite and I use it at all my big fish lakes - day and night - because you never know what you will hook, expecially early...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:41 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Kent Brown & Gary Dobyns
Replies: 5
Views: 977

Re: Kent Brown & Gary Dobyns

Notice our local writer Brian Sak is now writing for Bassmaster. He will add to our western coverage - believe me!
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Feb 20, 2007 11:26 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: 12 lb largemouth at Oroville....
Replies: 12
Views: 2887

Re: 12 lb largemouth at Oroville....

I'm embarrassed to say this again, but she bit the "Hemphill Special" - a 3/8 oz brown/orange Rodstrainer jig with a #180 Yamamoto grub 5" trailer. I caught her in October, around dusk, near the dam, after 4 days of north wind. That did kind of surprise me. She was probably 15 feet de...
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:23 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: 12 lb largemouth at Oroville....
Replies: 12
Views: 2887

Re: 12 lb largemouth at Oroville....

There were a few nice largemouth in the 11 to 14 1/2 lb range caught about 5 to 8 years ago, but they have been scarce in the last few years. I caught my 10 1/4 pounder in 1994 and it was supposed to be the 6th biggest ever caught at that time but many bigger have been caught since then.
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Feb 18, 2007 10:37 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Clear lake
Replies: 9
Views: 1522

Re: Clear lake

StockOption's ideas are very good. I would add the Senkos to the list - especially around April. I would watch the 1/2 oz jigs at Clear Lake in shallow water - you will snag up a lot. I just would suggest 1/4 oz and 3/8 oz. If there is a cold front, try split-shotting 4 and 6 inch Robo worms a littl...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Feb 18, 2007 10:29 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Where do tournament released bass go?
Replies: 14
Views: 13631

Re: Where do tournament released bass go?

Has anyone ever seen a release boat around the Rattlesnake Island area at Clear Lake? They seemed to be released up (north) and down (south), but never sideways - occasional at Konocti Resort and Spa. Anybody want to guess how many bass have been given free rides from the Rattlesnake area to opposit...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Feb 16, 2007 8:25 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: SPINNING ROD BASS FISHING
Replies: 17
Views: 2687

Re: SPINNING ROD BASS FISHING

I did an article for Bass West USA about a year ago about spinning vs baitcasting. It should be in the archives. I started my fishing career with spinning only. I thought Tom Mann Sr, Leroy B., and I were the only ones. My largest bass, over 14 lbs, was caught on a spinning outfit. Now I only use sp...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Feb 16, 2007 8:05 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: How many bass over 10lbs have you caught.
Replies: 40
Views: 8522

Re: How many bass over 10lbs have you caught.

Since I am a detail kind of guy, I do know how many - they are ALL special! I am presently stuck at 43 over 10, 8 of them from 12 to 14-2 lbs. The last two or three hogs I have hooked were lost. I am most interested in my clients landing monsters these days. My two biggest client bass are 12.1 and 1...
by Larry Hemphill
Thu Feb 08, 2007 12:35 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Collins or Rollins Lake
Replies: 7
Views: 895

Re: Collins or Rollins Lake

I was there yesterday for about 4 hours and it was pretty slow. Water is still 46-47. The fellow that recently caught the 11 1/4 largemouth was there also - he caught 2 bass and I caught 3 - nothing over 2 lbs. Another boat had 4 smaller bass. I think it was just an off-day. Fishing will improve wit...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jan 26, 2007 12:07 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: I have a question
Replies: 18
Views: 3323

A vacuum cleaner named BassHoover!!

Hoover, Dirt Devil, and Oreck all make great vacuum cleaners, but God made better ones - the bass family!! If you watch the movie "Bigmouth", you will see bass suck up a bait in 1/24th of a second. It is impossible for a smallie, spot, or largemouth to "nibble"!! They can't pick ...
by Larry Hemphill
Thu Jan 25, 2007 11:23 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Cold and Muddy?
Replies: 7
Views: 1452

Re: Cold and Muddy?

I've written some articles on fishing cold, muddy water. Did you see the one in the westernbass.com "library" section? - under my name - Larry Hemphill? If you didn't, maybe that would help you a bit.
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:46 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Big fish on dropshot??
Replies: 36
Views: 12951

Use larger baits?

A client and I had three dropshot bites from 10 to 11 am a few years ago at Clear Lake and they weighed about 19 1/2 lbs - using 4 and 5 inch Robo zipper worms. Mine was 4 lbs and his were 5-11 and 9-13. I like to use a bulkier bait when drop-shotting dingy water. My second-ever drop-shot bass was a...
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:57 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Tough decision!!!!!!!!
Replies: 30
Views: 10707

Re: Tough decision!!!!!!!!

I didn't read all the responses but mid-july to the end of August has been tops the past few years - day and NIGHT!!! Around the end of August the bass seem to move around more and then the tournament fall season begins and the easy fishing is over!
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Jan 03, 2007 10:30 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: best spot lake
Replies: 27
Views: 8070

Re: best spot lake

Sure glad no one mentioned Collins lake! Wouldn't want the word to get out. Yea, the lake record is only 8 lbs 12 oz.
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Jan 02, 2007 12:26 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Thank you all for the nice e-mails!!
Replies: 3
Views: 927

Thank you all for the nice e-mails!!

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and really felt I needed to say thank you to so many of you that have emailed me this year thanking me for my fishing reports. I have really been surprised and very appreciative! I guess you have found them helpful and I do enjoy doing them - most of the ti...
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Jan 01, 2007 11:25 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Dropshot rods, spinning or baitcasting
Replies: 11
Views: 5583

Re: Dropshot rods, spinning or baitcasting

If you are dropshotting in open water or near some visable structures, spinning or baitcasting are both fine - personal choice. I like to dropshot very deep docks at Clear Lake and I find spinning is easier to handle with the 10 or 12 lb test I am using. Once I make the sometimes long pitch, I know ...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Dec 23, 2006 12:09 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: A message for all....
Replies: 5
Views: 1010

Re: A message for all....

Priceless and amazing!!
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Dec 22, 2006 5:15 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: It is with a heavy heart I post this
Replies: 17
Views: 6426

Re: It is with a heavy heart I post this

Kent, thanks for giving a day to that young boy. I'm sure he often thought about his day on the water until the end. I have taught and worked with young people my whole life in school and church and whether they are healthy or not, the rewards cannot be bought. Passing along joy to a sick child is o...
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Dec 12, 2006 10:37 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Great job on current photos - photo page!!
Replies: 0
Views: 339

Great job on current photos - photo page!!

I have been impressed lately with the photos on photo page. Folks are now "filling the frame" with the bass and its "catcher" - not a bunch of scenery. Bassindon's photo is great as is the big spotted bass. The others are good too! Remember - the fish is the "star"!!!!
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Dec 11, 2006 9:57 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: 50 and 65lb Power Pro break off problems
Replies: 13
Views: 2446

Re: 50 and 65lb Power Pro break off problems

I haven't had any experience with Power Pro, but a few year ago I had a client break off a "10 lb type" bass on a frog at Clear Lake using his 50 lb PP line. Then he broke off another - not so big though. I really felt sorry for him (and for the guide too)!!
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Dec 11, 2006 9:45 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Launch fees at markeley cove??
Replies: 14
Views: 1855

From Markley to Steele Park?

Uh, you are going at a pretty good clip if you can tow from Markley to Steele Park in 20 minutes. More like 30-35 minutes?
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Nov 29, 2006 11:05 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Fishing Line Expiration Date
Replies: 11
Views: 1795

Re: Fishing Line Expiration Date

Line stored in a cabinet in a garage should be fine for several years. Heavy pound test can develop some memory however, especially if on a small diameter spool
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Nov 29, 2006 10:43 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: The RIGHT way to hold a giant delta bass!!
Replies: 11
Views: 3412

Re: The RIGHT way to hold a giant delta bass!!

I didn't want to go into too much detail, but all is needed is two fingers behind the anal fin to support the big bass. There will be no fungus problems, trust me.
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Nov 29, 2006 6:58 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: The RIGHT way to hold a giant delta bass!!
Replies: 11
Views: 3412

The RIGHT way to hold a giant delta bass!!

I want to congratulate the person on the current home page photo section - not only for a great catch but holding the bass in the proper manner! Huge bass need to be supported on both ends for a photo. Holding a giant bass by the lip (vertical shot) is really tough on their "insides"! A we...
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Nov 29, 2006 6:50 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: A Friend in Need
Replies: 15
Views: 2869

Re: A Friend in Need

I will pray for God's healing touch. Serious illness with young mothers is really tough, but God can respond to the prayers of many!
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:01 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Fishing big worms....
Replies: 18
Views: 3059

I never peg worms at Clear Lake

I have never found pegging worm weights made any difference at Clear Lake - day or night. The water is murky much of the year and when it is clearer - Dec thru March - I don't think the weight presentation matters a hoot to the bass. I will say, however, that you should use the LIGHTEST weight you c...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Nov 25, 2006 4:05 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Beautiful baits but are NOT fish photos
Replies: 2
Views: 1013

Beautiful baits but are NOT fish photos

Those are great looking baits but need to be shown on a different page. You wiped out six spots for anglers who are proud of their catches. When I joined westernbass.com, I was told that the fish photo page was for fish photos. I hope it still is. That young man with his nice fish is about to be bum...
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Nov 20, 2006 7:40 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Interesting comments on my "reckless driver" post.
Replies: 51
Views: 42763

Wow - so many comments!

I just turned on my computer and was shocked at the amount of responses - I read them all and they are very well done. I do agree that life was not perfect 15, 20, 30 years ago - but MOST people - young and old - were more considerate of the people around them. I taught in public school for 30+ year...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Nov 19, 2006 11:54 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Interesting comments on my "reckless driver" post.
Replies: 51
Views: 42763

Interesting comments on my "reckless driver" post.

I enjoyed reading all the responses to my recent post. I don't know if I could handle the delta from what you guys have said and what I have observed. Fishing there with Dean Sault three times this fall was a real education. I was interested in some of your comments about the direction of our societ...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:07 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Sad boating incident at Clear Lake!
Replies: 24
Views: 8473

Sad boating incident at Clear Lake!

Many of us really care about the public image of bass anglers. I witnessed a real discouraging example of a bass boat pilot totally unconcerned about any image!! Wednesday afternoon my client and I were fishing off of Anderson Island and noticed a bass boat coming straight towards us - at full bore ...
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:20 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Maximum age of largemouth bass
Replies: 6
Views: 1438

Re: Maximum age of largemouth bass

I have been told that the northern strain lives the longest and a biologist told me of a 22 year old largemouth he examined - but I don't remember where he said it was caught.