Search found 780 matches

by Larry Hemphill
Thu Jun 29, 2017 9:04 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: 6' Spinning Rod
Replies: 10
Views: 2708

Re: 6' Spinning Rod

Ash gave you an excellent response. When bass fishing got started in the south during the 60's, guys were using their pool cues with guides attached - 5 1/2 ft rods! They had a lot of power, but try setting the hook with one of those in wind with a big bow in your line - or setting if your bite is 5...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Jun 24, 2017 1:24 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Lake Almanor, July August Bass
Replies: 5
Views: 1949

Re: Lake Almanor, July August Bass

Smallmouth bass will move to off-shore structure in July and August as the water warms and starts dropping. There is a lot of off-shore structure like rockpiles, underwater islands, and stumps. If you are going to fish the shoreline, look for the steeper rocky areas. You won't find many quality bass...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jun 23, 2017 11:26 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Shasta in September
Replies: 4
Views: 1384

Re: Shasta in September

I have fished Shasta several time in Sept and the bite usually picks up in late Sept and gets better into October. You will get better quality bass in October. Sept is a transition month - sometimes very warm weather and some years early fronts move in and cool the water more quickly. I agree with G...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jun 23, 2017 11:16 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Lake Tahoe Fishin'
Replies: 3
Views: 2020

Re: Lake Tahoe Fishin'

There have been bass to 7 lbs caught in the keys. I have heard that officials at Tahoe were trying to rid the keys of "warmwater" species. I'm not sure of the current conditions - maybe someone else knows.
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jun 09, 2017 12:20 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: NEW TO BERRYESSA! POUR IT ON
Replies: 5
Views: 1417

Re: NEW TO BERRYESSA! POUR IT ON

You bring back memories!! I learned to bass fish on all the Santa Clara valley lakes in the early "70's before moving to Yuba City. I almost didn't want to move when my 5 biggest bass from Coyote and Lexington in 1974 weighed 33 1/2 lbs! Actually, I fished Chesbro mostly - from the bank and hoo...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Jun 04, 2017 10:47 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Help with a Senko Color
Replies: 4
Views: 1515

Re: Help with a Senko Color

It is color 918. I think they only make it in the 5 inch size (9-10 color). They have discontinued several colors in different sizes - including my favorite #180 color!! Hope this helps.
by Larry Hemphill
Mon May 15, 2017 11:39 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Fading Robo MMIIIs
Replies: 23
Views: 6464

Same experience for me!

I had the same problem and the same experience - MMIII's were replace immediately. Glad to hear the problem has been solved!!
by Larry Hemphill
Mon May 15, 2017 11:32 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: New Melones 9.3-Pound Largemouth
Replies: 2
Views: 1420

Congrats!!

They are a thrill, aren't they? Every big bass like that is a memory forever!!
Larry Hemphill
by Larry Hemphill
Sun May 14, 2017 3:39 pm
Forum: Photos
Topic: Pre teen bed fish!
Replies: 3
Views: 3637

Re: Pre teen bed fish!

Doesn't matter - it's only a Half-Bass!!
by Larry Hemphill
Sat May 13, 2017 5:35 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: It Starts With a Dream | In 1983, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits was formed
Replies: 9
Views: 5517

Re: It Starts With a Dream | In 1983, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits was formed

I think you are probably right! The question is: did they work - LOL??
by Larry Hemphill
Sat May 13, 2017 4:05 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: It Starts With a Dream | In 1983, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits was formed
Replies: 9
Views: 5517

My begining with Gary Yamamoto

I guess I should add some history to Gary's remarkable career. I, too, was with the Twin T's company before Gary bought it. They sponsored me - my 3rd sponsor! Very exciting!! Then Gary bought the company and was immediately busy keeping up the demand for his baits from southern California anglers. ...
by Larry Hemphill
Thu May 11, 2017 11:30 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Clear Lake fishing report?
Replies: 4
Views: 1486

Some Thoughts

I just posted a report. Remember, Clear Lake bass fishing has been greatly influenced by constantly changing weather patterns for the last 5 months and rising and falling water levels along with the rising and falling of water temps. There really hasn't been a steady nice weather pattern all spring ...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri May 05, 2017 1:53 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Bullards Bar
Replies: 2
Views: 1560

Re: Bullards Bar

Senkos - either weightless or with a piece of nailweight, fished down the sides of bushes and trees work well in the post-spawn since they are a slow moving bait. Any color works as long as it is #301. Watch your line!!! Also, 6" Robo worms start being attractive to nice spots. I just Texas rig...
by Larry Hemphill
Thu Apr 27, 2017 5:52 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Fun tournament at Lake Almanor!
Replies: 4
Views: 1626

Re: Fun tournament at Lake Almanor!

My pleasure - it was a nice event, and the fishing wasn't bad either!!
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Apr 24, 2017 12:47 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Fun tournament at Lake Almanor!
Replies: 4
Views: 1626

Fun tournament at Lake Almanor!

Fishing buddy Mike Sperbeck asked me if I wanted to fish a tournament at Lake Alamanor. I hadn't fished a tournament for many years since I enjoy guiding and teaching more. But any chance to fish this beautiful lake is a go for me. The tournament was an open tourney run by the Mountain Bass Associat...
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Apr 18, 2017 2:11 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: B.A.S.S
Replies: 6
Views: 1870

Possibly!!

I think you were talking about retiring - settling down in an area for your retirement? I love the Shasta area and all the fishing possibilities! Lakes, rivers, creeks, ponds, etc. Beautiful, clean area everywhere! The main thing to consider - WEATHER!! That is not necessarily a bad thing, but the R...
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Apr 17, 2017 8:18 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: B.A.S.S
Replies: 6
Views: 1870

Shasta water level - Sunday

Our local paper keeps up on water levels of Shasta, Oroville, and Bullards Bar. Sunday the storage was at 96%. The total capacity is 4.5 million acre feet, and it is now at 4,378,565 acre feet. The inflow and outflow, at least over the weekend, was almost even at 22,500 acre feet. Oroville and Bulla...
by Larry Hemphill
Thu Apr 06, 2017 1:48 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Lake Berryessa
Replies: 3
Views: 1626

Re: Lake Berryessa

I'm about to do a report now - Thurs.
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Apr 03, 2017 11:22 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Bullards Bar Lodging?
Replies: 7
Views: 3145

Re: Bullards Bar Lodging?

There are several nice motels in Yuba City, about an hour from Bullards Bar. Some of my clients stay at the motel 6. Not fancy, but reasonable price.
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Apr 02, 2017 8:27 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Best summer month for clear lake?...
Replies: 7
Views: 1863

May and June

I agree that May and June can be good on most lakes - including Clear Lake. Water temps aren't at summer highs and the low oxygen levels are a problem in July and August. That is for a "normal" summer pattern. Problem is - weather in California is not "normal" lately! Large post-...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Apr 02, 2017 4:12 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Skeet Reese Skin Cancer
Replies: 8
Views: 12475

Another condition to watch!

I, too, have had many areas of face and arms burned off. That sounds weird - just the sun damaged areas! Remember, if you are fishing calm water with a low sun - morning or late afternoon which reflects off the water on to your face - that can be a problem. You can almost feel the reflection more th...
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Mar 14, 2017 3:19 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Thank you to Organizers and Fisherman on Clear Lake
Replies: 4
Views: 1477

Re: Thank you to Organizers and Fisherman on Clear Lake

Again - as a guide on Clear lake - I want to thank you for taking the time to post this nice message! Positive comments never grow old!!!
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Mar 14, 2017 3:15 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Berryessa Launch Ramps
Replies: 5
Views: 1700

Yes, Markley Cove open at 6 am

6 am for Markley Cove every day. Lake is at the top of the main ramp - totally full lake! Walking to and from the low water ramp was my exercise program! What will I do now that launching is a piece of cake?? Yes - walking up the stairs to the parking area - that will do it!!
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Feb 21, 2017 3:19 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: where can I find shasta lake fish records?
Replies: 20
Views: 9836

15 lbs 9 oz is a possibility

I don't fish Shasta anymore but do pay attention to possible record fish. I am pretty sure there was a 15 lb 9 oz largemouth caught several year ago - I think in a tournament. A bass like that does create attention. Again - I could be mistaken.
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Feb 18, 2017 11:27 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Thanks for the WWBT Turnout!!!!
Replies: 5
Views: 1491

Congrats, Gary!!

I thought I was the night owl - this post is kinda late for you - the early bird! Seriously, congrats on all the hard work you have done to provide the two excellent tournament at Oroville and Shasta. I wonder if your anglers realize how hard you have worked to provide such outstanding tournaments -...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Feb 18, 2017 7:47 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Clear Lake and Oroville post
Replies: 7
Views: 4342

Kent - we all thank you for your message!

One of the unfortunate facts of life is that "a few can spoil it for the many." That is true of any large body of people. Happens at sporting events often. Anyone can buy and roar off in a new bass boat, knowing nothing about the responsibility and proper etiquette of operating a high powe...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Feb 11, 2017 9:32 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Emergency Spillway Release Photos from DWR
Replies: 4
Views: 2599

Re: Emergency Spillway Release Photos from DWR

Actually, the Oroville water project was one of the best things the state of California ever put together. Even leaving all the trees standing in the coves and using cables to secure the fallen trees to their stumps. This was to establish the warm water fisheries. The project was the work of Gov. Pa...
by Larry Hemphill
Thu Feb 09, 2017 12:12 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Oroville Spillway Damaged | Releases Stopped
Replies: 3
Views: 2189

Something need to be done quickly.

KCRA news says that Oroville will fill to 101% by late Saturday if nothing is done. They will need to do something or let the spillway continue operating and fix the damage at a later date. A road is being created by the spillway to get equipment in to work on the problem.
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Feb 08, 2017 12:23 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Nitro vs...?
Replies: 39
Views: 17271

Think of resale!!

Something else to consider! If this is not going to be your last boat, it is always wise to think of the resale value. If someone can't afford a new Ranger, but that is their dream rig, they will be looking for a used one in their price range. They hold their value like no other boat. I have sold 8 ...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jan 20, 2017 3:52 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Winter bass in ca delta the great mystery!
Replies: 5
Views: 2095

Re: Winter bass in ca delta the great mystery!

Being in a F&W shock boat is an amazing experience! I was in one many years ago at Don Pedro - at night. They got their first 10 pounder shocked that night. It had the tail of a 10-12 inch bass hanging out of its mouth - swallowed it whole.
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Jan 18, 2017 1:29 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Bullards Bar is now open!
Replies: 3
Views: 1253

Hmmmmm!

I wonder what the world record is for a demo tank bass? Oh yea, we're not allowed to catch them!!
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Jan 17, 2017 12:41 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Bullards Bar is now open!
Replies: 3
Views: 1253

Bullards Bar is now open!

According to our local paper, repairs have been done at the dam and the lake is now open again. You can call the Yuba County Water Agency - 741-5000 for more info. If you are not going to fish this week, make sure you come to the ISE show in Sacramento, Thurs thru Sunday. I will be giving a seminar ...
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Jan 16, 2017 8:56 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Looking for Lake Coeur D Alene Guide
Replies: 5
Views: 1423

Hayden Lake

The lake I forgot to mention is Hayden Lake, very close to Coeur. It reminded me of a smaller Lake Almanor. Beautiful homes all around the lake! I caught my first, and hopefully last, northern Pike there. Beautiful coloring in those fish.
by Larry Hemphill
Mon Jan 16, 2017 1:27 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Looking for Lake Coeur D Alene Guide
Replies: 5
Views: 1423

Re: Looking for Lake Coeur D Alene Guide

I have fished several of the lakes in the Coeur D' Alene area with my friend Jim Grassi, who lives in the area now. The beauty of the area is fantastic!! Lake Coeur D' Alene even has some quality largemouth on the west side. Even though the area looks like a high elevation area, the lake is only aro...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jan 13, 2017 2:20 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Best option this weekend
Replies: 15
Views: 2945

Sandmound - Love it!

Thanks for the memories - the only tournament I ever fished at the delta, I won it in Sandmound. Obviously, my favorite place in the delta!! As for the condition I mentioned, I am not qualified to give an opinion on the delta since I only get to fish it once or twice a year. I fished it a lot when I...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jan 13, 2017 12:18 am
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Best option this weekend
Replies: 15
Views: 2945

Look shallow and for cover!

Notice I didn't say structure. I have written a few articles on fishing in muddy water, having found a few clues in past muddy events. Forget the 50 foot water if the water coming in is warmer. Last Sunday's storm brought warm water into our lakes, which will move the bass up. Now the water coming i...
by Larry Hemphill
Thu Jan 12, 2017 2:03 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Bullards Bar closed to all boating!
Replies: 0
Views: 1060

Bullards Bar closed to all boating!

I wasn't sure if this news made it to the forum. Bullards Bar is closed to all boating until further notice. I think this went into effect yesterday. The log boom that is in front of the spillway was destroyed by the high water outflow. Our local paper said it would remain closed until the overflow ...
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Jan 11, 2017 2:05 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Great Read on Reservoir Health, Water Status and Snowpack
Replies: 5
Views: 2220

Re: Great Read on Reservoir Health, Water Status and Snowpack

I take hwy 99 from Yuba City to Sacramento at least once a week, always crossing the Feather River. It was very high all summer and fall. Major release of water from Oroville for as long a period of time as I have ever seen for decades. Not sure the reason, but is was a historic release of water for...
by Larry Hemphill
Tue Jan 10, 2017 11:57 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Berryessa
Replies: 8
Views: 2045

Re: Berryessa

The previous report is correct - can't get to Berryessa from Winters. Actually, it was a weird event - the road is fine - but the soil under the road is all washed out - several feet deep! The highway looks like a shelf in your garage, suspended in air! It is going to take some effort to repair the ...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Jan 06, 2017 2:26 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Oroville and Shasta
Replies: 7
Views: 2464

A suggestion for you.

If you can find an "edge" - a line between murky and clearer water, bass tend to move up and down between that "edge." If that edge has some cover or structure - even better! Bass will follow a moving mud line. Also, look for clearing water at the mouth of incoming runoff a few d...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Jan 01, 2017 9:00 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Struggling on Delta last couple of weeks
Replies: 9
Views: 2768

Re: Struggling on Delta last couple of weeks

Gary is absolutely correct - as he usually is. I did a guide trip at Oroville last Friday and found the bite to be quite good - in spite of the cold weather and water temp. The water was just slightly stained. The double whammy in all bass fishing is: COLD and MUDDY water. That is a fact when fishin...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Dec 30, 2016 2:53 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Main body, middle fork - little debris
Replies: 0
Views: 706

Main body, middle fork - little debris

I had my first guide trip at Oroville in awhile and turned out to be a very nice trip - WHEN it warmed up!! I took a father and his future "bass pro" 15 year old son yesterday and found the winter bite to be OK. This kid is "all business!" We fished the main body and the middle f...
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Dec 28, 2016 9:10 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Lake Berryessa Questions
Replies: 7
Views: 1751

Re: Lake Berryessa Questions

If you are fishing the west side of the main body, watch your meter. There are lots of off-shore islands that are out of the water and some barely under the water. Beware!
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Dec 24, 2016 1:13 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: #TBT to 1971 Bassmaster Classic at Mead| Watch it Here
Replies: 3
Views: 3685

Thank you for posting this!!!

Well, someone has to respond to this film! Thank you wb.com for showing it! That must have really been a shock for those anglers to go from southern waters to Lake Mead!!! Talk about night and day!!! That event was the birth of our sport going national!! Ten thousand dollars for winning a bass tourn...
by Larry Hemphill
Sat Dec 24, 2016 12:31 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Clear Lake Jig colors
Replies: 15
Views: 5053

Re: Clear Lake Jig colors

And many bass thank you for that - LOL!!!
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Dec 21, 2016 9:37 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Clear Lake Jig colors
Replies: 15
Views: 5053

Re: Clear Lake Jig colors

Brown/purple is often a great choice. Since I like purple so much, I will often fish a black/blue/purple jig - especially in colder water. Rodstrainer Tackle has made many, many jigs for me in that color trio! A good winter color, especially in low light conditions, is black/chartreuse. And that is ...
by Larry Hemphill
Sun Dec 18, 2016 6:57 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: New world record spot
Replies: 21
Views: 10352

Here is the answer as I understand it.

I believe the 11 lb 3.2 oz spot from Bullards, caught this last winter, was only submitted for the state record. So, the state (Calif) record spot is actually a bigger fish than the world record - as of this moment!!! The world record is the one near 11 lbs. Kinda weird, but that is the problem with...
by Larry Hemphill
Fri Dec 16, 2016 1:01 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Berryessa getting muddy and coming up!
Replies: 8
Views: 2518

Thanks for posting videos!

Been waiting for those videos for years!! Thanks for taking them and posting them!
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Dec 14, 2016 8:24 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Video: Giant Bass on Clearlake, CA
Replies: 3
Views: 4638

Congrats - 13's are harder to catch these days!!

Yes - great video. Your fishing partner didn't make boating the monster easy - LOL!! I caught a 13-3 at Clear lake many years ago, but at night. Thank goodness for the moonlight I had. You will replay that thrill in your mind a million times in the future. When one holds any bass over 10 lbs that he...
by Larry Hemphill
Wed Dec 07, 2016 2:19 pm
Forum: Fishing
Topic: Top Water Bass action is still alive!
Replies: 9
Views: 4355

Topwater - yea, right!

Kinda amazing isn't it!! Most have put their topwater in storage by now. Back in the early 70's, I rented a boat at Spanish Flat (Berryessa) on December 28th, early in the morning. There was still a lot of shoreline cover in those days - bushes and other cover. Ice was forming on my guides when reel...