Fishing the Delta for the first time...

[x-star]

Well, after a lot of phone calls and looking around, I am going to be going to Sugar Barge next week. I am really excited about it. It should prove to be an exciting trip. We are renting our boat from Sugar Barg with a troling motor and a fish finder while we are there but will be staying about 10 miles away form the marina in a hotel.

I was wondering if anybody can give me some pointers/tips for the Delta. After some research, I looks like Franks Tract and Big Break are within a few minutes of eachother and really close to us with some good fishing. Here is what I will be taking with me. Can someone comment on what I am taking and maybe give me some advice on some stuff I should be taking that I don't have or what I should not be using. Thanks ahead for all advice.

- Two 7' rods and one 6'6" rod with standard spinning reels for bass fishing. All medium action
- One 6'6" medium action rod and Shimano bait casting reel set up for bass
- One 7' offshore rod with a larger offshore conventional reel
- Plenty of spinners and buzz baits.
- Frogs, rubber worms, etc.
- Jig kit with many different types
- Rapala minnos and other minnos
- Lots of Misc. standard weights, hooks, swivels, etc.
- 16# magnathin mono for all spinning
- 20# Stren superbraid for baitcasting
- 30# mono for offshore rig

I am a little concerned about the streagth of my medium actions because those stripers can get pretty big on the Delta. Also, what about fresh bait. Should I rely more on fresh than artificial. I know it is a lot of questions, I just want to make sure I am ready for the Delta before I get out there. Thanks.

[Cooch]

For your first trip, leave the spinning rods at home. We've had some adverse weather, along with the heavy cover here, not much you'll be able to do with a spinning rig out there. Best bite has been on Jigs, Senkos, Texas rigged plastics and the spinnerbait. Ya can leave yer frog rod and most of the topwater at home too. I'd recommend ta bring yer spooks, might have some success on those if we get calm warming days, and there's always the chance of catching stripers on em. Stripers are in the dead end sloughs and slamming Optimum swimbaits, bring a few and hang on! As fer live bait, not much of that done down here fer black bass, some use blue gills on a C-rig fer stripers.

Oh yeah, Big Break is a little further from Franks than one might think. Not sure which boat yer renting out of Lumborgs, but if'n it's the smaller version, DO NOT take the main river channel to Big Break. Take the back door behind Bethel Island through Dutch slough.

Good luck and enjoy yer trip!

[x-star]

Thanks for the reply Cooch. Can you comment a little on the reasoning for not using the spinnning rigs? How, other then the obvious, does that differ from my medium action with the baitcasting? I was also under the impression that my offshore rig was much too heavy. There is a huge difference between my offshore rig and my regular size baitcasting. Also, can you comment on my line selection. Just wondering if they are going to be sufficient. Thanks again.

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

I agree with Cooch..Also don't be afraid to just motor around Bethel flipping the tules and grass beds..Lots of good bass on the opposite side of Bethel in Taylor..Most of Taylor is speed restricted and can be pretty good fishing in a small boat..

mac

[TTCal]

yup... and another option might be to ping Cooch and see if has an opening in his schedule to take you out and show you the ropes himself. It's a bit of an expense but it will accelerate your learning curve considerably.

[x-star]

Can you guys comment a little on the reasoning for not using the spinnning rigs? How, other then the obvious, does that differ from my medium action with the baitcasting? I was also under the impression that my offshore rig was much too heavy. There is a huge difference between my offshore rig and my regular size baitcasting. Also, can you comment on my line selection. Just wondering if it is going to be sufficient. Thanks again.

[Mike]

Just leave your tackle at home and bring your check book. Go to The Hook Line & Sinker when you get here. There is one @ Russo's marina just down the road from Sugar Barge. They will "hook you up" with all you will need to "tackle" these Delta fish.

[x-star]

Thanks for the advice Mike but I would much rather prefer to use what I have if it is going to be sufficient. I've invested a lot of money in my equipment and don't think that there is a need to go out and buy all new equipment just for this trip.

Maybe someone can comment on what I have posted and say that the tackle I had is "too light" or "just what I need." I am trying to make this a fun and inexpensive trip but I do understand that I might need to buy a few additional things. I just can't justify the need to buy all new equipment.

[Mike]

Are you after green fish or the shinny ones?

[TTCal]

x-star,

You can get by with the spinning rods on the Delta if they're loaded with heavy line as you've indicated. It's just that baitcasting gear is favored because you have more control over the fish once you hook up and can be a little more precise in your location during a cast/pitch.

If you do intend to use your spinning gear, I'd probably stick with your rubber worms and senko's.

If the boat you're renting is equipped with a trolling motor, you can overcome some of the power deficiencies on a medium power rod by chasing down any large fish with the trolling motor. Be aware though, if they start heading for heavy cover, you might have a hard time turning them away from it.

Depending on the size and type of the reel on your offshore rig, that might be overkill for fishing the Delta. If you can make casts with it, you might be able to use it for swimbaits and/or frogs, but that's a tough call without knowing exactly what it is you have.

Hope that helps some.

[x-star]

Are you after green fish or the shinny ones?

I've been fishing for many years. My problem is that it is almost always on Lake Mojave because I go there many times during the year to Camp and we typically get a lot of stripers that are less than 5 pounds. Other than that, I go fishing quite often with friends of mine out of San Pedro for saltwater fishing which explains why I have the offshore rig. After looking up what kind of fish are in the Delta and seeing pictures of the fish that are coming out of the Delta, I am a little concerned about my tackle top being heavy enough. With that being said, I don't appreciate the sarcasm that you are giving me. I am what many people consider a novice fisherman but I think I am much more advanced than someone that needs to answer your question.

So, is there anybody out there that can review my list and make suggestions for me that might help me a little more? Thanks

By the way, arn't fish supposed to be purple with sparkly red spots?

[x-star]

x-star,

You can get by with the spinning rods on the Delta if they're loaded with heavy line as you've indicated. It's just that baitcasting gear is favored because you have more control over the fish once you hook up and can be a little more precise in your location during a cast/pitch.

If you do intend to use your spinning gear, I'd probably stick with your rubber worms and senko's.

If the boat you're renting is equipped with a trolling motor, you can overcome some of the power deficiencies on a medium power rod by chasing down any large fish with the trolling motor. Be aware though, if they start heading for heavy cover, you might have a hard time turning them away from it.

Depending on the size and type of the reel on your offshore rig, that might be overkill for fishing the Delta. If you can make casts with it, you might be able to use it for swimbaits and/or frogs, but that's a tough call without knowing exactly what it is you have.

Hope that helps some.

Thanks TTCal. That was exactly what I was looking for.

[Mike]

Dude! You totally mis-read my post's. Where is the Sarcasm? If you are going to react like that when people "try" to help you out, then why even ask. There is a big difference between the tackle you need for "the green"(largmouth) ones and the "shinny"(Stripers) ones! If that being sarcastic then I think you are a little thin skined. The tackle you described sounds a little in between. So, To give you a better answer, I wanted to know which species you wanted to target.

And Yes I DO fish the Delta alot, and DO know the owner on the shop. So? what's your point.

[x-star]

Well I am sorry for misinterpreting your post. I just assumed that shinny or green fish was a little elementary. I know the difference between large mouth and strippers; maybe you just didn’t know that.

I love both species. The bottom line is that I just want to catch fish. I guess I am searching for specific answers and am not getting them so I am not taking in the information that I am receiving to their fullest extent. I am renting a boat out of Sugar Barge and am planning on staying in Franks Tract and Big Break unless someone specifies otherwise.

With the tackle I am bringing, in my opinion, is set up best for largemouth. I love largemouth like everybody else. If you were to specify that Franks Tract has great largemouth, then I will be fishing for largemouth. On the other hand, I love striper and know that they can get much larger that largemouth. I am concerned however that my tackle might not be large enough for the size stripers I have seen come out of the Delta. If you were so say that Franks Tract has a lot of strippers and that my equipment is just fine for fishing Stripers, then I guess I would like to fishing for Stripers.

I just don’t know what to expect. What do I need to have a good time and what do I need to get that I don’t have to enjoy my time while there.

[Mike]

I was not talking down to you when I said "green" or "shinny" just trying to be cute Sorry for the confusion.


I would second the recomadation to hire a guide. At least for day 1 to show you some key spots and patterns. I would recomend Bobby. He seems to have both fish wired on the Delta.

http://www.bobbybarrack.com/

Take a look at the photo's in there!

[x-star]

No worries. At least we have made up now. Thanks for the info about the guide but with the drive up there, the hotel, and the boat rental, I am already up to $600+ . I am a student right now and that has already streached me out pretty thin so I don't think I can afford the guide this trip.

I did find the video archives on westernbass.tv and found some good videos on Delta fishing. Saw Cooch in a few of em too. I think those will help answer a few of my questions. For those that are interested, here is the link to the video's I am talking about.

http://www.westernbass.tv/archive.php?subject

I am just going down the list and looking for any articles that have the word Delta in them. Lots of good info.

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

I know Cooch said to more or less forget about the spinning gear, but you can do just about everything with spinning gear that you can do with baitcast equipment..I think the big thing Cooch was refering to was the fact that your gear is rated as medium, meaning that it has a lot of give overall, which would probably be quite satisfactory in open water situations..However the Delta has tons of cover (tules, heavy grass) and the spinning gear may not be heavy enough to get the bass out..A lot of people prefer spinning gear and do well on the Delta with it, most of those that do use medium-heavy or heavy rods..Of course I am only guessing at what Cooch meant..

I really don't think you will need any of your salt water gear to handle the fishing around Frank's or Big Break..I have caught some stripers in those areas, but most you will catch you could probably handle with your fresh water gear..

mac

[x-star]

Thanks mac. So basically, I should be ok but might want to think about investing in some med/hvy rods for my spinning or maybe even picking up another baitcasting?

How about line. What is the deal with these superlines? I picked up a spool to put on my baitcasting. I have heard that if you dont have titanium eyes on your rod, they can get eaten up by the line. I also heard that you need to cover the bottom of your spool with mono and then put the braided on over that. Correct?

[tommypV2]

I hope that your bringing a trolling motor? Back in the day when i rented, no one had a trolling motor - I had to bring my own and battery too.

I'd agree that for a first trip, the spinning reels are OK for senko and lite worming. There are rumors that folks are shaking darter heads and winning tourneys on the river.. if the spinnig rods are short, it's also a lot easier to skip senkos under docks with spinning reels too.. also, drop shotting is a fine technique to get bit when your loooking for that limit fish..

you can also catfish at night, just make sure to realize that the cats are on the bottom in the deep breaks (not all the way across the other side of the slough! ) in the summertime they'll be more shallow. I don't think that you'll need your ocean rig though - one of your other spinning or a bass rig will do.

Remember that the river kicks all our butts more often than most people admit, and can be a tough fishery. Check out all the Delta videos on this site for more tips. Don't be afraid to ask for local advise either, as your trip gets closer.

Don't forget to pack a good attitude. Have a great trip!

[MikeD]

I know the difference between large mouth and strippers

hey, who doesn't like a stripper with a large mouth..

sorry, couldn't resist

you'll enjoy the delta no matter what you take, and yes mono "backing" onto the spool with braid tied to mono. else you get slip since the braid won't bite on the spool

[Balistikphil]

I agree with Couch. If you want to fish for stripers, throw 3/4 oz. rattle traps and 3/4 oz hair raisers along the moss beds. This time of year I am throwig Super Spoks in Franks Track and Big Break. Need better weather. Good Luck. If you are interested in a boat let me know. I have one for sale.

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

Tommy has it right..The Delta can be tough at times, but it is almpst always exciting..You never know if the next bite is a big one or not till you get it..

Keep in mind also that even around Frank's and Big Break that the tide will definitely have an effect on water depth and also the current..Generally speaking, high tide fish closer to the shore line and low tide fish farther away..

mac

[x-star]

Hey Cooch or others. I would like to know a little more about the tides. Can someone school me about what the tides are, how to use them, and how to get the times for the tides and read the charts? Thanks.

[Calistar]

Cooch actually wrote an excellent article entitled DID SOMEONE SAY, “TIDES?â€

[Fishin' Dave]

x-star,rb

Bring what ever you want and have fun. Don't worry about the tackle stores, the thick cover, and all the urban ledgend. If you're not fishing a money tournament, don't worry. Just cast, catch, and enjoy!

[aNNieNsaLTIE]

yo Mr.X,

looking at your list of stuff i would suggest............

if your going for bass, both large mouth and stripe bass the spinning rods and bait caster will do..i PERSONALLY pefer 7 ft rods minimum but dats is me. i sould set up a senko rod on a spinning, a split shot rig on a spinning, and a jig or texas rig on the bait casting. that 20 lb super braid i would connect some leader material atleast 3 ft up, 15 - 25 depending what your fishing. 20 lb braid is some thin stuff. if you are fishing some submerged barge, up the leader material, some sharp rocks and metals are plenty . i am sorry but i am not a spinnerbait type guy. i think after fishing a heavey cover river like this today you would under stand why most guys would perfer a casting rod, or myself a longer casting rod. this river has a lot of cover and pitching or flipping w/ 15-20lb mono is almost a norm. throwing those rapala minnows (jerkbaits?) i would throw those along the rip rap levees if you feel like giving it a shot. i would not use heavy line dus to a need of good cast w/ jerkbaits. i have three rods to rip depending on the bait, cover, or water i am fishing. for the bigger ripbaits i use 12-15 lb test, pline cxx or pline flourocarbon NOT FLOUROCLEAR, the medium size ripbaits i use 10 or 12 lb test, preferly p-line cxx. and if i am usuing the lightest bait 6-10 lb cxx.lots of leves out there. some are bare, some have cover.
pay attention to the water movement.

..............NOW I AM NOT A PRO, I DO LOVE FISHING THE DELTA JUST LIKE ANYWHERE ELSE THAT HAS BASS, BUT I AM STILL LEARNING. THESE ARE SOME OF THE THING I DO TO HUNT FOR A BITE. IF YOU DO SEE SOME ACTION WAAAAYYY UP SHALLOW UNDER SOME GREEN STUFF AND WANT TO THROW FROGS, I WOULD GET A LONG ROD W/ HEAVEY BRAID W/ YOUR DRAG TIGHTEN DOWN, I DO 50 BUT HAVE HERD OF 65 AND 80.

GOOD LUCK, AND POST US SOME PICS,THX,
saLTIE-

[x-star]

First of all, I would like to thank everybody for their help. I really made a difference once we got there.

We only got to spend 2 days on the Delta because we had a slight flooding emergency at the parents house and had to go take care of that.

The old man didn't catch anything either day. I caugth two 2 pounders the first day on a watermellon worm with chartruse tails. I caught two more two pounders the next day on the same worms but I also caught a 3.5 and a 4 pounder on Rapala minnows. One was crazy bright pink, red, chartruse etc. (4 pounder). The 3.5lb was caught on a natural minnow color.

Great time I just wish caught a few more but had fun none-the-less.

How do you fish for Stripers out there?

[Jeff Jewell]

You want to have a blast fishing for stripers? Try drifting minnows on your split -shot rod. I put a very small (#4 max) split shot a few feet above a #4 G'lock hook and 8# maxima with a large or jumbp minnow, Boy look out! You'll have your drag zingging (need a good reel with a good drag). Sometimes you will just lose other times it's a great fight. Even the shaker Stripers put up a good fight on this combo.