The big 4-0! Need suggestions for a fishing trip

[norbert gee]

I'll try to keep this short, but I need your help planning a fishing trip later this fall. Me and 5 buddies all turn 40 this year. I've know these guys since Jr. High, we all went to same high school and college. When we graduated high school we spent a week at Shasta, after college we went to the Umpqua in Oregon and we said we would go to Mexico for lunkers when we hit 40. Problem is, we now have young kids and wives, so looks like Mexico will have to wait til 50. Wives have ok'd a three day trip anywhere, so I need some suggestions for a wide open bite in the fall (Oct/Nov), we're in Sacramento area, so I'ld like to be able to fish two of the three days, so travel is limited. Also, I'm the only serious basser in the group, so we'll probably hire guides to take us out. I prefer bass but doesn't have to be as catching is more important for my buddies since I usually only take them out once or twice a year and only during the hot spring bite. Their abilitiy is limited to finesse spinning gear as I usually have them split-shot or darthead. Any and all recommendations for location, time, guide, accommodations, etc would help me a lot. I'm feeling the pressure to produce a fishing trip full of great memories. Thanks for your ideas!

[Andy Giannini]

I would fish the Delta. Maybe book two guides, I just thought of Cooch, and remembered he was providing lodging as well on sandmound. (Or he was.)

This gets better, book Cooch, AND Bobby Barrack as they both live on sandmound! Stay there for a couple days, trade guides, catch fish till you get bored.

Might need one more boat/guide, Rich Thiel.

A.G.

[Iceman]

CLEARLAKE
great fishing, lodging ,guides, dining, HIT KONOCTI FOR A LITTLE NIGHT LIFE

[Calistar]

I'm thinking a houseboat on Shasta would be sweet. Swim, fish, etc...

[Iceman]

YA SHASTA DOES SOUND GOOD TOO !!!
ICEMAN

[Big Rick KFOG]

Here's a link to Konocti's shows

If you can find a good time with a band people like sounds like a winner trip for everybody.

[Sean Graf]

If I were you, I'd go to Melones. You can call John Chirapotti and use him as a guide for Bass Fishing for a day. After the Bass day, hire a kokanee/trout guide go out Kokanee fishing, it is awesome on Melones right now and they are one of the best eating fish you will ever have. You can also fish for Rainbows and Brown trout, and dont forget the awesome crappy bite.

If you need a guide for Kokanee on Melones, email me and I'll send you some info.

Picture this, monster Bass, Kokanee, and Rainbows all here in the beautiful Motherlode.

Good luck to you,

Sean Graf~

[BShafer]

They need to go trOUT or kokanee fishing first so they have some bait for the bass :

[Ron C]

...Clear Lake!

Fifty (plus) fish a day, with an occasional toad. The frog bite will be off the hook until 9 am. After that, Rat-L-Traps and Senkos all day long. Your thumbs will be all tore up after three days!

[bassindon69]

Well If ya go Clear lake fishing you can go play a few hands of black jack together at the casino, that may make for more fun. I guess I would say.... Honey! Kids! I am going to Mexico LOL!!!

Best of luck where ever you guys pick. Hope you have a blast.

Don.

[Dan McKenzie]

I don't think I would be too quick to rule out Mexico, either the
East Cape (Los Barriles) or Loreto, probably some of the best light tackle fishing your going to find. Take your bass tackle and go for inshore, or go out and look for dorado or striped marlin. I've stayed at Palmas de Cortez and Playa del Sol in Los Barriles, 4 day trip including air, fishing and all meals was approx 800.00 each direct from Oakland. You can get rate quotes from Chris at Big Game fishing in Oakland at 1-800-458-2879-She is awesome and can take care of every detail including flights.

http://www.jigstop.com/oasis.php
http://www.jigstop.com/east-cape.php

Last trip we were into yellowfin until our arms gave out, then hit the pool swim up to the bar and have a drink, chill and watch all the boats come in with the flags flying, quite a sight and a lot of fun. I haven't been to Loreto, but with the special they have going it looks like we may be going in October, 600.00 flight, food and fishing- awesome inshore fishing on light tackle. I don't think there is a better deal to be found. I was a bit skeptical of going to Baja on my first trip, didn't really know what to expect-both Loreto and Los Barriles retain the old mexico feel with very little of the Cabo commercialism, now I only wish I had gone 20 years ago. The food has been excellent on my trips, rooms clean and the most friendly staff you could want.

[Jeff Jewell]

A little different spin on things....
How about hiring one of those six pack boats for a few days, you can drift the Berkley Flats for Halibut, run to Red Rock for shark or any thing else that biting in the bay. Day 2: Delta Stripers