Fishing Southern California Waters - BAG

Southern Cal Waters
 By Larry Hopper
Reprinted with permission from Bass Angler's Guide
Southern California contains numerous small to medium sized lakes, some of which are excellent bass fisheries. Fishing for bass in So Cal can be a very frustrating proposition for the average recreational angler. Most of these lakes are not only heavily fished but are used by water skiers, jet skiers and pleasure boaters. These heavily used waterways make the bass exceptionally wary and difficult to catch, we sometimes call these fish “”city bass” because they make their home in lakes near large cities.

   The key to improving your success in catching these “city bass' lies in fishing technique and fishing locations in the lake. Always keep the four basic seasons; spring, summer, fall and winter in mind when you go fishing.

Spring time- you should be targeting 2-10 feet of water inside shallow sheltered areas where bass will be spawning.

   Summer time-you should be targeting 10-25 feet of water on main lake points, humps and ledges where the bass will be living and feeding in the warm water.

   Fall fishing-you should be targeting the 10-35 feet of water on main lake points, humps and ledges where the bass will be feeding as the water cools.

   Winter fishing- you should be targeting 25-65 feet of water on main lake points, humps and ledges where the bass will be feed infrequently in cold, deep water.

   During all 4 seasons you may want to utilize finesse fishing techniques:

• Use 5-8 pound test when ever possible
• Use lighter weights - 1/16 oz, 1/8 oz, 3/16 oz, spit shot
• Use small baits like 3”-4” worms, grubs or reapers
• Use a dart head or round head jig and worm

   Forget the 10, 12 or 15 pound test outfits. Fish light line with a split shot, drop shot, Carolina or Texas rig plastic and you will get a lot more bites. Split shot, drop shot and Carolina rigs should be fished very slow in order to make a subtle presentation of the bait.  Remembe,r when worm fishing if you think your're fishing slow… slow down even more.  Using light line and weights, small hooks and plastic baits and fishing slowly will definitely increase your catch rate when fishing So Cal lakes. And please, always practice Catch and Release, our “city bass” are precious!