sawheeler52 Loc: Escondido, CA

Hi all,
We are bass fishermen.
I've lived in San Diego county for 25-years; but haven't made the opportunity to explore our state waters over all this time.
My long-time fishing partner is coming from back east to California, likely sometime in September or October.
We are both in our early 70s.
I voted Pacific Coast Highway road trip where the journey is the important part; less the destination.
In the late 60s and early 70s we thumbed our way from east coast to west and back and later vanned it similarly. To me, our best experiences occurred during the hitch-hiking trip.
He voted let's find a rental room and launch from there or there abouts each day for a week or less of fishing.
He wins.
So...would anyone have any recommendations, during that time of year, someplace in CA that might afford us of this opportunity.
We would need to rent a boat (or guide) that these old people can get in and out of, no less 'survive' a multi-hour fishing journey.
We haven't been together in nearly 2-decades. This may be our last connect. Any guidance would make my day.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Great story line there S52, sorry I can't help. But plenty of California folks on here. Hang in there some good intel should come your way.

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

After my mom died, I lived my uncle (all 4 of my high school years). Every summer he took me trout fishing in the Sierras and a trout fishing road-trip (SF Bay to central Oregon).

Many years later (I think he was just short of 70), I wanted to repay him for all that he did for me. So I decided to taking him on a one-day tuna trip (closest thing to deep-sea fishing in NorCal). I chartered a six pack that departed from Monterey and invited his life-long fishing buddy and a couple of my cousins (to help cover the cost).

He talked about -- often referring to it as his "bucket list" fishing trip -- until the day he died.

I would highly recommend it for your "last chance to connect" fishing adventure.

If you decide to try it, I would recommend a 6 pack because the larger party boats can get extremely chaotic and may be overwhelming for a more mature newbie. If you book a trip, ask what gear they provide and what you'll need to bring (our 6 pack provided everything -- the party boats only provided/rented rods and reels).

Good luck on your adventure!
PapaD

PS - I also gave my aunt and uncle a 2-week trip to Australia with all of my United and Marriott points. My aunt loved it.

Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.

Go on a all day boat out of San Diego fishing should still be great .just a suggestion

Delhijim Loc: Merced, ca

In September and October, the east side of the Sierras should be special. There are many lakes with cabins and boat rentals. One of my favorites is twin lakes out of Bridgeport. Another favorite is Virginia Lakes a little further south.

Continuing south there is the June Lakes loop. These should meet your friends criteria. Lodging near fishing with boats available.

Another advantage would be the fall colors, not like New England but close. You can find many other attractions in the area besides fishing.

sawheeler52 Loc: Escondido, CA

Delhijmim,
Great information for an area for which I have no experience or information. Will search. Do your recommendations include bass lakes which is our historical forte. Not trout guys. Thanks so much.
Looking for more than one place to go the June Lakes "Loop" draws my attention.
Ball in my court to figure this out.
Thanks again.

Delhijim Loc: Merced, ca

Sorry, primarily trout. However, I think you'll find this to be a great place to visit.

Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.

In Bishops you can catch bass in some of the small lakes and small mouth bass in the Owen River, if the water is not to hight and has slowed down to fish.
Did it for years with my fishing buddy then up in the the lakes above the town in the mountains we would catch our trout.
We would go for 3 days and have a ball.
Also took our 22 cal. And chase cotton tail rabbit 🐇 s and Jack Rabbit 's.
Several Motels in town and restaurants.
If you have any questions pm me and I'll call you what we use to do

June lake loop is higher and far up 395 hyw love that area also and have fished it for years.
And you have Crawley lake that is off 395 they have Sacramento in Crawley lake.
My largest trout out of Crawley lake was 9lbs.
But you have the bass lakes by you.
Have a great 4th of July and a safe one and a safe trip with your buddy.