Not sure where Curtis went, but I live right down in Clovis and haven't fished Bass Lake yet, so I really appreciate the posts. Sounds like I'll have to wait for it to fill up, tho'...

Thanks for the directions, Fredfish.

I left a message asking the Gov to sign the bill at
https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail/

You can select "Comment" and then scroll way down to select "AB00817" then write whatever you want. Probably won't do anything, but it takes just a minute.
Bob

The derby rules specifically banned jigging, so your post really caught my eye, Woodguru, and I can't wait to try jigging on a non -tournament day.
I'm looking to upgrade my weak, basic trolling motor for a Terrova with spot lock for next season, and will try jigging (just not during derbies) for sure. At Huntington we spend half of our time getting blown off the fish we've metered, and the other half trying to turn around in the wind and get back to them, so jigging with Spot Lock sounds great. Do you have any favorite jigs and rigs your could point me to?

Yeah, I meant that 4 and 6 lb line was too light for pier and party boat fishing, but fine (and fun!) on a private boat. Great memories of fighting "bones" in King Harbor Redondo, and off the end of the Santa Monica pier 40+ years ago. Those skills I learned bonito fishing still come in handy when I still always seem to hook my biggest fish on my lightest rod!

Yes, it was really just like any other day fishing, but with a lot more company! Everyone was polite and friendly, (which kind of fits right in with the ultra-slow Kokanee troll speed), so I'll be back for the next one for sure.

I caught 100's of bonito in southern California as a teenager, and used ultralight (4lb test) up to 8 lb rated freshwater tackle from small private boats, but nothing under 12 or 15 lb test from a party boat or crowded pier. A 5 lb bonita fights like a little tuna and will zoom around and snag everyone's line on a party boat or pier, pissing off everybody, so that's no place for light tackle. You WILL get way more hookups on light tackle if using live bait, so it's really tempting! I had an Italian neighbor who would cook my bonita in a strong tomato sauce, and I still couldn't choke them down. They're really, uh, powerful tasting.

Well, thanks to all of you for encouraging me to enter the derby. It was crowded, but not nearly as much as I thought. Maybe 30 or 40 boats out there. My daughter and I only got a couple strikes that came off, and I saw only 2 fish netted in the 5 hours we were on the water, but had a great time just being out there with my kid.
I read that there were only 7 teams at the weigh-in, so I don't feel too bad getting skunked knowing we had plenty of company.
Kokanee Power, the non-profit which ran the derby, seems dedicated to helping the DFG maintain viable Kokanee and inland salmon fisheries, so I'm happy to support them and will be sending in my membership.
Oh, and for anyone planning a trip up to Shaver this fall: due to falling water levels the concrete launch ramp at Sierra Marina ends just past the edge of the water, so your trailer tires will drop down a few inches, and then it's onto round rocks. I imagine in a few weeks it will take 4x4 to launch there.
Tight lines!

Thanks Bob, and Bapabear.

Yes, we often do tend to have trouble "staying in our lane", especially on windy days at our mountain lakes, We too like to give everyone a wide berth, and the official rules listed the prize money based on 150 participants, so it could be elbow to elbow out there. I fish for family enjoyment first-- catching fish is secondary, so we might sit this one out, depending on the weather. Thanks for the great advice/info!

https://kokaneepower.org/derbies.php
Is anybody here going this Saturday, or has done this in the past? It seems fun, but I'm a bit worried it will be a zoo out there. My 14 year old daughter does a fine job launching and controlling the boat, watching the sonar and GPS, and keeping us on the fish while I tend 2 lines on one manual downrigger, but we've never trolled on a crowded lake before. Any advice?

Elephant seal. Looked like a car speeding thru the water. He grabbed my mackerel, I grabbed the line for some reason. I let go quickly....

Hi Kendall! This week's Fresno Bee had a fish report for Santa Margarita. It's way at the bottom. They only allow a couple of viewings before the subscription paywall blocks you. Let me know if you have trouble and I'll message it to you: https://www.fresnobee.com/sports/outdoors/hunting-fishing/article253537329.html

I sure hope I'm not the only one who wondered, "This guy FS Digest" sure asks a lot of questions.
Oh, he's a beginner... and fishes both fresh and salt.... Every day... In the Midwest! 🤔

Hi Paul. I'm getting my boat ready for trolling for kokanee and trout for the first time, and plan to fish Shaver (and other lakes) pretty soon.
I paid for a subscription to the Fresno Bee's digital edition to get the fish report every Tuesday, and I also stop by Sportsman's Warehouse and read the chalk board once a week or so. They both have local reports.
I'll start posting here once I get the hang of both this board and the fishing!