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Sportsman

California Your LOCAL Hunting & Fishing Resource

Volume 8 • Issue 11 PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Dick Openshaw EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andy Walgamott EDITOR Chris Cocoles CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Brittany Boddington LEAD WRITER Tim E. Hovey CONTRIBUTORS Bill Adelman, Steve Carson, Mark Fong, Jason Haley, Brad Hall, Scott Haugen, Tiffany Haugen, Pat Kittle, Todd Kline, Bill Schaefer, Mike Stevens SALES MANAGER Katie Higgins ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mamie Griffin, Steve Joseph, Garn Kennedy, Michelle Kovacich, Mike Smith, Paul Yarnold PRODUCTION MANAGER Sonjia Kells DESIGNERS Michelle Hatcher, Sam Rockwell, Liz Weickum PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Kelly Baker

DIGITAL STRATEGIST Jon Hines DIGITAL ASSISTANT Samantha Morstan OFFICE MANAGER/ACCOUNTING Audra Higgins

Mallard Corn Pond Hunting on 16 Private Ponds Average 6.2 Ducks Per Person in the 2015/16 Season!!

Freeze Up No Problem! Aerators & Springs in Most Ponds

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Katie Sauro INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn CIRCULATION MANAGER Heidi Belew ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@calsportsmanmag.com CORRESPONDENCE Email ccocoles@media-inc.com Twitter @CalSportsMan Facebook.com/californiasportsmanmagazine ON THE COVER High-elevation waters like Lake Tahoe not only offer respite from summer’s oppressive heat, but also offer anglers like our very own Tim Hovey opportunities to land big fish like Mackinaw.

(TIM E. HOVEY)

Also Available: Hunts in Saskatchewan, Canada!

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 11

FEATURES 17

‘PRONE’ TO SUCCEED The son of a Marine, David Higgins found a love for competitive shooting early on and continued that as he competed for the Air Force Academy before graduating this year. That was just one milestone for the 22-year-old, who rallied at the Olympic Smallbore Trials to qualify for this month’s Rio Summer Olympics in the 50-meter prone rifle competition. Get to know this Southern California shooter.

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EAST BAY OASIS San Pablo Reservoir is arguably the Bay Area’s most popular if not productive freshwater destination, featuring populations of trout, bass and catfish that usually reward patient anglers. With shore and boat opportunities, San Pablo can cater to whatever your fishing budget. Join tour guide Bill Adelman for a peek.

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TAHOE TIME Fishing sometimes gets lost amid the boating, dining and casino seekers who head to Lake Tahoe, but some big Mackinaw are not only swimming around Tahoe but also in nearby Donner Lake and Stampede Reservoir. We have tips, techniques and tales from Tim Hovey and Mark Fong. (TIM E. HOVEY)

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

DEPARTMENTS

39 45 103 109 111 116 139

13 27 35 35 37 115 129

Duck calling championship preview Introducing kids to hunting Dorado biting off SoCal Light-tackle bonito, bass, barracuda Try shad crankbaits for big bass Hunt detour for Wyoming trout Alberta bound – head to prairie province for birds, big game

The Editor’s Note Adventures of Todd Kline Protecting Wild California: Ducks up Outdoor Calender Photo Contest winners Rig of the Month: Split-shot bass rig Urban Huntress: Hunting for a view, Brittany climbs Yosemite’s Half Dome

ROCKIN’ THE COD Scott Haugen heads to sea for the latest edition of he and wife Tiffany’s Field to Fire column. With help from a famed Half Moon Bay charter skipper, Scott catches a mess of rockfish and other denizens of the deep for Tiffany’s maple syrup-inspired recipe for preparing white-meated fish.

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‘PASS’ IT ON Our Eastern Sierras trouthead Mike Stevens knows how to escape the summer heat: head up the back road to Yosemite, Tioga Pass. Stevens has the ins and outs of trout, well, hot spots such as Ellery Lake, Lee Vining Creek, Tioga Lake and more in this stunningly beautiful setting.

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PARDEE PRIMED By all indications, Kokanee Power’s 2016 Team Fishing Derby at Pardee Reservoir could be the best ever. Local sharpie Brad Hall sets you up for victory at this month’s big event!

California Sportsman goes digital!

Read California Sportsman on your desktop or mobile device. Only $1.89 an issue. Go to www.calsportsmanmag.com/digital California Sportsman is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 14240 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Send address changes to California Sportsman, PO Box 24365, Seattle, WA 98124. Annual subscriptions are $29.95 (12 issues), 2-year subscription are $39.95 (24 issues). Send check or money order to Media Index Publishing Group, or call (206) 3829220 with VISA or M/C. Back issues are available at Media Index Publishing Group offices at the cost of $5 plus shipping. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2016 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A. 10 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

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THEEDITOR’SNOTE

Over 630,000 fingerling kokanee, landlocked sockeye salmon, were planted in 13 lakes throughout Central and Northern California last month and will reach catchable size in about two years. (CDFW)

O

ne of the best fishing days I’ve had was catching kokanee at Lake Berryessa a couple summers ago. It ended up a blazing hot summer day, but getting on the water early and catching a bunch of fat kokes made up for the rising sun that methodically jumped the thermometer.

Kokanee, a fancy name for landlocked sockeye salmon originating from the Pacific Northwest’s Native Okanagan dialect, is a feisty fish for anglers to chase in select California lakes. Thanks in part to contributions from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, a new generation of kokanee fingerlings were stocked in 13 different lakes last month.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that generally up to 1 million fingerlings are stocked in 18 different lakes. Multiple years of drought conditions took a toll on raising enough fish to reach that level, but Washington’s fisheries department contributed eggs to allow CDFW to plant 634,430 kokanee.

That number included just over 138,000 in Lake Tahoe, 70,000-plus at Bullards Bar Reservoir in Yuba County and a shade over 50,000 fish apiece at Shaver Lake, east of Fresno, Bass Lake, near Oakhurst in Madera County and the aforementioned Lake Berryessa. Other lakes and reservoirs receiving fish included Boca and Donner Lake (Nevada County), Hell Hole (Placer), Little Grass Valley (Plumas), Stampede (Sierra), Union Valley (El Dorado), Don Pedro and New Melones (Tuolumne).

“Anglers can expect excellent fishing opportunities in these waters two years from now, when these fish reach catchable size,” said CDFW’s Kyle Murphy, a senior environmental scientist and project leader of the program. “The stocking of fingerlingsized fish is a very cost-effective way to maintain this popular recreational fishery.”

Opportunity is what it’s all about. See you on the water, fellow kokanee fiends. –Chris Cocoles calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

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14 California Sportsman JULY 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

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MIXED BAG David Higgins grew up along the Orange County coast in San Clemente and had an early love for shooting.

He’s developed into an Olympian who is representing Team USA in Rio this month in 50-meter prone rifle.

(US AIR FORCE ACADEMY)

SHOOTING FOR GOLD SOCAL’S DAVID HIGGINS QUALIFIES FOR RIO OLYMPICS IN MEN’S PRONE RIFLE EVENT

By Chris Cocoles

C

ertain Olympic Games get marred by controversy before a single medal is awarded: Adolf Hitler’s 1936 propaganda circus in Berlin, boycotts by the 1980 U.S. delegation in Moscow and the Eastern Bloc four years later in Los Angeles.

Rio de Janeiro’s struggles to have all the facilities ready for this month’s Games of the XXXI Olympiad to crime concerns and fears over the Zika virus – causing many prominent athcalsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

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MIXED BAG Chris Cocoles Tell me about your days in Southern California letes to withdraw, publicly or likely privately – have taken much of the focus off the actual games themselves.

The criticism of Rio has been so omnipresent and harsh that it’s been easy to forget about the athletes who are representing their countries in Brazil. David Higgins is one of those unheralded USA Shooting members to feel good

and how you developed a love for competitive rifle?

David Higgins My family lived in Southern California four different times as a result of moving around with the Marine Corps. It wasn’t until the fourth time that I became a competitive shooter. We moved back to Camp Pendleton the summer before my senior year of high school.

Higgins recently graduated from the Air Force Academy and will be cross-commissioned into the Marine Corps to become an infantry officer. “It was during my time at the Academy that I realized I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps that lead to the Marines,” he said. (USA SHOOTING)

about. The 22-year-old recent Air Force Academy graduate from San Clemente (Orange County) was perceived as an unlikely Rio qualifier in 50-meter prone rifle (USA Shooting News referred to his qualification with adjectives like “dark horse,” “underdog” and “wild card.”). At the U.S. Olympic Smallbore Team Trials in April, Higgins rallied on the final day to finish first and claim the one remaining available spot in his event.

Higgins’ dad is a Marine colonel and David will soon follow in his father’s footsteps by being cross-commissioned into the Marine Corps to become an infantry officer. But first, Higgins is representing his country on the world’s stage at his Aug. 12 event.

Before he headed to Rio, Higgins shared his thoughts on training, lobster traps, his military legacy and being a part of the USA Shooting family (El Monte resident Kim Rhode also qualified for Rio and will shoot for a sixth consecutive medal at an Olympics).

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During that year I trained smallbore (.22-caliber) rifle up at the Los Angeles Rifle and Revolver Club (LAR&R) in El Monte. I was incredibly fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to train there. The members of the coaching team were nationally certified and even included a former Olympian. This great coaching staff produced great shooters that I was able to train and compete alongside with during my senior year, as well as during breaks from the Academy. When I wasn’t shooting, I could be found surfing at the T-street Break near my home in San Clemente, or riding mountain bikes along the trails in the San Juan Capistrano Hills.

CC Did you have a lot of different activities/sports going on when you were younger, or were you focused mostly on shooting?

DH Throughout high school, I competed in track and field as well as soccer at the same time that I was shooting.

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MIXED BAG CC You see so many successful athletes in any sport – team or individual – and they’ll tell how hard they had to practice to reach an elite level. Was that true for you and do you look back now wondering how much work you’ve had to put in to get to this point?

DH It is absolutely true. I’ve put in thousands of hours of range time and probably shot hundreds of thousands of rounds to get to where I am today. But I know that there are many rifle athletes who have put in the hours as well, which is why I’m incredibly thankful that I had such amazing coaches who steered my training in the right direction to maximize my efforts.

CC As the son of a Marine colonel, was getting a military education at the Air Force Academy and competing for the Falcons’ rifle team kind of a natural fit for you, especially since you aspire to follow in your dad’s footsteps in the Marine Corps?

DH The Air Force Academy was a perfect fit for me. I’m a very structured person and the military education that I received at the Academy meshed perfectly with my personality. I’ve known for many years that I wanted to serve in the military. When the Academy recruited me for their rifle team, I couldn’t imagine a more

20 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

With his dad in the Marines, Higgins moved around a lot, but he spent enough time in Southern California to hone his skills at the Los Angeles Rifle and Revolver and Rifle Club. (RON MORALES)

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MIXED BAG perfect way to do that. It was during my time at the Academy that I realized I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps that lead to the Marines. Fortunately, there is a program at the Academy that prepared me during my second and third years to go to Marine Corps Officer Candidate School.

The Academy has been very accommodating in all of my endeavors – from leaving school to compete in international competitions to preparing me to cross-commission into the Marine Corps. If I had to do it all over again, I would definitely go to the Air Force Academy. Without a doubt in my mind, it was the right choice.

“The one thing that I really hope people can understand about our sport is that it is all about perfection,” Higgins says. “We are constantly striving towards perfection in every single shot.” (RON MORALES)

CC A lot of competitive shooters also hunt. Do you do any hunting or fishing?

DH I’ve never really hunted and only fished a few times. However, every year when lobster season comes around, I go out on my girlfriend’s dad’s boat and drop pots. It’s an awesome feeling when you pull up a pot filled with keepers and you have to throw some back because you’ve hit your limit for the night.

CC You’re also passionate about other outdoor activities like rock climbing, sailing and surfing. Is it important to sometimes get away from shooting and just do something else?

DH I find that it is very important to take a break from shooting every once in a while. It allows me to recharge and come back to

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MIXED BAG training more focused and more energetic about shooting.

When I take those breaks, I really like to explore all the places that Southern California has to offer. Sometimes it is rock climbing off of the Ortega Highway, hiking to Potato Chip Rock near San Diego or going out and enjoying the waves in San Clemente.

CC You qualified in prone rifle for Rio. What’s worked for you to make that event your most successful?

DH Of the rifle events, prone has always been my favorite. I always have fun when I’m shooting prone, and I think that has allowed me to put in the hours of training that are required to compete at such a high level. In my opinion, having fun and being passionate about your event/sport is an absolute requirement if you want to be successful at it.

CC With so much debate going on with gun control and so many tragedies involving firearms, I don’t think enough Americans pay attention and/or respect what you men and women of USA Shooting do and provide us with something positive in the world of shooting. Is that important for you and your teammates to do as you represent Team USA in Brazil?

DH The one thing that I really hope people can understand about our sport is that it is all about perfection. We are con-

24 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

stantly striving towards perfection in every single shot. As I’ve matured as a shooter, the sport has taught me the importance of self-discipline and not cutting corners.

CC The narrative seemed to be that you were a surprise qualifier for the Summer Games. You kind of joked about that, but in all seriousness, was it a case of you just believing in yourself and saying “to hell with the odds” as a perceived longshot and just getting the job done at the Olympic Trials? Are you getting the last laugh now?

DH I had been shooting well in training leading up to the Olympic Trials, so I knew that I would be near the top, as long as I was able to keep my head on straight. After the second day I was in second place. That night in the hotel room, I just told myself that I was going to go out there and enjoy myself no matter what happened. That’s exactly what I did. It turned out to be the best score I had ever shot and it was a good enough day to win the match. I truly think that reminding myself to enjoy the match is what allowed me to shoot such solid scores. I’ve known all of the guys who were out there competing with me for years now.

We’re all great friends and I’m just glad that my training got the job done for me. CS Editor’s note: For more on USA Shooting, go to usashooting. org and like at facebook.com/usashooting.

calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

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FISHING This month I have enjoyed mixing it up a bit, fishing both saltwater and freshwater.

s e r u t n e Adv e’re not ashamed to admit it: Todd Kline has the kind of life we wish we could experience. Kline’s a former professional surfer, a successful co-angler on the FLW Tour and a Southern California bass guide, plus he gets to travel the world as a commentator for the World Surf League’s telecasts. In this issue, as well as previous and upcoming ones, Todd is giving us a peek into what he’s been up to. – The Editor

W

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FISHING Brought To You By:

This is not the biggest calico I caught this past month, but check out the gut on this bad boy that fell for a Revenge Swimbait head paired with a 7-inch swimbait.

I had a blast fishing with Okuma teammate Ty Ponder in the third inshore tournament for the Saltwater Bass Series. We caught a ton of calico bass and our best five went 26.84 pounds, good for third place.

Despite the heat in Southern California, the largemouth fishing has been good and I have been booked with guide trips. Here is Anthony Osorio holding a couple of good ones for the day at Diamond Valley Lake.

28 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

The water temp is now into the 70s here in the Southland. When the water is warm like this I enjoy taking advantage of the surf and hanging out at the beach with the family when not fishing. This is me at our local break. (PHOTO BY JENNY J. SMITH)

FISHING Brought To You By:

My son Dylan enjoyed the smallmouth fishing at Element Skate Camp on Lake Sequoia with a couple friends. It was absolutely beautiful there and the bass were ready to play – as I found out too.

While visiting nearby Sequoia National Park, my friend Dan Rogers, his kids and Dylan and I hiked in and jumped off the rocks into the river. This place truly is god’s country.

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FISHING Brought To You By:

I have not fished from a canoe in many years, but it sure does slow things down and allows you to enjoy your surroundings.

Editor’s note: For more details on fishing in Southern California or to see more of Todd’s photos, please go to toddklinefishing.com or follow him on Instagram (@toddokrine).

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PROTECTING

DUCK NUMBERS ARE UP AFTER DECLINE

By Chris Cocoles

A

fter a wet winter and spring presumably helped the cause to get California’s duck habitats flooded again, here is some good news for waterfowlers: our local flocks are (slowly) coming back.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported a sizeable increase for mallards and an overall uptick for all duck species. According to the CDFW release, after three straight years of decline, the breeding population of greenheads has increased 52 percent – from 173,865 to 263,774. The total population of all ducks rose 32 percent (315,577 to 417,792).

“The late, abundant spring rains were a real boost to the habitat this year,” said CDFW waterfowl biologist

WILD CALIFORNIA Brady told the newspaper.

The full Breeding Population Survey Report can be found at wildlife.ca.gov/ conservation/birds/waterfowl, and the most positive impact could be felt in the far northern regions of the state.

Duck estimates in Northeast California increased this year, and CDFW said “favorable habitat conditions should facilitate good production in this region.”

Melanie Weaver, who was involved in the survey. “We expect good production and a larger fall flight this year because of it.”

Waterfowl hunting has been a huge part of the outdoor scene in Northern California, but years of drought took its toll on the quality of hunting. Further- The California breeding population of mallards increased 52 percent more, as Caroline this year, good news after a three-year decline. (CDFW) Brady of the California Waterfowl Association told the Marysville Appeal-Democrat, the increase should be taken as only a positive sign and not exactly cause for a major celebration.

“It’s a significant increase from the alltime low of last year,”

AUGUST 1-9

Mono Village Summer Fishing Derby, Upper Twin Lakes (monovillage.com) 2-6 Bisbee’s East Cape Tournament, Baja (bisbees.com/ Tournament/BisbeesEastCape) 7-9 Size Doesn’t Matter Fishing Derby, West Walker River (northernmonochamber.com) 13 Zone A General deer season opener 13 Young Angler Tournament, Shelter Island Pier in San Diego (sportfishing.org) 15 Klamath River fall-run king salmon opener 20 Pardee Lake Team Kokanee Derby (kokaneepower.org) 20 Archery deer opener in several zones 20 Archery bear season opener 20 Zone 7 (White Mountains) bighorn sheep opener 20-28 General buck pronghorn antelope season 22 Crowley Lake Stillwater Classic (CrowleyLakeFishCamp.com) 29-9/8 Mono Village Labor Day Fishing Derby, Upper Twin Lakes (monovillage.com)

3 10 17 17-18

24 24-25

June Lake Loop Big Trout Tournament (junelakeloop.com) Shaver Lake Team Kokanee Derby (kokaneepower.org) Deer hunting season openers for most B and C Zone areas and select X Zone areas Apprentice deer hunt, Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve (cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2016/07/20/cdfw-openschimineas-unit-of-carrizo-plain-ecological-reserve-forapprentice-deer-hunters-3) Deer hunting season openers in most D Zone areas and select X Zone areas Youth waterfowl hunt days in Northeast Zone

Crowley Lake is hosting the Stillwater Classic fishing tournament on Aug. 22.

(MIKE STEVENS)

SEPTEMBER 1

1 3

Start of Ambush at the Lake Fall Fishing Derby, Convict Lake (800-992-2260) Early-season dove hunting opener Free fishing day in California calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

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PHOTO CONTEST

WINNERS!

Darrell Tomlinson is our monthly Browning hunting photo contest winner, thanks to this shot of son Conner (right) and his friend Coltyn Smith and their Idaho spring gobblers. It wins him a Browning hat!

Michael Herborn’s pic of wife Sharon and her Newport, Ore., halibut is this issue’s monthly Daiwa Photo Contest winner. It wins him a Daiwa hat, T-shirt and scissors for cutting braided line and puts him in the running for the grand prize of a Daiwa rod-and-reel combo, to be awarded soon!

For your shot at winning Daiwa and Browning products, send your photos and pertinent (who, what, when, where) details to ccocoles@ media-inc.com, or to California Sportsman, PO Box 24365, Seattle, WA 98124-0365. By sending us photos, you affirm you have the right to distribute them for our print or Internet publications. calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

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38 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

WAITING FOR THE CALL

NORCAL

STATE DUCK CALLING CHAMPIONSHIPS RETURN TO COLUSA

By Patrick Kittle

C

Greg Hubbell Jr. shows off his calling style in winning the 2014 California State Duck Calling Championships.

This year’s event returns to Memorial Park in Colusa on Aug. 27 and 28. (SUE GRAUE PHOTOGRAPHY).

Past state champs Stuart Mattos (left, the defending champion) and Tim Hudson (middle) will be on hand to battle for the title of best caller in California at this year’s event. (SUE GRAUE PHOTOGRAPHY)

alling all hunters!

On Aug. 27 and 28, Kittle’s Outdoor & Sport will once again host the California State Duck Calling Championship contest. Join us at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Colusa for this great event.

Each year, vendors come from all across the United States to showcase their newest products at great prices.

Kittle’s will host its annual waterfowl sale, including everything and anything each hunter needs.

The main event will be competitors gathering to outquack one another in multiple calling categories.

The contest is home to adult, intermediate, junior speck and meat duck contests, as well as the two-man calling competition.

There will also be seminars, call tuning and a two-day outdoor expo.

Vendors will line Veteran’s Memorial Park on 10th and Market, where your favorite companies will have representatives at the store to give you the insight on the newest and greatest products available. There will also be a kids’ activity center – sponsored by the California Waterfowl Association – with a jump house.

This year, Kittle’s is proud to be joined by our beloved mouth caller Mattie Nightingale; CEO of RNT Calls John Stephens; past California champions Stuart Mattos and Tim Hudson; past California and world champions David Jayne, Bret Crowe and Ryan Sherbondy; Sitka Gear’s Jonathan Hart; and last but certainly not least, Kelly Haydel of Haydel’s Game Calls!

Stephens is a three-time world champion and current Champion

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NORCAL of Champions duck caller.

Haydel will hold a seminar on duck calling for beginners.

This year will be the sixth consecutive year that Kittle’s has hosted the event, and the folks here could not be more excited to be such a key part of the show. During our annual waterfowl sale, you can get great deals on everything from decoys to firearms.

As for the callers, they are vying for a chance to compete at the World Championship Duck Calling Championship in Stuttgart, Ark. beginning on Nov. 19. CS Editor’s note: Patrick Kittle is the general manager of Kittle’s Outdoor & Sport. Contact for more information at (530) 458-HUNT (4868), or visit on the web at kittlesoutdoor.com.

Stuart Mattos admires his championship buckle from 2015.

The winner gets an automatic bid to the World Championships in Stuttgart, Ark. in November.

(SUE GRAUE PHOTOGRAPHY)

40 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

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JUST LIKE STARTING OVER A FATHER INTRODUCES HIS YOUNG SON TO HUNTING AND FINDS HIMSELF REINVIGORATED

Author Jason Haley’s son Jacob is eager to follow in his dad’s footsteps, even when an outing doesn’t yield a buck. (JASON HALEY)

Seeing a new hunter enjoy a moment is more special than anything Jason Haley could ever drag home. (JASON HALEY)

By Jason Haley

I

’d walked the little guy three hours on a dry, not-so-promising early fall morning, whispering fairly constant instructions to stop-and-go and “be quiet” as the landscape brightened.

Having your sweatshirt tugged like a yo-yo could not have been fun. But how do you explain why you stop here and not there – why you hustle here, but creep there?

Son Jacob and I posted momentarily in a few likely spots with good viewing in several directions, but nothing

moved. It was dead out there. Even the tweeties were still.

Now we were sweating and had collected a few scratches and webs. I’d begun the slow circle back to the rig, but he didn’t know it yet, and I was beginning to worry about the fun factor. We’d entered a thicket I wasn’t too thrilled with and was mildly frustrated myself. Then there it was: a little bleached-out shed antler.

“What’s that?” I inquired, pointing down the hill. Jacob hustled forward, snatched it up with a smile, and suddenly our day got better.

The next rise found us on top of an open ridge staring calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

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NORCAL across at another, with a buckbrush basin in between. I noticed fresh tracks at our feet – the first of the day – and pointed them out. In hushed voices, we talked about the spot and why we should stand there a minute. Jacob’s demeanor had changed; he was clearly having fun. So was I. We decided to let ’em hear us by throwing a rock or two. There was sound before we saw movement. In an instant, up they came, a string of blacktail deer quartering up the opposite hill before posing for us at 75 yards. No horns, but my young hunter got to practice looking them over in between excited glances and grins.

Thank you, girls!

“If one of those was a buck, you think I could get him from here?” Jacob asked.

“Yep, I know you could. You’re a good shot. That’s how it happens, right there.

Just like that.”

We fell off the ridge and rounded a bend into a little flat and, lo and behold, there were the remains of a nice buck that had been dragged into a buckbrush tunnel by a

Even ordinary days in the field produce something to remember. (JASON HALEY)

46 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

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NORCAL predator. Again, I let Jacob make the find. It wasn’t the grip-and-grins we were after, but fun all the same, and full of wonder.

Now that we were talking, the questions really flew. We finished cross-legged on the ground over a dry creek bed, eating fanny-pack lunches. A gobbler provided the entertainment, sounding off numerous times at close range.

IT’S KID STUFF Every day in the field is different, and they’re all good! This is easy to see when you’re with a kid. You pluck the good moments from each day and file them away. There is always plenty.

I’ve had more fun and excitement trying to get a forked horn in my young hunter’s scope or put him in position to bag a duck than anything I’ve experienced in the previous decade. While I haven’t totally forgotten about special or bucket-list hunts I’d like to try, the most exciting challenge right now is getting that first deer for Jacob.

I never dreamed that jumping does from their beds and watching a new hunter examine their heads in an old 4X scope – atop a Remington Mohawk .243 that once belonged to my mom – could be so exciting.

It’s like starting over.

Someone said time flies so quickly and it’s been too long since we took the time.

So introduce a kid to hunting and take them while they’re still young.

You’ll fall in love with hunting again and remember all the good, little things you’ve forgotten. CS

Jacob Haley with the “world’s smallest shed,” and that kind of enthusiasm. (JASON HALEY)

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FISHING OASIS FOR EAST BAY URBANITES A SHORT DRIVE FROM OAKLAND, SAN PABLO RESERVOIR IS ONE OF THE BAY AREA’S PREMIER FISHERIES

By Bill Adelman

I

f you insist on referring to San Pablo Reservoir as a hidden gem nestled in the rolling foothills between El Sobrante and Orinda, you’ll be greatly disappointed.

Granted, this is an urban oasis, where morning fog slowly drifts through the pines until the full majesty of the venue is available to the awestruck eyes of the beholder.

However, this lake’s transformation into a multi-use facility is amazing,

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given its history.

The dam was built in 1920, three years before East Bay Municipal Utility District was created. By 1929 the lake was full, receiving water through a pipeline from Pardee Reservoir in the Mother Lode.

BAY AREA Though you can get there in just minutes from the urban sprawl of the East Bay, a fishing trip to San Pablo Reservoir offers some peace and a chance to catch a trophy trout, bass or catfish. If you don’t have a boat, rentals are available at the marina. (GERRY MADRID)

vised by Marcie Shoemaker, has taken a turn for the better. She runs the nuts and bolts of the programs, while Mark Esquivel is the resident ranger. His duties cover just about every possible option – from patrolling the lake for violators to setting up the new restrooms scattered throughout the grounds.

But what makes San Pablo appealing to so many visitors? The grounds are well groomed, clean, appealing and neatly organized. They offer biking, hiking, rentals of fishing, paddle and patio boats, kayaks and canoes.

The picnic areas, including nine group sites – four with gazebos – are available from $60 to $260 per day, both on a first-come, first-served basis and by reservation.

The park also offers a playground, six-lane launch ramp with docks for private boaters, a café and small yet full retail shop with both fishing and souvenir items. Fishing docks are scattered along the west end of the lake and there’s a handicapped pier right below the recreation center (anyone can fish this particular dock, but specific anglers receive primary attention). As far as the shoreline fishing docks go, most require a minimal to a tad longer hike, so be fully aware of possible poison oak and rattlesnakes as you venture through the brush to get there.

FISHING AT SAN PABLO

In 1967, a new buttress was built below the dam and in 1980 the lake was drawn down for a buttress to be built on the lake side of the dam.

Then in 2004, the lake was drawn down for a seismic study. The dam was retrofitted from 2008 to 2010.

Throughout all that, angling has been a major draw for decades now.

RUNNING A TIGHT SHIP Rocky Mountain Recreation Company runs the programs for East Bay MUD. This operation, super-

Species available include rainbow trout, mostly the Mount Lassen strain planted by the lake, while a few rainbows have been stocked by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Catfish, perch, crappie, largemouth and spotted bass are also caught there (oddly enough, there was also a one-time catch of a pacu, a South American native that obviously had been tossed in the lake by a disgruntled owner). Another concern are the spotted bass that weren’t officially planted but are here anyway.

Just as in all lakes, there are two

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BAY AREA

times to go fishing here: When the bite is on or when you have a day off with nothing to do. As trout are the most popular quarry at San Pablo, let’s begin there. In 2015, operators planted 2,400 Lightning and 33,850 Mount Lassen trout (along with 4,000 catfish). CDFW planted 9,750 fish.

The boat guys can cover more water, so trolling is a good option.

However, a bit more experience is required since you need to know when to topline, when to use a diving sinker or when to use downriggers. Then you need to find the correct depth with the correct lure or bait presentation.

Summer is the worst time to troll, but spring and fall are good times to work the lake’s channels. Bait anglers have a greater chance for success while dunking PowerBait, worms, eggs, Lake Shasta flies or Mice Tails.

While some of the impoundment’s shores are off limits, others are available for bank fishing.

Anglers also have access to a fish-cleaning station, plus a full-service store. (BILL ADELMAN)

Since about 70 percent of the shoreline is off limits, many boat anglers access the closed shoreline, beach the boat and still get to fish.

As it gets a tad windy at the lake, if you anchor in open water, consider using two anchors. The walk-in areas on the west side of the lake allow

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access to the bank anglers, and don’t overlook fishing from one of the docks dotting the shoreline either.

Then there are San Pablo’s bass, both spots and largemouth. Most fish from boats, cranking the shoreline, worming the points and trees with rubber Senkos or Gitzits or just

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While trout and catfish are two of the biggest draws here, the author (in orange hat) loves to reel in a few bass. (BILL ADELMAN/RON MARCIEL)

old-fashioned worms, flipping a jig near the trees and rocks, or even trolling a deeper-diving lure in 10 to 15 feet of water. Topwater baits do

IF YOU GO

work on occasion; however, they are low on the success scale.

One of my longstanding favorites is a breakfast of crappie and eggs, and

A few annual special events take place at San Pablo Reservoir. In October, there’s a kids’ fishing day for Mt. Lassen trout, which are stocked in a net that is secured to the shoreline. The event is available only to kids 14 and under. An added attraction on this day is a pumpkin patch.

There is also the WCCUSD transition program for disabled children in May. For the past three years there’s been a Walnut Creek Adventure Day Camp program offered. Twice a year the lake hosts Heroes on the Water, a fishing outing that provides free boats and kayaks for the 40 to 50 participants. There is a youth training program – privately operated by the Oakland Strokes – for crew rowing.

Old San Pablo Dam Road is a hiking and biking option, and another trail connecting Briones Reservoir above the lake to Kennedy Grove below the dam gets you into additional wilderness hiking.

Despite being a short drive away from the Bay Area’s urban sprawl, a plethora of critters can be observed at the lake. There is a resident pair of bald eagles, visiting osprey, deer, skunks, bobcats, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, wild turkeys, white pelicans, otters, turtles, blackbirds, ravens, plus swallows that build nests on the boat rental dock building. You might even see a mountain lion, which are occasionally spotted.

If you’re attempting an escape from any of these critters, be aware that no bodily contact with the water is allowed. There are two hiking trails along the west shore of the lake.

The eastern side is completely closed except for shore fishing that’s accessed by boats only.

There is a 25 mph speed limit down the center of the lake, with the entire shoreline, coves and restricted areas reduced to 5 mph. Don’t forget about the patrol program when boating there.

A six-lane lane launch ramp at the east end of the lake offers great parking and ease of use. No fishing is allowed on the launch docks. The boat rental dock cove is also closed to fishing for the safety of all concerned. Private boats must be equipped with a 4- or star-rated 2-stroke engine, and a boat inspection is required for invasive species such as quagga or zebra mussels. This runs $6 and upon leaving the reservoir, a band is tied to the boat, which is accepted at many Bay Area and East Bay Regional Park facilities. If this band is intact, another inspection is waived. Your boat must be completely dry, including inside the plug hole and all storage areas. If your anchor rope is wet or any water is apparent on the engine, access will be denied. If you fail the inspection, the info is put in a database and you will be quarantined from all facilities for five days. BA 54 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

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the crappie here are more difficult to locate depending on the time of year, water temps and depth. We have caught a few on small crankbaits while bass fishing, but if you wish to target them, small jigs and worms will help out. A few are caught by trout trollers in open water as well.

In the spring, they’ll be schooled up in coves and around the docks.

Quite often they’ll be holding in 15 or so feet of water in Scow Canyon.

If looking for crappie, try a small jig, free casting it and allowing it to sink to the bottom with slight twitches, then popping it back to the boat. If you want to try the “bible” system, use a jig or worm under a bobber and work it in water less than 10 feet deep. There is an awesome amount of baitfish in this lake.

As for catfish, now is the time to chase a whiskered monster. As spring wanes into summer, the bite improves, always with bait as the No. 1 option. When a catfish is caught on trout bait, it’s accidental. Typical baits work all over the lake. The area around the launch ramp, open to the shore guy, is a good bet, as is Scow Canyon if you’re in a craft. Even dunking stink bait near the fallen trees will work; however, you need some knowledge of where the underwater branches are hiding catfish ready to gobble up your tackle.

There used to be a few perch in San Pablo, yet it’s been years since one showed up at the end of a line. If you want to seek them out, a worm under a bobber is the ticket. Don’t overlook using a size 12 or 14 nymph (trout fly), with a split shot about 15 inches above the fly, casting and allowing it to sink until it hits bottom.

A small white streamer fished this way will also catch crappie.

There’s plenty of time to fish San Pablo before the mid-November-January closure to protect the waterfowl migration and designated wetlands. For more info, visit the EBMUD website at ebmud .com/recreation/east-bay/san-pablo-reservoir. CS

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BAY AREA

FROM FIELD ...

THE BOTTOM LINE WITH THE BAY AREA COAST FULL OF ROCKFISH AND LINGCOD, A LOCAL SKIPPER PROVIDES TIPS

Now is the time to get after California’s rockfish, lingcod and bottomfish. With many places to fish and lots of species swimming around, there are no shortages of options out there. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

By Scott Haugen

I

recently got to spend time with Capt. Tom Mattusch of the Hulicat (hulicat.com) out of Half Moon Bay. I first saw Capt. Tom and his boat in action on the hit movie Chasing Mavericks. While Tom’s boat-handling skills were truly world class in the film, as I quickly learned, his fishing knowledge matches, if not surpasses, his skippering skills. Tom’s wisdom of and passion for fishing speaks for itself, and his simple approach to catching bottomfish this time of year is refreshing.

“There are a few ways to go about fishing for bottom-

fish, rock cod and lingcod off the California coast,” Capt.

Tom begins when asked what terminal gear presentations anglers will want to consider for this fishery. “One of the most popular and effective set-ups is a teaser and a bar.”

The teaser he uses is P-Line’s Farallon Feathers teaser, which looks like a fly and is tied on a 3/0 hook with quality feathers and some reflective tinsel. The Farallon Feathers fly comes in multiple colors on both 3/0 and 5/0 hooks.

The teaser fly is first secured to the leader. Slip the fly up the leader about 14 inches and secure it with a simple overhand knot that creates a loop. calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

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BAY AREA Maple syrup adds flavor and a smoker allows delicate meat like rockfish and lingcod to cook low and slow.

... TO FIRE

(TIFFANY HAUGEN)

A TASTE OF MAPLE

By Tiffany Haugen

B

ottomfishing season is in full swing up and down the California coast, and what better time to put some of this great-eating meat on the table.

From rockfish to lings and an array of bottomfish, the white, mild meat of these fish is versatile and easy to work with in the kitchen and smoker.

Even if you’re looking to clean out the freezer, this recipe is one you’re sure to like. It also works well with other white-meated fish like bass, sturgeon and halibut. Just be careful not to overcook any of the kinds of fish in this recipe, as this type of meat lacks the high oil content of salmon, meaning it can easily turn out dry and appear overcooked.

Don’t let summer pass without firing up that smoker.

Smokers are easy to work with, slowly cook delicate meat and create flavors everyone is sure to enjoy.

2 pounds white-meated bottomfish /3 cup dry white wine or white balsamic vinegar 1 /3 cup maple syrup 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons pureed garlic 1 tablespoon soy sauce ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper Apple or alder smoker chips 1

60 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

Cut fish into half-inch slices. In a medium bowl or sealable plastic bag, mix marinade ingredients, add fish and marinate one to two hours in the refrigerator. Let fish sit at room temperature 20 minutes prior to smoke cooking. Remove fish from marinade and pat dry.

Preheat smoker to 225 degrees and add smoker chips to smoker. When chips begin to smoke, place fish on smoker rack. Cook 25 to 40 minutes or until internal temperature of fish reaches 135 to 140 degrees. Top with maple butter (see below) if desired.

Maple Butter 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 teaspoon maple syrup ¼ teaspoon black pepper In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Brush on fish during the last five minutes of cooking or prior to serving. CS Editor’s note: For signed copies of Tiffany’s popular book, Cooking Seafood, send a check for $20 (free S&H), to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489. This and other cookbooks can also be ordered at tiffanyhaugen.com.

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BAY AREA “What you get is a nice loop so the teaser continues to dance,” Capt. Tom says. “This will ensure the fly keeps freely moving, which is key in getting the attention of fish.”

Next comes the bar, and Capt. Tom uses a P-Line Diamond jig, securing it to the end of the leader with a single or double-clinch knot. The silver Diamond jig – or bar – comes in 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16 ounces. The deeper the water being fished, the heavier the jig should be.

“This is a great set-up to use when jigging off the bow or back of the boat, where line can be flipped out underhand or side-armed, then lifted and worked back to you,” the skipper says. “You’ll feel the bottom the whole way, so as soon as it hits, keep it moving, reeling in the slack as you go so it doesn’t get hung up. You’re walking the jig across the bottom as it comes closer to you. Once it gets alongside the boat, reel it in and start over; you don’t want to get hung up directly under a drifting boat, or you’ll likely lose your gear.”

If you’d like to go with more of a bait attractant than the shrimp fly, simply use a Conehead Squid in place of the Farallon Feathers fly. San Francisco-based company P-Line’s newest addition to their bottomfishing line is the Conehead Squid, which has been working well. The sparkling acrylic body, oversized eyes and array of tentacles

62 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

creates lifelike looks and impressive action that attract rockfish and all sorts of bottomfish. Tying the Conehead Squid 24 to 30 inches above your bar works well, or you can purchase the Conehead on a pretied, 5-foot-long leader, where all you have to do is attach your bar of choice and get to fishing. In the pretied leader option, the Conehead Squid is positioned 30 inches above where your bar will attach.

Another set-up Capt. Tom likes for rockfishing is using

A double-hook set-up – consisting of a bar, or jig, and a teaser – is the basic, go-to approach for bottomfishing along the California coast. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

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BAY AREA and less “fishy” your finished product will taste. CS two Farallon flies, often referred to as shrimp flies. This two-fly rig has the sinker at the bottom of the terminal gear and two shrimp flies suspended above it – one about 14 inches and the other about 24 inches above the weight.

“I like using two Farallon Feather flies with no bait,” Capt. Tom shares. “A lot of people get caught up using bait with these shrimp flies. Statistically speaking, however, we’ve got nine years of thorough research and we see no difference in catch rates when tipping the flies with squid versus fishing them with no bait at all. If you want to use bait and it gives you confidence, then great. But don’t feel like it’s an absolute necessity to catch fish.”

While most bottomfishing is done by boat, there are options to catch the various types of cod, bass and greenling, from piers and jetties along some stretches of the California coast.

Now is a good time of year to combine coastal fishing with family travel, even clam digging. Also, later in the year many bottomfish species move closer to shore to spawn, meaning the action just keeps getting better.

As with all fish, in order to get the best tasting bottomfish possible, be sure to bleed it and get it cooling as soon as you catch it. August can be scorching hot, even on the coast, so have a cooler of ice and get the fish on it, right away. You’ll be amazed at how much better

64 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

Editor’s note: For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s new pocket guidebook, Clamming: A How To Guide, send a check for $10 (includes S&H) to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489. To see videos on how to rig-up for rockfish, visit OutdoorsNow.com.

A seasoned veteran, Capt. Tom Mattusch of the Half Moon Bay-based Hulicat is all about keeping it simple when rigging for bottomfish and cod. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

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SIERRAS

HITTING THE TAHOE JACKPOT A FAMILY REUNION IN THE SIERRAS SCORES FOUR COUSINS A BIG HAUL OF MACKS, MEMORIES

Capt. Mike Nielsen of Tahoe Topliners approves as Dan Tkach fights a big fish at Lake Tahoe, which regularly spits out large Mackinaw, or lake trout. (TIM E. HOVEY)

By Tim E. Hovey

W

e pulled into the Rock Cave launch ramp area in South Lake Tahoe. The fishing rods in the car suggested our intention was to get on the water, but the howling wind was calling the shots.

Five-foot breakers were beating the shore, sending wind-swept froth across the parking lot. Whitecaps and a coast-like swell was visible out past the jetty. Fishing would have to wait.

After walking around for a bit and marveling at the strength of the wind, we decided to head back into town for lunch. On the way to the car I noticed a guy tending to his fishing gear – loaded on a 10-foot kayak wedged into the bed of his truck. I watched him for a minute, thinking he was an absolute fool to consider launching his small craft in the conditions, which I didn’t expect to abate

soon. After lunch we drove back to our cabin to regroup.

Every year our extended family gathers from all over California and we spend a few days together. We’ve gone to different locations over the years, and this year we returned to South Shore in Tahoe for our annual reunion. In 2010, we’d stayed in this same cabin complex and during one of those days boarded a charter to fish the South Lake Tahoe area.

That time, the kokanee were staging near the creeks on the west side of the lake and we enjoyed an amazing bite calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

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SIERRAS

Everyone took a turn catching a lake trout on this morning. (TIM E. HOVEY)

trolling salmon flies off downriggers. While visiting with family is usually the main goal for our yearly gatherings, I was hopeful to get out again and sample some of Lake Tahoe’s unique fisheries.

WEEKS BEFORE THE TRIP, my cousin Jeff called and mentioned that he was bringing his boat up and would be taking it out Saturday. His Valco is decked out with downriggers, a fish finder, plush seats and below-deck lighting.

But the craft is also only 14 feet long, not quite big enough to take on the waves beating the south coast.

The following day, Jeff and I launched his boat at the Rock Cave ramp. We pulled away from the dock and ran beyond the jetty. The weather had calmed and the bay was flat as glass. Despite the conditions, we both knew we needed to keep an eye on the wind and the weather. We stayed relatively close to the launch and started using the fish finder to locate what was swimming below.

Cruising over a drop-off, we started marking fish in about 150 feet of water. Using jigs and heavy spoons, we tried to get the fish hovering on the bottom to bite. We slow-trolled the area, working various lures without any luck. That didn’t really matter to me; I just enjoyed hanging out with Jeff. Chasing fish from his decked-out Valco 68 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

was a great way to spend the morning.

On the final day of our family reunion, a day when most leave early to return home, a few of us cousins decided to book a fishing charter with a Lake Tahoe guide.

Cousin Rich reserved four spots with Mike Nielsen of Tahoe Topliners (530-721-0593; tahoetopliners.com).

Early Sunday, we met up with Mike and boarded his boat at the marina. He gave us a quick rundown of how we’d be fishing as we motored out of the harbor. The kokanee weren’t staging in the shallows, but according to Mike, the lake trout – or Mackinaw – were on the bite, with large fish being caught in the southern end of the lake.

Less than 20 minutes out of the harbor, we started metering the bottom and getting ready to fish. Mike had mentioned that he had been catching larger fish slow-trolling plugs down near the bottom at 150 feet.

We helped him rig two rods for the stern-mounted downriggers and two more for the outriggers. Mike tied on the plugs and liberally squirted each with a slimy fish scent. We dropped the lures back and started slow-trolling. We watched the bottom scan and looked for fish and bait.

The lake looked much different than it had the day

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SIERRAS we’d arrived. The angry water that had kept Jeff and I from fishing had been transformed into a calm, glass-like pond, despite Tahoe’s massive size. The morning weather report stated that while the morning would be calm, an east wind would start picking up before noon.

FOR THE FIRST HOUR, we methodically trolled the deep water and listened to all of Mike’s fish stories. He supplied us with coffee and doughnuts as we waited for a bite.

We had just made a turn to make the trolling run again when one of the downriggers went off. I grabbed the rod and started reeling. I could feel the fish shaking its head at the end of the braided line. I could tell it wasn’t big, but it was the first fish of our trip.

Mike netted the 3-pound lake trout and dropped it on the deck. We were all happy to have a fish in the hold.

The lake limit for Mackinaw is two per angler. To keep things fair, we decided to rotate anglers for the rest of the morning.

After another hour without a bite, Mike decided to change things up. Trolling plugs had produced some larger fish for his clients in the last few weeks, but the action was slow. Once we finished our trolling circuit, he took the boat out of gear and had us reel in the plugs.

As we drifted, he dug through his tackle and pulled

70 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

out some smaller crankbaits. He tied them on, made sure they were all tuned correctly and we dropped them back.

After adjusting the outriggers and downriggers, we started trolling once again.

Mike explained that we’d be trolling through schools of smaller Mackinaw in shallower water, kicking up sediment with the downrigger balls and hopefully triggering bites. He mentioned that this method was hit or miss, but it had been productive in putting fish in the boat.

Indeed, less than 15 minutes into the shallow troll, one of the downrigger rods signaled a strike. Jeff grabbed the rod and set the hook. From the beginning of the fight you could tell the fish was larger. Mike took the boat out of gear and offered up fighting advice to Jeff.

After a five-minute struggle, the 10-pound Mackinaw was tugged to the surface and Mike scooped him up. The fish’s belly was distended from the pressure change that affected its air bladder as it rose in the water column and which made it look even bigger.

For the next two hours we trolled smaller baits through the schools of lake trout and enjoyed relatively constant action. Dan hooked up on a nice 7-pounder and Rich landed a 6-pounder. We each had one fish in the hold and Mike was determined to steer us to our two-fish limit.

I was up again and hoping for a larger fish than my first. Mike was showing us the schools hovering over the

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SIERRAS bottom on his ďŹ nder when a ďŹ sh hit one of the downrigger rods. I grabbed the rig and set the hook sharply.

Instantly I could tell that this ďŹ sh was larger than my ďŹ rst.

The massive Mack pulled drag from the reel and put up a ďŹ ght. Occasionally I felt an animated pluck on the line as the ďŹ sh tried to dislodge the lure. It also told me that I probably only had him by one hook.

The linecounter reel let me know when he was close, and when he popped to the surface, Mike scooped him up with the net.

Sure enough, the lure popped Nielsen expertly ďŹ llets one of the extended Hovey free just as the clanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lakers. The four cousins caught enough that ďŹ sh hit the deck. everyone could bring ďŹ sh home, making a great

The 9-pounder was tossed into the hold and my ďŹ rst-ever Mackinaw limit was in the books.

By 11 a.m. the wind picked up and the bite shut down.

We all caught our limits and Jeffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10-pounder was the big ďŹ sh of the trip. We strung all the Macks up and Mike snapped a few group photos. After that, our guide ďŹ lleted the catch and packaged up our ďŹ sh. It was time to head back to the dock.

AS I GET OLDER, I no longer measure a successful ďŹ shing trip by whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the hold at the end of the day. I no longer care if I catch the biggest or the most ďŹ sh. And I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know exactly when it happened, but I get far more pleasure out of watching others catch ďŹ sh than I do myself. For me, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s far more about whom I ďŹ sh with and the camaraderie than it is about the ďŹ llets brought home.

I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of a better way to end our family reunion than sharing a successful ďŹ shing trip with my cousins. We caught ďŹ sh, we enjoyed each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company and, if you happened to be on the lake that morning, our boat was the one laughing the most.

On the drive back, we all decided that we should get together every year in Tahoe to ďŹ sh the lake. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever come to be, but I do know that we logged a morning full of memories on this trip and I will always treasure that. CS

family reunion even more memorable. (TIM E. HOVEY)

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395 STORE

The 395 Store, also known as Alpine Signs in Bishop, California, has been an Eastern Sierra landmark for 11 years.

Owners Joe and Caryn Todd moved to Bishop from Southern California in 2005.

Alpine Signs has created storefront signs, wood signs, metal signs, vehicle graphics, banners, stickers and more for the Owens Valley area. The Official 395 Store provides souvenirs for tourists relating to Highway 395 and the Eastern Sierra.

Souvenirs for every outdoor sport are available including fishing, skiing, snow boarding, hiking, camping and rock climbing. Souvenirs include signs, stickers, magnets, shirts, coffee mugs, key chains and more.

If you would like to take a piece of the 395 home with you, stop by the Official 395 Store on your next trip through Bishop, as it is truly a one of a kind store. If you don’t have a Highway 395 trip planned, you can buy online at 395store.com.

(760) 873-5078 • www.395store.com

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76 California Sportsman MAY AUGUST 20162016 | calsportsmanmag.com | calsportsmanmag.com

SIERRAS

SIERRA’S BIG THREE FULL OF MACKS BIG LAKE TROUT CAN BE FOUND AT TAHOE, DONNER AND STAMPEDE LAKES

By Mark Fong

S

ummer is a popular time to visit the Lake Tahoe area. With its picturesque beauty, unique mountain and beach environment and outdoor-friendly climate, there is certainly no shortage of fun, nor places to visit.

I recently came across a list headlined, “Things To Do in Tahoe,” and nowhere on the list did it mention fishing.

But it should have, and that’s because within an hour’s

drive of Truckee lies some of the best Mackinaw fishing in the state.

You almost can’t blame those listmakers for their oversight, because Mackinaw, or lake trout, remain a mystery even to many seasoned anglers. The fish are not a true trout at all but the largest member of the char family, relatives to brook and bull trout and Dolly Vardens.

Macks are dark silver in appearance and their bodies are dotted with light spots. Their rounded heads and deep-

Trolling at Stampede Lake for Mackinaw is a staple for anglers in the Lake Tahoe area. Tahoe and Donner Lake join Stampede as the big three for the char family members in these parts. (MARK FONG) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

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SIERRAS MACK MAN A man who knows Tahoe-area waters and is well acquainted with the ways of Mackinaw is Capt. James Netzel, the proprietor of Tight Lines Guide Service (888-975-0990; fishtightlines.com). Netzel likes to fish what is the region’s version of the big three, Tahoe, Donner and Stampede, all of which are unique fisheries in their own right and offer outstanding Mackinaw fishing. Anglers can expect the average Mack to run between 3 to 10 pounds with fish in the teens commonplace; a fish over 20 pounds is considered a trophy.

Mackinaw can be caught year-round, but there is no more enjoyable time to get on A good sonar GPS device is important to help find Macks, which love deep lakes and deeper water. the water than during summer and early fall.

(JAMES NETZEL) Mackinaw bite best during low light periods, so early morning is the best option. An added benefit that certainly cannot be overlooked is the splendor ly forked tails make the fish easy to distinguish. that is a Sierra sunrise.

Mackinaw thrive in cool, deeper lakes, and are slow The first thing you need to know about Mackinaw is growing, with the largest specimens reported to reach 70 that they live in deep water – very deep water. Netzel likes years of age. The International Game Fish Association-reto target them by trolling ledges that run from 75 feet down cord is 72 pounds and was caught in Canada’s Northwest to 400 feet. As you can imagine, Mackinaw fishing at these Territories. Fish pushing 100 pounds have been gill-netextreme depths requires specialized equipment and tackle. ted. The California state record stands at 37 pounds, 6 Before you can catch these denizens of the deep, you ounces and was taken from Lake Tahoe in 1974.

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WindPaddle’s “Release Right” is a big 29” net, yet comes stowed in a coiled 3-ring shape only 11” wide, and at only 12 ounces, you can store it almost anywhere. Deploy the net by simply tossing it out over the water. It opens and lands floating with a 24” deep holding well to keep your catch.

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SIERRAS must find them, which makes a good sonar GPS unit a necessity.

After you have located the fish, you must be able to reach them. Downriggers are standard equipment. Mackinaw like to hold near the bottom and it can be a challenging task to keep your bait in proximity to the lake floor without snagging your downrigger ball.

“Pay close attention to your graph for changes in depth and adjust your bait up and down to keep them in the strike zone,” says Netzel.

He adds that if one school isn’t biting, move on and find another that might be.

“You can find fish at 120 feet and see them stacked up and troll through them Macks will usually run anywhere between 3 and 12 pounds, but they can grow a lot bigger in the and not get a bite,” says Netzel. “Don’t turn high Sierras. (JAMES NETZEL) around and troll through them again. Find “At Stampede you will see the fish stacked up on the another depth that the fish are using and bottom on your graph; you can fish for them all day on troll through them. Once you find the depth that the fish the bottom and not catch a single fish,” Netzel says. are biting at, then stay at that depth.”

Why is that?

KNOW THE MENU “The Mackinaw don’t have the shrimp there like they Mackinaw are apex predators, so understanding their do at Donner and Tahoe, so they’ll eat kokanee and they’ll prey is also critical to success. come up to the depth of the kokanee, feed on them and

80 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

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SIERRAS go back down and digest their food. At Tahoe and Donner, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeding on shrimp and you will see some up high (suspended), but it is really hard to catch them up there.â&#x20AC;?

Downriggers are the most reliable way to target Macks in the depths.

As you reel a ďŹ sh up, its air bladder inďŹ&#x201A;ates. (JAMES NETZEL)

GEAR UP In years gone by, Mack anglers were relegated to using stout rods, wire line and heavy weights to effectively reach the ďŹ sh. In contrast, today you can employ light-action tackle, which allows the power and strength of the Mackinaw to be on full display.

Netzel relies on a 9-foot Velocity salmon rod and an Abu Garcia linecounter reel spooled with 30-pound braid tied to a 25-foot leader of 12-pound ďŹ&#x201A;uorocarbon line.

On the business end, Netzel likes to troll small spoons for Mackinaw feeding on shrimp. When ďŹ shing the deeper waters of Lake Tahoe he ties on a custom-painted green glow-in-the-dark 2-inch NeedleďŹ sh. Donner Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staple is a gold-hued Speedy Shiner. Stampede, however, is a different story. To mimic the kokanee, Netzel opts for a No. 15 chrome- and blue-colored Pro-Troll StingFish.

Whether you are a seasoned Mackinaw angler or are just looking for a new angling experience, there are few things better than spending a beautiful day on the water ďŹ shing the pristine blue waters of the Sierras. A big Mack at the other end is the reward. CS

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SIERRAS

This panoramic view of Tioga Lake – just 2 miles or so from the almost 10,000-foot Tioga Pass summit off Highway 120 – is worth with the trip when it’s open. Once there, plenty of trout can be caught. (MIKE STEVENS)

BE A MOUNTAIN CLIMBER

TO ESCAPE THE EASTERN SIERRA’S SUMMER HEAT, CATCH TROUT IN BUNCHES UP THE HIGHWAY TO TIOGA PASS

By Mike Stevens

L

EE VINING–On a typical week in the Eastern Sierra, a run up Tioga Pass is always on the hit list, but it’s usually one or maybe two runs up the hill per trip.

However, when the extended forecast for Mammoth Lakes showed at least eight consecutive days of temperatures in the mid-80s and without a cloud in the sky, I knew we had to find some higher-elevation trout to catch in order to beat the heat. I knew that a run up Tioga Pass to some water we were familiar with was one of several options, but I had no idea it would be the only one we’d need.

TIOGA PASS IS THE Eastern Sierras’ backdoor route into Yosemite National Park via State Route 120, and, at 9,943 feet up, it’s the highest highway pass in the region.

The pass closes in winter due to snowfall putting a cork in it, and its reopening varies and is dependent on the season’s snowpack. Typically, it opens in late May or June.

Highway 120 is reached via Highway 395, and if you are coming from Mammoth Lakes it is about 15 minutes past the June Lake Loop, and just before you enter the town of Lee Vining. It is the same turn that takes you to the famous Mobil Gas Station that features the Whoa Nelli Deli (California Sportsman, June 2016), and no trip to the area is complete

without having a meal here.

Saddlebag Lake is not the first or even the second watershed you come to as you start heading up the pass, but it is the one that I have the most experience with. Arguably my favorite drive-up lake in the Eastern Sierra, it offers access to the Twenty Lakes Basin, where golden trout, along with everything else, can be

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SIERRAS

Lee Vining Creek is a unique moving-water trout fishery that changes as you move upstream, making it feel like you are fishing several different streams as you go.

(MIKE STEVENS)

caught. Saddlebag Lake itself is fishable from shore everywhere around its perimeter, and it consistently has

quality rainbows, occasional bruisers, brown and brook trout in the mix, and zero skunk days.

This year, it was supposed to open the week I was there (you can fish the lake if you can get to it, but the store,

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SIERRAS Saddlebag Lake produced this rainbow, which has become common for this lake that also features catchable browns and brookies. (MIKE STEVENS)

dock, boat rentals and water taxi all have an opening date), but the specific day was unlisted. We headed up early in the trip – that way, if it’s awe-

some, a return trip later in the week can happen – and lucky for us, it had just opened the day before.

We took the water taxi across to

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SIERRAS I headed up to the closest lake on the trail, Greenstone, and caught 15 brookies in about an hour on a 1/-ounce Kastmaster. I usually tee off 6 on them using dry flies, but I wasn’t expecting the water taxi to be running yet, so I didn’t bring a fly rod.

While it wasn’t as wide open as it can get a little later – those in my group shoot for about 20 fish each per day at Saddlebag once stocking begins – fish were caught, it was a bit cooler than down the hill in the Mammoth area, and we were feeling good about the first stop. We were on the board.

ELLERY LAKE RESTS JUST down the road from Saddlebag, and it’s so close to the pavement that you could fish much of it from your vehicle. It’s on the hit list in the sense that we’ll pull off and fish right by the road on the way back down, but if we go 20 minutes without a bite, adiós. That would

not be the case this time.

We park in a big turn-off with a couple of those area-info signs there to teach you some history and see how wonderful a job the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is doing. You can’t miss it, as there are always cars full of Yosemite-bound tourists jumping out to take some photos and stretch their legs. They come from all over the world, and if they see you hook a fish, they come unglued. Anyway, it’s rare that anyone else who stops there is going to fish.

Scramble down the steep slope to the water’s edge and start firing away with jigs or spoons. My brother stuck three rainbows in succession right off the bat, while I had some followers on the orange/yellow Sierra Slammers jig I was tossing in a wind-sheltered pool on the other side of the little point he was on. I switched to a more natural grasshopper-colored jig and it was on.

Pressed for time and starving for gourmet gas station food, I ended up with 10 fish in about an hour, and the other guys in my group – my dad and brother – got a few more than that. My excuse was, they were getting more casts per minute with the chuck-and-grind nature of spoon fishing while I was crawling trout jigs.

Well, in the week that followed, we made three trips there and each visit got better than the last. The best day? My brother the wanderer fished from our starting point to the dam, walked across the dam and fished another 200 yards up the opposite shore for 30-plus rainbows. All were caught on Thomas Bouyants, including the frog-colored one that became his favorite on this trip. His tally also included a tagged CDFW “trophy trout” that likely pushed 3 pounds.

Dad caught 20 over there and right by the dam, and me? Well, I found the zone that day and caught

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SIERRAS and released 54, all on natural-colored Sierra Slammers jigs in grasshopper and perch colors, until they all got torn up.

On this trip, the status of Ellery Lake went from “side jaunt” to “primary target” for future East Side visits.

LEE VINING CREEK IS the major artery

If you’re not up for an expedition to a pristine high-country pond, Ellery Lake is right along Highway 120. You can’t ask for much more from a setting with trout like this. (MIKE STEVENS)

running down Tioga Pass and it can be reached off the lower reaches of the highway. It’s a unique moving-water fishery that changes as you move upstream, and feels like you are fishing several different streams as you go.

The first fishable stretch as you head up from Highway 395 is a slow-moving run that snakes in and out of a wooded area and a meadow, but there is a clearly defined trail that parallels it and leads to the best honey holes. Along this stretch, you’ll find holes over 5 feet deep and plenty of tempting undercut banks. You’ll see plenty of fish, and getting down

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93

SIERRAS to them is the trick. Throw jigs on a slack line well upstream of them so it gets down by the time it reaches the ďŹ sh, or, since the water is deep and slow enough, many times you can drag a ďŹ&#x201A;ashy spinner or spoon through and get the more aggressive ďŹ sh out. If all else fails, send down a Mice Tail on a split-shot rig. It can get buggy at points, so bring some skeeter repellent.

Further upstream, the creek starts to tumble down a narrow, rocky section that slithers through a couple campgrounds. Targeting the plunge pools below miniwaterfalls or deeper water behind fallen logs is the way to get them. Standard creek tactics will do it: jigs, split-shotted eggs or worms, minijigs, spinners and spoons can all be on tap.

We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put up huge numbers here â&#x20AC;&#x201C; call it four to eight ďŹ sh per angler in our group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but I remember saying that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deďŹ nitely a spot that

deserves a full day of exploration from top to bottom, and I look forward to doing that next time up.

Tioga Lake is the new spot. I have never ďŹ shed it, but I knew it was up there, just a quick run uphill of the Saddlebag Lake turnoff, up by the actual back gate of Yosemite (at one point I could see the cars waiting to get through backed up on the highway).

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an incredibly scenic spot with endless ďŹ shable shoreline. The ďŹ rst portion of the lake you see looks kind of like a miniature Crowley Lake â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with RVs and tents all crammed together on the roadside of the downstream end by the dam, and plenty of anglers along the shore.

We drove past the lake and parked off the side of the road and humped down through a big meadow containing the inlet creek to the lake and got to it that way. The inlet held a ton of rainbows and brooks that ate the Bouyant and the jigs, but they were

feeding heavily on surface bugs.

That was no doubt a factor in our lure chucking, because when they dial in on bugs, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tough to get them on everything else, and, once again, I was kicking myself for not bringing the ďŹ&#x201A;y rod.

We plugged away along an easily ďŹ shable shoreline for what seemed like a mile from where we started at the inlet, all the way down until we reached where the camping crowd was. Sierra Slammers for me, Thomas Bouyants for the other guys, and my dad mixed in a Mice Tail down the home stretch for some quick action. We hooked up maybe every 25 casts, so it was work, but again, it was considered a success and added to the itinerary on future trips, for sure.

I SHOOT FOR 100 ďŹ sh per trip and have accomplished it a few times. On this outing, I caught and released 139, which is a personal record. This time around, 99 percent of the trout were

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BISHOP PACK OUTFITTERS Bishop Pack Outfitters, run by Mike Morgan, serves a portion of the High Sierra, one of the most spectacular and pristine areas in California.

Mike is the 3rd generation pack station owner in the Morgan Family. The Morgans started in the commercial packing business in the 1930s and it was a family-run business until the early 1970s, when it was sold. When it came up for sale again in 1994, Mike, who over the years had developed a strong attachment to the region, purchased it.

Bishop Pack Outfitters offers many opportunities for its backcountry guests. Fishing is Mike’s forte; with over 50 lakes within a one-day spot trip, he will vector you to the record golden trout. For the individuals that want to just hang out, day hike, and enjoy the solitude and serenity of the wilderness, the trail heads are unsurpassed. From taking a spot trip into Sabrina or Humphrey’s Basins or a trip through Evolution Valley, Mike is the guy to talk to.

Mike still keeps his family involved in the business, with Kyler Hanson, who is a 4th generation Morgan, serving as Mike’s right hand man. And a number of 5th generation kids are in training!

Give Mike a call for your next backcountry trip at 760-873-4785.

(760) 873-4785 • www.bishoppackoutfitters.net calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

95

SIERRAS

Author Mike Stevens loves catching trout, even if they’re little guys like this Lee Vining Creek rainbow. But when you can have a catch-and-release trip that racks up a tally into triple digits, you’ll take that quantity most days. (MIKE STEVENS)

96 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

caught on naturally colored Sierra Slammers jigs. Thomas Buoyants – especially the frog ones – accounted for a big chunk of the fish everyone else caught. Take away the jaunts up Tioga Pass this trip and I likely wouldn’t have caught 40 banging away on the Owens River or wherever under the beating sun.

Needless to say, the water of Tioga Pass is no longer simply a day trip during a week in the Sierra Nevada.

With most fishermen concentrating on Bishop, Crowley, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake or places further north, like Bridgeport and the Virginia Lakes area, Tioga Pass is an undervalued gem. It’s not only a higher-elevation respite from a heat wave, but a trout-filled, jaw-droppingly scenic region with deep lakes, slow meadow streams, whitewater and backcountry fishing where a “Sierra Grand Slam” is very possible, all crammed into about a 10-mile stretch of paradise. CS

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The staff of this friendly store is renowned for sharing their knowledge of successful techniques for fishing Big Bear Lake and they carry all the necessary equipment so their customers will have a great day on the lake.

You will also find a large variety of outdoor equipment and supplies, such as HOBIE kayaks and Sevylor inflatables for fun on the water; Peregrine tents and sleeping bags, along with Esbit and Primus stoves and fuel for camping; Granite Gear backpacks for hiking; and a variety of bouldering and climbing gear for the popular routes in and around the Big Bear Valley.

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98 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

CENTRAL VALLEY One of the top Mother Lode lakes, Pardee Reservoir hosts the annual Kokanee Power Team Derby on Aug. 20. Fish will likely be deeper by derby day at this impoundment where plenty of kokanee and trout have been caught this season. (DAVID WEAVER/KOKANEE POWER)

PARDEE PRIMED

WITH BIG TEAM DERBY ON AUG. 20, KOKANEE AND MORE ARE BITING AT MOTHER LODE LAKE

By Brad Hall

B

y all indications, Kokanee Power’s 2016 Team Fishing Derby at Pardee Reservoir could be the best ever.

The Amador County impoundment, located just a few miles south of the small town of Ione, is on the rebound from an eight-month shutdown due to remodeling of its RV seasonal park. The lake reopened in March, and the fishing has been “off the hook,” according to Kokanee Power (kokaneepower.org) regional director Kevin Smith.

Indeed, a recent scouting trip to Pardee revealed ice chests crammed with kokanee and rainbow trout from nearly every boat that came ashore. Kokanee anglers were trolling 35 to 40 feet deep early in the morning and dropping their downriggers to 60 feet when the sun hit the water. The average koke at Pardee runs 13 to 14 inches, with an occasional 15- to 16-incher spicing the luckiest angler’s take.

“The kokanee fishing here is the best it’s ever been,’’ said Pardee Lake Recreation (209-772-1472; pardeelakerecreation.com) president Richard Cooper.

“Size, quantity – they’re just packed out there.”

By late August – derby time – the kokanee will have moved deeper and late-season tactics may be in or-

der, according to Joe Aksamit of Joefish Guide Service (209-327-9929; joefishguideservice.com).

Aksamit suggests bigger lures and dodgers trolled at quicker speeds, and says that with kokes beginning to transition to spawning mode, that requires more aggressive fishing tactics.

Smith said he expects nearly 100 teams for the derby, which begins at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20. The winning team is guaranteed a minimum $600 prize, depending on the amount of participants. Payoffs are slated for the top 15 teams. Weigh-in begins at 1 p.m. Junior anglers compete for free.

“It’s a great facility,” Smith said. “We always have a good turnout at Pardee and there’s always a lot of fish. It’s one of the best lakes for consistency.”

Pardee has been the subject of numerous big-fish tales in recent years, including a California state-record smallmouth bass and several brown trout shattering the 10-pound barrier. Rainbows to 10 and 12 pounds are not uncommon, either. Catfish in the 5- to 7-pound range are often caught by anglers backed into a cove drifting nightcrawlers in search of big rainbows.

Launching facilities are in excellent shape, but remember that California state law prohibits body-water calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

99

(Top) Fish get weighed during last year’s Pardee Lake derby. Kokanee Power’s Kevin Smith said he expects as many as 100 teams for this month’s event. (DAVID WEAVER/KOKANEE POWER) (Bottom) Some of the younger contestants from last year. Junior anglers get to fish for free at the event. (DAVID WEAVER/KOKANEE POWER)

contact at Pardee; no personal watercraft, water skiing or lake swimming are allowed. Nearly 150 campsites within two campgrounds offer running water, flush restrooms and laundry facilities.

The remodeled RV park, which Cooper said could be open in early fall, will offer 56 sites featuring new water hookups, 50-amp electrical service, satellite television, and Internet services. Daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal user passes are available inside the gates. A fish-cleaning station is also available and rental boats can be booked at the lake’s marina. A small restaurant offers breakfast and lunch on weekends.

Pardee Lake is owned by East Bay Municipal Utilities District.CS Editor’s note: For more on the derby, go to kokaneepower.org/derbies/20160820.pdf.

100 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

CROSSROADS MINI MART AT LAKE ISABELLA Heading into July, there is lots of fishing being done on Lake Isabella.

The water has warmed up to the low 60s and brought on the bass bite, plus the crappie have restarted after cooling off with the weather.

Crappie is best fished on live minnows if they’re available. Last but not least, trout is still being stocked on a regular basis with a 10-pounder recently weighed in at Isabella Supermarket. Lake levels are closing in on 160,000 acre-feet and 500% over the year low, and Paradise Cove and Kissack Cove are both seeing water for the first time in two years.

Fourth of July weekend is always a great time to plan a trip to the lake. The highlight of the weekend is the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commercesponsored fireworks display, held this year on Saturday, July 2, for the enjoyment of over 10,000 visitors and locals alike.

Produced by Zambelli, one of the most renowned names in the pyrotechnic industry, this year’s show consists of almost 1,000 individual shells in a spectacular 20-minute fireworks display.

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SOCAL

FINDING DORADO COLORFUL ‘MAHI-MAHI’ SHOULD APPEAR IN BUNCHES THIS MONTH

By Steve Carson

A

ugust is the traditional month when Southern California anglers start to see the first dorado showing up in the local counts, but

calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

103

FISHING SOCIAL MEDIA AND SHARKS The overly demonized great white shark – which we should remind readers is definitely not a game fish in California or Mexico – has been making quite a showing this year.

A few really monstrous 14- to 18-footers were seen about 10 miles offshore from Palos Verdes, feeding on a dead whale during mid-July. These giant sharks are the movie stars of the shark world, but more significant is the large number of sightings very near shore of juvenile great whites ranging from 5 to 8 feet.

The juveniles are exclusively fish-eaters and pose little threat to swimmers or surfers. They do cause some consternation regarding the fishing regulations, as it takes a little knowledge to tell the difference between perfectly legal (and good-eating) game species mako sharks, and those juvenile great whites that are protected by law.

A recent case that was sensationalized by social media is a perfect example. As reported in the Orange County Register, an angler fishing out of Newport Harbor caught a perfectly legal

in the past few years the new normal has seen them arrive as early as late June.

Among the world’s most popular and wide-ranging fish, dorado are esteemed on restaurant menus as “mahi-mahi.” West Coast anglers long ago stopped using

mako of about 5 or 6 feet and cut it into steaks, but accidentally forgot to dispose of the head and tail before going home. As luck would have it, a pair of teenage animal rights activists spotted the shark’s head on the dock and sent it literally around the world via Twitter.

At least one prominent shark expert, along with millions of outraged landlubbers and flatlander media outlets misidentified the head as belonging to a great white. Wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife went to the angler’s home, and despite the experienced angler assuring them his catch had been a mako, sent in some of the shark steaks for DNA testing.

Sure enough, DNA testing proved the catch was a legal mako.

Although the difference is somewhat tricky, the situation should never have escalated the way it did. The heads of the two species are very similar but the tails are fairly distinct. The entire escapade underscores the importance of being able to identify what you catch. One more thing: clean up properly after you prepare your fish to take home! -SC

the term “dolphinfish,” which is more known back east, lest their friends and family believe they are eating Flipper or the stars of the Dolphin Tale films.

In California waters, dorado are almost always associated with floating objects in open waters offshore – most commonly floating patches of kelp paddies. A kelp paddy that’s no larger than a dining room table can have hundreds of dorado lurking underneath. However, just about anything floating will attract fish, and significant catches have been made under floating cargo pallets, logs, loose weather buoys, and, quite possibly the best thing of all, a dead whale.

Conventional thinking leads many anglers to believe the dorado are directly under aforementioned floating objects, but in fact they may be up to 100 yards away, so approach with caution. Conventional wisdom also says that dorado are primarily offshore species, yet they do roam inshore frequently, and Baja anglers even score them in the surf occasionally.

FEEDING FRENZY Dorado are like any other fish and, at times, may refuse to hit on anything you’ll offer. Yet mostly they are among the most cooperative of species and will greedily attack al104 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

most anything in the water. Due to their wild jumping when hooked and savage flopping on the deck, safety is paramount after hooking a dorado.

Weightless live baits are favored and the fish are not usually selective. This writer has caught dorado on live anchovies, live sardines, live squid, live mullet, plus several species of live mackerel. Dorado also seem happy to eat a dead bait, and in many circumstances, a slow-trolled 1/8-inch strip of bonito or skipjack can outfish any other bait.

Dorado often bite marlin lures and can be quickly overpowered by heavy tackle. Small boaters can land almost any dorado on 20-pound tackle, though party boaters should stick with 30-pound line to keep tangles to a minimum, and long-rangers generally opt for 40-pound-test due to the red-hot action that can occur when a big school is located. One of the most popular combos would be something like a Penn Fathom FTH25NLD2 filled with 50-pound braid, with the angler’s favorite topshot added.

Terminal gear is simple, and although dorado are not often so finicky as to require fluorocarbon leaders, its anti-abrasion qualities are important. A 3-foot piece of 50-pound fluoro attached to 20- or 30-pound mono via a four-turn surgeon’s knot is perfect. A size 2/0 Owner Flyliner hook is usually about right, although when slow-trolling strip baits, bumping up to a size 6/0 Owner Gorilla hook is the way to go.

NOT JUST DEEP SOUTH In normal years, dorado don’t range much further north than San Diego, and in colder years they may not make it past the border at all. However, the last few El Niño-warmed years have sent them far to the north, with a handful even taken by Oregon and Washington anglers out chasing albacore. More importantly, the warm conditions mean massive numbers of dorado have been available throughout the Southern California Bight, the waters south of Santa Barbara County’s Point Conception to the Mexico border.

Typically, the past few seasons dorado have been averaging a healthy 15 to 25 pounds, with enough 30- to 40-pounders to keep it very interesting, and the California record is a hefty 66 pounds.

Of particular note for anglers is the difference in the legal daily bag limit between California and Mexican waters. If you’re fishing on the California side, it is 10 dorado, but just two on the Mexican side.

Their popularity on the table is legendary, and reciting the litany of ways to prepare and enjoy them would take up an entire column by itself. CS Editor’s note: Email the author at scarson@sunset.net.

106 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

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SOCAL

STAY INSIDE WITH LIGHT TACKLE

DESPITE THE HOT OCEAN BITE, SOUTHLAND BAYS AND INLETS ARE PRODUCING BARRACUDA, BONITO AND BASS

By Capt. Bill Schaefer

T

he ocean fishing off Southern California has been just out of this world the last few months, with giant bluefin, yellowfin and yellowtail making up the bulk of the catch.

Almost every angler has a chance to catch tuna up to 200 pounds, if they are correctly prepared. But with everyone’s attention offshore, inside waters and bays have been filling up with bait, getting the inshore action going strong. Bonito, barracuda and bass are on the prowl and can give anglers some great fishing.

Light-tackle and even fly anglers have been and will be chasing these fun fish over the next few months. For fun, keep the tackle light to medium casting or spinning gear.

Line can be anywhere from 8- to 15-pound test. I like to use Maxima braid with a short leader. The barracuda and bonito have some chompers on them, so a wire leader is in order if fishing live bait or a lure that may end up all the way inside their mouth. A single-strand wire leader of about 25-pound test is the diameter of about 4-pound monofilament, so fish shying away shouldn’t be an issue.

You can even buy leaders already made up in many sporting goods stores and tackle shops. Get a Mustad bait hook or your favorite lure and you’re set.

For the bonito and the barracuda and even the bass at times, trolling along the outside edge of the kelp can be the hot ticket. I like to set one rod with a shallow-diving crank and one with a little deeper crank, which is a set-up that will score all three species.

Once someone hooks up, you can bring the school to the boat by tossing out some bait. I will slightly squeeze the bait so it swims injured and doesn’t race off too quickly. Once you have the fish at the boat, everyone on board should hook up.

Smaller chrome spoons can work great in a feeding frenzy. You can always upsize your lures to attract the big boys. Full-size iron jigs may score a giant barracuda, or

“log,” as they are known.

Fly anglers can have the time of their lives on these fish.

An 8- to 10-weight rod and either a floating or slow-sinking line will do well. Clouser flies with a small fine-wire leader like I mentioned above will do well.

You can often find these fish on top chasing bait, but if you can’t locate them, you can always troll until a hookup and then hand the bite off to the fly folks. A fun morning in your own boat can be had right now along the SoCal coast. CS

Spinning gear and a chrome spoon are all you need to find great action on bonito, barracuda and bass now on SoCal’s inshore waters. (BILL SCHAEFER) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

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110 California Sportsman AUGUST 2016 | calsportsmanmag.com

SOCAL

MIMIC THAT SHAD

CRANKBAITS CAN COVER A LOT OF WATER AND ENTICE A HUNGRY BASS

No matter the time of year, bass always love to eat shad. That is the prey they want and that is what you’re trying to imitate when you work those cranks: an injured ummer is the time of year when bass are schooled or wounded shad. up and chasing baitfish around most lakes. TopAfter you cast out, reel fast at first to get your bait to water action can be hot, but once they stop hitting dive all the way to the bottom. Once you make contact those baits, how do you find largemouth? There is no with the lakebed, slow your retrieve, which will keep the better way to cover and eliminate a lot of water than large lip of the bait right on the bottom, stirring up the with crankbaits. sand or dirt and bouncing off objects. Experiment When bass are keying on baitfish, with different retrieve speeds and mix it up a bit. nothing covers water better or is The more it looks like a shad in a panic, the more more effective than a crankbait, chance you will get a bass excited about eating it! which has the movement and look of prey that can drive largemouth As mentioned, crankbaits can also be a quick way crazy. (BILL SCHAEFER) to cover a lot of shoreline and find the more active fish. It’s a reactionary bait that will trigger a strike quickly. If not, just keep moving down the shoreline. If the bass are feeding on shad, quick-swimming the bait with an erratic stop-and-go movement will get their attention. Many times the stop gets them to notice the bait, and when you start to swim it away again, the fish strikes.

Shad-, shiner-, bluegill- and baby bass-patterned cranks work well when largemouth are keying on small fish. Rebel, Rapala and Bomber all make various diving models that work well, but you should experiment with your favorite brand. Remember that rattling baits call the fish to them, but there are times when the silent bait will do better. You have to mix it in with the baits you’re rotating through.

Also, a parabolic rod is best for crankbait fishing. Using a limber rod like this can keep the treble hooks from pulling out as you fight the fish. Daiwa makes a few cranking models, but I use the Tatula cranking rods myself. Check your favorite rod company’s line-up because most companies make a special crankbaiter for bass fishing.

Line diameter can also make a difference in how deep your bait will dive. The thinner the line, the deeper the bait dives. Try to use as heavy as you can without hindering your bait’s performance. I use Maxima Ultragreen mono for cranking. The mono’s stretch and the give of the rod will keep you from pulling the smaller crank hooks out of the bass. CS

By Bill Schaefer

S

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Reputations Speaks For Itself

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The drop-shot rig is a very popular set-up for catching black bass. It is considered a finesse presentation that excels when bites are difficult to come by. The drop shot, or sinker, effectively allows the angler to keep his offering above the bottom. This is a huge plus when fishing around grass or when the fish are suspended. Shaking the bait in place on semislack line is a good way to elicit a strike.

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Drop-shot sinker (MARK FONG)

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SHOSHONE AND TELL

By Tim E. Hovey

I

n 2012 I traveled to Cody, Wyo., to hunt deer for the first time with my good friend, Darrin Bergen.

Darrin had relocated to the Northern Rockies state the year before, having finished his graduate degree in Tennessee. With relatively little scouting and already three weeks into the season, we headed out to hunt near the Absaroka Range, in the Shoshone National Forest of northwestern Wyoming.

Waking before light, we made the 30-minute drive to the walk-in hunt area and hiked through some of the most amazing wilderness I had ever experienced. The second day fully illustrated that I was not hiking in the coastal canyons of my home state of California. Darrin handed me a large can of bear spray. “Your turn!” he said.

The can was

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FISHING ON A HUNTING TRIP TO THE YELLOWSTONE AREA, A TRAVELING CALIFORNIA SPORTSMAN TAKES A SIDE TRIP FOR TROUT

Just before the eastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park is the Shoshone National Forest and the river of the same name in Wyoming. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chock-full of colorful trout. (TIM E. HOVEY)

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FISHING

Darrin Bergen works the Shoshone, which provides he and fellow Cody residents with quite a trout fishery right there in town. Author Tim Hovey was glad to get in on the action on his trip from California. (TIM E. HOVEY)

the size of a small thermos and the instructions written on the side were small enough to make me realize this: If I had to read them when I needed the contents of the can, it probably wouldn’t matter. I slipped the can into the front pocket of my pack.

Using the well-worn main trail, we hiked into the wilderness for a few miles and then moved off the trail, exploring canyons chock-full of pine trees, boulders and enough grizzly bear prints so that I decided to make that magic can of bear repellent more accessible.

Darrin and I joked about the true contents of the safety device. I was Coveted cutthroat trout, the state fish of Wyoming, inhabit this stretch of the Shoshone in the shadows of the Absaroka Range. (TIM E. HOVEY) convinced that it was filled with little more than meat seasoning that would make any attack go quickin on our hunting loop. The plan was to cross a river to the er. Darrin thought the can probably contained whipped main road and then make the short hike to the parking cream or confetti, just so you’d crack a brief smile before area. We hiked to the bank and assessed the crossing. The it was all over. river was far wider than we had anticipated. While it did Towards the end of the day, we found ourselves closing look shallow, the water was moving quickly.

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FISHING

AT THE DOORSTEP OF YELLOWSTONE

a photo of the fish and me and sent it to him. To me, it was awesome to know that we were fishing at exactly the same time in different parts of the country.

A few years later I was once again in Wyoming standing on the bank of the Shoshone. Darrin had convinced me to pack a fishing rod on my next visit. He had figured out a proven technique for consistently catching the rainbows, cutthroats and browns that call the river home.

And whenever he was headed out to fish, it was almost a guarantee that he would send me fish photos. It was time to make more memories.

The Shoshone River splits into the North Fork, following the canyon down from the Absaroka Mountains and near the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The South Fork of the river originates at the southern end of the Absarokas.

We didn’t get a deer on that hunt, but my first trip to Wyoming had definitely made an impression. Since then, I have made several more trips to explore the Wyoming wilderness and visit my buddy.

Over the years, Darrin has sent me photos attached to texts of the various fish and wildlife he’s encountered, caught or killed as he’s settled into his new home state. I received one of him holding a nice cutthroat while I happened to be rigging to fish the Southern California coast.

“Caught on the Shoshone,” was attached to the photo. On my second cast, I caught a large surf perch. I took

The sun was just rising when we pulled into the parking area. The Shoshone River winds its way through the town of Cody and our fishing spot was less than 3 miles from Darrin’s front door. We hiked the walk-in trail and dropped into a grassy area at a bend in the stream. The water was slightly turbid, but clear enough to fish.

Darrin showed me the secret rig and bait and steered me to the sweet spot in the river. The key was to cast upstream and let the current bounce the offering along bottom. He mentioned that most bites were subtle, but occasionally the trout would really slam it.

I sent the bait upstream and felt the bait scoot along the bottom. The pick-up was subtle, but I knew what it

We each grabbed walking sticks to serve as stabilizers and we shed our hunting boots. With firm determination to make the crossing we headed in. I took exactly three steps into the icy water and knew I was done. The water was close to freezing from upstream snowmelt. Darrin felt the same and was already on shore when I turned around. That was my first physical experience with the Shoshone River.

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TESTING A THEORY

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FISHING was and set the hook. I could feel the fish shaking its head as I pulled it through the current. The 18-inch cutthroat leaped from the water 8 feet from the bank, all the while trying to dislodge the hook. A minute later he was flopping on the bank in the thick grass. Darrin produced a tape measure and stretched it along the side of the fish.

We were allowed five fish total, with only one being 18 or more inches. “That’s your big one right there,” he stated,

Darrin Bergen with a nice Shoshone cutt, caught in an area where anglers share the riverbank with grizzly bears. (TIM E. HOVEY)

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FISHING tucking the flexible tape in his pocket. My first cast into the Shoshone had resulted in my very first cutthroat.

We fished for a few more hours before the wind picked up and made casting and catching almost impossible. That first day, we caught four fish apiece – a mix of browns, cutthroat and one rainbow. In 40 years of fishing, I have fished in some amazing places, but hands down, fishing the Cowboy State stream with Darrin was by far one of my best freshwater fishing experiences.

DO IT AGAIN The next two days were dedicated to hunting, but even as we hiked the lowlands looking for antelope, I couldn’t stop thinking about the Shoshone River.

On the last day of my trip, I was supposed to head out early to get a jump on the drive home. Darrin’s suggestion that we fish the morning bite before I left changed all that.

The next morning we were at the river once again casting for trout. The bite was slower than the previous trip, but we both managed a few nice fish. With the wind picking up and my time limited, I made a final cast. I felt the bait bounce on the bottom as the current washed it downstream. Right in the bite zone, the bait stopped, followed closely by a strong tug. I set

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the hook and the final fish of the trip was on. The 16-inch cutthroat was landed, photographed and released.

I always experience a little bit of sadness at the end of a great trip; this one was no different. After I loaded up, I headed out of Cody and started home. The trip had been amazing and I thought a lot about the great times hanging out with Darrin on the drive home.

As I stopped for lunch in a small town, I checked my messages. I noticed Darrin had sent me a text. It read simply, ”Next year we chase deer … bring a rod!” I smiled as I got back on the road home to Southern California, already aching to get back to the Shoshone. CS

Author Tim Hovey (left) and buddy Darrin celebrate a great day on the Shoshone.

Though he went to Wyoming for hunting first, Hovey discovered how splendid the trout fishing can be in the Cowboy State. (TIM E. HOVEY)

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Half Dome, Yosemite National Park’s iconic granite formation that draws climbers from around the world, tempted Brittany Boddington to take a break from hunting and attempt to scale the almost 5,000-foot peak, as well as enjoy the park’s beautiful spots like Vernal Falls along the Mist Trail. (BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

FROM HUNTER TO HALF DOMER

BRITTANY TAKES A BREAK FROM CHASING WILDLIFE TO SCALE THE ICONIC YOSEMITE PEAK

By Brittany Boddington

M

y good friend Lana entered the permit lotto and won six entries to hike the famous Half Dome in Yosemite National Park,

which is said to be one of the most difficult hikes in the park.

Some websites claim it is the most difficult and say that it is only for experienced hikers. Lana called and asked if I wanted to be her sixth hik-

er and I agreed, with no clue what Half Dome was. Silly me.

In the weeks leading up to the hike I began talking about my upcoming adventure and people started telling me how serious the hike was.

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She may look cool here on the way up, but Brittany, despite being an accomplished hunter with lots of hiking on her resume, was gassed making the ascent up Half Dome. (BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

I figured that with all the hunting I do, I would be fine. I’ve hiked higher mountains and put in more miles than I would need to in order to complete this hike, so I told myself I would just wing it. Though winging it is kind of my specialty, it doesn’t always work well.

I bought myself a CamelBak water bag and stuck it in my hunting pack.

I got a bunch of energy gummies and gels, as well as some electrolyte tablets. I had been working out a bit and trying to be healthy in the week or so leading up to the hike. But I was still feeling a bit unprepared.

WE RENTED A HOUSE as our base camp, then drove up from Los Angeles. The whole trip revolved around the hike.

We went to bed early the first night and went scouting the next morning.

We checked out the start of the Half Dome hike and figured out how far it was from the house. We also learned from the park ranger that it is best to start the hike around 4:30 or 5 a.m.

The house was about an hour and a half from the parking lot, so that would mean getting up around 2:30 in the freaking morning to head out.

When we’d planned this I had a moment where I questioned going on the trip. After all, there is no animal for me to hunt at the top and thus no trophy to bring back. So there weren’t a lot of incentives for me, except the experience and maybe a photo or two. But I was in too deep to back out, so I kept my doubts to myself and prepared for a very early rise. I think I went to sleep around 6 that night.

Surprisingly, I slept pretty well, until the alarm went off at 2:30. It was pretty quiet around the house – everyone was packing up and getting ready and no one really felt like chatting. It was going to be a long day and we all knew it.

It was still pitch black outside when we got to the parking area and

then a solid mile or so walk to the start of the hike. It was a good warmup and we used headlamps to guide us. We had just enough light at the start of the hike to see without headlamps, so we set a pretty brisk pace.

The trail was paved in some parts, cobblestone in others, and zigzagged straight up.

We stopped for a minute and I realized I was dizzy from the altitude; the climb from the valley floor to the top increases in altitude by nearly 5,000 feet. I took a second to steady myself and realized Lana wasn’t feel-

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ing great either. We took a breather and continued up.

We took the Mist Trail route. It was exactly as the name sounded: misty. There were breathtaking waterfalls and a cool mist in the air, but also tons of massive stone steps. The steps were tough and went on and on. I was relieved when the trail led into the woods and we were walking on natural ground again.

The trail wound around in a beautiful forest for miles until we reached another set of stairs, the base of the dome. From this point, we could

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The last stage of the climb goes straight up a set of cables, which to Brittany was the easiest part, though others struggled mightily with the sheer heights. (BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

clearly see Half Dome and the cables that we would have to use to get to the top.

The cables run the ďŹ nal 400 feet to the top of the mountain and make it possible for hikers to scale it without climbing gear. It was the point that

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most of our group had feared the most, though I was looking forward to it. I was a swimmer and have always had more upper-body strength than lower. The two in our group who were afraid of heights were especially concerned about this part. It

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Success at the summit for the Urban Huntress and friends. (BRITTANY BODDINGTON)

is very steep and the only thing keeping you on your feet is your grip on the cables.

We started up and, as expected, I loved it. This was by far my favorite part of the hike. I was going up as if the cables were monkey bars, but my enthusiasm was not appreciated by our friend ahead who was afraid of heights. Unfortunately, there were other people on the cables ahead, and they were also afraid of heights and had frozen up; the traffic started to get irritating.

We were stuck standing on the side of the mountain trying to pass those who were frozen in fear, but it was slow going. It took us about 35 minutes to get to the top, but once we were there, we instantly understood why we’d done this. The 360-degree view is incredible; it truly felt like the top of the world.

THE WAY BACK DOWN was much harder and my knees were killing me by the end of it, but I would still say it was worth the effort. I think I would also say that once is enough; I’m happy that I completed the hike but will not be signing up for another ascent like this anytime soon

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– unless there is an animal to hunt at the top! CS Editor’s note: Brittany Boddington is a Los Angeles-based journalist, hunter and adventurer. Like her at facebook.com/ brittanyboddington and follow at instagram.com/brittanyboddington.

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HUNTING

OH, CANADA!

ALBERTA IS A HUNTING HOTBED FOR WATERFOWL, BIG GAME

By Chris Cocoles

S

outhern Alberta’s spectacular Banff National Park, picturesque Jasper and the popular Calgary Stampede make it popular for visitors. Further north, the terrain changes, from the Canadian Rockies to the province’s farmlands and forests.

This is where hunters flock to every late summer and fall to cash in on some of Canada’s best hunting grounds.

We talked to Rob Reynolds of Ranchland Outfitters (877924-8440; ranchlandoutfitters.com) for more on his operation and hunting in Wild Rose Country.

Chris Cocoles What’s your background and how did you become passionate about hunting?

Rob Reynolds My father and grandfather took me out hunting starting when I was 3. That was one of the few reasons I could miss school; so I liked it for a number of reasons!

Since then I have continued to hunt many different species, and I enjoy seeing wildlife in all its beauty.

that a passport is needed. Trophy quality is exceptional, and waterfowl numbers are abundant!

CC I’ve heard a lot of good things about waterfowling hunting in your neck of the woods. Is it as epic as it is made out to be?

RR Yes. If you are a duck or goose hunter, you have to come and see what we have! I have hunted lots of other provinces and states and must say I am really spoiled, as nothing really compares with Alberta. I am located in northeastern Alberta, along the Saskatchewan border, and we have lots of birds. We have a perfect mix of Canada geese, specks, snows, mallards, pintails. We have very liberal limits and lots of opportunities to be consistently successful.

CC What are the best times of the year for a California sportsman to head to Alberta?

CC How did you get the guide service started?

RR I started in (college) and I got caught in the guiding trap. Every fall when university started so did waterfowl season, so, of course, I didn’t want to miss opening day of the season, nor any day from then on. So it was a natural progression to turn my passion into my profession.

CC Alberta seems like it has some great terrain for various hunts.

RR Alberta is very diverse, from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the vast prairies in the east; from the badlands in the south to the great boreal forest in the north.

This province has the ultimate hunting experience for every hunter.

CC What makes Alberta an appealing hunting destination?

RR When booking a big game hunt from an outfitter in Alberta, you will not need to apply for any permits or tags.

Your outfitter has a limited number of tags and just needs to put your name on it. Alberta is really easy to travel to.

We have two major airports – Edmonton and Calgary – and have regular flights in and out daily, but remember

Some of Canada’s best hunting – for both waterfowl and big game – are in northeast Alberta. (RANCHLAND OUTFITTERS) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

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HUNTING RR September to November. Our waterfowl seasons are

CC Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the lodge experience like at Ranchland OutďŹ tters?

RR Our hunters have raved for years now about our fan-

earlier than California, as we are the ďŹ rst hunters to see migrating waterfowl. We are not weather-dependent or water-dependent because the birds cannot stay north of us, so they have to migrate. Our area is abundant with

tastic home-cooked meals and our personalized service, where everyone feels at home.

We make every attempt to make your hunt/vacation a memorable one.

Quackers and honkers are top targets for clients of Ranchland outďŹ tters.

(RANCHLAND OUTFITTERS)

grain ďŹ elds and pea ďŹ elds, the ďŹ rst ďŹ elds the birds ďŹ nd when they start their migration Our big game has minimal hunting pressure and the trophy quality is exceptional. Our archery season is September and October, with our riďŹ&#x201A;e season during the month of November.

From our airport pickup in a limo bus to our farmraised elk steaks, you will not just have the best waterfowl hunts of your life, but also do it in style! CS Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: For more on Ranchland OutďŹ tters, like them at facebook.com/RanchlandOutďŹ tters.

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Call Rob Rey nolds to Book your H unt Today,

1-877-924-844

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SOUTHERN ALBERTA’S SECRET IS OUT!

Hunt the best potholes region in North America.

TLC ADVENTURES World Class Bird Hunting | Waterfowl & Upland Game

Cast and Blast!

Check out our Cast and Blast option that combines fishing and hunting for a variety-filled trip.

Species available: " I wanted to open the kind of lodge that I have always dreamed of going to hunt. " Owner John Sibert

White geese with a liberal bag limit, Canadian geese (Giant to the smallest subspecies), All duck species (mostly Mallard with some Pintail). Great upland hunting also which include Pheasant, Partridge, and Sharptail Grouse.

Very few openings still open for November. Call now! Now booking for 2017

(661) 916-1027 • www.tlcadventures.com calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2016 California Sportsman

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RAPTORAZOR Hunters can never have enough knives, and while some blades may be less functional than others, not so with the Raptorazor. We spoke with the unique line’s inventor.

California Sportsman How did you come up with the idea for the Raptorazor?

Raptorazor founder Rick Grover About 20 years ago I was taught the gutless method while hunting on the island of Molokai in Hawaii. This technique requires cutting down the spine of the animal and the thick neck hide. Until that time I had always used a 4-inch folding old-timer knife and carried my sharpening stone with me. I had tried just about every new gimmick of a knife with a gut hook on it. Some would work well the first time and some would break when it came to cutting through the neck hide.

The biggest problem with the gut hooks on the market is they are too small, usually only 1/4 inch, and they can not be sharpened easily. I had discovered a plastic two-finger gut hook that had an interchangeable blade; it worked great on thin hide, but every time I tried to cut through the nape of the neck I would break it.

After several years of breaking them, I finally got fed up and decided to make my own.

Using a plasma cutter and grinder, I made my first prototype that we first used on a Roosevelt elk and everyone’s jaw dropped. It wasn’t until I skinned an axis deer that I discovered how well it worked spinning around the legs and removing them. We knew at the moment that we had something special.

CS You have two knives: the Big Game Skinner and the Mako. What are some of their similarities and differences?

RG The BGS has a dual blade. The hook portion can cut up to 3 inches of hide from the inside out and the bottom blade is your guided Skinner. The Mako becomes an extension of your finger and is used to quarter-out game. Both knives have a unique T-handle design for easy control, and they also eliminate hand fatigue.

CS Your promo video (raptorazor.com/pages/videos) makes a convincing case for these products. Why was it important for you to show the strength of your knives?

RG I think that we can all agree that products today are designed to break. I wanted to introduce a product that would last a lifetime. Showing the strength of the knife lifting a 700-pound quad says it all.

CS You also do quite a few educational videos. Tell us more about that. taught as a kid to gut the animal, drag it whole out of the woods – sometimes RG I was taug miles – then wait several hours before getting back to the barn to hang it and up to 2 or 3 m skin it. We would wo then let it hang and age for a week, and by the time it made it to the dinner table it i was bad, really bad. But I was taught if you shot it, you eat it, so I choked it down in order ord to keep hunting.

When I was ttaught the gutless technique I was amazed and instantly hooked. It saves you cool the meat down faster, you lighten your load packing out by time, it’s cleaner, clea 4 0 pounds, and you never gut the animal, which keeps the meat cleaner and free of bacteria.

So back to the question: I want to share what I have learned over the years and pass it on to other hunters to ensure that they get the bestquality meat back to the dinner table.

My biggest compliment is having our videos used in hunter’s education classes all over the world.

CS Are there any big names in the hunting and fishing world who endorse the Raptorazor?

RG Yes, we have Roger Raglin with Roger Raglin Outdoors, Jim Burnworth with Western Extreme, Mike Stroff with Savage Outdoors, Freddie Harteis, aka The Hollywood Hunter, and Kinion Bankston with Southern Boyz Outdoors, to name a few.

(808) 638-8281 / raptorazor.com

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