NorcalBassin

Able to sneak in one more trip just before what looks like a 2 week stretch of storms. Still not much action on reaction baits, but they were happy to hit Neds out deep and wacky senkos in about 10'. Best fish of the day was this 16-17" rainbow that hit my Ned in about 30" and shot straight up like a torpedo. Jumped out of the water 3x and with two of them he almost landed himself in the boat. Must've thought we were going to eat him. 😆

Been fortunate to get in weekly trips between winter storms. All about the Ned rig again but I'll gladly take it. Pops with his first of the day, also on a Ned. And his last one of the day. Nothing big to speak of, but the way these guys fight anything decent is a good time.

They say some lures catch fish and others catch fishermen. This color definitely caught me and I'm fine with it even if it never catches anything. 😆 Been wanting this one for a while and couldn't pass it up at 20% off. And a few more baits to round it out...

Got a chance to go out in some mild temps in between storms. Morning was 48* and the water temps were 51-53*. Anticipated a morning of them hitting reaction baits, but they wouldn't touch anything besides a Ned. Fortunately they really liked the Ned. Even this LM couldn't resist that thing.

Can't wait to throw this shark frog. Also added some BFS minnow baits, replenished others I've recently lost, and restocked some finesse swimbaits.

-17* Montana sunset from my daughter's dorm room window. I've seen worse views 😆

I was absolutely shocked and thrilled at the same time to see my youngest voluntarily get up at 545 to join us since we usually can't get her up before 10:00. To sweeten the pot I told her I'd bring her a heater and get Starbucks. 😆 And of course she caught the first one of the day... They were inhaling the underspin. Microjig was also successful. And a Ned. Good times! And added some great memories.

Another awesome sunrise at the ramp to kickoff a solid day on the water. First one dragging a 2.8 Another on a 2.8 Hula grub also did some damage This chubby fella came on a finesse jig.

I get that as well, but in their defense they do not have the infrastructure or equipment to deal with accumulating snow plus most of the people there do not know how to drive in those conditions. Sometimes I wish they'd check ID's up here before being able to go up the mountain. If your car is spinning at 3000' at the bottom of the grade you're not making it all the way up to the next exit in a few miles at 4000' . Instead of turning around they'll try it anyway and shut down the whole highway after abandoning their vehicle in the middle of the road. Tempted to get a grille guard and just gently push them out of the way. 😆

Beautiful, calm winter morning at the ramp. First spot of the day on an underspin. Pops with a little fella on a senko This guy hit a ned while still having a partially digested craw. Butt ugly tube always seems to deliver when the winter bite slows down.

I always cherish the opportunity to get three generations together on the boat. Even better when we catch some fish! Pops with the first of the day with netgirl on deck. Of course she had to show us up right after 😆 And again... I was able to come across a few spots of my own. Even the trout wanted some of the underspin...

It's why I can't post in the latest tackle purchase thread anymore. 😎

Yep! 2 St Bernards and a golden retriever. She's 150 (on the left) and he's down to about 190 (used to be >200 but I've backed down his food a bit to decease the stress on the old fella's joints).

Made smoked tri tip like a brisket and it made for some excellent sandwiches...

Dogs are never allowed on the furniture, so they're thrilled she's home from college 😆

This made for a great maple old fashioned.

I can't count the ways living in CA drives me crazy, but for 50ish years now the no off season for fishing has continued to just barely make it worth it. Thinking I couldn't live here if I wasn't able to fish year-round. 😆😆

Congrats on the epic month! Now I need to try to match it in January 😆

Definitely worth stepping up from the BIB version, especially since it's so (relatively) inexpensive for being cask strength/barrel proof. It would be fine sipped but I like the way it carries some flavor as a mixer with the higher proof and you don't feel like you wasted something nicer. Knob Creek 9 is my favorite mixer that's still really good as a sipper, but the 114 is no slouch.

If anyone has any money left over after all the sales the past month, The Hookup Tackle is having a 22% off sale through 1/6. Sure wish I knew this was coming when they had 20% off gift cards a couple weeks ago! They happen to have some k-9's and tiny klashes in stock if anyone's looking for one (22% applies to DRT). https://thehookuptackle.com/

Had to grab something with a little proof to it to hold up in the 'nog. I was shocked to see a bottle of Pappy's behind the counter of our little mountain liquor store. Owner said it's only the second bottle of it they've ever had. $1600... no thank you and I'll stick with the 114!

Took a quick solo Christmas Eve trip this morning. Sure wish we had some snow, but since that's not happening I'll keep making the most of sunny days in the low 50's. 😆

Finally got a chance to take my dad out again after a few weeks off the water, and we were fortunate to come across a nice mixed bag of LM and spots. Can't complain about an early topwater bite in December! Underspin did the most damage and they were eating it. Threw a Ned for a bit and ended up with this surprise. Good one on a senko Pops with a pretty spot. Fish have been eating well... Last one of the day.

Looks like it's rated 1-4oz and should do great with the topwaters. The 3.5oz will be at the top end for that rod and the 7'8" may be the better choice to cover those ranges presuming the length isn't an issue. If you prefer the 7'3" you'll just need to adjust your casting motion a bit to compensate for the heavier baits. I have the 7'8" for my kayak swimbait rod and have been very happy with it.

I'd recommend a 200 if you're planning to use use the combo fairly often and want to get at least a few years out of it.