KingKenny04

Actually I think I found what I need. Like page 4 or 5 on a google search for southern California depth maps: http://www.omnimap.com/catalog/cats/fish/fish-ca.htm Just ordered the hodges/Sutherland/Modena/otay map, we'll see how it looks. Thanks nitro

I've done this, the problem is none of the topo maps that come up show lake depth. They show the elevation of everything AROUND the lakes, but the lakes themselves are just flat blue.

Thanks all, learning a lot. @Nitro: Not sure if I can afford a guide, but I'll definitely look into it. Also, that link you posted goes to a placeholder. Is there an alternate link?

Derp. Something painfully obvious that I never once thought of. Thank you!

Howdy folks! I've been picking up a lot of great advice here, but I'm having some trouble in one major area: figuring out where everything is. I'm located in the San Diego area and am limited to using rental boats as I don't have a bassboat. I've read a lot of awesome tips on here for catching bass in the summer time, the trouble is I really have no way of figuring out what the bottom of these lakes are like. I can make educated guesses based on dock talk and what the shoreline is like, but without some kind of lake map or fish finder, I don't know how to find grass-beds, drop offs, humps, flats, etc. My google-fu had been failing me miserably and the only topo map I could find that actually showed the depth of a lake was for Lake Dixon. I suppose I could just randomly throw a lure out, see how far it drops, and see if it snags on anything (losing all but one of my brand-new hardbaits was how I figured out Hodges was covered with dead trees), but this seems like quite a laborious process. Anyone know of any other methods that don't require me to shell out the cash for some electronics? Thanks!

Hey all! Went out on Lower Otay last weekend with my Dad and some friends. I used to fish quite a bit when I was younger, but the Marine Corps kind of got in the way of that and last weekend was the first time I'd been bass fishing in years. Needless to say I got the bug back! I went out on Hodges yesterday and had a hell of a time trying to catch anything at all. To be honest, I sort of expected that given that it's July in southern California. Was surprised I even caught the two that I did. A limited choice of tackle probably also contributed (a few different robo worms and a couple of cheap jigs was it). Also, I DEFINITELY now understand why so many folks fork over the big bucks for bass boats (or at least trolling motors). Trying to maneuver a rental boat using only a 5hp Honda outboard and an anchor is a huge PITA. So that's basically my backstory. Any tips for the San Diego area? Guides, trips to Havasu/Castaic/wherever, or electronics are an absolute no-go, I'm poor as hell (E3's don't make a whole lot). I'm basically limited to the San Diego area and rental boats. Hope to learn a lot here! So glad I got back into this hobby.