Lunker Huntin Posted September 2, 2015 Posted September 2, 2015 Hey guys, so me and a my fishing partner have decided we are going to try and squeeze in a trip of a life time (for us at least) before I head off to the afgan sand box again this winter. We are planning a trip to clear lake in October 14th-18th. Being a couple of Utah guys this trip is a chance for us to actually tangle with some really nice bass, around here if you get a 5lb consider yourself a lucky man. My PB is 5 and my partner just smashed his last PB a couple of weeks ago in Idaho on a 6lb. So strap in because I have a lot of questions First and foremost I have been wanting to get a swimbait setup for a while, I got a few 5-6in baits (top shelfs) and a s-waver that I have been throwing on my flipping rod (dobyns 735). It does the job ok but I really want a dedicated rod for this duty something I can grow into (looking to throw some 68 specials, lunker plunker, opspreys 6-7 inch) So far I have been doing a lot of reading but I cant make up my mind so I am hoping for some impute from you guys here. Rods I am interested in -Irod Genesis II 7'8" Jr. Swimbait (like what I have read about this one and with a sale I could grab it for around $120 -Phenix MX-UR80H (couldn't find to much info on this one but I have seen it mentioned and I like the weight range) -St Croix Mojo Bass swimbait (buddie of mine said they are discontinuing this line and found one for $90 online again don't know much about this one) Reels that I am looking at -Shimano Curado 301 E (Pretty easy choice here tried and true but I am not crazy about the price) -Okuma citrix CI-364LXA (good price and great drag/line capacity found one on amazon for $129 shipped) I know a lot of guys will say get the okuma guide select and a Shimano Cardiff, I am NOT interested in either of these Ok now that gear has been covered lets talk baits. I have never been to CL or fished in California at all, I have most technics pretty well covered plenty of cranks/jigs/ jerk baits/spinner baits/plastics/dropshot. I have about 4 top self line through's ranging from 4-6inch and a 168 s-waver in bluegill. I am interested in a huddelston or two but I am not sure about colors (October fishing) I know hitch is a given but which one dark or light? Any other colors I should be considering? I have thought about picking up some osprey talon top hooks, anther couple of s-wavers (warden hitch and party crasher) and possibly some little creeper trash fish. Is there any other baits that you guys would suggest I don't want to break the bank but I want to be prepared? Feeew now that all that's on the table any info you guys could give/share would really be appreciated I really excited for this trip and if I can possibly break that 5lb PB that would be awesome. Thanks as always. Mike Quote
Super User WRB Posted September 2, 2015 Super User Posted September 2, 2015 If swimbaits at Clear Lake is your goal Matt Allen guide service is your guy. I would suggest emailing Matt, see if he is available on those dates and ask him the questions you posted. Clear lake is transitioning from green algae summer to brown ugly water before it starts to clear up, hopefully in 6 weeks. Lots of bait available at Clear lake in the fall, but the baitfish are silversides, not hitch that time of year. Good luck, hope everything works out for you. Tom 1 Quote
Lunker Huntin Posted September 3, 2015 Author Posted September 3, 2015 thank you for the information everything I have seen online was geared towards hitch. It defiantly pays to know the hatch, besides swimbaits does anyone know what else works good around that time of year? I am not looking for your best lures or secret spots just a general idea of what to prepare for. Quote
Super User WRB Posted September 3, 2015 Super User Posted September 3, 2015 Clear lake is unique, the only big natural lake in California, which means it's old with natural structure outside of marina's and boat docks. The north end is a big shallow bowl with scattered rock structure, humps, no river channel...big flat area. The south end is more like a man made reservior with deeper or steeper banks and more rocks, fishes differently the north end. Anywhere you can find rocks jigs work good. Anywhere you locate schools of baitfish top water lures work good, along with A-rigs that are legal ( no more than 3 hooks). Swimbaits work where you find larger size baitfish. Unless you get lucky fast, you need a guide to be successful the first time out In the fall there will be a frog bite, swimbait, A-rig, spook type lures, crankbaits, jigs and big Senko's all will catch bass. Tom Quote
Lunker Huntin Posted September 3, 2015 Author Posted September 3, 2015 Hmmm thought for sure I would get a little more info on this topic. Daaa no one wants to play with me Quote
Super User bigbill Posted September 4, 2015 Super User Posted September 4, 2015 That you for serving, god bless, take care. Bb Quote
Super User WRB Posted September 4, 2015 Super User Posted September 4, 2015 Clearlakeoutdoors.com Tactilebassin.com Larryhemphillfishing.com Coochesfishing.com These folks all know Clear Lake and can help you better than I can. Tom Quote
fisherrw Posted September 4, 2015 Posted September 4, 2015 Can't speak for the lake but for your swimbait combo... I would get a phenix m1 inshore. The lightest rating 1/2 to 3 ounce I think. It has been a great rod for me and will throw big hudds swavers down to little 3/8 swimbaits I paired min with a Abu Garcia revo inshore. This is a really sweet combo and it will throw all your swimbaits I spool the reel with 30 pound braid and a 15 pound fluro leader.... Quote
gobig Posted September 9, 2015 Posted September 9, 2015 Ill chime in as soon as I have some time. Quote
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