FLW Western Series - Shasta

[Dr. G]

In two weeks I will be fishing in my first FLW Event as a Co-angler on Lake Shasta.  I have never fished that lake before, but from my research it looks like it will be primarily Spotted Bass that everyone is catching and it look like they will be deep...probably finesse fishing.   I am taking my boat up there so I will get in a good four days of practice beforehand.  I was wondering if anyone that knows the lake would agree with what I've read?

[J._Bricker]

Dr. G, a LOT of spots with some smallies.  I think your one the right track as you prepare for the tourney.  My understanding for this time of year is swimbaits and jigs will get your better fish.  Good luck and much success in the tourney.  You fishing the Delta and Clear Lake tourneys as well?

[Dr. G]

Thanks for the response.  Yes, I signed up for the Delta and Clear Lake.  I am pretty excited for the season to get started.  I was going to fish the Clear Lake tournament last year, but the wildfires threw the schedule off for me.....so its been a long wait to get my first taste of a big event.

[gulfcaptain]

I was going to fish this as well as a co with my buddy who's fishing the pro side.  I'd say dropshot, shakeyhead, darterhead, and small swimbaits (3-4" Kietech style).   I'd also bring some small hair jigs in say 1/8 to 3/16 and some smaller underspins as well.  Good luck, and also remember, pack your rain gear for the morning runs.  Maybe I'll see you at the other two events later this year.

[Dr. G]

Ok, exactly what I'm prepping for then.  The rain gear is ready to go....that lake is on the rise.  Thanks for the response and good luck to you this season!

[J._Bricker]

Haha, gulf captain is right about the rain gear.  I figured you'd have it at the ready but didn't want to mention (for fear of the jinx) the Shasta tourney a few years back when the boats had 1+ foot of snow on the deck.  I wanted to fish the Delta event as a co-angler, but can't due to a nice problem- my youngest is graduating from college that weekend.  Good luck to both of you through out the series, JB

[J._Bricker]

Dr. G and gulfcaptain, glad the weather held for the tourney and had an uneventful trip back home.  I'm sure you've got tackle to put away and stuff to do, but care to comment on the fishing when time allows?  Thx, JB

[Dr. G]

I caught tons of fish, but I struggled to find size all week in practice.  Most were caught 20-30 feet.  I dredged a few up on a dropshot in up to 50 feet, but again 1.25 pounders.  The first day of the tourney I caught 15-20 keepers and culled up to 7lbs 5oz.  The second day my pro flew down the banks throwing an A Rig.  I struggled to even make bottom contact behind the boat with some pretty heavy stuff.  I only managed four keepers which hurt me in the standings.  I caught most on a football jig with a Yamamoto Hula Grub.  I also caught a few on a Bifffle Hard Head with the same hula grub which allowed me to work some of the points a little faster.  Caught a few on the Keitechs but no love with the spinnerbait.  Had a lot of fun.....those Spots know how to fight!