New to fishing, San Diego

[Den60]

I never fished much in my youth, thought it too slow. A buddy of mine is an avid fisherman and I've decided to get into it. He sold his ocean boat a couple of years ago, he liked to go out for tuna and the fuel costs were crazy. He hasn't been fishing much lately because his kids are grown with their own kids. But, I started getting an interest in it. Bass is the most popular lake fishing here, but will also fish for trout. He has an RV and we are planning a trip to Idaho next year, will even try some fly fishing. I am now much more patient than when I was young. 

 

Boat? Not yet. He wants me to buy a pontoon boat (like a Bass Buggy) but I'm thinking a Tracker would be more fun.

 

[WRB]

Welcome to BR from fellow SoCal angler.

BR has a western bass fishing forum for local content.

San Diego salt water fishing is world class and the local bass lakes are good. My warning is our lakes have Florida strain LMB that behave differently then Northern strain most BR members and bass fishing articles are written about.

Suggest you and your buddy hire a local guide and fish San Vicente lake. Keep in mind colder water bass fishing gets tough.

Welcome,

Tom

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

A-Jay

[whitwolf]

Welcome!

[GRiver]

Hi from the Sunshine State of Florida 

[GaryH]

Welcome aboard…

[J._Bricker]

Hello @Den60 from up in Northern California, welcome to Bass Resource and the Forums!

[Den60]

On 11/2/2024 at 2:23 PM, WRB said:

Welcome to BR from fellow SoCal angler.

BR has a western bass fishing forum for local content.

San Diego salt water fishing is world class and the local bass lakes are good. My warning is our lakes have Florida strain LMB that behave differently then Northern strain most BR members and bass fishing articles are written about.

Suggest you and your buddy hire a local guide and fish San Vicente lake. Keep in mind colder water bass fishing gets tough.

Welcome,

Tom

 

Thanks. My buddy used to have a 16 foot open bow boat and would fish SVR quite a bit. I went there with him one time and caught a 3.2# on my second cast using a Rapala minnow. He caught a 3.2# a bit later. His was fatter, my was longer. That is where we plan to do most of our fishing but really need to decide on a boat. Have been looking at powered kayaks as well for just myself as I live right near Lake Murray. He wants to get a 16' Bass Buggy so he can get out of the sun at times but told me they are more problematic when it comes to invasive mussels. I told him we can get a Tracker (either standard or deep V series) and put a Bimini cover on it and do it for less. Nothing wrong with the Bass Buggy and it would be more comfortable for all day fishing (nice lounge seat) but more costly for the same power. I'm thinking it would be a bit more difficult to maneuver as well. I'd prefer to keep the cost under $30K with $25K being ideal.

[WRB]

Probably start a new thread in the boat forum.

Pontoon boats with a canopy are nearly impossible for 2 anglers to cast effectively from. Consider renting a pontoon for family outing.
IMO it’s easier to wear your sun protection; light weight SPF long sleeve shirt, SPF pants, wide brim hat, light weight fishing gloves with open palm and fingers etc.

Hard to mix family outing boat and bass fishing.

Suggest a trip to Anglers Marine to discuss options from knowledgeable bass anglers.

San Vicente is a different lake with the dam rebuilt.

Kayak fishing is very popular in San Diego.

Tom

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard! 🤙

[Den60]

21 hours ago, WRB said:

Probably start a new thread in the boat forum.

Pontoon boats with a canopy are nearly impossible for 2 anglers to cast effectively from. Consider renting a pontoon for family outing.
IMO it’s easier to wear your sun protection; light weight SPF long sleeve shirt, SPF pants, wide brim hat, light weight fishing gloves with open palm and fingers etc.

Hard to mix family outing boat and bass fishing.

Suggest a trip to Anglers Marine to discuss options from knowledgeable bass anglers.

San Vicente is a different lake with the dam rebuilt.

Kayak fishing is very popular in San Diego.

Tom

 

Thanks. We wouldn't be fishing with the top up, just use the top when taking a break. But, I'd prefer to get a bass boat and then put a Bimini top on it for breaks. Like I said, we get more for the money regarding to fishing with a bass boat. Yes, I have thought about going to AM to "browse." 

[Bankbeater]

Welcome to the forums!

[Glenn]

Welcome home! We're glad you're here.