Konoctii 2/17-2-18

[q-tip]

Tired as a mofo so short report.

Killed 'em. They were in there THICK.

[q-tip]

Ok, so maybe not THAT short.

Sat - Arrived at the docks early and tried some new lures and new techniques, (one of which was a little tiny 1.5 inch suspending jerk bait) to no avail. Using the twitch got them consistently, but I kept on trying the cast far and retrieve technique with little success. Caught about 30 in total for the morning bite. (no counter so numbers are rounded  .....probably up )

In the afternoon the bite was tough on the docks, but a nice gentleman fishing out of a 21 foot riverboat invited me to fish off his boat. Took about all of .1 seconds to say yes. I honestly have to say this was THE nicest boat I have ever fished off of. I've never seen such advanced electronics that could pinpoint and differentiate between baitfish, and crappie and even separate out the big ones from the little ones. Being a riverboat, this thing rode on 6 inches of water and didn't spook the crappie. This guy kept me over fish all day and while the bite wasn't spectacular, the catching was consistent. Eeked out another 20 or so the rest of the afternoon including quite a few slabs. This guy was one class act. He constantly maneuvered his boat to keep me over the school and even shared his lunch. Turns out he is a river guide for salmon and striper in northern California which explained the tricked out boat, the professionalism, and the impeccable courtesy of keeping any guests riding on his boat on fish, even while sacrificing his own fishing time. Bill, if you are reading this,  The only thing better than the fishing on Saturday was the first rate company I shared it with. Can't wait to lace into the salmon

Sunday - Because the fishing was so good at Konocti I called up my Konocti crew who rolled in early the next morning. I didn't mess with any new lures or techniques and just focused on hooking up with the traditional technique. The fishing was absolutely on fire with 50 + hooked, with 15 or so breaking 2lbs. By the the sun broke the  horizon it was limits all around. Not only were the numbers the highest I've seen this year, but the quality of fish was amazing. I don't think there was a single keeper under 1.5 lbs. With limits in their ice chests the Konocti crew drove home and I retired to breakfast and a nap. Ended the day with some quality bluegill action after I horsetraded a basket of crappie for 25 waxworms. 

All in all, this was one of my most memorable weekends at Clearlake. Good fishing, good company. Doesn't get any better than that.   
 

[q-tip]

Saw a bluegill technique that I just can't explain.

I saw a group of kids fumbling with their gear and not catching anything. They were using big globs of worms and size 7/0 hooks.  ???

I get them set up with a size 10 hook and a split shot and its off to the races. There was one particular kid who consistently pulled up one gargantuan bluegill after another, EVERY single time. Meanwhile I had to weed through 7 or 8 small ones before getting one worth keeping. I couldn't figure out how he did it after watching him so I finally asked. The 7 year old flashed a toothy grin and said it was his secret fishing style of laying sprawled out on the dock on his stomach, hands under his chin, fishing rod untouched at his side until the tell tale twitch of the rod tip.

I was kinda pissed the ungrateful little brat didn't tell me because afterall it was me that got him and his brothers/friends set up. But after after watching him pull another 4 or 5 huge gills (which he was kind enough to put in my basket) I finally broke. I felt totally silly, but I got down on my stomach, laid my rod at my side, and tucking my hands under my chin, instantly shed 25 years to become the 5 year old again watching TV on the living room floor of my parent's house. 

30 seconds later.... BENDO. This gill actually took drag. A minute later, a repeat. Then another. The kid meanwhile wasn't getting nothin' and the 5 year old in me couldn't resist rubbing it in a little.  I told him I stole his fishing style so he won't be catching them like he used to. 

Still can't figure out how that works. I guess some things just don't have an answer.

 

[luvtocatchem]

thats funny 

[Catfishin Ron]

  very nice q-tip, realy enjoy reading these reports..

                                                       Thanks,  Ron

[DerBingel]

Great report Nelson!

I assume you had to deal with the wind yesterday. Too windy across the lake here at the poles, but this morning looks fairly calm.

Another cup of coffee and I'm out the door...

[Corn]

Tired as a mofo so short report.

Killed 'em. They were in there THICK.

 

[Corn]

this morning looks fairly calm.

Another cup of coffee and I'm out the door...

After seeing Hog put a kid on good crappie action on Sat, I had planned to take my kids up today.  I changed my mind when I saw that it was supposed to be windy today.  Oh wells ...

[Corn]

Hey q-tip,

Were the fish boiling when you threw that ripbait?

And do you think it was necessary to lay stomach down with the hands under your chin to catch those big bluegill?  I mean ... what if you decided to lay stomach down with your hands in your pockets instead?   

[DerBingel]

The forecast for today is breezy during the morning along the coast, then winds tapering down early afternoon.

So far it looks good, but you never know here in the south end when it can become Hurricane Gulch at any time...

Coffee done... I'm gone!  

[Hog]

Q-tip
Great report, sounds like Konocti may be back to it's glory. I used to use that bluegill technique when I was a kid. I would get high centered if I tried it now.

[Corn]

Q-tip
Great report, sounds like Konocti may be back to it's glory. I used to use that bluegill technique when I was a kid. I would get high centered if I tried it now.

 

[Polebrother]

Great report q-tip.  A testament to why so many of us find angling wonderfully enjoyable and intriguing. Go figure...you teach a kid how to fish and he immediately starts whacking you.  Befuddled, you transition from educator to wide-eyed student in a flash.  How is that a grown man on his belly attempting to hook up with a half-pound bull bluegill can somehow match the delightful anticipation many of us might feel trying to get a hook-set on a 75-pound sturgeon?  Surely the effort is no less intense.   Bottom line:  Both you and the kids had a memorable day on the water.  Priceless!

[Norm]

That's a funny report.  It gets better all the time. First it was the old gentleman with the rusted jigs, then it was the grasshopper technique, now it's bluegills on your belly. I guess the more people you meet, the more techniques you'll witness.   

[q-tip]

Great report Nelson!

I assume you had to deal with the wind yesterday. Too windy across the lake here at the poles, but this morning looks fairly calm.

Another cup of coffee and I'm out the door...

Man you are lucky to be living lakeside. 

As far as the wind, I think it actually helps. While twitching I don't cast far so there is very little line between my rod and the water surface to blow around. Also the docks provide a very stable platform to fish off of. I've also noticed I've gotten the most success during rain or when its windy and there is little chop on the water. Do you think a bit of chop or rain makes crappie less wary?