Catfish pointers (Clear Lake specifically)

[J.Holder]

Ha Thx Maddogg, I intended on finding your boat, Ive been reading these post for a long time, I know whos who    

I got to tell you though as much as I hate to say it, I'm seriously having second thoughts about going now....

I just seriously doubt I can go down there launch my boat, fish for 5 days, and not have my truck broken into or completely vandalized!! And thats in addition to worrying about not having to shoot some dumb ass thats intoxicated, recklessly endangering everybody by randomly firing guns off in the creek when I have my Son with me.

I want to go so bad I haven't slept in a week, but I want to relax, learn some things from you old schollers and just catch some fish!!! My gut is telling me it wouldnt go down that way so I dont no what I'm going to do

Any suggestible places to where to park my truck and trailer where its more likely not to be statistic? 

[KnotGillty]

Any suggestible places to where to park my truck and trailer where its more likely not to be statistic?  

I have never had my truck broken into.  I ALWAYS make sure to park under a light.  I'll pass up closer parking spots to the dock in order to park under a light.  Maybe I'm just lucky

EDIT & UPDATE  -  My vehicle was broken into at the Redbud launch on 8/1/11.  I was parked in my usual spot under the light.  I've used up all my luck .  .  .  .

[catfished]

I've never parked down there overnight but I can't imagine anyone doing anything wrong with all the derby activity next weekend. There will most likely be someone launching or pulling out a boat most of the time so it's not really a good situation for the scumbags to mess around next weekend. Obviously, anything's possible but it's highly unlikely. JMHO

J.Holder, I hope you decide to make the trip and have a good time at our great lake.

[Greg_Cornish]

I hear patrols have been stepped up there too

[J.Holder]

Thanks guys........ I hope I make it to Ed, will see what the next couple days look like. I suppose thats what I have insurance for.

[DerBingel]

There is always a possibility of vandalism/theft, but increased awareness with a renowned event in progress should have more security checks in place for launch facilities, and on the water with the Sheriff's Marine Patrol.

Also keep in mind there will be deputy sheriffs and volunteer helpers patrolling public launch facilities checking unladen parked boat trailers for decals to ensure they are in compliance with the mussel ordinance.

I've had a deputy sheriff come over recently after I pulled my boat out to check both vessel and trailer for decals. Stated he initially came out to the parking lot to specifically check trailers for compliance.

[DerBingel]

Oh, BTW...

There is an area opposite side of Indian Island from the entrance to Cache Creek that has been quite bothersome for me while targeting bass with 1/16 oz. Owner 3/0 dart head jigs with 3.5" Yamamoto Hologram tubes in green pumpkin with large red/black speck.

Must be a nesting area with all the cement blocks/tires/other articles 5-10' from the shoreline where I pop quite a few large channel cats in the 7-15 lb. range.

I say bothersome, because those cats tweak my 8 lb. test line almost all the way to the end on my small spool Daiwa SOL .  

Another place I avoid during this time of the year is a certain area at the Rock Gardens in Jago Bay. Numerous cats in the rock piles near the Big Log Cabin. I know of several big cats caught and released in this area by lake guides with clients utilizing live jumbo minnows.  

[BULLDOGBOOGERS]

I keep looking at the Weather. Last year was my first derby & had a blast !   the 10 hour drive to the lake was a long one, but well worth the Drive.

Scott from Corona Hills, Ca

[ah707]

Indian island one the south end of the lake is usally a pretty good spot an cache creek as for the north end rodman slu also has pretty good luck for me an as far as leaving your truck I wouldn't. Leave at the clearlake city boat launch went fishing Friday an on return Saturday morning sevrole trucks had the windows busted out an were broke into.good luck

[DerBingel]

Just heard the forecast.... possible rain Thursday and Friday.  

[btcmaddog]

Its going to be a cold derby with off and on showers then sunday big showers, better bring some tarps just in case,might slow the bite down a bit but still should be some good wieghts this year !!!

[catfished]

Its going to be a cold derby with off and on showers then sunday big showers, better bring some tarps just in case,might slow the bite down a bit but still should be some good wieghts this year !!!

I haven't seriously fished catfish in years but I've always had much better action in the rain. Now I'm not saying it's good in a big winter storm but the stuff they're predicting should improve the bite. JMHO

[DerBingel]

Now the forecast indicates possible showers Saturday evening with rain and possible T-storm Sunday.

I hope it is light wind with scattered clouds and no rain all weekend. 

[KnotGillty]

I know I'm in the minority, but I hope it rains the whole derby.

Regardless, I'll be out there fishing all weekend. 

Be careful out there everyone.