Sunday, February 8

[Marley]

I figured all those folks fishing Saturday's tournament had the fish pretty spooky so Sunday would be a good day to hit the River Lakes. Didn't make it to the gate until 9:00 and paid the price as someone, actually two someones, had Marley's Secret Spot securely in their custody. No way for me to stick my nose into their business without being totally rude so I had to settle for Plan A 1/2. The boat hadn't really settled in yet when I was on the fist fish of the day, albeit a scrappy 3/4-poundish largemouth. Must have seen the half 'crawler falling as it was an instant bite. I would ultimately C&R several of these little guys, all on the half 'crawler.
First trout came on the designer, blown mealworm slowly retrieved back to the boat. Went over an hour for my second fish, this one coming on the half 'crawler. The bite for me picked up when I shortened the leader to 10" instead of 16"-18". Broke off what would be my only lightning trout of the day, what looked to be a solid 2-pounder. I must be rusty because I let it get wrapped up in my second line. Burned it off right at the boat.
Filled the rest of the limit by day's end, taking in the fine Sunday and the friendly waters of Santa Ana River Lakes. Off the water as the lake was being closed, baked trout for dinner hit the table at 6:00.
Fish for me today all came on the half 'crawler, blown up and oiled with Pro Cure Garlic Oil with the exception of the first, it coming on the blown up and jigged mealworm. Even the bass wanted the nightcrawler.
My company stayed the entire day so I never got to park on the button. They were only using plastics and were putting on a clinic. One was drop-shotting worms, the other was straightlining jigs. While I had no trouble getting bit on the deadstick 'crawler, these two had to trouble at all getting bit on the moving artificials.
From all indications, there is a boatload of fish there to be caught so now is the time. Good luck!

edit: spelling