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Written by: Lake County News Reports

Published: 29 May 2009

Created: 29 May 2009

Last Updated: 29 May 2009

Bass anglers report a multitude of different results on a variety of baits. Top water – frogs mostly – action has been pretty hot this week. (But, not last week...)

Punch holes in the thick-as-pea-soup algae with a heavy lure or just a weight, let the holes settle or rest a moment, then drop a finesse rig or Senko down through. For the clear water, try to be stealthy and get your finesse rigs, small swim baits and jerk baits out. The best bite on artificials has been from about 5 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Live minnows are working well throughout the day. Keep in mind that a minnow on light line may not get through the algae – use the weight technique above to get through and then drop your live minnow down. Fishing the algae bloom takes a little more effort and might require a change in tactics, but can be a real hit when you find the fish.

Crappie action has been surprisingly good. We’ve got a warm weather bite like we haven’t seen in recent years. There are crappie under nearly every dock here on the south end. Fish vertically along the pilings with a live minnow on a small jig head for best results. You’ll likely nab a few from each location you try.

Our friends at Indian Beach are reporting a crappie-lip-ripping bite from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on their network of docks. The crappie are coming in at the pound to two pound range and look strong and healthy. This is good stuff!

The catfish bite: One angler put it this way, “They’re everywhere. I don’t even need to get the boat wet.” Fishing guide Bob Koch reports catching 10 to 15 cats per outing day or night. His favorite bait? Live minnows. The tried and true mackerel sandwich (that’s a chunk of a mackerel fillet on a nice big pointy Octopus hook) is working well for many, too.

If you love catfishing at night, the conditions couldn’t be any better. Cool evenings, enough of a breeze to move the boat slowly, and an active bite – all makes for good rod-bending action.

In event news, we’re thrilled to announce the grand opening of our new classroom facility in our store. We’re bringing you a series of handgun fundamentals classes, hunter safety classes and more. Our new facility seats up to 20 students.

Our first class is “Introduction to Handguns” and is coming up on Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m. We’ll be covering a multitude of topics including firearm safety rules, safe gun handling, types of handguns, gun selection, care and cleaning, and much more. You don’t need to own a gun to come to this class. This is a great class to get under your belt before buying a gun.

If you already own a gun, we’re going to give you the knowledge to be SAFE with it. This is a fundamental class … our goal is to help you build a solid foundation of knowledge on which you can safely and comfortably own a handgun. Register early – space is limited. The cost is $45 per person. Bring a friend and take $5 each off two (or more) registrations.

Our second class is “Fundamentals of Marksmanship” and is taking place on Thursday, June 11, at 6 p.m. This class will focus on tried and true techniques that are in wide use throughout the military, law enforcement and firearms training communities.

You’ll be exposed to different stances, methods of gripping a handgun, trigger control, sight picture, sight alignment and more. We’ll discuss why certain methods work – and why some don’t.

Like our Introduction to Handguns class, you don’t need to own a gun to come to this class. If you already own a gun, we’re going to give you the knowledge you need to become more proficient with it. We’re running our registrations special on this class also; the cost is $45 per person; bring a friend and take $5 each off two (or more) registrations

Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait & Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, CA 95422, telephone 707-994-FISH (3474). Visit the shop online at www.994Fish.com.