August 11th, 2008 — Bait, Boating, Fishing, Tips and Tricks
Go into any bait and tackle shop and you’ll be astounded by the sheer amount of selection that is available. Do you really need all of this stuff? Depending on the type of fish you are looking for the answer is both yes and no. The key is finding the right mix of equipment that is essential. Not only will you save money, but you will be able to enjoy a higher success rate on your fishing trips. Let’s go over the essential fishing equipment that you really can’t do without.
1. A quality rod.
Buy a cheap rod and you’ll probably regret it, especially if you are going after bigger fish. Your main investment should be in a really good rod that will last for several seasons. The material is completely up to you, but most prefer a composite rod that will hold up to the stress of a big fish, but not completely overwhelm the smaller species. Check out these quality rods: Fly Fishing Rods, Freshwater Rods, Saltwater Rods, and even Vintage Rods.
2. A great reel.
If you have ever hooked a fish only to end up helpless snared in loose line and knots, you know how important a good real can be. A great reel however will never let you down. You may need to test quite a few before you find the one that fits your technique the best. Again, this is an area where it is ok to spend a little more money, since you’ll be ending up with a reel that will last for several years. Check out these quality reels: Saltwater Reels, Freshwater Reels, Fly Fishing Reels, and even Vintage Reels.
3. Colorful lures that mimic nature.
While you can spend loads of money stocking up on all of the latest lures, it is often the old standbys that will outperform them. Look for lures that are bright and do a good job of mimicking either real bait or a real insect. The brighter the better, especially if you are going after fish that prefer deep waters. Check out these quality lures: Fly Fishing Flies, Freshwater Lures, Saltwater Lures, Big Game Lures, and even Vintage Lures
4. Get the right bait.
This will depend largely on the type of fish you are seeking and it pays to do your research before you head out. At the end of the day however, you can pretty much guarantee that a freshwater fish will be happy to get a nightcrawler. Worms may not be expensive but they do get the job done, especially when compared to the more expensive bait that never seems to work.
5. A good net.
No matter how good you are, you’ll still need to have a good net at your disposal. Look for one with a smaller weave so that you can use it for any kind of fish and make sure that it can hold a heavier fish as well. If you’re noticing a few rips or tears in your net, get it replaced before you end up missing out on the catch of a lifetime.
6. A GPS system.
A fish finder with a GPS system can help you determine the terrain at the bottom of a lake and point out where you will be most likely to find the kind of fish that you are looking for.
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June 25th, 2008 — Boat Ramp, Boating, Camping, Guest Berths, Marina, Monterey, Pump Out Station, Restaurant
Phone: 831.633.2461
Radio Frequency: This marina monitors channel 9.
Average Water Depth: Usually around 15 feet, but this may go down depending on conditions. It is best to check ahead to see what the current level is before you arrive.
Is there a pumpout station?
Yes, the harbor does offer this service.
Is there a fuel dock?
No, but there are several within a short distance away.
Are there any guest services?
Yes, the harbor offers slips to guests.
Services:
This is a very nice marina that offers well kept restrooms, shower facilities and laundry facilities. Although there is no restaurant on site, there are several within easy walking distance and you will also find numerous stores and grocery stores nearby. A small bait and tackle shop is located on site and offers a wide range of products. In addition, the harbor also has an RV area with full hookups. Haulouts can be arranged as well as boat storage.
Is there a boat ramp?
Yes, you can use the boat ramp here.
What You Need to Know:
This is one of the few marinas that encourages liveaboards and has more than 60 slips dedicated for this purpose. Currently there is no wait list but this may not last long. If you’re interested we recommend contacting harbor management right away.
There are quite a few incidental fees, and we recommend contacting the harbor management to see the current rates. For example, if you plan to keep a dog with you there is a $5 monthly fee, and there are also fees for parking and a facility use fee that is charged on a yearly basis. The current amount for this fee is $125 per year.
A $36 amenity fee is also necessary if you will be renting a berth or slip here. There are also launching fees that average about $18 a day. If you plan on using this facility a lot, we recommend the yearly pass that is available for $150.
Although liveaboards are allowed, there is an additional fee on top of what you will be spending for the berth. There is a onetime $250 inspection fee for boats made after 1998, and then there is a $100 monthly fee, per person.
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Berthing Fees
Assigned berth permit fees are calculated on a monthly basis of $6.05 per foot of overall length of vessel or berth length, whichever is greater for the berth to which the vessel is assigned.
Berth Size
Annual Fee (with 5% Discount) / Quarterly Fee (with 3% Discount)/ Monthly Fee
20 feet
$1,379.40 $352.11 $121.00
30 feet
$2,069.10 $528.16 $181.50
40 feet
$2,758.80 $704.22 $242.00
50 feet
$3,448.50 $880.27 $302.50
60 feet
$4,138.20 $1,056.33 $363.00
Temporary berth permit fees are calculated on a monthly basis of $9.13 per foot based on the berth size appropriate to the length of vessel overall.
Quarterly/Monthly
20 feet
$531.37 $182.60
30 feet
$797.05 $273.90
40 feet
$1,062.73 $365.20
50 feet
$1,328.41 $456.50
60 feet
$1,594.10 $547.80
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February 20th, 2008 — Alioto's, Angel Island, Berkley Marina, Day Cruise, Delta, Fishing, My Boat, Sam's, San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Sturgeon, Tiburon
This is a followup guest post by Balz (part 1 can be found here: President’s Day on the Bay.)
When I checked my messages on Saturday morning, the last thing I expected to hear was an invitation from my friend Unit to go boating in the Bay.
“Isn’t this February?!” I thought to myself. “Is The Unit crazy?”
Yes, yes he is. Crazy like a fox.
Sunday morning found me scouring the Berkeley Marina looking for signs of life. While I was initially disappointed to learn that there is no deli there, the lack of a bait and tackle shop was downright shocking. (According to the folks who work at the information desk, however, both will be coming soon.)
Undaunted in my quest, I picked up a couple of sandwiches at Safeway before venturing to the Berkeley Bait & Tackle Shop at 2221 San Pablo Ave. This store couldn’t be any more authentic if it had been locked in a time capsule 50 years ago. Don’t go there if you’re looking for the latest in equipment and gear. Do go there if you’re looking for some friendly advice and live grass shrimp. ¼ lb of grass shrimp, complete with a block of ice to keep them fresh, cost me only $3.50.
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By 10:30, I was parked near the pier in the Berkeley Marina wondering where The Unit intended to pick me up. As I saw him approach in his 22’ boat, my mission become uncomfortably clear: I was going to have to navigate from the parking lot to the shore, making my way down moss-covered boulders, catch the boat before it clipped any rocks, and then jump aboard while I pushed it clear, all without dropping any of the food or bait.No problem.Upon further investigation from the bay, we would later discover a public boat launch (not marked by any signs from the road approaching the Marina ) located not more than 200 yards nautically from where I jumped on the boat.
(Editor’s Note: I tried to explain the boat ramp location over the phone prior to disembarking from the jetty rocks.) Due to the Marina ’s design, however, walking to the same dock from where I had parked would have meant approximately 1.5 miles, and I had already done my cardio for the weekend. This laziness would come back to haunt me when I returned ashore via the same route in the afternoon and took an unscheduled swim with my ill-fated PDA/Phone.Sturgeon were the morning’s objective, and we ventured out to San Pablo Bay in anticipation of favorable tides and optimal depth. We found both of those things along with a collection of other fishing vessels just off the shore of China Camp . By now, the thin fog and 50-degree starting temperature had given way to sunshine and 70’s. Knowing that our grass shrimp wouldn’t last long under those conditions, we conspired to impale them on sturgeon hooks that seemed much too big for their tiny bodies.
Whether it was the fault of the rigs, the bait, the conditions, or the fishermen, I cannot say, but no sturgeon were inconvenienced in any way due to our actions on Sunday. After approximately 3 hours of sincere but vain attempts, The Unit and I agreed to cease all sturgeon-catching efforts and focus our attention on getting as much enjoyment out of the afternoon as the beautiful weather would permit.
We picked up some friends at Sam’s in Tiburon before venturing to Angel Island , where we discovered a beautiful secluded beach. The views of both Marin County and the Golden Gate were simply outstanding from this vantage point. Were it not for the litter (which was observable, though not overwhelming), this beach and its inherently exclusive access would make an excellent spot for a romantic picnic.
But I digress. We returned to Tiburon for a brief bite before heading home.
The notoriety of Sam’s, with its fantastic menu and extensive bar, worked against us in this instance. Faced with a 2-hour wait, Unit and I opted to wander down the boardwalk for sustenance. We happened upon a gem in Alioto’s, which served up bruschetta and old-world-style pizza that was delicious and timely as well as reasonably-priced.
Our bellies filled, we headed back to the Berkeley Marina with choppy water in front of us and a gorgeous pink and orange sky at our backs. As indicated earlier, my return to shore could be called many things: humorous, uninspired, tragic… anything but heroic.
But my clothes will dry, my bruises will heal, and my insurance will cover my phone.
And we’ll all be back on the bay sooner than you think.
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September 5th, 2007 — Fishing, My Boat, Tahoe
While in Tahoe I thought I would try my hand at fishing…
I grew up on the east coast of FL and one of my favorite hobbies was fishing. At times having more or less success.
My first foray into Tahoe fishing was with guide service, bait, and tackle shop Chuck’s Bait Tackle and Guide Service…
Chuck’s Bait Tackle & Guide Service
Year Around Fishing Charters
Fishing the Basin for 40 Years!
Licenses Available * M/C & Visa
8545 North Lake Blvd, Kings Beach 530-546-8425
We left out of Sierra Boat Company at 6am on a 1/2 day trip (4 hour) with 4 anglers in search of Mackinaw (aka Lake Trout). Chuck’s operates 2 boats. I was on Charlie’s boat. Captain Charlie was great. Very personable and friendly…
Initially, we jigged in 190 feet of water without success. Then we started trolling with downriggers in 100-220 feet of water off Tahoe City. We had 4 bites and we caught all 4. The other boat (run by Chuck) reported 15 bites and 4 fish.
I very much enjoyed my experience… The one thing I was surprised at it the lack of communication between the guides in Tahoe. There is zero communication between the guides. It is every man (guide service) for themselves. I have taken guides in a variety of places. They are always talking. Not in Tahoe!
(To be clear, Charlie and Chuck talk via cell phone. They are on the same team — Chuck’s Guide Service. The radio is silent.)
Next, I went out with my brother-in-law… we cobbled together 2 pools using fly fishing gear… We tried bouncing a worm along the the outside of the buoy line (30-100 feet of water)… We had no success.
Finally, I got 4 spinning rods. I put 10 lb test. I set up 2 rods with lures (Kastmaster and Rapalla) and 2 rods with bait rigs and 4 oz weight. I trapped minnows using a minnow trap and dog food (I caught more crayfish than minnows). Regardless I failed to generate a single bite with either the lures from the dock (5-30ft of water) or the bait rigs (60-200 feet of water).
My recommendation to the amateur Tahoe fisherman. Call Chuck!!!
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