Before you think of buying this book, it's important to note that it is really meant for true beginners. If you're looking for help getting started, or you need a refresher course, this is a great book. If you're an experienced boater, it will probably be a disappointment. It is also important to note that this book focuses more on the every day tasks facing a boater, and it is not written to help you learn how to pilot your craft, sail a boat or go out on the water.All of that aside, this is an incredible book that every single new boater should read. In fact, it was so comprehensive, we're thinking of lobbying to have it included with every new boat sold. There are so many questions that new boaters invariably have, and many times, they are too embarrassed to ask them, especially if the questions are elementary in nature. This book answers every single one and is an incredible resource that earns its place on your nightstand and in your cabin.

The book covers the every day tasks, as we mentioned before. You'll get vital safety information as well as tips on how to perform rescue drills. These steps can truly save someone's life and again, if it included nothing else, this would be worth the cost of the book. So many new boaters really don't understand the safety considerations they need to make and this is a great reference book for pretty much anything that could happen while in the water, or at the dock.

Next up, the book covers VHF radio protocols and how to deal with the Coast Guard. Amazing information is contained and will really help any new boater figure out how to work their radio, what terms they need to use and how to get help. Since most of us can use a radio refresher, this is a great section with a lot of information.

You'll also get tips on Anchoring, Boating at Night and Dealing with Weather. All three are vital for new boaters and the techniques recommended are solid. If more people read this information and took it to heart, there would be a lot fewer accidents on the water. This section should be read a couple of times, to make sure that you take everything in.

Last but not least, you'll also get tips on Navigation, Rules of the Water and much more. There are so many lifesaving and practical tips in this book that it's incredible it's actually quite small. It's the perfect size to bring on board and everything is laid out very well, making it easy to find information on quick notice.

As you can tell, we really cannot say enough nice things about this book. It was a refreshing change of pace and although it could have included more pictures, it's difficult to find anything wrong with this book at all.

Originally posted 2008-08-01 05:43:41. Republished by Old Post Promoter

• The Practical Mariners Book of Knowledge By John Vigor Every single boating magazine and reviewer that picked up this book had the same comment - it's impossible to put down. We decided to put that to the test and see just how useful Vigor's book is. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the hype was well justified. It......
• Review: Boater101: A full-reference guide to boating basics Federal law may not require boaters to take a safety course of any kind, but that does not mean that boaters should hit the water without a good working knowledge of the basics. Making states do require that boaters below a certain age limit pass a safety course before they......

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Rarely do the stars align as they did last Wednesday.  Barry Bonds was playing his last game as a Giant, the weather was warm cloudless and clam in October, and there was no afternoon wind on the San Francisco Bay.  Needless to say I took my boat to McCovey Cove for the game and did a bit of cruising on the way.

Here are some pictures from the North West side of the Bay Bridge...

Here are some pictures from the South East side of the Bay Bridge (these are 2 of my all time favorite)...

Here are some pictures taken while the boat was in motion (fast) heading towards ATT Park...

Getting close now.  Picking up passengers in Marina by ATT Park.

In McCovey Cove during the game...

On the way out of the Marina (Moon of Marina) after the game...

Originally posted 2007-09-29 14:20:48. Republished by Old Post Promoter

• Fishing Oyster Point This morning I went fishing in the bay for the first time.  I was targeting California Halibut off Oyster Point in the San Francisco Bay.  I choose Oyster Point because I had heard that it had excellent Halibut and it is the home of Oyster Point Bait and Tackle, which......
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• Sugar Barge Marina and Resort, Bethel Island, CA Sugar Barge Marina and Resort is located in: Bethel Island, CA Phone: 925.684.9075 Boat launch? Yes, this facility has a boat launch. There is however a fee for this service. Please see below for more information. Average water depth? 8 feet in most spots. This may change however with......
• San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor The San Francisco Bay Marina is located in San Francisco, CA Phone: 415.292.2013   Website: http://www.parks.sfgov.org/site/recpark_page.asp?id=18028 Slips: 700 About the Marina: The marina is actually divided into two separate locations, the West and East Basin. If you are looking for their gas dock, you'll find it located in the East......
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Pine Cove Marina is located in Lewiston, CA on Lewiston Lake

Phone: 530.778.3838

Average Water Depth: Lewiston Lake's depth varies according to the weather and the season. Please contact marina management for exact depth information before you arrive.

Marine Standby Channel: At this time the marina does not monitor a standby channel. They are reachable by phone.

Is there a pumpout station?

No, there is no pumpout station at this location, however there are other marinas on the lake that do offer this service.

Is there a fuel dock?

There is no fuel dock at this marina, however, as above, there are others on the lake.

What kind of services are provided?

Restrooms, showers and laundry services are available on site. Although there is no store or restaurant at the marina, there are quite a few located in the nearby area.

What kind of guest services are offered?

Guests can use the docks, but will not have access to electricity. Please be advised that there may be a fee depending on how long you stay there.

What you need to know:

This is a very family friendly marina that has much to offer boaters and their families. Campgrounds are located in the nearby area if you plan to stay for a weekend and we found that everything was very well maintained. The staff are very friendly and really go above and beyond to make sure that you are happy. While there are a not a lot of services offered here, they do have very good prices and the location is superb.

Boaters usually come to this lake for the fish and there is definitely a reason. Some of the biggest fish in the state can be found here and there are plenty of opportunities to test your skills. Every year on July 12^th they hold a special fishing derby here that is incredibly popular. If you are interested in taking part in this year's event, please call the number above to make your reservation. It gets pretty packed, so you'll need to call your spot ahead of time.

If you don't feel like bringing your own boat the marina does offer the option of boat rentals and once again, the prices are very reasonable and the boats are very well maintained.

Is there a boat ramp? Yes, the marina does have a boat ramp located on site.

Fees:

12' Single Slip Rentals

$500.00 Annual

$400.00 Seasonal (6 months)

$85.00 Monthly

$40.00 Weekly

$10.00 Daily

12' Double Slip Rentals

$550.00 Annual

$450.00 Seasonal (6 months)

$95.00 Monthly

$45.00 Weekly

$10.00 Daily

18' Slip Rentals

$550.00 Annual

$450.00 Seasonal

$95.00 Monthly

$45.00 Weekly

$10.00 Daily

Aluminum Boat Rentals

$50.00 (four hour minimum)

$87.00 Full Day

Patio Boat Rentals

$70.00 four hour minimum

$132.00 full day

Row boats and Canoe Rentals

$24.00 four hour minimum

$48.00 full day

How to Get There:

View Larger Map

Go one hour west of Redding, and then travel 6 miles past the post office in Lewiston. From there, the lake and the marina are visible.

• North Fork Marina, Lake Isabella, CA North Fork Marina is located on: Lake Isabella, CA Phone: 760-376-1812 Average Water Depth: Lake Isabella can change dramatically in depth. It is best to call ahead before you arrive to check the current levels. Marine Standby Channel: At this time you can only reach the marina by phone. Is......
• Bayside Marina, Corona Del Mar, CA Phone: (949) 721-0111 Marine Stand By Channel? The marina can only be reached by phone at this point in time. Average Water Depth? They do not provide current stats on water levels for this marina. Please contact management before you arrive to make sure that they can accommodate you.......
• Don Pedro Lake Don Pedro Lake is Located in: La Grange, CA Phone: (209) 852-2396 About the Lake: Don Pedro Lake is a lake that is rich in history. It is not crowded and it's location makes it perfect for a quick getaway. With more than 500 campsites, two full service marinas and......
• New Melones Lake   New Melones Lake   New Melones Lake is located in: Sonora, CA Phone: (209) 536-9094 About the Lake: New Melones Lake is a stunning spectacle that stretches out over 12,000 surface acres and features more than 100 miles of shoreline. The dam and lake facilities were built by the......
• San Mateo County Marinas Redwood Landing Marina View Larger Map 451 Seaport Court, Redwood City, California 94063 Phone: 650.363.1390 Average water depth? The average depth at the docks is 8 feet. This may change however, so it is a good idea to call ahead. Is there a marine stand by channel? Yes, you can......

Phone: 800.359.7234

Average Water Depth: The average depth is around 11 feet, but this can change with the weather and conditions. We always recommend calling ahead before you arrive to check the current depth information.

Marine Standby Channel: At this time, the marina is only reachable by phone.

Is there a pumpout station?

No, this marina does not offer a pumpout service. However, there are a few in the area that do. You can get directions from the marina management to the nearest pumpout station.

Is there a fuel dock?

Again, this marina does not offer this service, but others in the area do. Please ask for more information about nearby fuel docks. The nearby Chevron Fuel Dock is probably the most commonly used facility for those staying at this marina.

Services provided:

You'll find restrooms and showers here, but no laundry facilities. While there is no onsite restaurant, chandlery or store, there are plenty within easy walking distance from the marina office. Although there are not a lot of amenities, the staff here is incredibly helpful and the marina is very well cared for. They do offer security services, and plenty of other little features that make them well worth the stop. Water and electricity are provided at all docks, at no charge, which is rare indeed.

Are any guest facilities provided?

Yes, they provide guests with access to the docks and electricity is provided. There are fees associated with this and there may be a waitlist. Please call ahead to check current availability before you arrive.

What You Need to Know:

This is a popular marina and it is a good idea to check first before you plan to be in the area if you will need to use their services. They have a rather long waitlist, and if you're interested in docking your boat in this area, we recommend getting on it as soon as possible. Openings do occur and the overall fee to be included is pretty low considering other marinas. We included information below on how to get included on the list. In addition to the deposit fee there are a few documents you'll need to fill out to be added.

Is there a boat launch? No, this facility does not have a boat ramp or launch. There are a few nearby however if you do need this service.

Fees:

SIDE TIES.....................................................$13.50/ft.

32' SLIPS.....................................................$15.00/ft.

32'SINGLE BERTH ..............................................$15.25/ft.

35' SLIPS.....................................................$15.50/ft.

45' SLIPS.....................................................$16.50/ft.

45' SINGLE BERTH..............................................$16.75/ft.

50' SLIPS.....................................................$17.50/ft.

END TIES......................................................$18.50/ft.

*ALL RATES ARE PER FOOT PER MONTH.

*SLIPS FEES CALCULATED BY SLIP SIZE.

*ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOROVERHANG(MAXIMUM 4 FT).

*SIDE TIES/END TIES CALCULATED BY BOAT SIZE INCLUDING BOW SPRIT,

SWIM STEP, DINGHYAND ANY OVERHANGS.

*LIVEABOARD STATUS ONLY ON AVAILABILITY AND APPROVAL. $150 PER

MONTH IN ADDITION TO SLIP FEES. $100 FOR EXTRA PERSON PER

MONTH.

Waitlist Fees and Requirements

? $100 deposit refundable at any time

? Completed slip rental application

? Current photos of your vessel

? Current insurance and registration or USCG documentation

Originally posted 2008-07-01 05:14:26. Republished by Old Post Promoter

• Villa Cove Marina, Corona Del Mar, CA Phone: (949) 721-0111 Marine Stand By Channel? Yes, you can contact the marina via radio. They do not however publish the channel that they monitor. We recommend contacting them ahead of time so that you have all the information you need should you need to get in touch with......
• San Mateo County Marinas Redwood Landing Marina View Larger Map 451 Seaport Court, Redwood City, California 94063 Phone: 650.363.1390 Average water depth? The average depth at the docks is 8 feet. This may change however, so it is a good idea to call ahead. Is there a marine stand by channel? Yes, you can......
• Arrowhead Marina, Clarksburg, CA Arrowhead Marina is located in: Clarksburg, CA Phone: 916.775.0077 Boat launch: Yes, a boat launch is provided. There is a fee, please see below for more information. Dock/Slip pricing: Boat house non-liveaboard 27' slip $187.00 per month 33' slip $225.00 per month Uncovered non-liveaboard Up to 50' $6.50 per foot......
• Mariner's Resort, Eagle Lake, CA Mariner's Resort is located on Eagle Lake Phone: 530.825.3333 Average Water Depth: Eagle Lake's levels do tend to fluctuate. Please call the marina for more information before you arrive. Marine Stand by Channel: At this time, the marina does not monitor any stand by channels, but they are available by......
• Balboa Marina, Newport Beach, CA Balboa Marina is located in: Newport Beach, CA Phone: (949) 721-0111 Radio Frequency: You can reach the marina on frequency 72. Average Water Depth: 8 feet, but this is subject to change. Please call ahead to check current water levels before you arrive. Is There a Pumpout station? Yes,......

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Springtime in Death Valley can be one of the best times of year to visit this astounding place.  The weather will generally be mild, most of the winter storms will have passed, and you can experience the desert in bloom.  Death Valley blanketed by wildflowers is something everyone living in the West must see at least once.

Deciding When to Go

While any time in spring is fine, figuring out when to go to see the bloom is a tricky business.  Wildflower blooms last only two to three weeks, so you need to be able to act fast.  Begin checking the NPS Death Valley News website around the beginning of March. The park service will post wildflower updates at the start of the season and update them as the bloom progresses.  The timing is different every year, but generally count on March to April being the time to visit if you want to see the flowers.

Getting There

The best way to get to Death Valley is in a very fast car with no top.  Take the 395 until you hit the 178 around Inyokern for the best way to get into the park through Searles Valley and for some nice open desert driving.  As you drop into the valley, stop off at some of the turnouts around the twisty downgrades and peek down...you'll be able to see the rusted out hulks of all the cars not lucky enough to have such great steering.  On the way you'll see some gorgeous views of the Panamints.  

If you've got an off-road vehicle (or a rental...) be sure to stop off to check out Ballarat.  Ballarat is the gateway to some extreme 4x4 roads and off-roading;  Charles Manson's hideout is tucked away up in those hills.

Eventually you'll come to a fork in the road, one heading left to go to the 190...but the better way to go is up Wildrose Canyon Road.  This road is a windy road up into the Panamints.  Going slowly up through the altitudes will give ample time to see how the bloom's progressing with lots of washes to go tromping off into to see the various wildflowers.  The road is paved, but parts of it may be washed out or turned to gravel.  Towards the top it is listed as a dirt road on most maps.  But it all just leads into the next best part of the trip.

Camping

The best place to camp during late winter and early spring must be the Wildrose campground.  This campground is at the top of Wildrose Canyon Road, or at the end of Emigrant Canyon Road.  Water may or may not be available;  bring lots of your own to make sure.  Most times it is usually populated with tent campers;  if you have an RV it's not a place for you.  With a tent you can park and hike on up some of the little hills and really get some nice privacy and views.  

Hiking

If you camp at Wildrose, there are some great hills and mountain trails close by for some night hiking or nice day excursions up to Wildrose Peak and Telescope Peak.  During the summer these are some of the only longer hikes you can do, but during spring you may even get a chance to still see some snows and wonderful views.

Take Emigrant Canyon Road and you'll pass by yet more washes with flowers if the bloom is high enough and a number of dirt roads leading to some fun stop offs for very short little hiking excursions like Skidoo and the Eureka Mine.  There's not much by way of longer hiking, but they're fun places to visit nonetheless.

The Artist's Palette drive is wonderful at any time, but you may be lucky enough to get there while there's still some wildflowers out.  While there's no marked trails, you can part at the Artist's Palette viewpoint, scramble down into the bottom of the washes, and then start meandering through the various runoff areas.  As always, try to only follow what look like existing scramble trails;  don't make new ones.  If you have enough patience, you can eventually scramble on up for some wonderful views of the valley itself.

Badwater is also a great place to start some longer hikes.  Just go out onto the dry lake bed and make your own trail.  The farther out you go, the less trampled the salt will be and the salt formations will start to become all the more dramatic.  Even if the weather is cool, bring sunscreen since it'll be bright.  And watch out:  the salt will do a number on weak-soled boots.

Driving up to Dantes View or Mormon Point can also be a great way to gain some nice changes in altitudes during blooms and get a chance to see some wonderful flowers.

• Little Grass Valley Reservoir, Oroville, CA Little Grass Valley Reservoir is located near Oroville, CA About: This is a truly unique reservoir that we believe everyone should visit at least once in their lifetimes. The best time to go is in the spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom. There are few sights on earth......
• Indian Valley Reservoir   Indian Valley Reservoir   Indian Valley Reservoir is located in: Ukiah, CA Phone: (707) 468-4000 About the Lake:  Indian Valley Reservoir is a popular destination for boaters, hunters and fishers. The area is incredibly scenic and there is enough to do here for the whole family. Although the campgrounds......
• New Hogan Lake   New Hogan Lake   New Hogan Lake is located in Valley Springs, CA Phone: (209) 772-1343 About the Lake: This gorgeous lake cover 4400 surface acres and offers a shoreline of 50 miles. The area is particularly beautiful and makes for a very serene environment. The fishing here is......

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Sugar Barge Marina and Resort is located in: Bethel Island, CA

Phone: 925.684.9075

Boat launch? Yes, this facility has a boat launch. There is however a fee for this service. Please see below for more information.

Average water depth? 8 feet in most spots. This may change however with weather or other issues. Please call ahead before arriving.

Marine Standby Channel? At this time the marina is only available by phone.

Guest facilities?

Yes, the marina offers dock facilities to guests. However, electricity is not provided. Slips are also not available to guests. If you are planning on visting, it is a good idea to discuss dock availability with the marina.

Is camping allowed?

Yes, the marina has campsites. Please be advised that fees do apply. If you prefer a little more accommodations, they have fully furnished trailers available for rent. We've included more information about these below. If you are going to camp here, please call ahead for a reservation.

Does the marina have a store?

Yes, they do have a convenience store on site. However, if you need more, there are several stores within a short distance away. Please keep in mind that the store does have different hours throughout the year. Once again, it is best to call ahead before you arrive.

Berth Fees:

Monthly Berth Rates

26' Berths ~ $178.00

30' Berths ~ $205.00

32' Berths ~ $218.00

(Must have first & last months deposit with a yearly lease)

Docking & Mooring

Side Ties

Up to 25' - $15 per night

Call for Boats Over 25'

Limited Electricity

Covered Guest Berth

25' - $20 per night

Includes Electricity

Launch Fees:

Annual Launch Pass $240.00

Self Launch $10.00

Triple Axle Launch $20.00

Tractor Launch $12.00

Season is 1 Jan - 31 Dec

Early Bird Launch Passes are available November only

Buy Annual Pass in November and get 14 Months for the Price of 12 Months

Trailer Rentals For Camping

Sleeps 4-6 ~ 1 Day - $76.50

Sleeps 4-6 ~ 2 +Days - $66.50

Sleeps 4-6 ~ Weekly - $405.00

Sleeps 3-4 ~ 1 Day - $51.50

Sleeps 3-4 ~ 2+ Days - $41.50

Sleeps 3-4 ~ Weekly - $255.00

Complete List of Available Services:

Fuel Dock - ValvTect Marine Fuel (Regular Unleaded, Premium Unleaded, Diesel)

Call for Hours - Due to seasonal variations

Covered Berths

Dry Storage

Launch Ramp

Pump Out

Bait Shop

Fish Cleaning Station

How to Get There:

View Larger Map

FROM THE BAY AREA:

Take Highway 80 East to Highway 24 East

Proceed to I-680 North

Continue to Highway 4 East to Oakley

Turn left on Cypress Road

Turn left on Bethel Island Road

Right on Gateway Road

Left on Piper Road

Sugar Barge will be on your right

FROM SACRAMENTO & THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY:

Take I-5 South to Highway 12 West

Turn Left on Highway 160 South

Take the Highway 4 East off ramp to Oakley

Turn Left on Cypress Road

Turn Left on Bethel Island Road

Right on Gateway Road

Left on Piper Road

Sugar Barge will be on your right

• Oxbow Marina, Iselton, CA Oxbow Marina is located in: Iselton, CA Phone: 916.777.6060 Boat Launch: The marina does offer a boat launch for its paying customers, but please note that it is not available to the general public. If you will be boating in this location, there are numerous other marinas in the area......
• Lake Siskiyou, Mount Shasta, CA Lake Siskiyou is located near: Mount Shasta, CA Phone: 1-888-926-2618 About the Lake: This gorgeous lake was formed by damming the upper portion of the Sacramento River. You can see Mount Shasta from anywhere on the lake and it is truly one of the most picturesque lakes we have ever......
• Napa County Marinas Part 1 Rancho Monticello Resort 6590 Knoxville Road Napa, California 94558 Phone: 707.966.2188 View Larger Map Average water depth? Lake levels may vary with the time of year. Please call ahead to check before you arrive. Is there a marine stand by channel? No, the marina cannot be reached by radio. What......
• Marin County Marinas Part 3 Richardson Bay Marina 100 Gate Six Road Sausalito, California 94965 Phone: 415.332.5510 Average water depth? 9 feet, but this may change. It's a good idea to contact the harbor ahead of time. Is there a marine stand by channel? No, at this time there is no way to contact the......
• Dolphin Isle Marina, Fort Bragg, CA Dolphin Isle Marina is located in: Fort Bragg, CA Phone: 707.964.4113 Average Water Depth: The average water depth here is around 14 feet, but this is subject to change due to weather conditions. We recommend calling ahead to check the current levels before you arrive. Marine Standby Channel: Yes, the......

Lake Kaweah is located near Lemon Grove, CA

Phone: 559-597-2301

About the Lake:

Lake Kaweah is on the Kaweah River and has become a hotspot for travelers and locals alike. There are many people that return here year after year and it is one of the prettiest lakes we have seen in a long time. The lake was formed following a project to create the Terminus Dam on the Kaweah River in the mid 1960's.

In spring, you'll find the lake quite full, but as summer progresses into fall, the levels do drop somewhat. If you plan on boating during these months, we highly recommend calling ahead to check on lake levels for safety. Many of those who visit this area go for the chance to camp at the Horse Creek Campground which features an amphitheater and a many features for guests.

The lake is stocked nicely with fish and you'll be able to enjoy a nice weekend. It can be a little crowded, depending on the time of year that you visit. No matter what time of year you visit, we do recommend bringing additional clothes. Although summer days can reach temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, the nights can be very chilly. The weather is a bit changeable here as well, so it is best to pack your rain gear as well, just in case.

Is boating allowed?

Yes, this is a very popular boating lake, for power boaters and sailors. In fact, the waters can be a bit crowded, so brush up on your boating etiquette before you go.

Is there a boat launch?

Yes, the lake does have a boat ramp, but please be advised that there is a small fee for use.

Is camping allowed?

Yes, at the above mentioned Horse Creek Campground. There are a total of 80 sites available, and the sites are very well developed and well maintained. During the summer months, many organizations use facilities for camp fires and special events, so it is a good idea to call ahead if you're looking for some peace and quiet.

What kind of fish will I find here?

There are abundant fish here, and you'll find many varieties including largemouth bass, crappie, rainbow trout and even some catfish.

Are there any regulations I need to know about?

The usual restrictions for boat operations and fishing will apply. There is a limit to the amount of fish you can take in one day and you will need to have a valid California fishing license before you will be allowed to fish. In addition, if you will be operating a boat, it will need to be properly registered and licensed, and you must operate it in accordance with California law.

View Larger Map

What other information do I need to know before I get there? This is a great place to take the kids and the facilities are all very family friendly. It can be crowded however, so plan your trip time accordingly and check ahead before you arrive.

• Hidden Harbor, Walnut Grove, CA Hidden Harbor is located in: Walnut Grove, CA Phone: 916.775.1313 Berth Rates: According to harbor management: $6.15 per / foot. A $25.00 gate card deposit is required. Hidden Harbor does not mail a monthly invoice. Berth rents are due by the 10th of each month. Slips are reserved on a......
• Wilson Camp Prattville, Lake Almanor, CA Wilson Camp Pratville is located on: Lake Almanor Phone: 530.259.2267 Average Water Depth: Lake Almanor's levels can vary greatly. Please call ahead for the exact level before you arrive. Marine Stand by Channel: Not at this time, but you can reach the marina by phone. Is there a pumpout station?......
• Jenks Lake, Redlands, CA Jenks Lake is located near: Redlands, CA Phone: 909-794-1123 Is boating allowed? Yes, but only to non-motorized craft. You can however use rowboats or kayaks and tubes are also allowed. Is there a boat launch? Since motorized boats are not allowed here, there is really no need for a launch.......
• Folsom Lake Folsom Lake is located in: Folsom, CA Phone: (916) 988-0205 About the Lake: Folsom Lake is a very popular destination with incredible fishing and boating opportunities. With 75 miles of shoreline and over 10,000 surface acres, there are plenty of places to find your own little piece of heaven. It......
• Napa County Marinas Part 2 Steele Parke Marina 1605 Steele Canyon Road Napa, California 94558 Phone: 707.966.2123 View Larger Map Average water depth? This marina is on Lake Berryessa which fluctuates. Please call ahead to check current levels. Is there a marine stand by channel? No, but you can reach the marina by phone. What......

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When it comes to fish that are easy to catch, fun to find and plentiful, there is nothing quite like crappie and bluegill. Normally found together in lakes, you can use a lot of similar techniques to land them. In fact, with the right tips, you can even bring in as many as ten or more an hour. Let’s get started!

1. Pick the right temperature.

Crappie and bluegill tend to like weather that is a little cooler. In California, you’ll have your best results during the winter months, or whenever the temperature drops to around 55 degrees. Any colder than that and they’ll be a little harder to find, but we’ll cover where to look for them later in this article. If you are fishing on a very hot day, your luck may not be as good with crappie or bluegill, unless you know where to look.

2. Use the right bait.

By far, the best bait to use to land crappie or bluegill is live bait. Many people prefer to use live minnows since they are just about the right size for these smaller fish, and they have a lot of movement. You may also want to consider the use of lures, and jigs to further entire crappie and bluegill to take the bait. Anything lively will work, and even some spinner baits will work well in some situations.

3. Wait for spawning season.

If you really want to increase your take, wait for the spawning season when you’ll literally be tripping over crappie and bluegill. Lake management and park management officials can help you gauge when this season occurs, since it is temperature dependent instead of date based. Keep an eye on conditions and when the temps are just right, you’ll be able to catch a ton of these fish.

4. Look in the right places.

During the day, crappie and bluegill will commonly be found underneath docks, especially if it is hot out that day. These are usually shallow water fish, so if you’re in water that is deeper than eight feet, you may not have as much luck catching them. In spawning season, the crappie and bluegill will be in the shallows, and you can even see them right from shore since they will typically be in water that is only two feet deep or less.

5. Use the right gear.

These are smaller fish, so you can leave the heavy equipment at home. Forget about heavy weight test line and super duty rods, all you need is a basic line, and a rod and reel. In fact, that’s what makes fishing for crappie and bluegill so much fun. Anyone can do it, and there is very little expensive equipment to buy.

6. Have fun.

Fishing for crappie and bluegill should be fun. These little fish can be pretty feisty and even though they may not be as big as a King Salmon, you can still have plenty of fun testing your skills.

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If you love fishing as much as boating, then chances are you’ve experienced the joy and agony of this sport. One of the best reasons to take your boat out is to see what you can land, and if you’re fishing in fresh waters, this is definitely a book that you’ll want to explore. There are not many guides to fishing that are as useful as this one, or as fun to read.

After forty years as an angler, Frank Baron decided to write a book that would help everyone catch more fish. Through the use of humorous tales, terrific illustrations and a breezy prose, he does just that. Although the book is relatively small, coming at 176 pages, it is packed with some really great tips that will help you the next time you head out on the water. If you are completely new to fishing in general, this is a great instructional manual. If you are an old pro, you can appreciate the funny stories and maybe even learn a little something extra along the way.

Baron’s big premise is that in order to catch a fish, you have to understand how they think. Granted, we don’t really give fish much credit when it comes to brainpower, but after all, how many times has one gotten away from you despite your best efforts? Fish can be crafty, but once you understand the way they think, you can start outsmarting them.

This book will help you understand how to tell when the weather and water are perfect for fishing and which times of day will be the most profitable for which fish. He also teaches the reader how to find the perfect bait or lure, depending on the type of fish you’re after. This was probably our favorite chapter. There is also room for controversy on this subject, but we found Baron’s advice to be very sound.

You’ll also learn about the etiquette of fishing and we appreciated the section on ethics. Too many people think fishing is just about a pole and some bait and don’t pay much attention to other boaters or those out on the lake just trying to find some peace and quiet. We also appreciated the fact that the author had some great tips for finding the best fishing equipment on a budget, as well as some help on picking the right kind of gear for the right kind of fishing.

Overall, if you’re looking to get out there are get serious about fishing, this is definitely well worth the read. We appreciated the author’s tone and the way he looked at fishing in general. It’s packed full of advice that you can use, no matter what type of fish you’re after. Even if you’re just an occasional fisher, you’ll find plenty of information in this book to make your next outing more enjoyable and more profitable. A nice light read that would also make a terrific gift.

• King Salmon By Local Bay Area Angler [pic] This King Salmon was caught by a well know local angler Joesph Meiswinkle Captain Perry's favorite angler of anglers. This fish was caught by Sea Turtle Sport Fishing (story below) Last season we were following a school of year old fish, feeding in the large area between Point Reyes and the......

If you have been fishing on shore, and are ready to take it to the next level, or if you have been fishing by boat for years but would like to get better at it, there are quite a few tips that will help make your outings more fun and more profitable in terms of how many fish you can catch. While there are a few variables that cannot be helped, such as weather, lake conditions and fish behavior, these tips should help make quite a difference in just how lucky you are out on the water.

Take everything with you –

This sounds very simple, but it is all too easy to get out on the lake and realize you left something important back on shore. The less movement you can make through the water, the better off you will be. Make a checklist of all that you plan to take with you and then go through it before you pull out from shore. This small tip can make a bigger difference in your success rate and it can help cut down on frustrations.

Remember that noise is a factor –

Fish don’t like a lot of noise, and a boat will definitely disturb them. Pick out the place you want to try on the lake, and then once you reach it, turn off everything and sit as quietly as possible. You may need to give it a little while before fish return to that area. Don’t bring a radio with you and learn to love the quiet. Once you get this down, it will be a lot easier to find the fish you’re after.

Consider chumming –

Although this may not be allowed on some lakes, chumming the bottom of your boat will definitely help get more fish interested in hanging around you. Take your bait of choice and rub it along the bottom and sides of your boat before you get it into the water. The scent will remain and will serve to attract fish. This is a good tactic to try if you normally have a lot of trouble finding any fish out on the lake.

Be open to change –

You may need to change up your bait and lures to see what is biting that day if you are not after a specific type of fish. Take a wide variety of different baits and lures, both natural and synthetic and see which ones work the best. It’s also helpful to make a log of your findings for next time. You may also want to test out different line weights to see which ones are most effective for you.

Try different times of the day and different spots on the lake – If it is midday and hot, chances are the middle of the lake where it is deepest will be the best spot to find fish. Conversely, you can also luck out when it is cooler by hanging around near the edges. Once again, you’ll need to experiment to see which position works best for you.

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• 6 Tips for Catching Crappie and Bluegill When it comes to fish that are easy to catch, fun to find and plentiful, there is nothing quite like crappie and bluegill. Normally found together in lakes, you can use a lot of similar techniques to land them. In fact, with the right tips, you can even bring in......
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• How Long is Too Long to Wait? This is a question that haunts many fisherman. If you had waited five minutes longer – would you have caught that fish? Invariably, the instant you move from position a fish will pop out of the water behind you and this is probably the most frustrating aspect about fishing. However,......

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