When we cast our lines into the water, we are not only engaging in the pursuit of fish. We are also connecting with the natural world in a way that is both intimate and awe-inspiring. The sights, sounds, and smells of the water, the feel of the rod in our hands, and the anticipation of a bite all contribute to a sense of immersion in the environment.
This connection to nature can be deeply restorative. It can help us to escape the stresses of everyday life and find solace in the tranquility of the water. It can also inspire us to become stewards of the environment, working to protect the resources we enjoy.
But fishing is not just about our relationship with the natural world. It is also about our relationships with other people. When we fish together, we share a common experience that can create lasting bonds. We learn to rely on each other, to work together, and to celebrate our successes.
Spring will be here before we know it. This means one thing for Bay Area anglers: striper season is upon us! These awesome fish begin their annual migration into the bay and our river system to spawn once the water temperature reaches 60 degrees. Most spawning happens between 61-69 degrees and it extends from April to June.
Here are some best practices to prepare for the season and make the most of your striper fishing experience:
Check Your Gear:
Inspect your rods, reels, lines, and lures to ensure they are in good condition.
Replace any worn or damaged equipment.
Make sure you have the right lures and baits for stripers, such as swimbaits, jerkbaits, and topwaters.
Here is our video to help you get oriented with striper gear.
Scout the Waters:
Research the best fishing spots in the Bay Area, including popular spots like the San Francisco Bay, Suisun Bay, Sacramento River, and Napa River.
Look for areas with structure, such as rock piles, jetties, and bridges, where stripers tend to congregate.
This type of research is easy these days. Go to YouTube and type “Striper fishing in the Bay Area”.
Use Live Bait:
Live bait, such as anchovies, sardines, and shad, is often the most effective way to catch stripers.
Use a baitcasting or spinning reel with a live bait rig to present the bait naturally.
Here is my instructional video for bank fishing for Stripers
Troll or Cast:
Trolling is a great way to cover a lot of water and find stripers.
Cast your line near structure or drop-offs where stripers are likely to be feeding.
Watch our Striper trolling class here:
Follow the Regulations:
Make sure you are familiar with the fishing regulations in the Bay Area, including size and bag limits for stripers.
Let's go fishing
1st cast:
In life's symphony, there are two important melodies: self-care and social bonds. Angling blends both, creating a vibrant symphony of existence.
The best fishing guides do more than just lead you to the top fishing spots. That's table stakes in the business. The best guides help you forge a deeper connection with the earth, promoting inner peace and allowing you to appreciate the wonders of the outdoors. Additionally, embarking on this adventure together can strengthen the bonds between you and your chosen companions, creating lasting memories and deepening your relationships.
That is what we are all about here at Catch Happy.
2nd cast:
What does the acronym B.O.A.T stand for?
Catch Happy HQ motor stalled on our last trip and we barely made it back to the dock. I towed my baby to a shop that diagnosed the issue as a total loss and recommended repowering. That's a $22,000 bill for a brand-new Yamaha 150.
B.O.A.T. (bust out another thousand) times 22. Ouch.
Lucky for me my brother Paul is a motor genius. So we took off the powerhead and ordered a new head, balancer assembly, and a bunch of other parts. Fingers crossed we can be back in business in a couple of weeks for under $5K. Please wish us luck.
The shop was correct, as we found that the low oil pressure was due to a failed balancer composite gear that got sheered and gunked up the motor, starving it for oil. The shop didn't work on powerheads, so re-powering was the only option with them.
Tight lines! Catch Happy.
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