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Dont be lured in by gimmicks
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I was asked recently about a lure that was being advertised through an infomercial. The lure being advertised supposedly was outlawed on certain lakes because of its sure effectiveness. They even had professional anglers promoting the lure as a must-have bait for every angler. Many of the anglers promoting the product were unknown professionals and the lure supposedly caught just about every species of fish.
How do you tell a friend who is full of excitement and anticipation that he's been had? I've purchased my fair share of gimmick lures and they have all ended up in the same place, a tackle box that I call my graveyard. It's the place where all my gimmick lures and old worn out baits are at rest. Most of them have either caught so many fish that they are no longer usable or they never made my starting lineup - that's what I call the baits that go with me every time.
My best advice for anyone looking to purchase infomercial baits is to not expect too much out of it, and to not leave the rest of your tackle at home.

Delta:
There's a good reaction bite right now for those tossing crank baits, buzz baits, and top water frogs. Once the sun is up, look for any grass that is located near or around deeper tulle points and try flipping jigs or any other creature baits in or around the grass. Current is also important this time of year as moving water is a little cooler, moves the bait around, and contains more oxygen.

New Melones Lake:
Kokanee fishing continues to be red hot early in the day while trolling apex lures 70 to 90 feet deep. Most anglers report pink lures working best in the morning, and green or fire tiger lures working better in the afternoon. Bass fishing remains good for numbers of smaller fish with the bigger ones being few and far between. Anglers are doing well while tossing Zoom Flukes and jigs to the edge of visible mud lines. Anglers drop shotting are also doing well while fishing between 25 and 40 feet deep. Catfishing has been really good for those fishing at night with traditional Catfish baits. Bluegill and Crappie continue to bite for those fishing with either a minnow or worm under a bobber in the backs of coves.

Lake Amador:
Later in the day and early in the morning schooling fish can be spotted throughout the lake feeding on shad. This type of feeding activity can lead to some of the most exciting top water action an angler can find. Just make sure to wait for the school to become active before tossing your lure into the frenzy. If you don't wait for the fish to begin feeding you may scare the school off. Night fishing remains good for those fishing large power worms and spinnerbaits.

Lake Don Pedro:
Kokanee are dominating the scene on the lake right now. Graveyard Bay, Copper Mountain, Oat Hill, and off Hatch Creek are the best areas right now. The most productive setups are Sockeye Slammers, Scorpion Spinners, and Fire Tiger Kokanee Killers in tandem with a Vance's 4/0 dodger. Fish are being caught between 55 and 90 feet deep. Bass fishing for numbers is really good right now on small worms during the day and top water lures during the morning and evening hours.

Lake Camanche:
The bite is really good right now for those fishing for bluegill and bass. Bass are being caught right now just about anywhere on the lake, with rocky points being the best spots. Lures that are being used are spinner baits and crank baits, while the bigger fish are being caught by those dragging plastics along the bottom. Bluegills are being caught shallow by those fishing with red worms in the backs of bays.

Lake Amador:
Most of the fishing is taking place during the night. Very few anglers are fishing the lake during the daytime. Anglers are currently catching bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and a few trout all while fishing through the night.

Modesto Ambassadors Tournament:
The Modesto Ambassadors will be holding their 40th Annual Classic Night Tournament
on Lake Don Pedro on July 21. For more information, visit their website at www.modestoambassadors.net or e-mail Henry Vanderweide at golfish67@aol.com.