Once upon a time, I was asked what my favorite bass was to target. I blurted out "Spotted Bass!!" before the person asking could finish the question, and then went off on a campaign-like style pitch that would've made you think a Spotted Bass was running for office and I was their campaign manager.
"They are pound for pound, one of the hardest fighters you'll find and they're so agressive! They love the current and relate to all sorts of cover and you can catch them with all sorts of baits and throughout the entire water column! Docks, grass, rocks, they love it all."
"Right on, right on....so do you catch 'em in Newport Bay or something?"
"OH...oh...I was referring to an Alabama Spotted Bass. But Spotted Bay Bass are cool too, I guess."
"Oh damn, I didn't know you were from Alabama!"
"Alabama? Dude, I'm from East LA."
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Skeeter Skeeter, Ika Eater
Back in the late 80s, a short drive to Lake Perris would give you your best bet on getting one of these feisty fighters. Much like Castaic who had a lot of line class records in the early 90s for the Florida strain largemouths, Perris was kicking out some line class records for big Spots as well. That came to a quick halt after CADFG consulted their wisdom and decided to stock Florida strain bluegill, and the Spotted Bass fishery went in the same direction as the Brown Trout fishery did at Lake Silverwood, and the trophy largemouth fishery at Castaic, the bass fishing at DVL, et. al.
Nowadays, the closest lake in SoCal that has Spots is Lake Nacimiento near Paso Robles, pronounced "Robelz" according to the locals. My buddy and I spent quite a bit of time in 2024 at the lake, taking advantage of the high water levels that followed the good rain the area received throughout the winter and spring. Even 3 weeks ago, when the lake level was at 50 percent, it still fished well.
California Spotted Bass
If you're consistently getting 2 pounders here, you're doing a good job. All of our fish that day came relatively deep, which is customary for Naci this time of year and the jig bite has remained consistent.
We're hoping many repeat visits to this spot in 2025.
Tournaments
Cold Start
Our bass club held it's Inaugural 2025 Tournament at a frigid San Vicente 2 weeks ago. Needless to say, it was another confusing bite, much like the last 3 visits there.
Morning Wood
My partner and I could only manage 3 fish, and managed to lose 3 fish, which definitely didn't help us in our climb from out the cellar.
13th of 15th!
Much like a few weeks ago, fish were all over the place and we could not find one pattern we could run throughout the day. Our fish came on the usual Western Outdoor News reports stuff. Drop shot off points, an Ika fished in the trees, a wacky rigged Senko near big rocks, whatever. Next club tourney is Otay, while the next Angler's tournament in March is at El Capitan, so we'll be donating more money here soon. Then we can maybe start focusing on some of the lakes up here. We've missed Pyramid, Castaic, and Piru.
Weigh Master Pancho
Ponds
View from EastLos
In between driving all over SoCal and CenCal to fish during the weekends, I've also been harassing the local hood bass at the pond during the week when I get a chance, most of the times not even getting a bite, but at least getting my steps in.
Regardless, the quick visits sure serve to break up the monotony of my work day, and it is guaranteed lunch time entertainment every time.
Probation Pond
The other day, I showed up for a few and broke off a fish on a hookset. At this place where you get maybe a bite a week, you better take advantage. Breaking off on hooksets because you refused to retie is not a smart move.
"What are the chances I get a bite anyway."
Little 2 Pounder
The fish came on a 3" Ika, another one of those baits that Yamamoto decided to get rid of a few years ago. While I love the 4" Ika at our other lakes, the downsized 3" does damage, even at those bigger lakes that are pressured.
Until next time, tight lines!
