Lake Hodges Bass Fishing

[Pourboy]

Hey all!
I've been back to Lake Hodges a couple of times in the last few weeks and man the water is low! Launching is a task since it is only a few inches deep at the launch and that extends way out into the lake (at least that was how it was the last time that I was there. I've heard it is worse now).

That being said I did get a bunch of fish. Both bass and carp. The bass cooperated with a mix of jerks, cranks and jigs in the normal Hodges fashion. All of the bass were very healthy fish. Well actually so were the carp. The carp were unfortunate snags as they are everywhere! I already had someone comment asking why I don't like carp. Here is the thing, I don't mind catching carp if I am targeting them, but I don't like to snag fish. Also, when I think that I have a massive bass on then find out that I fin hooked a carp I get disappointed. Don't get me wrong, carp can fight well.

Anyway...I headed down the Del Dios arm paralleling the shore with reaction baits and peppering in casts with my jig. All in all I have gotten about 10 fish by 10am each time that I have headed out, and they have been fun outings. Biggest bass was 3.88lbs with a bigger one lost on a glide (story in video). Do be careful of the notoriously sticky Hodges mud when launching though if you do head out. You can check out the video for more details if you want.

Cheers!
Chris

[VinnyBass]

Enjoyed your video on YouTube and I get to see it again which is always fun to see if I missed any thing. Thanks for sharing with us your adventures. It’s always fun to watch and hope all is well and tight lines always buddy.

[BigTahuna]

Yes thanks for the report

[Socalspartan]

Enjoyed the video. Gave me enough inspiration to start making plans for this Wednesday. Thanks, Chris!

[Pourboy]

UPDATE!!! After I released the video others went back to Hodges and said that the launch conditions are treacherous now! Apparently the boat dock and the rental boats are dry on land and the mud to get to the water is absolutely awful. Be very careful if you go. I had to get rescued from Hodges mud when I was a kid and got stuck up to my hips. Cheers!

[JWall]

Many many years ago when the lake was near full there was always a hot shoreline bait first thing at the eastern point coming out of Bernardo Bay. We could throw just about any reaction bait to clean up. I was throwing a 1/2 ounce silver Rattletrap and hooked up with a big guy. Pulled drag like a freight train. The three of us were certain it was a double digit…and it was. A damn carp!! Oh well, lots of laughs but yes, there are huge willing carp out there.