San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

Well, made it to the opener and saw several pals. Headed out at something like 0415 thanks to Jose letting us get going early. Water temp was already 67F and wind was calm. Chuck (619Bassin) and I headed out together and were planning to go back in Hauser. I developed rudder trouble with my kayak and spent the next 30-45 minutes trying to fix it on the water with a multi-tool. I really should have thought that one through better. So I was definitely behind on the fishing and didn't get my first fish until almost 0600. It didn't look too promising it was a dink, see picture below. I was worried about what the opener held for me. Spoiler alert, it got much better. Next fish was a pleasant 4 pounds and on a popper, which is fun. Pedaled around and got quite a few more on the popper and then about 0800 switched to the small crankbait and jerkbait. Jerkbait was the key for me and I had a lot of fun catching fish with that. Most fish were in that clone+ size being over 2 pounds and some over 3 pounds. They look super healthy and they really fight like they are healthy. At the end of my fishing day, the crankbait was the ticket for me. Got a good number of takers on that. Water temp at 1130 was 72F in Hauser, a little cooler 67-68 in the main lake. Certainly nice to be back on Barrett Lake.

Nice pics. Healthy fish weren’t they?

I always enjoy your reports bro looks like its gonna be a great year. See you out there later this month

Glad you were able to repair all and get back in on the action.

Big C wrote: Thu May 02, 2024 3:27 am Nice pics. Healthy fish weren’t they?

They were really healthy. I felt that everything looked healthy. I was a little surprised by the water temp being as warm it was, I thought it would be cooler because of the elevation.

Nice healthy fish! Thanks for the report.

otaymichael wrote: Thu May 02, 2024 8:22 am Glad you were able to repair all and get back in on the action.

Thanks, I learned a little repair kit might be nice to have. I must have been a sight spinning around in my kayak in the dark at the shoreline trying to crimp a tube with my scissors while turning a nut with my multitool. I may have invented some new swear word combinations.

im surprise no one offer a helping hand
Few things i always have at barrett....basic tools,first aid kit,snake venom kit,emergency pancho, emergency blanket,lighter and a solar phone charger,you never what can happen at barrett or who will need it.

Pond_prowler_619 wrote: Thu May 02, 2024 9:04 am im surprise no one offer a helping hand
Few things i always have at barrett....basic tools,first aid kit,snake venom kit,emergency pancho, emergency blanket,lighter and a solar phone charger,you never what can happen at barrett or who will need it.

I can only imagine what I looked like, I don't think I looked receptive to help. I'll put an EDC tool kit in my kayak now though. The snake venom kit is brilliant, I'll add that in.

You need a Vinny Bass selfie stick! Or longer arms

Thanks for the report John! Glad you had a great return to Barrett. Me and my boys will be there on Saturday. Can’t wait.

Shawnster wrote: Thu May 02, 2024 9:44 am Thanks for the report John! Glad you had a great return to Barrett. Me and my boys will be there on Saturday. Can’t wait.

Hey this was Dave’s report, I’m not going until the 11th. Can’t wait!! And looking forward to your intel too.

Which crankbait was working for you?

I use little Rapala shad raps and a Daiwa SC shad.