San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

I got the opportunity to fish the second annual EMAS charity event hosted by our very own Chris Brandt, AKA The Beef Shaman, AKA @Pourboy at Barrett.

The lake was in great shape, and people were posting the usual awesome Barrett numbers. I only got 30 myself, but I managed to find a larger fish pattern with over half of mine being over three pounds - including three five pounders, and the best two went 6.3, and 6.92.

The largest fish was the first fish of the day before sunrise and probably would have topped 7 had it not thrown up that shiner (shad) when I was landing him haha.

BTW I learned it's very difficult to take a good selfie of a big fish in a float tube when it's too dark out to see the view finder, but you get the idea.

A big thanks to Chris for putting together the event, and for all his charitable work.

Awesome day congrats.
I didn’t think they allowed live bait?

Way to go on the tank pattern Dannicus!! Was hoping to see you out there but maybe you stayed in Main or Pine? We were in Hauser all day.

vito1023 wrote: Mon Mar 23, 2026 7:37 am Awesome day congrats.
I didn’t think they allowed live bait?

They don't, and hooks must be barbless.

JWall wrote: Mon Mar 23, 2026 8:35 am Way to go on the tank pattern Dannicus!! Was hoping to see you out there but maybe you stayed in Main or Pine? We were in Hauser all day.

Honestly I don't know the areas of the lake well enough to name them, but I was fishing the rocky bluffs on both sides of the main lake just up from pigs point. I never really ventured into Hauser, or Pine arm. I didn't want to leave the pattern that I found. I only fish Barrett once or twice a year, it's simply too expensive on a retired guy's fixed budget.

I got Bassthumb.

Man that was so much fun. Jig, Neko, Thin Senko, Zoom Lizard, and Free Rig all got them for me with the Jig and Free Rig doing the heaviest lifting. It was awesome to see and fish with everybody again this year.

Dan, that 6.9 catch was awesome. What a way to start the day eh?

Can’t wait for next year!

It’s crazy to look at the calendar and realize that we aren’t that far away from opening day. Gotta start making some tough PTO decisions. Spend a few hours now, or save it for Barrett?

Stoked you all got to have an awesome day out there!

Osidecoffee wrote: Mon Mar 23, 2026 11:36 am It’s crazy to look at the calendar and realize that we aren’t that far away from opening day. Gotta start making some tough PTO decisions. Spend a few hours now, or save it for Barrett?

Stoked you all got to have an awesome day out there!

Save It!!!!

Nice job Dan…… those bass were waiting all
year to bite on something and looks like you
got some nice ones!

Glad you had a great time! The pic of you in your tube is a wall hanger.

KillinTime wrote: Mon Mar 23, 2026 1:43 pm Glad you had a great time! The pic of you in your tube is a wall hanger.

Thanks brother, that picture was courtesy of the Beef Shaman himself @Pourboy .