Newport Bay 3/22
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2026 8:00 am
What with the near collapse of the fishery at Canyon Lake, my Buddy “Hoppy” and I went down to the Harbor on my Skiff. We launched and headed down to the lower Harbor. A nice incoming Tide had us in a perfect first drift and the action started quickly. We doubled up twice on our first drift and landed 8 nice Spotties. Second and third drift were similar. plenty of Bait on the Meter, and large Arches underneath. It looked like the perfect Storm until we motored back for a fourth drift thru the zone. Absolutely no Bait or Fish Marks. They had moved out quick. We searched down the Boat Channel and came upon some good Marks out in front of a White House. These turned out to be Calico Bass and they were willing participants. We probably pulled 10 out of that school before dissipating. We slipped outside the Harbor to check on the effects of the previous nights’ Grunion Run. First cast outside a Sandy Cove produced a nice Calico, then a mix of Sandies and Calicos for about ten minutes. Tthe wind came up and blew us off our spot, The large Wakes of a constant barrage of giant Yachts that happens every Sunday, driven by the Wind, had water splashing into the Motor well, we had to vacate the spot. Heading back onto the Harbor, we hit the White House spot for more mixed Bass and a 20 inch Halibut. It was getting late, so we hit one more area on the way back to the Launch Ramp for five more Spotted Bay Bass. All nice Chunks. The drive back to the Launch Ramp was a lesson in Sunday Sailing, as the Duffy Rental Boats drove in front of me several times, akin to a Car making a left turn in front of you at a Stop Light. Several Boats going well over 5 mph leaving large wakes thru the Harbor. Kayakers yelling at them to slow down. Various fingers from clueless Captains. The Ramp itself is a Comedy on Sundays and this day was no different. Case after case of the worst Ramp etiquette. People camped out loading their stuff, Cars parked sideways so nobody could get to the water, others parked in the way, no backing skills. The only advantage is the lack of afternoon traffic getting home. Another great Fishing Trip with a good Fishing Partner, lots of action, and some laughs…
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