All three kids had commitments this day (including Melanie!) so I decided to make a one day solo trip to the delta. I left after work on Thursday and after 2 hours of driving I arrived at my destination… the Microtel Inn in Lodi. I was going to fish solo but the forecast for a windless day and 80 degree temp was too good not to share with a buddy.
I knew it was last minute but I called a few buddies and all could not break free from work or commitments. One of the guys I wanted to call but didn’t was Victor. I knew it was another hour drive for him to get down there and I was planning on leaving around 2 to head home to miss the Friday Sacramento traffic. I’m glad I finally asked him because he said yes! He made the long drive to Sherman Island launch ramp and met me ontime in the early AM!
We fished the west delta around Collinsville and we found a few small fish here and there. We moved around to find some moving water and again a few fish here and there. We decided to make a run to Three Mile Slough and again landed a few more small fish.
The tide was going slack there so we decided to make a run back out west to catch the incoming tide. On our way there I noticed there was still a slow falling tide on a flat near Big Break. We made a stop and with in the first few casts I hooked up on this fish. It put me on the reel immediately and swam completely around the boat. I knew it was a decent fish but did not know at the time it was going to be my PB (personal best).
As the fish got closer to the boat Victor said it was not going to fit in the net. I said the net is deep so give it a try. He netted the fish and sure enough the net was too small! The tail was sticking out of the net! It was still good enough. We took some quick photos and I spent some time reviving her before releasing her back into the San Joaquin.
That fish took a small white and chartreuse clouser in 5 feet of water on an I line. Great grab and fun fight. I’ll be busy the next 3 weekends so I will have to live on reports from the delta for the next month.
We ended the day with maybe a couple dozen fish but only 4 legal size fish, one of them a fat 24 pounder.
Thanks Victor for making the drive down to fish!! You’re a pal!