I took a recent trip to Castaic Lake in Southern California to fish the B.A.S.S Federation nation. As we headed over the windy grapevine I had time to reflect how B.A.S.S Federation nation allows a working guy like myself a chance to live my dream and fish for a chance to make it to the Bassmaster classic.
Once we arrived and we began to launch the boat my mind went to work on breaking down this lake. The first thing I noticed was a blue herring on a point. I thought to myself this is where I need to start. Within 10 minutes I had my first keeper fish in the boat. As I started to dial in the pattern I realized I was getting bites anywhere I could find cobble rock 20 feet deep on a point. As the pre-fish day went on my buddy Mike Cole caught several fish on a shad colored worm.
When the wind picked up a mud line was created and it was time to switch colors to a Aarons Magic. I was feeling very confident going into day 1. The fish were right where I knew they would be. It was a very very tough day but to my surprise I was leading at the end of the day by 3/4 of a pound. On day 2 the fishing was brutal. The pattern had changed. Many adjustments later I put some fish in the boat that earned me a 3rd place finish and the number 1 boaters seat for the travelers.
What a season finish! I can’t wait to see everybody at the Federation nation divisional championships at Clearlake Ca. A special thanks to Steve Wilson for pre-fishing and traveling with me this season at the federation. For more information on the federation go to www.Calbfn.com see how you to can earn a chance to fish the Bassmaster Classic!
Story by Michael Coleman
