Author: reeltimewithtimm

9-27-20

As soon as I arrive at my fishing destination and park my car, the anticipation of fishing sets in for me.  I can’t wait to get my line in the water, but first I must make sure preparations are made for a successful trip (batteries, head lamp, fishing gear, bug spray, etc.)  There’s nothing like being on a trail with a flickering flashlight offering just enough light to navigate the landscape.  The moon light this week, helped me to balance my needs of a new flashlight/batteries. So with some additional light in the night sky my fishing trips went well.

By fishing four different locations at Silverwood Lake last week, I was left wondering should I have focused more on just a few locations that produced the most fish, or continued to search for new places to fish in general?  In the Vista Point locations, I spent one night fishing the Vista Point #1 Turnout & one-night session fishing the Vista Point #2 Turnout.   For these two locations combined, I landed a total of 8 Stripers.  6/8 of those Stripers preferred to strike the jerkbait, as the other two Stripers preferred to strike a fluke.

The back side of the dam location I choose to fish was on a very windy night.  Just by positioning my back to the wind, I seemed to provide myself with one advantage.  That was using the wind to guide my casts into potential pockets of fish further out than I can normally cast.  As the wind died down, the strikes began to pick up almost immediately.  Selecting a jerkbait to cast, I was able to land some nice 1 & ½ lb. Stripers.  This night of fishing ended with a total of 6 Striper all caught within a two hour time frame.

At first in my mind, I thought the bite was so good on this night because there’s usually less traffic (people) in this area.  But then, I thought the bite was on because the fish were just hungry at that time of night.  My final thought on why it was such a good fishing night was the erratic motion of my jerkbait triggering all those shallow water strikes.  Somehow, I wished all my fishing journeys were jam packed with non-stop action.

The Marina is where I ended off my week of fishing.  The action has relatively died off for me in this location, but a buddy of mine had some good luck on his side as he landed two Stripers off the dock.  I’d rather call it “skill,” or “unlocking fishing potential,” than luck on his side.  As I neared the end of the session with not a bite to count for, I didn’t panic, but knew switching locations might bring on a bite.

Locating small fry has its benefits as I tend to think and question, “How can these small fish be loaded altogether in a particular cove?”  Many thoughts begin to cross my mind, but nothing more than Stripers looking for a 10 PM snack.  Within 5 casts after switching to a new location, I was connected with a small Striper on my rod.  The fish was landed on a cast relatively close to shore (10 ft. out) probably targeting some small fry.

As my hope of avoiding a “skunk” vanished within seconds as my rod tip was lowered by the presence of a fish, I was reminded of a time when my buddy asked, “To switch locations,” and I was reluctant at first, but was happy that we had this time.  This time was better because I was not reluctant, but intent on trying the new location out.  Shortly before the night fishing session came to a close, a coyote in the distance let out several howls.  A super, creepy feeling could be felt as I pondered about the creepy sound, and the distance of the mammal from me.

The fluke action died out for me this week ,as I landed only a couple Striper on it.  I also only had a few strikes to show for it, as I relied on it much this week.  The jerkbait seemed to be the lure of preference for the other 13 Stripers that I landed this week.  I want to say a special thanks to all anglers who came out to fish with me this week.  See you out there!

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9-19-20

Welcome back!

This last week of fishing was excellent with a total of 21 fish landed for me.  I was able to land one Largemouth bass, but 20/21 of those fish were Stripers. I fished in the general area of Vista Point (map included of parking with access directly to turnouts located at Vista Point).

At Vista Point Turnout #2, which is the original Vista Point location, but the second turnout from which I travel to Silverwood Lake produced four Stripers while fishing with a jerkbait.  Most of those fish were caught in coves as I reached and settled in on a nice location, and I slowly began to hike back casting ever so often.  By the way, a lot of the Striper I caught this week were catch and release, even if they were keeper size.

On another night, switching to the other location of Vista Point (Turnout #1), I explored/fished an area rather new to me.  I was recently introduced to a 7-foot Okuma dropshot/finesse rod paired with an Okuma reel courtesy of a good fishing buddy.  I was eager to break in the new combo with a bass catch, while working to figure out the action in the rod tip.  Using a jig-headed fluke, I was able to land seven Stripers in one cove.  It took a little while to figure out the bite (where the lure would get the most strikes in the water).  Not a bad night, considering I am relatively new to fishing flukes, and this being a new fishing area for me.  That night, I also tried using jerkbaits several times to no avail.

This next fishing location I spent night fishing begins somewhere directly between the Vista Point Turnout #1, and the Silverwood Dam/Inlet area. I hiked in and decided to tie on a jerkbait.  The jerkbait was a direct target for any Striper looking for a quick meal in that cove.  I was able to land four Stripers on the jerkbait, and ended the night with a 1 lb. Largemouth bass catch.  The Largemouth bass hit the jerkbait on a cast, which I threw directly parallel to the shore.  I thought for sure I’d catch algae before getting a small bump on my lure.  Once I landed it, I weighed, photographed, and released it for another day.

Sticking with this general area for fishing on another night, I came back and tried the jig-headed fluke set up with basically no action in/around fifty casts of my rod.  Switching to jerkbaits, I was able to land three fish, actually one about every 40 minutes, which seemed like eternity waiting for a “Strike,” and definitely helping me to build my patience.  Switching back to flukes, I was able to land an additional 2 Stripers for the night.  Bringing two poles out with me on my night fishing sessions, helps me switch lures rather quickly and with ease to better target fish.

As of now, I am consistently seeking to engage fish either on the bottom or right above the bottom of the lake with a fluke, or looking for Stripers swimming in water just below the surface or swimming mid-range waiting to ambush a nice dinner, and in this case aggressively attack my jerkbait.  Finding balance in these two lures is a challenge, but sooner or later, I am confident the strike will occur each night.

Good luck out there if you decide to try it out, and let me know if you need assistance locating Morone saxatilus (Scientific name for Striped bass) or even Micropterus salmoides (Scientific name for Largemouth bass)! 

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9-12-20

Hello Fellow Anglers,

A lot of fishing has gone on for me over the past two weeks.  If you’re anything like me, you’re trying to avoid a “Fishing Skunk,” anytime you go out to the lake.  There’s nothing like the feeling of catching fish, but skunking is down right miserable.  “Yes!” I got skunked two fishing sessions at Vista Point, Silverwood.

Speaking of skunks, I think they’re out in full force because I could not tell what unpleasant scent was being sent my way as I fished a cove at Vista Point (Chamise area) one night.  By the way, I saw my first raccoon sighting at Vista Point too.  As I came around a dark corner, I must have startled one right down into my path.  It ran away quickly, as I had very little reaction to it because I was definitely in shock.  You know, I was trying to contemplate what just happened as my jaw was to the floor.

Now that I have gotten the skunk sessions off my chest, I can share the better news of my fishing experiences at Silverwood.  In the Marina, I was fishing with jerkbaits, Rattle Trap lures, and flukes, but not one fish to show for my efforts.  The night would have ended in another skunk, but some fishing buddies suggested switching locations ever so slightly.  Honestly, I was rather reluctant to switch locations, but went with it.

We ended up moving just slightly left of the Marina (if you’re facing the lake), and immediately I hit a very small Striper (not picture worthy/catch & release).  My fishing partners also were able to hook up, their Stripers being well over a pound (keeper status).  There were blow ups taking place every couple of minutes by some very active fish in this cove.  By sticking with a fluke on a jig head, I was able to land a very nice Largemouth Bass (weighing 3.25 lbs.).  This was by far the best fish I have caught since the end of August.  I guess you could say that I need to listen to my buddies more…

The other four fishing sessions I was able to go out, I spent my time fishing at Vista Point.  I was able to land 25 Stripers (each weighing at 1 lb. & above) on two types of lures.  Eight out of the twenty-five fish were caught on a jerkbait (KVD 300), and the rest (17/25) were landed on flukes/jig head.  I was able to meet up with a fellow angler last week at Vista Point for some Striper action.  It was a good night, as he left with a full bucket and probably some fishing knowledge that will last a lifetime.

Fishing with my team has been amazing, just a good group of guys with “Fishing Passions.”  On a personal note, I’ve caught 50 Largemouth Bass from Silverwood lake since the start of this year.  I’m still chasing my goal of landing a Largemouth Bass over 4 pounds.  If you want to catch fish with me, you can contact me through email, or follow my Instagram.  Have a wonderful weekend, and an even better week.

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8-31-20

Hello Fellow Anglers,

Fishing at Silverwood has been a blast this last week, especially since I have had non-stop action with catching Stripers.  They’re not too big, weighing in just over a solid pound each.  Most of the fish I catch are donated to a friend who eats Striper on a daily basis.

I was able to fish in two locations last week:  Vista Point & the backside of the dam.  At Vista Point, I spent two-night session fishing this area.  My night sessions usually start at 8 PM, and end somewhere around 11:30 PM.  I was able to land fish on both of these nights, using two different lures.  Fishing with a jig-headed Zoom Fluke, I was able to land my 10 Striper limit, and I caught a Largemouth Bass weighing 2 pounds.  On the other night of fishing at this location, I immediately tied on a Fluke, and I had no strikes on it at all (casting about 40 times).  Switching to my go to jerkbait, I was able to land 6 Stripers all weighing at or over the one-pound range.  I learned that just because a lure worked so well the night before, it could flop the next day.

Near the backside of the dam, which I haven’t been to since the end of April, I had a really good time trying to figure out how to best catch fish.  I tried a little bit of everything:  Rattle Trap lures, Flukes, and jerkbaits.  I hit two Stripers on Flukes, and I caught another two stripers on jerkbaits.  Fishing with my Rattle Trap lure, I was unsuccessful.  There once was a time back in April that my Rattle Trap lure was on fire, especially landing Stripers over 2 pounds.  Doesn’t hurt to try out lures that worked in the past, you just never know.

Overall, last week I caught a total of 21 fish (20 Stripers & 1 Largemouth bass).  I’m still searching for a Largemouth bass over 4 pounds, as well as larger Stripers.

If you plan on going to Silverwood, and want to land some fish make sure to buy 1/8-ounce jig heads and Zoom Flukes, or any type of jerkbaits.  The fish go wild anytime I use these baits, and you’re guaranteed to catch.  Have a blessed week!!!

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8-25-20

Hello Fishing Enthusiasts,

I hope you are doing well out there.  I was able to go out and fish many nights last week (5 nights in total) at Silverwood, and I landed many fish.  I visited the Marina for two nights, but spent the other 3 nights fishing Vista Point.  Honestly, I believe Vista Point is where the fishing action is the best.

Unfortunately, I was not able to land any Largemouth bass in any of these locations.  Fortunately, I was able to land 29 Stripers (all weighing in at 1 pound to 1 ½ pounds).  The lures that worked best in these areas were jerkbaits (20 caught), flukes (8 caught), and rattle traps (1 caught).  I had many strikes on all of these baits, but strikes are quite different than fish landed.

For example, one night at the Marina while I was fishing with a rattle trap, I thought I was stuck on the bottom on a rock, but as I moved around to unhook it, I felt a small tug.  I began to reel in, and about 5 feet away I saw what looked like a six to seven-pound Catfish on the end of my line.  The Catfish began to roll in a circular motion, and next thing I knew it spit the Rattle Trap lure back at me.  That experience was a good one, but would have been better if I landed it.  I’ve caught Striper, Largemouth, Carp, and Crappie on a Rattle Trap Lure, but never a Catfish.

One night at Vista point, a night where I landed my Striper limit for the first time in over a month, I had another good experience with a larger Striper.  I was fishing with a KVD Jerkbait (green), and I felt a small tug, and when I began to reel, I could feel the strength of a larger fish which was a Striper.  The Striper actually took my lure, and left me speechless on the shore.  I know that it was probably in the two to three-pound range because of the way it was bending my medium-heavy rod.

My highlight for last week was catching 8 Stripers on a fluke/jig head.  Flukes are definitely new to me, as the bite always feels a bit different from fishing with lures like jerkbaits or rattle traps.  I’m still searching for a Largemouth Bass in the 4-pound range, also I am searching for those larger Striper.  I know that the larger Striper are at the first turn out before Vista Point, as I have landed a 6 pounder there.  As always, be safe if you decide to fish at Silverwood.  Have a wonderful week, and tight lines.

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8-15-20

Hello Anglers,

I definitely wanted to let you know my fishing adventure last week at Silverwood Lake.  Most of my fishing action took place at the Marina (3 short trips), and one short trip to Vista Point.

I’ve titled this fishing blog Adding in Variety because as an angler, I would like to develop an approach to fishing where I can rely on many different types of lures in my tackle box that actually work.  Most of my switching to new lures, or just to try something new comes from my team.  As they often land fish, they’ll immediately share their techniques with me.

I traveled on a solo hike to the Marina last week.  As soon as I arrived, I tied on a Rat L Trap lure and within five casts, I landed a very small Striper (1/2 pound) which was released.  Within two hours, I had four one-pound Stripers.  As I moved towards the boat ramp area, I was able to land one more Striper on a jerkbait.  The Marina area produced some nice fish for me on this night.

Another night at the Marina was quite different, as far as the lures I selected to fish.  With the Rat L Trap lure I tied, I was not having any strikes on it, which was quite different than night before.  Within 25-30 casts, I made a switch to a jerkbait.  I was able to land two one-pound Stripers, and one Largemouth bass (weighing 2 ½ lbs.) just by switching up lures.

The last trip I made to the Marina was epic.  Not for me in particular, but for a friend of mine who caught two four-pound Largemouth bass back to back.  Being that my goal is to catch a Largemouth bass over four pounds, I was extremely excited to be a witness for him with his personal best catches thus far.  I was able to land four Stripers (3 on jerkbait, & 1 on a Hook Up Bait).  Two of those Stripers were keepers, and two were thrown back for another day.  The Hook Up Bait produced one small striper, but also was of great importance to me because I am working to add in a variety of lures/jigs to my tackle box.

My most recent trip was to Vista Point.  I met my Team in the location known to many as the picnic table area (Chamise Cove).  My buddy suggested I try a fluke/jig.  The last fish I caught on a fluke was a 6 ½ pound Catfish at the Marina which flashed across my mind.  Yet, in this instance, I was eager to try out a fluke to catch Stripers, as he landed one near me.  In about an hour of fishing, we landed ten Striper (5 each) on flukes.  Eight of those ten were keeper size.

Overall, for the week I was able to land 16 fish in total (15 Stripers & 1 Largemouth bass).  It was definitely a lot of fun out there trying tried and true lures (jerkbaits & Rat L Traps), as well as trying different lures/jigs (Hook Up Baits/Flukes).  I hope you all have a blessed week out there where ever you may be.

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8-8-20

Hello Fishing Enthusiasts!!!

Fishing at Silverwood has been good, especially on jerkbait lures.  I was only able to go night fishing two times last week, as I have geared up to get back to work.  I was able to fish in two different locations at Silverwood, including the Marina and at Vista Point.

At the Marina, I was fishing directly to the left of the dock (the dock where you can pay to fish during the day).  Casting my pole directly straight out was producing no strikes for me.  As soon as I casted parallel to the shore, I landed a nice Largemouth bass (weighing 2.75 lbs.), as well as a Striper (weighing 1 lb.).  Overall, the hiking and fishing adventure for this night was wrapped up in about four & a half hours and was a blast.

Just last night, I was so eager to get out and fish that I went to Vista Point.  I tried jerkbait lures, as well as Rat L Trap lures and swimbaits.  The only strikes I had came from using jerkbaits.  I landed 3 Stripers (weighing 1 lb. each), but one of them came unhooked as I brought it on shore, and it slipped right back into the lake.  That’s a good way to practice catch and release (LOL).

I’m still searching for a 4 lb. Largemouth bass to top my 3.75 lb. personal best.  I’m grateful to catch any fish while I’m out on the lake.  If you need assistance or have questions about fishing at Silverwood, I’m here to share.  Until then, “Fish on!”

8-1-20

Hello fellow anglers!  I hope you and your families are doing well.  I’ve had a pretty good week in general, and I have been able to go fishing 5 times in the past week.  Most of my trips are at night when the weather is cool, only spending about four hours per trip out there which includes the hike and time spent fishing.

I made a total of 4 trips to Vista Point last week.  I was able to land 10 fish (1 Largemouth bass weighing 1.60 lbs. & 9 Stripers weighing roughly 1 lb. each) all caught on jerkbait lures.  I don’t catch on all of my trips, as one of the days at Vista Point produced absolutely no action for me.  I was able to land one Striper yesterday in about 3 hours of fishing, which was a relatively slow session.  The other two days were better days which helped me produce the other 9 fish.

Also last week, I connected with some new anglers.  They met me for the first time by hiking down to the picnic area at Vista Point where we met up.  It was a relatively nice night, and they were able to land some nice Stripers shore fishing with jerkbaits and swim baits.  It’s always fun for me to meet new anglers to help them connect, as well as share fishing strategies with each other.

I spent a few hours fishing at the Marina.  I was able to get one strike in the couple of hours I spent fishing, and as I was attempting to land the fish my jerkbait dislodged from the fish’s headshake.  For me, a strike from a fish is better than no strikes at all.  It actually makes me feel a little better knowing that one fish was hungry that night, until I can get out to the lake to fish some more.

Honestly, it’s been tougher to catch fish in the past couple of weeks.  I believe this for two reasons:  a lot of bait fish in the lake, and chemicals used to control algae blooms.  One of my buddies sent me footage of a helicopter dropping copper sulfate into the lake.  I don’t know if the chemical affects the fish, but a few days after the treatment the bite seemed to be very slow.  Moreover, my jerkbait lure doesn’t look enticing to a fish when there’s so much baitfish in the water for them to eat.

You can contact me anytime through Gmail (reeltimewithtimm@gmail.com) or my Instagram @reeltimewithtimm.  If you have questions on best locations to fish @Silverwood, how to catch bass, or just need advice on which lures to purchase.  Check out my compilation video of some of my catches from this year.

7-24-20

A fishing buddy invited me to Miller’s Canyon the other day.  Since the gate to drive into Miller’s Canyon has been closed for many years, I was very hesitant to make the trip because of the almost 2-mile hike required to reach the Serrano Beach area.  Considering that the hike would also take place at night, and that I would be traveling solo, my mind began to race with thoughts like Wild animals are free to roam that area!?,and Will I make it there?

As I began to prepare at home for my trip to Serrano Beach in Miller’s Canyon, I had a really good idea pop into my mind.  That idea was to use my mountain bike as my mode of transportation, so I threw my bike into the back of my truck.  Once I reached the Miller Canyon Road turnout/entrance, I grabbed all of my fishing gear and was off!  Instead of walking the 1.8 miles down the paved path to Serrano Beach, I literally flew down the path on my bike and made it in just a few minutes time.

As I traveled the path that I haven’t traveled in over 20 years, I was reminded of all the times my father took me to Miller’s Canyon to fish for Striper, Largemouth Bass, and Catfish.  Good times!!! Those were the days when I thought nothing could stop me and my Carolina rigged floating nightcrawler.  Once I reached my destination, I met up with my friend and I actually set up to baitfish using a Carolina rig baited with an anchovy.  Fishing with bait is a tried and true tactic to put fish on the stringer at Silverwood, so I went ahead and tried it out again.  I will say that in almost all of my fishing outings in the last couple years, I have focused strictly on the challenge of catching fish with artificial lures.

In addition to having a bait pole in the water, I set up my jerkbait lure and made a few cast walking toward the boat ramp.  I could hear my friend yelling for me who was closer to my pole than I was at that moment, and he landed a small bull-headed type of Catfish near one pound on my rod.  As I continued to explore the boat ramp and made several casts on the end of it, I could barely believe my eyes when I turned around.  There was a small Bobcat running away from the boat ramp which I was standing on.  Immediately, I went back to the original fishing spot near my friend, and I stayed there bait fishing several hours.  I had many strikes on my Carolina rig set up with an anchovy with nothing to show for it.  The new challenge for me that night became less about fishing and quickly more about getting back to my truck with/on my bike.  Since the trail to get down there was rather easy, I knew it was going to take a lot more effort to get out.  I made it!!!!!!

One morning last week, I decided to fish at the Marina.  There was a lot of fish jumping that morning which looked like carp.  I was able to land a 1-pound Striper on a jerkbait, but other than that it was a relatively slow morning.  The friend I met there wanted to try the Cleghorn area before we ended the fishing session.  I’m glad we went to Cleghorn to shore fish because of the shade made available from the trees.  I was able to land one Striper on a Carolina rig baited with anchovy.  Another friend called me later that day to see if I would meet him for some fishing at Vista Point.  I met up with him and was able to land 3 Striper on some jerkbaits.  All in all, I was able to catch 5 Stripers on that day.

Another time last week, I spent several hours night fishing at Vista Point and was not able to even get a strike on my jerkbait.  This was a nice, gentle reminder to me that Fishing is called Fishing for a reason.

Overall, I was able to land 6 Stripers in total fishing last week (5 on jerkbaits, 1 on a Carolina Rig).  My goal in my next couple of trips to Silverwood is to land a Largemouth Bass at or above 4 pounds on a lure.  Let’s Go!!!

7-17-20

So, the last week of fishing at Silverwood Lake has been an incredible experience with my Team Silverwood Shoreline Strikers.  I was able to land 18 fish in total (15 Stripers, 2 Largemouth Bass, & 1 Black Crappie) in three different fishing areas.  I have uploaded a map for you to refer to my general fishing areas for all of my catches.  All of these areas are available to you with a short hike from Highway 138.

I spent two nights fishing in area 1 (Vista Point) shown on the map above.  Fishing with only a jerkbait on this night, I really had an unbelievable night.  I made at least 40-50 casts before I felt the first tug on my line.  The strike felt like every other 1 ½ pounder I’ve caught, yet this fish peeled my drag like never before.  The Striper I caught weighed 6 pounds and 2 ounces.  The next fish I landed was another Striper weighing near 4 pounds.  I had to pinch myself just to make sure I wasn’t dreaming this up.  I wrapped up the night catching two more 1-pound Stripers, and a Largemouth Bass weighing 2.25 pounds.

With all the hype of catching 5 fish in this area, I came back for a second night of fishing with a great force.  I was not able to get any strikes on my jerkbait that night, so I switched my lure to a Rat L Trap.  Within ten casts, I was able to land one Largemouth Bass weighing 3.10 pounds.  The fishing on this day was definitely a lot slower than the day before, but well worth it.

In area 3 (Marina), I was very focused on catching a fish from the docks.  By using a Rat L Trap Lure, I was able to land one small Striper.  By moving my location in the Marina area, I was able to catch a one pound Black Crappie (2nd of the year) on a jerkbait, as well as 6 other 1 pound Striped Bass.

Lastly, I fished area 2 (Vista Point near Chamise Cove), which very rarely never disappoints!  You’ll definitely catch some Stripers if you decide to fish here.  There’re so many coves in this area that attract the Stripers very close to the shore.  Jerkbait lures were the key to success for me in this area, but honestly speaking this area is good during the evening on many baits/lures.

I met a new fisherman on instagram a few days ago who had never been to Silverwood.  We met up at Vista Point and made the hike down to the shore.  We fished for a few hours with just a few bites.

Let me know if you need any information for your next trip to Silverwood Lake. Check out my instagram @reeltimewithtimm. Each time I watch this video clip below, I know that I can and will top my Personal Best Striper. Good luck out there to you as well!!!