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As the weather transitions from the sweltering days of summer to the crisp, clear days of fall, bass fishing traditionally picks up. At least, that's what I told myself as I drove to yet another fishing trip this Sunday.  However, after a few hours on the water, my efforts weren't exactly paying off. I had nailed two fish, one a total dink and the other a ~1 lb fella (pictured above), but I had been dreaming of non-stop bass action and this wasn't it. The better fish was caught on a Texas-rigged Gary Yamamoto Ika , a really ugly lure that catches a lot of fish for me. Finally, as the sun set, I switched up to a Gene Larew Three-Legged topwater frog . I initially tried some Sizmic Toad Jr. frogs, but I after missing two blowups, I decided to change lures. Finally, as I was casting near some reeds, I heard the tell-tale sounds of a large fish hitting surface forage nearby. I flipped the frog out, and three seconds later- BAM! Hooked this big largemouth bass, 4 lb category, 17...

Somewhere in the San Bernardino Mountains... Fished a small lake in the San Bernardino Mountains with a friend. Beautiful scenery, crystal clear water, trout and largemouth bass. It's amazing just how idyllic a lake less than an hour away can be, with a wonderful feeling of isolation from the rat race of the IE. Little bass were all over the lake. Hit 'em on cranks, soft plastic frogs, Senko's, and a topwater BAss Pro popper. Lost a mama largemouth thanks to a thrown hook.  Also managed two rainbow trout on a micro crankbait (Strike King Bitsy Pond Minnow) of all things. This one was around 13 inches, full tail, beautiful colors. Great trip. 

Had the itch to fish. Threw the bike in the car, grabbed the fishing gear, and hit the road. Had to park off the beaten path, then bike in. Made sure to load up on the H2O beforehand, September is still hot hot hot in SoCal. Finally made it to the water. Not as much cover as last time I visited, as the water was down, but it was still amazing. Look closely at the bottom-center of this photo; see the baby bass? Schools of 'em were all over the lake! I ended up with 10+ fish, sort of lost track. Most were dinks (seems like there are loads of them around!), but I managed a few nicer ones that put up a beasty fight on light line.  Wrapped up the day with a chipped thumb from lipping 'em, great sign of excellent bass fishing!