Bass Fishing at Foothills Park

For the duration of this blog I've kept my bass fishing techniques a secret. Boronda Lake, a small pond within Foothills park, is only accessible to Palo Alto residents. Granted, the gate is usually only staffed on weekends so you could probably drive right in during the weekdays if you are willing to take the risk.

Boronda Lake has mediocre bass and sunfish fishing, but both species are mere apparitions during bright, sunny afternoons. The lake is only eight feet deep at the deepest point, meaning that heavy weed growth and warm temperatures make it difficult to catch both bass and sunfish.

To make matters worse the lake is hit hard by many skilled fisherman, and this has made the bass that reside in this pond quite wary. The entirety of this small pond can be fished in 45 minutes.

July 24, 2016: Caught five bass (released)

To give myself an edge over other fisherman I fish in a float tube and cast a six-inch Roboworm to back of the tules an hour before the park closes. The fish become much more active during this time, and my dad has even managed to catch a plethora of bass on a round black popper.

I have also found that trolling a Roboworm at the edge of weed lines in the morning can trigger a strike. The key is to constantly check that your worm is at the edge of the weed bed — right before it drops off into deeper water.

In terms of tackle I use:

• #1 Baitholder hook (barbless)
• Six-inch Roboworm (weightless)
• Spinning Rod spooled with 12-pound monofilament

Because the lake is so small I must advise catch and release to preserve the population of bass.

I've fished at Boronda for 12 years (since I was five), and I've caught some of the biggest bass of my life here. While not the best or biggest bass lake, it can certainly turn out the occasional surprise for the persistent angler.

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Carp Fishing in Drainage Canals

I have long lamented the lack of quality fishing close to my house, but in the past few weeks I have come to realize a plethora of large carp that reside in a drainage canal behind my house.

The canal is named Matadero "Creek", and is essentially an avenue for excess storm water in Palo Alto. Because the the creek feeds into San Francisco Bay, it is subject to the ebb and flow of the ocean tides.

The banks of the canal are steep, and made out of pavement — limiting access and making it difficult to cast. Additionally the carp are only present during certain tides, when water levels allow the carp to move into the upper reaches of the stream to feed. 

I have found sporadic success with a six-weight fly rod, 6-pound test and a #4 crayfish fly. The fly is a very dark red, and composed more of plastic than of feathers. If I ever find where I bought it from I'll post a link. 

The trick is to visit the creek often and scan for fish. If fish are present a well-placed fly will almost certainly result in a hit. If the fish don't hit within the first 10 minutes, the chance of getting a carp to hit are greatly diminished. 

Landing the carp is extremely difficult, since the steep concrete banks coupled with the size of these fish make it near impossible to land the fish without a net. The logical solution? Bring a net with a long handle. 

Finally, if you ever land these mighty fish I would advise catch and release. From an ethical standpoint it is always better to release fish so that others have an opportunity to share in the excitement. From a health-oriented perspective it is probably unsafe to eat the carp. They feed off the sediment at the bottom of the creek, accumulating parasites and toxins over their long lifespans. 

So locate the nearest drainage canal and start fishing!

My biggest carp from the stream (I think I was 13)

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Bass Boy (Teen) Returns

At the age of 16, I cannot really consider myself a kid anymore. I would like to think of myself as an adult, but I also know that is not true. All I know is that I am a boy with an unprecedented amount of freedom and new responsibility. What has stayed the same is my love for the outdoors, for fishing and for life as a whole.

With that, let us get to the fishing. Many books detail the life of the young teen who has his special bass lake. In this lake dwell copious amounts of five pound plus bass. Well I have found that lake. Unfortunately, my friends have threatened to whip me to death with 16 ounce lead balls if I reveal where this lake is. So just rest easily knowing that this lake exists, there are fish in it and I have been catching those fish.

Imagine the lonely plastic crawfish, silently sinking into the water after a perfectly placed cast. A three pound largemouth-bass locates this weighted plastic and makes a mad dash towards the rapidly descending figure. With it’s mouth wide open, the bass smashes into the bait and violently jerks the braided line. On shore I can be heard screaming “FISH ON!”

There have been hot summer nights when this occurs ten to twelve times, and me and a couple of friends can walk home along the mile-long dirt trail with face splitting grins. And we have not been skunked yet, so I guess every hike back to the cars has been a happy one.

You can fish frogs, jerkbaits, swimbaits, crayfish imitations, or even mice imitations. The lake is a canvas for which one can apply any style of fishing they want. However, catching the bass is not the most important factor in the trip. Me and my friend Dylan have guided many people in catching their first bass, and had many friendly competitions. Introducing people into a lifestyle which has given me many wrist-wrenching moments is the greatest reward.

I have trudged back many times as the sun set and the animals of the night came out to feed. The memories of my latest bass replay over in my head. The cool breeze of evening dries my sweat. Everything around me is at once silent, powerful and beautiful. At these times I am reminded of a kid who loved to fish and wanted to spread his joy to others. I hope I can release some of my joy to you.

A double on large-mouth bass. Notice whose fish is bigger. 

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