Casting About

California Dreamin'

Glancing at the reflection of Clear Lake’s Skylark Shores Resort fading in my rearview mirror, I realized that another chapter of Bass Edge was in the can. The eager anticipation of unfamiliar waters, uncertain conditions and the giant bass of the California’s Clear Lake were but a memory. But the experience was well worth the 2,300-mile drive through three sunrises.

Once the gear is packed, I often meander through a mental checklist, assuring myself that we have everything to help editors piece together a show we can be proud of. But I must remind myself that this is basically an act of futility; the Bass Edge field crew leaves no stone unturned.

After curbing my obsessive tendencies, I allowed my mind to wander. I reveled at the memory of the explosion from the bass on Jamie Cyphers frog. I chuckled out loud thinking about slinging a 10-inch swimbait into a dodging camera crew. Luckily, all these memories have found their way into my subconscious to enjoy another day.

As the sun finally retreated below the neighboring mountains, I redirected my focus to the next day’s itinerary. I had plotted a course through the Napa Valley on our way to hollowed fishing grounds known in the lexicon of the bass fishing world simply as “the California Delta.”

Obeying my navigation system’s every command, I soon realized the significance of the signs warning of steep grades and reduced turning speeds of 5 mph. Just one formality shy of a CDL license, towing prowess has always been one of my strengths. Since I was 16, my boat towing has long been tested through the hills of the Ozarks. But California was different. The 86 miles of “Etch-A-Sketch” through the mountains were not fit for a dog sled, and left me white knuckled and in need of a new steering wheel cover.

Finally the intensity of the road afforded me a safe glance over at my GPS, which promised that the worst was behind me. We began our descent into the Napa wine country, where two hot air balloons lingered above the north end of the valley. I snatched the first safe spot to park the rigs in hopes of redemption with my crew. As an angler casts to schooling bass, they immediately shouldered their time machines capturing one of life’s sacred moments.

As usual, we were prisoners of a tight schedule, slated to meet anglers Chris Ball and Jared Lintner on Bethel Island. Unable to appreciate the taste this region is known for, we reluctantly admired the fruit of the vine and wineries from afar.

We soon greeted Chris then prepped gear prior to launching. Suffering from a bass hangover on Clear Lake and partial carsickness from the drive, I took a few deep breaths of the arid California air. I was soon idling through the buoys, enjoying my first glimpse of the 1,300 miles of the world-class bass waters.

The next few days were spent mostly filming with Chris and Jared. Interpreting tidal fluctuations, current movement and bass behavior were the primary ingredients to the success we enjoyed. The triple-digit temperatures and lack of wind made for some incredible fishing with the plastic frogs. A slack tide and the occasional changing of camera batteries were our only pause in action.

But the hot days and absurd fishing gave way to cooler evening temperatures dipping into the mid 50s. While sitting on the deck listening to the pheasants cackle and admiring the grazing cattle, I was reminded of the immense diversity of the Delta. Restricted by miles of man-made levees, residents depend on her ability to provide irrigation and transportation of its harvest. All at once the lure of the Delta was suddenly clearer!

I often dread instability, yet welcome the tremendous satisfaction when I have adapted successfully. Relying on past experiences and beliefs is of little use on the Delta. She is a changing dynamic of epic proportions. Variables like wind, current and water clarity seem to have more significance. The numerous shipwrecks lining her shores are proof that decisions and outcomes are magnified in her midst.

The Delta is unique with a pulse of its own. Often difficult to understand, her intent is pure and leaves subtle clues. The angle of the Hippy Grass, depth of the Toollies and activity on the surface speak volumes. For her message is consistently punctual -- tidally influenced every six hours. Yet with her impressive bounty she can be extremely stingy.

Forced collaboration is impossible. She requires an open mind and diverse skill set. But then again, don’t they all.