Headed down to Niguel once again this morning. Arrived at about 6 am and there were only two cars still waiting to get in. Also there was no ranger working the booth.

The parking lot had about 20 cars or so, still a lighter crowd than I expected. I got my permit and headed back to my car for a hike to the backside of the lake.

I got to my spot and started to set up around 6:30. Cold crisp morning, with a little breeze. Cloudy and foogy was the conditions of the day. Seems like a perfect day for trout. Guy told me it was 79.5* yestreday there, so not sure how the fish will have acclimated after being planted on Tuesday.

First line is in the water, chartruese with ainse oil(or as my wife calls it "anus oil"). I didnt even get to put the bobber on the line, as the fish was on already. I hadnt even grabbed my net, or even set up my gear. All in all it was a nice 1 1/2 male with a little hook-jaw that I landed as I fumbled with my net.
A guy, Steven, joined me on the backside at this time. And then I set up again. Both poles with Char. power bait, one with ainse oil, one with garlic. Steven caught a little rat at about 7:10 and had it on his stringer when he starts calling to me to see his "friend" he called it. I went over to see a second fish swimming under it, although I couldnt see it too well. You could see its shadow lurking just off in the distance. Weird, especially in such shallow water. Steven asks if he should cast a lurer. I said it couldnt hurt, and bam, it hits it right away. And yep you guessed it a nice 2 lb bass. I guess its prespawn time.

I had nothing again until 7:15, at which point two rats find their way into my basket. The second fish I almost missed as I turned my back to grab the paper and sit down...turned around just in time to see the bobber stuck on the pole ring. Both of these were also caught with the ainse oil...actually all my fish were caught with it. the garlic went untouched today.

8:30 rolls around and WHAM. My bobber goes flying, the pole bends over, the line starts reeling, and it pole almost goes flying. I set the hook, and can feel a nice fish on the other end. He makes a nice run and after about a give and take 4 minute fight, he spits the hook. Disappointment has struck. Bummer.

Get back at it...and bam second pole goes off. A very short struggle followed by another spitting of the hook. Getting ready to book a flight back to rookie school, the same pole goes off again. Absolutely determined to land this fish if I have to jump in after him. Four good line reeling runs and one jump, finally I land a 3.1 male. A very nice fish that bends to fit into my cage. Thanks to Steven for netting him for me.

Finish off my limit around 9:20 with another decent size fish. Maybe 3/4 pound.

All in all, a great day again fishing. Biggest fish was the 3.1 and my 5 weighed in at 7.2 pounds. Got home around 10:20 satisfied by Niguel once again. Although they did come around three times to check our permit, and after I caught my limit they took their sticker back. Well I guess when some people take advantage of the rules, it makes the rule makers enforce them more. He also told me that was a reason why they stopped selling season passes and selling permits off the carts. Too many people took advantage of it. He was really nice and offered to get a second permit for me if I wanted. I declined as I already need a second freezer just for trout.

If the pictures come out, one is of my big-un and the other are my five waiting to be cleaned.

Mike

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