Listers,

I have no strikes on any aggressive lures. So far, worms and similar soft-plastic type lures are the most productive in slow retrieves. Is it safe to say that we're now in the fall season? Is it finessin' time?

Please forgive my ignorance. I haven't been fishing long, and look upon your guidance to be more successful.

-SRS

Hey SRS,

What lakes are you fishing? The ones I am fishing have been doing pretty good on reaction type baits. I am fishing Cachuma and Castaic lately and the crank and jerkbait bite has been pretty good. One thing that I have found is that all my fish on both lakes have been coming off rocky areas with some form of wood cover. If you fishing from a boat, I highly recommend looking for some form of baitfish activity which will increase your odds on hook ups.

Man-made lakes, mostly. I fish from the shore at the Delta on a few occasions, but most often I go to Contra Loma reservoir. I also have fished at Berryessa from the shores. Maybe having to fish from the shore doesn't give me access to larger fishes, but I've been seeing others using buzzbaits in the morning.

BTW, I'll be at Shadow Cliffs this weekend, probably fishing the back lakes. Given that I have no luck using reaction baits so far, would you recommend going straight to Senkos & worms?

-SRS

Since you haven't had any luck on reaction baits, then I would go to the baits that you have confidence in. But yea senko's would be the best bet first thing in the morning then switch off to worms. I would try flipping some Robo Zipper worms in black grape or red craw always good colors! Also might want to throw a topwater like a rat or buzzbait. Good luck and hope I have helped.

SRS- you are fishing in heaven- give it awhile, you'll figure it out and start to nail 'em- good luck!