Bass fishing in Northern California

Question
I live in fresno, Ca and my wife bought me a bass boat when I returned from Iraq, I've been trying to fish the lake here,mostly underwater structures, (large rocks) and the water is deep, I'm not good at fishing such open water, my favorite lure is the spinnerbait. How do I catch bigger fish in the 8lbs and up in this kind of condition.

thanks in advance
Rodney

Answer
Hi Rodney,
Sorry about being later.  I haven't checked email for a few weeks, in that I've been involved with a big conservation conference in Iowa.  Anyway, now I will hopefully be able to help you with some information.

The lakes sound a little like those that I've fished in the Ozarks - deep, clear, and not much structure but bluffs, submerged forests, sand and rocks.

I fish crankbaits a lot in those lakes.  One of my successful patterns is to quicking crank the lure down, stop, and then rip (about 3 feet using the rod tip), and wind up line while pausing - do this all the way back to the boat.  I'll also just use a straight cranking retrieve, trying to bump and rocks, unless there are suspended fish, of which there are usually plenty in such conditions.

Another favorite lure is the jig and Auger Frog combination.  I'll hop and crawl this along the rocks.

If fish can be found suspended or otherwise in deeper water, try a vertical jigging spoon.  I use one call a Mann-O-Lure in the 1/2 ounce size.

Back to crankbaits, I have had great success in areas where fish are feeding on shad, when using a Manniac or Rat-L-Trap.  In fact, during the conservation conference I won a the bass tournament, under very tough fishing, with a Manniac.

I hope some of this information has helped, and if you have any further questions please feel free to ask.

By the way, thank you for putting your life on the line in Iraq.  Great welcome home present from you wife.  Hopefully you will be taking her out in it as well, and that you both catch a lot of fish.

Best of fishing,
Dan