Summer 2024
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A ChatterBait is one of my go-to baits. But always punch, always frog – you just never know when a big fish wants to eat. With the Senko, you’re going to catch fish all day, but statistically, you’re going to just catch smaller fish. In the summer, if you really want to catch a big one, you have to be throwing those bigger baits. My number one lure choice would be the punch, it catches the giants. I love hyacinth, specifically, isolated clumps around tulles, mid to low tide and close to current is best.
WB: How do you catch numbers of bass?
Blanchard: There are fish everywhere in the Delta during the summertime, wherever you launch, there’s going to be fish. For the higher percentage areas for a kayak, I recommend finding those big breaks in the levees, places like Frank’s Tract and Mildred.
Fish the current breaks where the fish can target food moving through the breaks. Current is key. If you’re new to the Delta and you’re fishing in the summer, fish the high tide because in general I think high tide is better for fishing. If the tide is low fishing can be a struggle, even just getting around can be tough.
WB: As a kayak angler, what would you suggest to fellow kayak anglers to help them catch and find more bass?
Blanchard: Go early and fish the high to outgoing tide.
WB: What is the best advice would you give a fellow kayak angler for summer safety?
Blanchard: Obviously, always wear your PFD and use sunscreen. You want to have some good sun-resistant clothing, sunglasses, and be hydrated. Carry plenty of water with you while you’re on the water during the summer. This is a must. Also, high-visibility clothing, have an orange flag on your kayak and especially on the Delta.
You want to be on the lookout for boaters, while they are ripping around corners and blind spots. Stay close to the right-hand shore. Enjoy your day on the water and have fun.
The Delta is one of the most fun places to fish during the summer months. We have a unique opportunity here in California at the Delta. The Delta can be tough sometimes, but man, in the summer, it’s so alive. You see wildlife, the birds and everything else. That’s honestly why I love and fish it so much.
Blanchard post great videos, usually weekly. You can follow along at his channel. •
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