We have live shad! That's right folks, we started netting the "Candy" on April 26th. I always like to watch it for a few weeks before I write a lake report about it. Here's the deal. Everyday it has been in a different spot. One day it's in one place and the next day it "floats" in a totaly different spot. I can tell you this, when we scoop it, the fishing has been fantastic! I had 3 gentelmen on a guide trip with me on April 26, they fished the live shad with me and caught over 100 pounds of bass off one spot! I have had several days this past week where we have caught 60-80 pounds of bass on the flylined shad. The best technique has been fishing the live bait with no weight on 4-6 pound test line. The battles with these big bass have been awesome. The water is super clear! Maybe the clearest water I have seen in this Southern California lake in 20 years. Lake Casitas has a hugh population of 3-7 pound bass. So far this has been one of the best years I have ever seen for fishing live shad at Lake Casitas. I really think that clear water helps. It seems the fish can find the bait from quite a distance and this really helps. I have been meeting my clients at the Marina Cafe at 7am each morning. We have a little breakfast and coffee, and walk down to the boat and go fishing. Most of you know that I always have the boat in the water and tied to a dock to make things as easy as possible for my guide clients. As always, ice, soft drinks, water, and packaged snacks and fruit are in the boat for you each morning. I have all the tackle you will need for your day. For those of you who would like to bring your own fishing rod, a light action spinning rod with 4 pound line is best. For those of you who would like to fish lures, fishing is still good on plastic worms, flukes, and topwater. We have about a 2 month "window" to net the live shad before it sinks out in deeper waters. I can't stress enough how important it is to take advantage of this time and book a trip now. The shad is up and "floating" now! Take advantage of this "once a year" oppertunity. No need for a deposit, just email me at "Contact Rich" at the top of the page. You can also call me at anytime on my mobile phone (818) 439-1154. Really look forward to hearing from you and catching a bunch of fish at Lake Casitas. See ya soon!