Gentlemen,

It is with sincere regret that I inform you that I cannot make the trip on Sunday. I got a late invite to go houseboating at Shasta Lake, (bass boat and ski boat available!!). My girlfriend & I couldn't pass it up.

I'm totally bummed that I will not be there to show you guys the river. If you guys still want to hit the Merced River without me, here are my tips:

1. Go light. No trolling motors. The water gets very shallow in places, and there are a few concrete retaining walls that must be hopped over.

2. Only bring two rods. There are numerous overhanging trees in narrow stretches of river where you will have to carry your rods in your hands while you kick to propel yourself. If your rod is sitting upright in the rod holder it could be broken. If you have more than two rods, it could be difficult ot remove all the rods while the current is pushing you along.

3. Move quickly. This is a long float. Use reaction baits (topwater, blades, cheap rip baits) 75% of the time, and only use worms when you need to pitch back into some cover.

Sorry guys. I can do it later on this summer.

Mike F

Keep an eye out for an 8-foot Outcast kickboat up the Sac'to arm, probably sometime Friday evening, and likely on Saturday, too. My wife & I will be heading up in the RV to a campground up in Lakehead (we're picking up a *2nd* Bernese Mountain Dog puppy in Redding Friday morning).

On what part of the lake will you be cruising around, Mike?

Jeff,

I'll be going out of Holiday Harbor on the McCloud arm. I'm not sure exactly where we plan on going in the houseboat. I'll definitely make a case for the Sacrament arm. There are some good shady rock walls up there. The fishing can be good late into the morning.

I'm not sure exactly what type of bass boat we'll have with us. My friend's more of a skier / wakeboarder and he wasn't sure on the specifics.

If we make it up towards Lakehead, I'll have my head on a swivel.

Mike F

Mike,

I am sorry that you will not make it but it sound like you will have fun trip.

Everyone else, let me know who still wants to go, I have never made the trip but am willing to try it. Let me know ASAP so we can get this trip planed or plan somthing else.

Hey John,I'll just be sticking to the cabin.When I brought it up that I'd be gone all sunday I got a bad reaction.:( Scince I am trying to keep in good graces with Karen,s family it would be best if I didn't go.Sorry but I didn't want ya'll to be waiting for me at the ramp.If ya do go....rip some lipps!
talk to ya when I get back,swampy

No problum Swampy have fun up at the cabin and teach thoes pine mountian bass a thing or two.

I could still make it, if we still have a group to go.
But, Could easily switch this to a Sat night Coyote trip.
FishJC, would you be up to another trip Sat night?

I want to go but, I'll need a ride from the Morgan Hill/San Jose area and I can't afford to pitch in more than $15. If anyone can make that work call me at (408)778-7410.
Tight lines,
Wade
P.S. Anytime anyone wants company at Coyote let me know. We can use my car pass.