American River - Shad - and OH CRAP

I went to Sacramento yesterday with the intention of shad fishing most of the day. I got to Harrington Access about 9:00am. Just thought I'd try it again since I'm not sure I'll get to shad fish any more this year. There were several guys fishing, both with spinning gear and fly rods. No body was catching anything. Fished for a little while and decided to go to the El Manto access on the other side closer to Sunrise. Nice place with a high bank and deep pools, although not a place you'd want to fall in. Lot of swirls, eddies, and whirlpools. OK for fish, not good for humans. Did find a good spot where I could just put my jig in and just jig it. Didn't have to cast out and reel in, cast out and reel in etc. Caught one.

I did run into a young man named Eric (a died hard Bass fisherman) who had caught a shad, but didn't know what it was. So we got that straightened out. He caught it on a lure he bought yesterday morning at Walmart. It was similar to a Little Cleo and had a coloration similar to firetiger. I made sure he knew we were in a barbless area and had him smash the barbs.

After a while of not catching anything else, I decided to go to Rossmoor where I caught the six back on June 6th. When I started the truck, a light on the dashboard lit up. It said "Low Coolant" Better get it looked at. Fortunately I was only a few miles from the GMC dealer in Folsom where I get my vehicles serviced. So I shot over there and had them take a look. Thought I'd get my oil changed while I was there, since it was due. Put a little coolant in, change the oil, and I'm back to the river. WRONG. Several hours later and a new water pump (big $$$$$), my day was ruined. With one fish caught and the day ruined, I headed home.

Maybe I'll get another shot at shad this year. Maybe not. We'll just have to see.

Till next time, remember: "A bad day fishing is better than getting a new water pump in your truck".

Shoreman