Compiled by Dave Hurley and edited by Roger George, a central San Joaquin Valley native and local fishing expert.

BEST BETS

New Melones trout turn on, Melanie Lewis said. Isabella trout fishing in full swing, Matt Barton said. McClure bass and trout action good, Diana Mello said. Don Pedro kicking out rainbows and big bass, Manny Basi reported. Delta bass fishing phenomenal, Randy Pringle said.

Roger’s remarks I love fishing, but this year I’ve had some wonderful experiences meeting and talking to anglers I’ve met at the dock or out on the water. Running into other passionate fishermen who obviously are practicing being good sportsmen, and who want to help others have a memorable time on the water, can make an ordinary trip into something special. It all seems to start simply enough with a good attitude and the joy of sharing while genuinely appreciating what every other fisherman has accomplished.

I met a family the other day just coming in from a day’s fishing. These folks were so excited, so I asked how many fish they had caught — thinking it was the cause of their enthusiasm. Turns out they hadn’t caught a thing, but they had had a great time fishing the lake for what they told me was their first time. I asked what they had been using and where, and they said they would try my suggestions next time. It’s refreshing to talk to folks who listen with a good attitude and want to learn. Didn’t matter to them what they had caught, they were there to have some fun. It showed.

Contrast that with this: Watching an angler who probably didn’t have such a good day by the way he’s walking up to get his truck so he can load his boat. I have to admit I also hate walking up the ramp after a tough trip and someone asks me, “How did it go?” In turn I have to swallow the bitter pill and say, “I did lousy!” The topper is when the other guy tells you they “killed ’em!” This is when your real attitude shows through. Stepping back, I realize most of us get so performance-oriented we just don’t let ourselves have a good time. That can show as well.

What is your purpose on the water? Is it to keep all your knowledge and fishing holes to yourself? Or could it be lifting up the anglers around you to become better sportsmen, enriching not just them but the whole sport?

I’ve noticed lots of fishermen are bringing pressures of everyday life to the water, causing them to be impatient, short-fused and performance-driven. I know it’s an easy trap to fall into because I also can get too intense at times. When I take a few deep breaths and consider how lucky I am to be out fishing, my attitude is “corrected” and I relax enough to really enjoy everything about the trip that makes fishing the fantastic sport it is.

Roger George can be reached at rogergeorge8000@sbcglobal.net

PHOTO GALLERIES

Check out catches from local anglers that have submitted photos from their outings ...

Gallery #51 (New November 3)
Gallery #50
Tournament Gallery #3 (New July 4)
Archived Galleries

Take your digital camera with you so you can send us your pictures for our galleries. Please send your photos to fishpictures@fresnobee.com. Please include the following information: Your name, city, type of fish, length and weight of fish, when and where caught, and what type of bait used. Large photos work best – we can crop and reduce a picture, but we can't expand a small picture and make it look decent. You can also send photos to rogergeorge8000@sbcglobal.net.