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

BEST BETS

Delta sturgeon action strong, Mark Delnero said. New Melones rainbows hitting, Melanie Lewis reported. Eastman bass bite on the upswing, Mark Inman reported. McClure trout action good, Diana Mello said. San Luis stripers still active, Jason Chin reported. Huntington trout kicking out quick limits, Merritt Gilbert said.

ROGER'S REMARKS

Did you catch as big of a fish as you wanted to this year — or as many? What did you hit right, and what bites did you miss? Now is a good time to review what happened and do some strategic planning, while also ramping up for a new season. Here are a few questions that might be worth pondering:

-- What is your top goal for this season? Is it landing a lunker, getting more consistent about putting better numbers in the boat, or some other benchmark? This question can be critical in determining where and how you fish. The best anglers I know usually are very clear about their outcomes and what they are trying to accomplish. This is their guiding light and mantra, and it drives them to make necessary changes in their fishing habits to reach the goals they have set. It’s a little like professional athletes, who lay out clear visions to help set up the sacrifices and hard work needed to hone their skills. A good goal helps you work harder and smarter each time you wet your line.

-- Are your tools up to speed for what you want to accomplish? Is the rod and reel you’re using the right setup for the season you’re planning? Do you need a new reel, or does it need to be cleaned? Is the line the right size and type, and have you changed it recently? Do you need new assets, such as a downrigger, net, sonar system or trolling motor to expand your abilities as a good angler? I’ve seen many anglers held back because they refuse to invest in, or upgrade, game-changing items. And they don’t have to cost that much.

-- Who are you planning on fishing with this year; who will teach you new techniques and offer other help that can make you a better angler? We all get stuck fishing with the same guys most of the time, but maybe a few well-planned trips with someone new who is a good stick could give you a few ideas and locations that might change your whole approach. Hiring a really good guide is one way to develop new tricks that could revolutionize your fishing.

-- What new technique are you going to learn? Have you drop-shotted, down-rigged or fly-fished? Maybe you’ve always wanted to. I’ve found that adding an entirely new technique to your repertoire can really spice up your fishing and give you a leg up on other anglers. It also brings a new dimension to the way you think about fishing and how you solve problems — ideas you may never have considered before.

-- Are you having fun? I think that hitting the water after deliberately sharpening your axe in anticipation of a new season is about the most productive and exciting thing you can do to improve enjoyment and results. There’s nothing like feeling you’re better prepared and focused than ever while consciously improving your game. Plan for 2012 to be the best yet.

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