Basically I am trying to plan a big bass trip. I have always wanted to chase one of those monsters in CA, and enjoy the experience. On the other hand, there is a couple great lakes in Mexico.....the problem is, it's MEXICO, and right now, it's looking just a tad sketchy to say the least! I have been to El salto and caught double digit's and a handful of 8's. Any suggestions about CA.......is it worth it??

Go to FALCON

Im going to Port A in May to fish for trout/redfish etc. I was thinking about swinging over to Falcon and making that a part of my trip. I hear it is pretty awesome, and safe, at least on the US side.

California bass fishing can be a lot different than what you might be used to and if you don't have a guide, can be very difficult. If you are going to head to California, I'd head to the Delta. Lot's of big girls in there. There's always Camelot Bell!

I just took a group of 11 to El Salto with Ron Speeds. Averaged about 80-100 a day per boat. Most fish in the 2.5 to 3.5 range with hundreds over 3.5 lbs. Managed about a dozen or so over 7lbs. Not a lot of giants. A group of 22 was coming in for the full moon the day we left. I hope they catch a few more the giants. As far as safety, we felt just fine. Walked around the Mazatlan Strip and felt just fine. In fact, I was suprised how many older snow birds live in condos or hotels for months at a time and walk around the strip without any issues. Mazatlan is a bit run down with only a few remodled hotels. The cruise ships no longer stop at Maszatlan. But this adds to its appeal. I think it is a pretty cool mexican town and cheap, cheap cheap. Nice Hotel breakfasts are $10 and found a great rib place for $8.

Castaic is tough for folks not from that area and used to that lake. Salto is easy fishing and they bite what you'd think they bite! Guys get skunked in California alot. NOBODY gets skunked at Salto!

I had bruises on my stomach from setting the hook so many times at El Salto. It was a trip of a lifetime. They sure are stronger there too. I remember 3's feeling like 5's and so on. I had no complaints.....just heard some rough things happen close by in that area. Since you have gone recently, then I guess all is well. If anybody has not experienced El Salto.....it is a must. Yes there are some toads in there, but it is hard to complain when you have one on every other cast that is usually no less that 3-4 lbs!

Something about getting my head cut off makes me shy away from Mexico.

Just remember Castaic is SMALLLLLLLL!!!!!! Easy to get skunked on and usually requires line you can't buy in Texas 4lb to 6lb It will fish like your bathtub too, not much to it. No cover and just a few ledges. I would go to El Salto, Falcon, Big O, Guntersville, or like someone mentioned Camelot!

sounds like youve been to el salto, if you want something different go to California.

I used to live just around the corner from Castaic. I usually did well with 6 lb line and small plastics. The water is very clear. and deep. It is small only 2 ramps, one was closed most of the time. The main ramp is at least 15 lanes. Lots of steep points and drop-offs. Don't go on a weekend. I've seen it so crowded, you have to wait in your truck at the gate. When one boat comes out, another is let in. I used to catch large fish with live crawdads. At that time ,15 years ago, Stripers were just starting to show. Everyone was worried about how they would affect the lmb. Don't know any more about that. I used to love that lake. Seemed like I really had them dialed in there. I love these lakes in texas too, Everything is very different here, I have adjusted pretty well. But have had a very tough winter. Ah but spring is right around the corner.

Exactly!

What happened to the giants they used to catch from castaic? I remember when everyone was absolutely convinced the new World record would come from there. Haven't heard about any if those big fish in 10-15 yrs.

This made me laugh!!!

I agree w/ Eric!

-alton

The have been more incidents on Falcon that El Salto. It is true that if you have anything to do with drugs then Mexico is a dangerous place but fishermen at El Salto have been safe and have some super trips. I fish Falcon as well and never feel afraid. Just do not drive at night and stay away from any parts of town where you should not go and go catch a lot of bass.

Castaic's only 2,400 something acres. Once that 22-01 was caught... everyone and their sister started fishing that lake. Bye-bye big fish...

Castaic is nice and so is Casitas.

Go to Falcon.

I was there trying to catch them back then.

What did happen to those records of promise?

There were some huge ones caught. They have to still be there.

They had an earthquake and dropped the lake level to repair the dam...then the stripers took off.

A guide on Castaic fished here for a month a couple of years ago and said the largest certified fish he had seen since the earthquake and stripers explosion in was 15 and change. He said he always heard of 18-19's from a small group of guys but they never had witnesses or certified scales. He said Castaic lagoon had some toads in it, but was trolling motor only and heavily fished. I THINK that is where the Butch Brown videos come from right?

Mexican side is safe. Since the incident last year, there is plenty of law present.

Yeah Cam, I'm pretty sure those are from the lagoon.

If I remember correctly, all those big fish were caught soaking crawfish deep. I would be bored to tears.