Originally Posted by
LedHed
Homework - everything Stan says + google map (switch to satellite and toggle back and forth from 2D to 3D). Like Tim mentioned - you have to find a lure/bait that you have confidence in and work it. You have to fish the right water as Randy stated. The fertility & management of the lake will determine the quality of fish. We use to catch bigger fish in the evening bite - haven't been able to do that for awhile. Lake Perris doesn't open until 6 now so we miss the pre dawn bite. I agree with everything Ketchn said - solid advice - actually all the posts (IMO) are relevant to finding better fish.
This applies for SoCal and my style of fishing;
I focus on the food chain (all year). Watch for bug hatches and birds (for baitfish activity). At LP if the Grebes are active they are chasing down Shad or Shiners and if the Swallows or Gnat Catchers are up - there's a bug hatch going on. The majority of the bigger fish that I find come from 17 to 28 FOW (except for winter) in these staging areas. Troll the deeper water (pre & post spawn), outside of the beds, for big hens (please release). I'm also looking for a mud bottom close to a solid bottom in that depth range.
We have to pay attention to water level and surface temp and in my case the wind. More than 3mph - have to sit at home and surf the internet......
I use 2lb test copolymer line (because of flooded timber and brush piles) with 1/48th to 1/24th jigs.