Bass nearby? New to bass fishing, need some starters

[Pyre]

Ok, so I just started bass fishing. I went fishing today out in Cain Lake and Lake Samish.

I desperately want to get that first bass on my line, as I haven't had any luck. I want to know: are there any really good bass lakes nearby? I live on Fidalgo Island, and I'm looking for a lake, eh, within a little less then an hour from there, like Bellingham or North Everett range. Any help?

Next, I was wondering if there were any good bass guides within an hour. I feel that having a guide is just what I need! I heard there was a service in lake Sammamish, but I was looking for something a little closer.

If this post is repetitive of an earlier one, or if it belongs somewhere else, I apologize. I'm a bit new here (just joined today...) Feel free to lock it or move it in that case.

[flippinfool]

david watkins guide service! check out the free beer thread!

[The Quadfather]

Lake Terrel, Just N. of Bellingham. Great for Bass. Only 1 dock, limited shore access. Best with a boat or float tube.

[Pyre]

David Watkin...thanks, I'll check it out. And same with lake Terrel. Also, do you guys have any tips on rigging a senko or what color works best (if any)? I didn't ask that in the topic post 'cause I figured I could find it somewhere else, but no such luck

Wait...nowhere in the FREE BEER!! thread does it say what lake he works at or how to contact him...only that he is a great guide. :\

[tagwatson360]

Pyre,

You don't have to look any further than Lake Campbell right in your own backyard. The bass fishing is phenomenal. Here are a few largemouth I caught there back in April. Good luck.

[davidwat1]

Sweet Jesus Tag!!!! Is that one of your 11 lbers? Beautiful fish, and nice pics dude! Pyre, feel free to PM me, or go to www.watkinsbassfishing.com, for more info on the guide service. I'll be honest and tell you right up front, aside from Mexico and California, I've not caught a fish anywhere the caliber of the fish Tag is holding in these pictures, those are amazing! Best -Dave

[tagwatson360]

Thank you for the kind words, David. The big fish on the picture on the left was very close to the 10 pound mark. The best 5 from that afternoon went right around 36 pounds. Here is a picture of a couple 11+ lb. fish from Whatcom County.

[BassDood]

I never get tried of seeing those pics...simply AWESOME, Tag

[ChrisB]

Tag is the man. And Pyre, there are some great lakes in your area, you'll find them. BTW, your avatar pic is awesome.

[platinumroof]

Thank you for the kind words, David. The big fish on the picture on the left was very close to the 10 pound mark. The best 5 from that afternoon went right around 36 pounds. Here is a picture of a couple 11+ lb. fish from Whatcom County.

What a showoff. Those fish are obviously photoshopped and add to that the fact that Tag is 4'11' tall and messes up the whole scale of things. Those things are like 5lbs at best.

[BassinBomber]

Thank you for the kind words, David. The big fish on the picture on the left was very close to the 10 pound mark. The best 5 from that afternoon went right around 36 pounds. Here is a picture of a couple 11+ lb. fish from Whatcom County.

What a showoff. Those fish are obviously photoshopped and add to that the fact that Tag is 4'11' tall and messes up the whole scale of things. Those things are like 5lbs at best.

HaHa,..2 funny,..!

BB

[ryan2202]

Thank you for the kind words, David. The big fish on the picture on the left was very close to the 10 pound mark. The best 5 from that afternoon went right around 36 pounds. Here is a picture of a couple 11+ lb. fish from Whatcom County.

What a showoff. Those fish are obviously photoshopped and add to that the fact that Tag is 4'11' tall and messes up the whole scale of things. Those things are like 5lbs at best.

Can we say hater! Keep on ! You know, if it was an OUTRAGEOUS sized Bass, then maybe...but give the guy credit where credit is well deserved...he obviously keeps'em lines tight in that water! Sweet fish Tag...keep'em coming in! Sometimes the haters chase you! Let'em keep chasin' as long as their line's are in that water, there's more in there for those who want them hawgs! SWEET FISH!

[Bisk1tSnGraV]

I have had fish like that swim in my dreams. Awesome fish Tag and thanks for all of the insight on trying to hunt the bass in our area!

[platinumroof]

Thank you for the kind words, David. The big fish on the picture on the left was very close to the 10 pound mark. The best 5 from that afternoon went right around 36 pounds. Here is a picture of a couple 11+ lb. fish from Whatcom County.

What a showoff. Those fish are obviously photoshopped and add to that the fact that Tag is 4'11' tall and messes up the whole scale of things. Those things are like 5lbs at best.

Can we say hater! Keep on ! You know, if it was an OUTRAGEOUS sized Bass, then maybe...but give the guy credit where credit is well deserved...he obviously keeps'em lines tight in that water! Sweet fish Tag...keep'em coming in! Sometimes the haters chase you! Let'em keep chasin' as long as their line's are in that water, there's more in there for those who want them hawgs! SWEET FISH!

He is a graphic artist who takes pictures of fish caught in Cali and puts them in front of himself.
Look closely and you can see the line around the fish.
You guys are so gullible.

[BOLDbomber]

[tagwatson360]

Thanks, Ryan. Platinumroof is a friend of mine and he's just busting my b@lls. I am 6'5" tall and he dwarfs me, so I don't mess with him. He's even more intimidating with that scary mask on.

[Pyre]

Thanks guys, and tag, do you catch fish like that at Cambell REGULARLY? I've been there before, and didn't catch anything... Although I did here it was good.
Also, those fish from whatcom, what lakes were the from? Whatcom is nearby, so I'm interested in that area.

[tagwatson360]

Hey Pyre,

In my past experience, Lake Campbell has always offered consistent fishing for quality largemouth. The lake is chock full of 4-6 lb. bass. As is the case with any lake, some days will be more productive than others based on the current conditions and the angler's ability to pattern the fish.

I would suggest spending a lot of time at Clear Lake and Big Lake in Skagit County in addition to Lake Campbell. These lakes have excellent largemouth populations and are great lakes for learning/practicing techniques, catching fish and building confidence.

In my opinion, Cain Lake and Lake Samish are much more challenging and are not great lakes for bass anglers just starting out. Unless you are specifically looking for a challenge, I would suggest revisiting these lakes when you have more experience. In Whatcom County, Lake Whatcom is the best lake for learning smallmouth and Lake Terrell is the best lake for learning largemouth.

[BassFanatic]

Great info Tag and again nice fish, Those are some pigs keep doin' what you are doing it will only get better for you.

[racfish]

I used to fish Campbell every year .We stayed at Lunzs cabins.That was great fishing.Wed go for Catfish and Bluegills.Are motors allowed in Campbell? I drive by there all the time but havent stopped there in a long time to fish.I went to WWSC in the early 70's. I remember Terrel,Padden,and Samish They were all good for panfish.Wow that takes me back a few.