POWERFUL LESSONS EARLY ON FROM CATCHING NIGHTCRAWLERS WITH GRANDPA

 

More to This Nightcrawlers Story

Life Lessons at an Early Age

Some of the greatest life lessons I ever learned started with a flashlight, a coffee can, and a front yard full of nightcrawlers. Back when I was just a pre-teen kid, Grandpa Albright would wake me up after dark and say something like, “Come on, boy. Time to catch bait.” That was all it took.

GOLDEN MUSSEL LAKE CLOSURES IN CALIFORNIA

AGE OF THE GOLDEN MUSSEL (LAKE CLOSURES, RESTRICTIONS, MANAGEMENT)

By Del Albright

(DISCLAIMER: This is the best information I could find as of 5/2/2025. I can’t be sure it will hold true for very long. Be sure to check your lake or water controlling agency before attempting to launch your boat. Things change fast.)

 

The golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), an invasive freshwater species native to Asia, was first detected in North America in October 2024 at the Port of Stockton in California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Since then, it has been found in other locations, including O’Neill Forebay near Los Banos .

PATIENCE - THE MAGIC FISHING BAIT!

 

🎣 Be Patient: The Secret Ingredient to Fishing Joy

There’s more to fishing than catching fish.

It’s the quiet moments before sunrise as the lake slowly wakes up. It’s the feel of the cool morning air on your face. It’s watching a blue heron stalk the shoreline or sharing a laugh with your kid as you wait for a bite. It's in the way the water gently laps the side of the boat and the way time seems to slow down just enough to remind you — this is living.

ALL THE OCEAN HAS TO OFFER

SOLITUDE, PEACE, BEAUTY, AND FOOD!

The many treasures of the ocean

by Del Albright

There is always a magical moment the first time you get up close and personal with the ocean. Waves, birds, the smell, the sound of the surf, rocks, seashells, and sand all come together to enhance your feeling of well-being. I love it all.

Sometimes we just sit in a drift wood "fort" and enjoy the view while listening to the birds.

Sunsets at the beach are always special in the West.

And then there's the tide pools full of secrets and surprises.

We hope you find the time to spend some moments on the beach, enjoying the ocean.

#landuse #stewardship #conservation #motorizedrecreation #jeep #jeeplife #volunteerism #volunteers #leadvolunteers #delalbright #BuiltOnBFG #cloakedrepublic #savetrails #leadership

SPRING BASS FISHING ON MY MIND

 BASS FISHING ON MY MIND -- WHEN SPRING COMES

By Del Albright

As winter starts to leave us, I start thinking about spring bass fishing because it is my favorite time to be on the lake. Yes, we hit the water in the fall, but it's not the same. The spring bite is a blast as bass head to shore to spawn. Wacky worms are the trick for local lakes.  And we mostly catch and release the bass we catch because we like to catch them again!

Spring is prime time for bass fishing in Northern California, as warming water temperatures trigger bass to move into pre-spawn and spawn modes. Here’s what you need to know for a successful trip:

Best Northern California Lakes for Spring Bass Fishing

1. Clear Lake – One of the top bass fisheries in the country, with big largemouth bass moving into shallow water.
2. Lake Berryessa – Great for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, with clear water and submerged structures.
3. New Melones Reservoir – Excellent spotted bass fishing in spring.
4. Lake Shasta – Offers a mix of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.
5. Don Pedro Reservoir – Known for trophy-sized bass.
6. Folsom Lake – Ideal for early-season bass in shallow coves.

Springtime Bass Fishing Tips

• Target Shallow Water: As water temps hit the 55-65°F range, bass move to shallow flats, coves, and creek arms.
• Look for Structure: Stumps, rock piles, docks, and submerged vegetation hold bass preparing to spawn.
• Use Natural Colors: In clear water, go with green pumpkin, watermelon, or shad-colored baits. In murky water, chartreuse and black/blue work well.
• Adjust to the Weather: Sunny days push bass shallow, while cooler weather may send them slightly deeper.

Best Lures & Gear for Spring Bass Fishing

1. Jigs (3/8 - 1/2 oz.) – Football head or flipping jigs in craw or natural colors work well around cover.
2. Spinnerbaits – Great for covering water quickly in windy conditions.
3. Chatterbaits – Effective in stained water with aggressive bass.
4. Soft Plastics (Senko, Brush Hog, Creature Baits) – Excellent for pitching into beds.
5. Jerkbaits (Suspending models) – Mimic wounded baitfish and trigger bites in early spring.
6. Crankbaits (Medium diving 6-10 ft.) – Ideal for pre-spawn bass staging on deeper structure.
7. Topwater (Frogs, Poppers, Buzzbaits) – Start using these as water temps rise above 60°F.

Essential Gear

• Rod/Reel Setup:
  • Medium-heavy baitcasting setup (7’0” rod, 6.4:1 gear ratio reel) for jigs and spinnerbaits.
  • Medium spinning rod for finesse techniques (drop-shot, wacky rig, Ned rig).
• Fluorocarbon Line (12-17 lb.) – Best for clear water and bottom-contact baits.
• Braid (30-50 lb.) – Good for fishing around heavy cover.
• Polarized Sunglasses – Helps spot bass in shallow, clear water.

I hope you will just get out there and FISH!  

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BASS BITE ON SHASTA LAKE IN SPRING

 

Low Water Spring Bass Fishing on Shasta Lake

Every year for 40 years now, I take a "boys" trip with 50 fellow fishermen to Shasta Lake of N. CA.  We hunker up in rented houseboats, set up a camp kitchen, and fish for 4 days, bass, trout and salmon.  It's always a lot of fun, and certainly a memory builder.

The bass bite was senkos, for the most part.  Top water worked around the stick-up trees.  And overall, it was a hot spring bite.  Not all the fish had spawned, so we hooked up anywhere from 5 to 25 feet deep.

Great fishing.  Great fun.  And houseboats are a ton of fun and convenience.

We launch out of Packers Bay Marina.

CHAMPION BASS BOAT UPGRADE

 

                                     VINTAGE CHAMPION BOAT FOUND A NEW HOME

                                                                     By Del Albright

Our fishing/photojournalism business has acquired a "new" used Champion Bass Boat to increase our ability to carry a passenger, pack more photo gear, have more room and go a bit faster in competitive situations.

It's a 1991 Champion DCR 184 with a 175hp Direct Injection Mercury ProXS. 

The old boat (above) with the 90hp Merc vs. the "new" boat on the left.

#fishing #bassfishing #bassboat #championbassboat

BE PATIENT AS WE OPEN BACK UP

 

                                 BE HAPPY IT'S ALL OVER AND WE CAN BE FREE AGAIN

                                                                        By Del Albright

 

As we open back up to real life and less bs, let's remember to be patient with each other especially at places like boat ramps.  Not everyone stayed in practice with backing a trailer, so there will be some frustrating moments.  Also, campgrounds will be fun and most recreational facilities will be more than maxed out.

Be patient.  Enjoy yourself. Try to help others when appropriate. Be thankful we can move past this mess that has been used to lock us down, shut us out, and keep us restricted from our freedoms.

Del

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OUTDOOR HEALING; CLEANING UP THE MENTAL CLUTTER

GETTING YOUR MIND RIGHT: THE HEALING POWER OF THE OUTDOORS

By Del Albright

When life gets messy—when your mind is cluttered, sleep doesn’t come easily, and distractions pull you away from what matters—it’s time to hit the reset button. For me, that reset button is simple: get outside.

We all wrestle with the chaos of today’s world. But here’s the deal: don’t let that mess steal more of your peace than it already has. Take care of yourself. Take care of your mind. Take care of your health. The causes we care about, the fights we choose—whether for access, community, or conservation—depend on us staying sharp, clear-headed, and well.

Mental clarity and inner peace aren’t luxuries—they’re essentials. And too often, I see folks so tied up in stress that they can’t enjoy the very things they’re passionate about. That’s where the outdoors comes in.

Maybe you just need a walk. Or some fresh air. Or time in the garden, trimming trees, mowing the lawn, casting a line into the water, or hiking a trail. It doesn’t matter what you do—just get outside and do something. The sunshine, the breeze, the dirt on your hands—it all helps.

I’ve learned that getting outside gets your mind right.
It centers you. It heals you. It reminds you what really matters.

For me, that peace, that clarity, always starts under the open sky.

See you out there,
Del

KNOW YOUR BASS, FISHERMEN

 

BASS FISHING SEASON IS ON AND THE BITE IS HAPPENING!

By Del Albright

The spring bite is happening in many western states now for several types of bass, depending on where you live.  In N. CA, for example, bass species such as Spotted, Largemouth, Redeye and Smallmouth might be all living in the same waterway.  Usually the regulations don't worry about differences in freshwater bass species, but you should know what you are catching -- and of course be aware of any regulatory differences.

Just take the time to learn what you are catching -- no matter the species.

D.

FISHING FOR A RE-CREATED SPIRIT

 LAKE TIME; BREAK TIME; REFRESHING LIFE

GET OUTSIDE, DO SOMETHING, STAY ALIVE

By Del Albright

Just being outside, no matter what you are doing, can sometimes be the answer to your prayers! Fresh air, sunshine, and lollipops  -- whatever you find, the act of being outside can breathe new life into yours.

In my case, I love to go fishing and boating. Open-air, views of the sky, and the lolling of a boat will do wonders for my nap time, too.

The wifey finds relief from stress the same way, but also just loves to tend to her garden.  Find your sweet spot and do the same.  Get your spirit re-created by being outside when you can.

Caught this Black Crappie while bass fishing.

This is Josh Parris, my bass fishing buddy, and teacher for a recent trip.  Great guy.

FISHING AND RESPONSIBLE RECREATION OUTDOORS

FISHING AND RESPONSIBLE LAKE BEHAVIOR

By Del Albright, May 2017



Fishing and boating of any type are busy, popular sports these days and we all must remember to share the water, like we share the trails.

No one sport has rights over another, other than boating laws governing navigation.  But when it comes to fishing, jet skiing, boating, wake boarding and you name it, we all must share the water and be polite in our pursuits.

Specialty boats like bass boats can travel at speeds in excess of 50mph.  Extra care should be given to both the passengers and other boaters.  Jet ski and PWC enthusiasts should take care to watch for slow moving fisherman possibly trolling for trout in open water where fast speed boating is also popular.

It's just a matter of courtesy and being polite to other users so we all can enjoy the water.

Visit the US Coast Guard website for more on boating, life vests and rules of the water:
https://www.uscgboating.org/

Be safe; have fun; and boat smart.

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Del

• RUN A BETTER MEETING
• LEARN MORE ABOUT NEPA
• WRITE A LETTER
• GIVE A SPEECH
• LEARN TO FACILITATE MEETINGS
• WHY JOIN A CLUB
• ORGANIZE A CONVOY
• JOIN THE RIGHT GROUPS
• GET VOLUNTEER TRAINING
• LEAD VOLUNTEERS
• CHOOSE THE RIGHT JOB FOR YOU

GO BACK TO HOME MENU FOR THIS MOBILE PLATFORM

OUTDOOR FREEDOM IS ABOUT CHOICES

HUNTING, FISHING, EXPLORING, CAMPING, OR WHATEVER YOU LIKE; IT'S ABOUT FREEDOM OF CHOICE

By Del Albright

Being outdoors enjoying whatever it is you do, is one of the treasures we have in this country. It matters not what you do (outside), as long as you do it and respect others who might do something else. We all should embrace our freedom of choice.

I enjoy hunting.  I also enjoy photography and music.  And hey, give me a fishing pole and I'm ready to rock. It really is not important what you do outside that you love; it's that you DO it, and you respect the right of others to choose.  Heck, many of us and those before us have fought for that very right --- that freedom.  Hold it tight and let no one take it from us.


We should drag our kids outside for the same sports and outdoor activities that you enjoy...or that they might enjoy.  Please don't overly contribute to this generation of thumb-living-video-gamers.  Get them outside when you can.  Yes, I know; some of this video game world is just inevitable.  But when the opportunity is there; take a kid outside.

Go to a beach for a picnic; drag out the old boat and take it for a spin; go to a gun range and teach a kid to shoot; take pictures of the sunrise/sunset; or just drive the countryside enjoying the freedom of access we have to many areas of this great country.  And then figure out what MORE you can do to make sure we have these places in the future.

Be sure to keep up your memberships in your favorite organizations that are fighting for your access and your freedoms.  I suggest you start with the outfit that represents all trails; all sports -- BlueRibbon Coalition.
Visit here to join and donate:  http://www.blueribboncoalition.org

Del
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RAM MOUNTING SYSTEM ROD HOLDER FOR BOATS

RAM-ROD LIGHT SPEED ROD HOLDER VIDEO ON LAKE WITH DEL ALBRIGHT



I use RAM Mounting Systems products in my boat, RV, Jeep and other vehicles.  They make a bracket and mount for about anything you can think of, and the reason I use them is that they work, they're tough, and they do what is promised in their marketing.


This pic shows the Ram-Rod Light Speed holder that is in my video below.  Wow, this baby is sweet and works great -- trolling, stationary fishing, or just temporary set your rod down where it's secure, yet easy to grab.

Also pictured (besides the leaf litter in my boat) are the RAM cell phone/Spot holder and the RAM GPS holder for my Garmin.   And yes, that is a custom, Del-Built, Roll Bar over the console -- smile -- not really a roll bar, but it's a great grab handle and brace (leaning post).

Now enjoy my short video of the Ram-Rod Light Speed Rod Holder.

SUNGLASS FOR THE OUTDOORS -- OUR CHOICE

 ONO'S EYEWEAR; THE CHOICE FOR TEAM ALBRIGHT

We wear these darn sunglasses all the time, everywhere we go.  So I thought I'd just drop a short note to let you know about Ono's, because if you need something for the great outdoors, these babies work.

These are the Ernest Hemingway's that I wear.  Stacie likes the Ocracoke model; but there are dozens and dozens of choices to make for outdoor sunglasses that just plain work and hold up.

The novelty of these is that you can get a pair with built-in polarizing readers -- yea, you got it --- you know, when the light is not quite right (smile).  Talk about a handy thing for close work like tying on fishing lures or trying to see my camera settings (in bad light).

The frames (like on this Torero model) are made from lightweight Memory-Flex material, and the polarizing eliminates reflective glare, with 100% UVA protection.  Heck, and let me tell you, we've bounced our Ono's around enough, between the Jeep and our boat, to know they are impact resistant and outdoor-abuse friendly. 

You're not going to get these on the $20 rack at Wally-World.  These are real sunglasses with technology to hold up to the worst outdoor conditions, while providing great eye relief and clear vision.  Our Ono's are in the $80 to $140 price range but VERY well worth it.  I would not be without mine.
Del