The Outdoorsman: Ocean salmon aplenty

It was a good opening weekend for ocean salmon season — especially in the Santa Cruz and Monterey areas.

It was a blowout on the north coast so the boats didn't get out. The only deterrent was the number of shakers — salmon who measured below the 24-inch minimum. The Monterey boats did better than the Santa Cruz fleet as far as keepers versus shakers.

Many of the kings were in the 12-pound or above size with an occasional 20-pounder. A couple even surpassed 25 pounds.

Based on opening day, the season appears hopeful. "We'll know more in a couple of weeks," one skipper said.

Meanwhile, striped bass are up and down the Sacramento River. Miller Park is one of the hot spots with crowds of anglers there.

To the lakes: Folsom is showing some promise and better clarity. The bass have moved back into the shallows and will strike spinner baits and crank baits. Trout fishing at Folsom is still on the slow side but the north fork is best for bass right now.

Lake Amador has better visibility now as the water slowly clears. Most shore fisher folks are catching a couple of trout per outing with nightcrawlers, PowerBait and fly bubbles.

Small bluegills are appearing everywhere and crappie fishing should begin soon. Bass are still hit and miss but warming weather should turn bassing on.

Anglers are scoring on trout near Big and Little Hat islands at Lake Camanche and there's also action at the dam and the South Shore Pond. Most trollers are pulling Rapalas and a variety of spoons.

Bass action has begun at Lake Pardee with an 8.5-pound bass recently checked in. Trout and kokanee are also hitting with the kokes located in the top 10 feet of water. Shore anglers are doing well with PowerBait and nightcrawlers.

At New Melones near Angels Camp, it's crappies, catfish and trout along with some bass. Garlic marshmallows and nightcrawlers are the best baits.

Finally, the baffler: When will a reptile not eat? When it gets cold.