This fishing blog will be centered around the history (as I know to be true to the best of my recollection) of what has become a overwhelmingly popular trophy striped bass fishery on the Sacramento River. The west coast striped bass of Northern California’s Sacramento River are among the largest caught in the state. Being caught more frequently then anywhere else in this state. With more anglers taking aim at them every year.

We will be exploring a timeline of artificial lure fishing for these giant stripers. As I recall watching it all unfold. Taking place during my career as a fishing guide here on the Sacramento River in Northern California. Starting in the early 2000’s and continuing until our current date. We will explore the timeline of artificial lure presentations being used to target the oversized striped bass. As apposed to the previously used method of take. Live bait! The preferred method prior to the influences that professional bass fishing started to have on the striped bass fishery. Artificial baits being the key influence and the topic of discussion here. Let me quickly note, this fishery started long before the early 2000’s. Local anglers from the Chico, Durham, Hamilton City, and Corning, Ca, areas, as well as a few other local towns along the Sacramento River. Had been catching these giant trophy stripers decades before the start of my timeline. These og giant striper fishermen primarily used live bait when targeting these river monsters. The Sacramento River pike minnow (aka squawfish) was hands down the locals bait of choice. There of course was also legendary old timers like Kenny Ball who trolled lures during the spring spawn. Hauling in countless oversized stripers in his years spent perfecting this reaction bite type of fishing. We are focusing on modern times and artificial baits influenced by the popular green bass fishing industry. Mainly “glide baits”.

This blog is directed solely at the use of artificial baits on this trophy fishery. Something that came about in my life time. A sport that has grown from a hobby by a few initial anglers. Into a industry joined by hundreds if not thousands of striped bass enthusiasts nation wide. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent annually by sportsmen and women targeting this trophy fishery in current times. Bait makers of the medium and large profile, custom made glide baits, have popped up by the dozens over the last decade. Making these custom, and commercially made artificial bait presentations, readily available to would be anglers.

In the beginning of this ever so popular style of fishing for colossal stripers. Custom glide baits were not readily available to just anyone. They were seen very seldom as they made their way into the world of bass fishing. Rumors of artificial baits ranging in size from seven to fifteen inches in length, and weighing up to twenty ounces starting circling the communities of tight lipped tournament bass anglers. If and when you were able to get your hands on one of these hand made wood or resin glide baits. You almost didn’t want to use it. Besides lightening your wallet, loosing your glide bait could put you on the bench for months. Waiting on a replacement to be made available to you. Glide baits were not the first artificial lures used to target the stripers. However these oversized artificial custom made glide baits changed the trophy striper game forever here on the upper Sacramento River.

Our timeline starts in the early 2000’s. Between 2002-2004! When the first movement of using artificial lures for these striped bass of the Sacramento River was well underway. The first artificial lure that I can attest was deliberately used to target trophy striped bass. Happened to be a top water bait. The famous Cotton Cordell “pencil popper”. Which l watched a pair of local anglers use successfully in the Woodson Bridge area of the Sacramento River. Several years before I embarked in this fishery. A private angler by the name of Rex Woodward from Corning, Ca was among the first to my knowledge to 1) - headed out on the river with the sole intention off catching big stripers, with the use of a pencil popper. 2) - be consistently successful at catching big stripers using artificial presentations.

In addition to Rex Woodward, and during the same time frame. Fishing just up river near Los Molinos, Ca was a fishing guide by the name of Kenny Bagley. Who also shared the passion of chasing trophy stripers with artificial baits. His bait of choice was also the pencil popper. Kenny also shared the same level of success as Woodward. Reaching a understanding that at some point his success was happening on most outings. Early in my fishing career these two would be mentors of mine, brought to my attention that there was a healthy, sustainable, and widespread trophy striped bass fishery in my backyard. Ahead of their times, these two og striper enthusiasts never new each other, and had never met one and other, but both shared the same passion. They fished alone in this fishery for several years.

Trophy striped bass fishing in the first decade of the twenty first century, on the Sacramento River was owned by top water fishing. If you were one of the very few anglers who actively pursued giant stripers using artificial presentations. You used a top water to do so. The entire artificial lure, trophy striped bass fishery on the Sacramento River changed forever in 2007. A new trend in targeting giant striped bass started here in California. Changing the artificial lure world indefinitely. Spreading across the nation, taking every striper fishery with it along the way. The “big bait” style fishing for these linesides that we all have heard about. Or partaken in. Was launched in 2007 with the introduction of the “Lunker Punker” custom topwater baits made by Jeremy Anderson of Black Dog Bait Co. The large profile of the 9” custom wood topwater bait was different then any other bait of its time. Beside the fact it was much larger in appearance and took on a odd shape. The action of this seemingly oversized bait was unmatched. It kicked (walked the dog) with a wide slide. It was best fished slow with a rhythmic cadence. It’s long and slender profile with its moderately heavy weight. Allowing anglers to cast this bait great distances. Concerning the Sacramento River, professional bass fisherman and all around Northern California fishing guide John Pearl ( j.pearl guide service) from Lake County, Ca summed it up best. Claiming the Punker could be casted across the entire Sacramento River. For those unknowing John Pearl has had his hands all over the big bait phenomenon since it’s inception. Bringing the very first Lunker Punker to the Sacramento River. A few years later he would bring the first glide bait to the trophy fishery as well. As much responsible for the very popular trophy striped bass glide bait movement, as Bill Dance, and Rolland Martin were to the bass fishing movement of their time.

While the Lunker Punker was the start of the big bait movement. Responsible for hellacious top water explosions, and an instant addiction to the thrill of casting a large profile artificial bait for stripers exceeding forty pounds. This hand carved wood bait was just a stepping stone on the way to what would become the most desired method of catching colossal stripers in modern times. It also set the precedent for the jaw dropping cost a custom or hand made big bait would bring to anglers. The Punker retailed for just over $100 when released. Now worth several hundred to collectors purchasing the second hand og wood Punker on line. I can specifically remember thinking it was just insanely expensive for a single lure to cost one hundred dollars. Regardless of size. John Pearl, accustom to the expensive nature of the bass fishing industry assured me it would be worth it. So it was done! I owned my first big artificial bait for targeting stripers. A instant attachment grew as the paint continued to get chewed off by the greedy stripers. At some point after much success my fist Lunker Punker parted ways with me in the middle of the night south of Woodson Bridge. What I thought was a beaver slapping it’s tail. Turned out to be a behemoth striped bass. Which ended up wrapping my braided fishing line in the hardware of the lure. Breaking me off and taking my Punker with it. Devastation instantly set in. By morning I gave no second thought of driving the thirteen hour round trip to the city of Castaic, Ca to purchase another one. The addiction had started and it hasn’t gone away for the fifteen years after the Lunker Punker started it.

Again without hurting any feelings or leaving anyone’s accomplishments unmentioned. There is no doubt in my mind who was initially responsible for big baits showing up on the Sacramento River. Knowing the vast majority of fishing guides, private anglers (past and present), and striper enthusiasts river wide. We can all thank fore mentioned John Pearl for his influence and insight into what the “big bait, big fish” catch phrase meant to giant striped bass fishing on the Sacramento River, and the hundreds among hundreds of anglers who actively target them with large custom made baits to this day. You won’t find John Pearl lurking around these striper waters in current times. His passion and heart lays heavy on the green bass fishery. Chasing the top of the podium and seeking pole position for derby launches in the Wild West Bass Trail’s, Apex Circuit, WON Bass, and the FLW! Along with guiding large mouth enthusiasts on the famous Clear Lake in Northern California. Prior to tourney play, Pearl’s countless days spent on the Sacramento River guiding for chinook salmon. Left him engaged in artificial lure activities for big stripers. After salmon fishing his clients for the majority of the long summer days. Or on any day he had off from guiding. His life long knowledge of green bass, accompanied by a extreme (EXTREME) tackle addiction. Landed him as the perfect candidate for the exploration of the striped bass fishery on the Sacramento River. The constantly changing and competitive nature of the green bass tournament tours. Aided bass anglers to explore the revolutionary big bait movement that was now well underway in their fishery. For anyone that knows the aggressive nature, and endless appetite of a striped bass. You can see why the introduction of big baits on the Sacramento River by John Pearl took off like wildfire. Plain and simply, anything a largemouth or spotted bass liked as a artificial presentation. The striped bass liked on a much greater level.

John Pearl’s conquest of using big jointed swimbaits for stripers was accompanied by current co-owner of GRatt Baits, Garrett Dixon. Who himself had been guiding for striped bass on the Sacramento River from a early age. Dixon also engaged in the early days of chasing giant stripers during the Lunker Punker movement. Like Pearl he jumped at every opportunity to green bass fish. Especially at Northern California’s Clear Lake. Where he and Pearl met. Both of these pro anglers couldn’t get enough of glide bait fishing. They both shared two things in common. Both were die hard tournament pros in the bass fishing comunity. Both had the insight to see the benefits the big baits would have on the Sacramento River striper fishery. It’s through this connection between the two pro anglers that would eventually lead to the greatest innovation in the striped bass fishery as a whole. Starting in California and eventually spreading across the nation. By the time 2010 and 2011 rolled around bait makers who were inspired by the big bait movement. Started assembling these jointed oversized swimbaits in their garages. Inspiration came from some of the very first jointed swimbait makers. At the time these baits were more myths then reality, and not available to the general public by any means. The AC Minnow, Castaic Trout, and BBZ were among the very first attempts at the commercial big bait market. Southern California’s Castaic Lake was no stranger to giant stripers, and these baits were made for this fishery. Prior to the ongoings of the Sacramento River. Working exceptionally well for the lakes large mouth bass population. Focus quickly took aim at the much more popular green bass fishery. John Pearl remembers ordering his first two piece glide bait from a another unheard of fishery across the Pacific Ocean. Gan Craft Baits from Japan also joined the swimbait industry circa 2010. When Pearl ordered his first Gan Craft glide bait. Which he quickly put to work on California’s Clear Lake large mouth bass.

Two names show up on this timeline in or around 2011/2012. Unheard of by most anglers still to this day. Known in the bass fishing communities of California but not so much by striper fisherman. Despite the tremendous influence they had on the trophy fishery. The two bait makers jumped ahead of all other swimbait makers of their time by creating the largest glide baits ever seen. Even by today’s standards. Baits so big anglers needed rod makers to produce extra heavy and long rods to throw the swimbaits. Gary Collins and Jason Kincanon both created monster swimbaits under the old theory of “big baits, catch big fish”! A very true statement. Especially pertaining to striped bass who will try and choke down anything that may fit into their mouths. Both of these bait makers were tournament partners and friends of John Pearl. Collins and Pearl still tackle team tournaments to this day. Pearl received the first prototypes from these bait makers and quickly put them to use on Clear Lake. Garry Collins’ Clear Lake “Hitch” glide bait was the biggest of its time. The original Hitch ( native fish of Clear Lake) pattern measured fifteen inches in length and weighed over twenty ounces. The “smiling Kincanon” measured fourteen inches in length and weighed around fifteen ounces. Both of these baits at first appearance seemed more novelty then reality. Outside anglers witnessing these baits being thrown, would stare in jaw dropping amazement. The sound of the bait hitting the water after being casted would get anyone’s attention. Honestly I personally couldn’t believe it didn’t send any fish in the area swimming for its life when impact was made. Come to find out, the exploding splash may have attracted the large stripers if anything.

At roughly the same time period (2012) Pearl started a salmon fishing charter service on the upper Sacramento River. After the three year salmon season closure in California. As a salmon fishing guide, endless hours are spent on the river. It was a fairly common occurrence to see packs of giant stripers hanging out in the shallow inside corners of certain salmon fishing holes. Patrolling the weed lines on the edge of the river. As salmon fishing vessels would slowly creep up the inside of these salmon holes, in preparation to make another pass. Thirty to fifty pound stripers could be seen by anglers on a daily basis. Viewing these stripers on every lap held little to no interest to salmon fishermen, blinded by the hype of salmon fishing. You would never witnessed anyone targeting them. It wasn’t a “thing” yet! With the exception of a few old timers. Who caught and used live bait on anchor. Mostly after dark when the stripers hunt in packs, seeking out larger bait fish like American Shad, Rainbow Trout, Suckers, and Squawfish. Pearl was well aware of the behemoth stripers existence. Witnessing them return year after year over many past salmon seasons. Occasionally tangling up with one on top water when time allowed. It was at this point in the timeline the “big bait, big fish” cliche started to manifest. During this 2012 salmon season in the months of September and October. John Pearl experimented with the oversized swimbaits made by Collins, and Kincanon. As I watched on in amazement. Knowing in my mind it was only a matter of a big striper seeing these glide baits, and the rest would be history. There was nothing like watching the giant glide baits sail through the air. Making a splash thats sound could be heard from great distances. Gliding back and forth under the surface. Looking like a strayed, hurt, or lost free meal. A few minor alterations to the swimbaits had to be made for fishing the moving currents of the river. These big swimbaits were never intended to be fished in moving water. Rather the still, calm water from the lakes of their intended targets ( large mouth bass). Swim tested in tanks, pools, and ponds. These baits weren’t quite ready for moving current. Porting of the baits mouth, shaving and hinging the joint, (allowing the baits tail piece to hinge at almost a 90 degree angle) along with adding weight for a moderate to fast sink rate, was all it took to make these baits to be river ready.

The 15”inch GCJ (Gary Collins Jr.) custom built Clear Lake Hitch, and the 14” “Smiling” Kincanon glide baits were a instant success. It was easy to get these baits in front of giant stripers for us. We already knew where the big girls lived. Year after year they were seen in the same spots. The big splash, the kick and cadence of the baits swimming motion, and the large profile. Which gives the “easy free meal” appearance. Was more then the big stripers could take. Giants stripers couldn’t resist the giant swimbaits. Thirty and fourty pound stripers were coming after these baits on every outing. The middle of the day when the behemoth stripers were laid up mid river under a submerged tree, or off the main current in lazy water. Presented ideal spots for these giant glide baits to be tossed. Beside the fact that the stripers had never before seen the large profile baits, or heard them splash. The addiction was instantaneous. Never in my life as a fisherman had I been so intrigued and addicted to a single fishery. The thrill was unrivaled. The visual stalking and violent attacks on these artificial baits, from such a large caliber of fish. All happening right in front of your eyes. It was at best overwhelming. The only thing on our minds at this point was catching the next big striper.

John Pearl and I fished a select variety of GCJ custom glide baits in several sizes and profile shapes over the next three years. Learning the fishery from top to bottom. With the exception of Sneaky Pete co-owner Garret Dixon. Which I ran across while fishing on only two occasions over these three years. We never saw another soul anywhere on the Sacramento River, who were targeting these trophy striped bass by means of artificial presentations. In fact it wasn’t until 2016 when I saw another trophy striper angler. Who happened to be throwing a BBZ wake bait. At which point I came to realization it wouldn’t be long before others would come join the fishery.

In 2014 Garret Dixon acquired the Kincanon “sneaky pete” glide bait, and the Kincanon “rat”. Having first hand knowledge of this trophy fishery, its capabilities, and the insight to see a market for this smaller profile glide bait. Garrett Dixon went straight into production making the first batch of sneaky pete resin baits. At which point this seven inch, small profile, jointed swimbait made its public debut. Only a select few anglers had the opportunity to own a sneaky pete prior to Dixon’s first resin made batch. So the name “sneaky pete” meant nothing to 99% of the anglers in our state initially. Oh how this was all about to change. With the presence of social media platforms entering every household in the country. Along with the ability for any business to touch a unlimited amount of potential customers. Sneaky Pete’s success was about to change the game as it was known at that time.

I was introduced to sneaky pete in the summer of 2013. It came to me by way of one of my very best friends, professional bass fisherman, and Northern California fishing guide John Pearl. It was a instant success for stripers on the Sacramento River. Pearls first demonstration with sneaky, landed us a box full of keeper sized stripers. Pearl left that sneaky pete with me when he returned home to Lake County at the end of salmon season. The rest was history. When I fished that sneaky pete, I couldn’t take my eyes of it. I was addicted to its swimming motion. Like nothing I’d ever seen before. Watching stripers come out of no where and blast this glide bait was all I could think of. My previous experiences with the much, much larger Collins and Kincanon glides were a completely different experience. These baits were retrieved at a much slower rate, and attracted primarily large stripers. Not to mention the strange neck and shoulder pains that came with chucking a pound or more of glide bait repeatedly all day. Sneaky pete on the other hand was capable of catching the same large caliber stripers. As well as all sizes of striped bass ranging from 15 inches to 50+ pounds. Sneaky pete seemed to do everything. The ability to rapidly fish this smaller glide bait, allowed us to make many more casts, cover more water, and catch more stripers. More affordable and becoming readily available to anglers catching on to the hype. Sneaky started a buzz centered around the local fishing communities of the Sacramento River!

During 2014 Dixon worked tirelessly molding, weighting, sanding, painting, and swim testing the resin sneaky pete’s that had first hit the market. Putting a few in the hands of Sacramento River fishing guides like myself, and John Pearl. Selling baits by word of mouth, and social media posts. From those who posted pictures bragging of the baits success. At a certain point Dixon couldn’t produce the hand crafted baits fast and efficiently enough for the demands of anglers catching onto the hype. In 2015 Hank Debous steps into the picture with Dixon. Together they formed a partnership in the business they named GRatt Baits. Sneaky Pete’s design was changed from the resin made baits, to a hard plastic molded glide bait. Producing a surplus of sneaky pete glide baits for consumers. In a variety of new colors. Without sacrificing the irresistible cadence (action of the baits swim) it was known for. An aggressive social media campaign was also underway by the new partners. As well as the National introduction to the public via popular sports shows. Putting the name sneaky pete on the map (publicly speaking) for the first time on a National level.

There was no doubt in mind for those of us who had now been using sneaky pete for several years. That this glide baits magical swim, profile, and usability, was unrivaled. Now with the artificial baits public accessibility, and word of its success spreading like wildfire through North State fishing communities. Sneaky Pete was becoming a household name. Scores of social media post had folks running to retailers who carried the small profile glide bait. Online retailers packaged and shipped out orders that were now coming in daily. Sneaky Pete had become a “thing”! The general public in the early years were for the most part, unable to find and purchase a custom glide bait without personally knowing a bait maker. In the years of Sneaky’s inception other baits were hitting the market as well. However the cost of these baits was more then most anglers could swallow. Not to mention the learning curve when chucking these bank breaking baits, was frustrating at best. Without prior knowledge of the use with proper equipment when throwing glide baits. Accompanied with the fact that most other crafted baits had to be modified or fished differently, to account for the Sacramento River’s many different currents and turbid conditions. Kept many anglers on the bench after spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars on glide baits. Just to watch them sail across the river untethered after a backlash ensued. On stomach sickening occasions, a would be beginner of the sport would shake off the first “cast off” (when a bait was broke off the line by a backlash when casting). Only to tie on another glide bait costing a couple hundred dollars. Not realizing they must first find and free the knot in the reel causing the previous cast off. Then repeat the same mistake on the following cast. Now watching a couple more Franklins ($100 bills) take flight across the river. Sinking instantly out of site and gone forever. Causing most anglers to throw in the towel.

The Sacramento River trophy striped bass fishery gained immense popularity very quickly over the next few years. Following the partnership and expansion of the now, most popular glide bait on the market. The days of seeing zero anglers out targeting the hundred plus river miles of this fishery, were gone. The days of occasionally running into other anglers sharing interests in this fishery were also long gone. Eventually every boat launch throughout the river system during the winter months were being used by a handful of anglers attempting to find success in catching a monster striped bass of their own. The success of a great deal of these new anglers came at the hands of the GRatt Bait’s Sneaky Pete. The now affordable glide bait sensation. In conjunction with a glide bait any angler could tie on and used effectively. Without the worries of casting off. Sneaky was changing the game with the passing of every season. At first it was a matter of only dozens of dreams made true by anglers accomplishments with Sneaky. Gaining anglers their personal best (PB) striped bass. Now hundred of anglers have landed trophy class striped bass at the hands of this amazing glide bait. It’s usability is unmatched. Responsible for more trophy stripers caught then all other custom and commercial baits combined. Still holding its own and putting up PB’s to this day. Truly the most influential artificial striper bait in recent history.

Today the Sacramento River trophy striped bass fishery is buzzing with anglers searching for the giant stripers that live in these waters. The glide bait phenomenon still thrives a decade later. With many options in custom and handcrafted glide baits. Built by bait makers who have joined the big bait movement here in California. Social media has played a significant roll in the buying, selling, and trading of these expensive hand made baits. Also allowing bait makers of current times, the opportunity to reach consumers on a large scale. Advertising and putting up pictures and success stories of those who throw their custom made glide baits. A trend in this fishery that is likely to continue to grow for some time. Something I’m proud and feel blessed to have taken part in since the time of its inception here in Northern California.

Over the past decade I have had the opportunity to throw many different large profile custom and handmade glide baits. From a wide variety of bait makers. Not to mention as the only fishing guide operating in the Sacramento River targeting these giant stripers until the last two seasons when Robert Petty of NorthStateSalmon joined forces with me. I have had the opportunity to take many of the bait makers here in California out to chase these trophy stripers with their products. Trying out many different styles and sizes of home made glide baits. To which almost all have found success in this fishery. These large stripers aren’t real picky with their food. Any large profile bait that can maintain a upright swimming position In the Sacramento River’s currents. Stands a very good chance of getting chased down and eaten by a trophy class striper. The opportunity to take any angler or bait maker out on this fishery is a blessing to me. Teaching and educating all the folks that share the same passion of hunting these bruiser striped bass down. Providing the opportunity that likely would not exist without a professional fishing guides knowledge of how to safely navigate the rivers shallow and ever changing waters. Watching the excitement and satisfaction gained by any angler who tangles with their first trophy class striper. Is a constant reminder how grateful I am to have been a part of this big bait fishery since the time it started. It thrills me to watch others engage in their own experiences and expertise carried out on their own accord. This is truly what it’s all about for me now. My hopes are to watch this fishery continue to make dreams come true for all anglers willing to engage in it. I’m more then grateful to have met all the bait makers responsible for their part in making this fishery what it has become today. Thankful to those mentioned in this blog that played the rolls they did to get this fishery on the map, and making countless dreams come true. This is how it had all begun. Tight Lines Everyone!!!

Mike's Fishing Guide Service for Sacramento River fishing targeting King Salmon, Striped Bass, White Sturgeon, American Shad and Rainbow Trout. The Best Sacramento River Salmon Fishing Guide and Striped Bass Fishing Guide on the Sacramento River.