Giant 51 Inch, 50 Pound, Striped Bass Caught On The Sacramento River

Lifting this giant striped bass out of the Beckman net was all Nate could do.

A cloudy, dreary, drizzly, March day turns out to be a fantastic day of striped bass fishing on the Sacramento River. Fishing guide Mike Rasmussen and his crew took to the Sacramento River in search of trophy striped bass. The recipe for a perfect day of striped bass fishing was in place. The trio of anglers set out on their fishing trip. Launching their boat at a popular launch in the northern region of the Sacramento River. It was an action-packed day for sure. Expectations were immediately met. When just like that, one of Rasmussen crew hit a hard hook set with his Phenix Rods Co, 9 foot M1 Inshore. Driving the tethered treble hooks inside the mouth of a giant striped bass. Which engulfed his 11” glide bait boat side. Right in front of the anglers eyes. The two minute battle was won quickly by angler (Nate), as he cinched the 30 pound drag down on his Concept Fishing 13 casting real, and went to work on the beast with the M1 Inshore ( view emended YouTube video below ) This enormous striped bass was possibly over the age of 40. Measured nearly 51 inches in overall length. Tipping the scales somewhere between 48 and 52 pounds. Unfortunately after she was revived and released by fellow angler Nate Barber. Disappearing back into the depths of the Sacramento River. She was located alive but upside down in the swirl of a back current. Just below where she was released. Some time later that morning. A private angler had come across her and quickly tied her up to his boat. Understandingly so! The old girl had expired. By choice angler, Pacific_Ghost made the decision out of respect for the fish, to have her mounted. To be displayed and for stories to be told. This being a harsh reminder of the consequences behind not immediately releasing the fish. A lesson learned.

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.

American Shad!! All You Want!!

If you enjoy fishing as a sport, past time, or as a escape from the daily grind, you share common ground with millions of fellow Americans. You are part of the most popular sport in this country. As anglers we target many different species of fish, and fish in various bodies of water. Fresh water, salt water, rivers, lakes, and streams. Success isn’t guaranteed and varies from trip to trip. The commonly used phase “it’s called fishing, not catching” is used throughout the fishing communities when success is non existent. “You should have been here yesterday”, also a popular phase used for a tough day spent on the water. Although unsuccessful fishing trips happen and are a reality of the sport we all enjoy, success in fishing is just as much a part of the sport. These are the days we choose to remember and the reason for returning to the water to fish again.

Dave Jacobs of www.sacramentofishing.com prepares to net a American Shad being fought by client Bruce, from Corning, Ca. June 20, 2019.

When it comes to just wanting to catch fish for the sake of getting a rod bent, to feel the head shake, to hear the drag pulling, and in today’s case for a photo that can be shared to social media platforms. The hard fighting and very plentiful American Shad are hard to beat. Migrating annually from the Pacific Ocean into the major tributaries of the Sacramento Valley like the Sacramento, American and Feather Rivers. This East Coast transplant called ( “bunker” ), can be found in very large numbers as they gather to spawn here in Northern California. Not to mention they are extremely fun to catch. Related to the herring family they are hard fighting, plentiful; these fish provide more than enough action to keep fishing enthusiast of all skill levels grinning from ear to ear. Fast and consistent action make targeting these fish great for children and new comers to the sport. Providing plenty of steady action, keeping anglers entertained and more than happy to return to the water for more action. American Shad aren’t known for their table fare and are considered more of a catch and release fish species on most accounts. As far as just catching fish while out fishing, the American Shad are hard to beat.

This hat trick of American Shad were caught on the Sacramento River near Red Bluff, Ca on June 20, 2019. Sacramento River fishing guide Dave Jacobs www.sacramentofishing.com holds up the net after a triple hookup.

Our daily fishing charters on the Sacramento River have been focused around Corning, Los Molinos, Red Bluff, Hamilton City, Chico, Ord Ferry and Butte City California areas. Our fishing guides working this stretch of the Sacramento River are fully equipped, with all light action rods/reels and terminal tackle provided for their clients. As well as extensive local knowledge of the Sacramento River waterways and run timing of these American Shad. Clients can expect a action packed, and extremely eventful day of fishing. Regardless of fishing experience or skill level. 40 to 50 of these hard fighting, scrappy fish can be expected to make it to the net during your trip. Great for family groups and young children, as well as fly fishermen and angling enthusiasts. This years run of American Shad is concidered to be reaching its peak, and will remain at its peak through the first week of July, 2019. Plenty of opportunities are still available for reservations to join one of the daily fishing charters. Contacting Dave Jacobs of www.salmonsacriver.com by visiting the website, or by calling 530-646-9110 will allow you to reserve a fishing charter for the day you choose.

Fishing Guide Mike Rasmussen takes a photo of himself and client Bruce. The duo are actively fighting a double hookup of American Shad they hooked while fishing on the Sacramento River near Bend, Ca. June 20, 2019

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