G'day folks,
I'm an Aussie (Hobart, Tasmania) visiting Northern California (San Francisco) and Reno in mid-May for a conference, and as it's hard to get rod building stuff here I was wondering if anyone knew of any good stores in the area around Northern Cal / West Nevada. Also; I'd love to do some Bass fishing whilst I'm there - can anyone suggest any destinations? Thanks again for your replies,
Jon

Jon
I just moved from the Sacramento Valley in Northern California to Kentucky about nine mouths ago. I got a lot of my rod building product from Fisherman’s Warehouse in Sacramento California which is between San Francisco and Reno.

The manager of Fisherman’s Warehouse is Alan Fong a good friend of mine he also guides, when he has time on the San Joaquin Delta for Bass or what ever is biting. If you’re interested in more information please let me know and I will be glad to send more information.

Lynn Williams

Hi Jon,
Hi's Tackle in San Francisco is a good place to check out.
Lake Berryessa is between the Bay area and Sacramento. Clear Lake about 2 1/2 hrs
north of Sacramento is well known for some great bass fishing. Folsom Lake is also
worth looking into.


Allan Fong is also doing a local fishing show called "Fun Fishing"! A new Fishermans Warehouse
store has opened in Rocklin just north of Sacramento and most of the rod building section was
moved to that location.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Can't tell you about any stores to get your rod building needs but definitely go to Clear Lake. Great bass fishing in May. The bass can get huge and you should be able to get a good reaction bite for the smaller guys(crankbaits, spinnerbaits, rip baits...) around that time. Try and find a guide to book. A lot of guys get lost on Clear Lake bcz it can be frustrating to figure out. But get a guide and there is an awesome chance of you having a great day. look some guides up. But Berryessa is awesome tooo.

Check out The Rod Rack in Hayward 510-881-1775 lots of Rainshadow/Forecast products many other brands too.

Lynn How was your move? Drop me a line when you get a chance I have been wondering how things are going for you.

Hey folks,
thanks heaps for the replies - most appreciated!! It's actually quite hard to get rod-building stuff here - almost everything is done by mail order and I usually end up getting everything from the states anyway, so to be able to actually go and have a play with blanks, etc, and actually feel what I'm looking at instead of just trying to work out what I want by "hit and miss" will be excellent!!! Anyway, at least I figured if I'm going to head over for a conference I can save myself some postage costs bringing stuff back...(credit card look out!).... In regards to the fishing, Clear Lake sounds great. I figure at this stage I'll fly in to SF, then drive up to Sacramento, look around for the day while I get over my jet lag, then head out fishing the next day. If anyone knows any good guides, or has any other suggestions I'd love to hear them.

cheers,
Jon

Hi Jon,

Check out Rocklin's Fisherman'sWarehouse sine you'll be driving right past it on your way to Reno. Its right off Interstate 80 which is what you will take to get to Reno. Rocklin is about 15-20 miles north of sacramento. They do not have a lot of rod building stuff, at least not the last time I was there, but its still worth stopping to check. Its a truely a fisherman's toy store. If you think you'll be fishing the greater Sacramento area please fill free to contact me. I've lived here my whole life and would be happy to assist you if I can.

Rich Matranga
Folsom, California

Hi Lynn,

could you please email me Alan Fong's info? I'll be in Reno for a conference, but intend on doing a bit of fishing in the northern california area afterwards, so any help either you or Alan could give regarding locations and tackle would be great.

thanks again,

Jon