Looking for a good fishin' spot? Try the local canals in Yuma

After reading the letter to the editor recently about a Yuma fisherman not being able to locate a decent place to fish, it really amazed me to know of someone, anyone, who might find themselves in that boat.

There are so many great places to fish in and around Yuma, most with an abundance of hungry fish just waiting for the right bait to entice a bite. I answered his letter with one of my own talking about canals and other Yuma-area waters that would be good for him to try and I hope he does. My bet is he won't be disappointed. I also suggested his getting together with our local fishing clubs and visiting Harold Wah's Sportsman's Hideaway bait shop. Hopefully he can get together with other anglers who would be willing to offer suggestions on where to fish and what baits to try.

This would go for any fisherman or woman having a hard time getting started because they can't find a good spot to find and catch fish, and enjoy true fishing fun. Most anglers are more than willing to share – things like that seem to be among the many things Yuma is noted for – true hospitality!

Once a person gets started having a bit of good luck with fishing pole in hand, tips always come in handy. With the weather getting congenial, the water warming up and fish really beginning to get hungry again after our bout of cold weather, it means now is the time to get to the water. You don't need a fancy rig and expensive lures – although that's always nice to have – you can fish simply with worms and a cane pole (I've even made them out of straight tulies and they can catch fish as well as store bought. The kids love ‘em). A crankbait works wonders for enticing hungry fish. Try using one with a big lip for diving in deep water near cover and reel it back at a steady pace (this can be done from shore as well as from a boat). A retrieve with several pauses brings good results this time of year.

To make a crankbait run at its designed maximum depth, use as light a line as is reasonable for the species you're fishing for and the amount of structure nearby. Be sure to check the line often for frayed spots, and cut and retie as needed to avoid losing any fish. As I've said before, and most anglers will agree, to make a crankbait run even deeper, hold your rod tip as close to the water as possible, or even retrieve with your rod thrust under the water. Many pro bass anglers kneel on the bow of their boat and fish in this manner to gain an extra three or four feet of depth from a crankbait. Or work crankbaits as close to structure as possible, especially along the bottom. If a lure's front lip isn't occasionally tickling weeds, rocks or stumps, you aren't getting your lure close enough to fish-holding cover.

Fishing clubs

• Yuma Pro Am Series: If you missed out on today's tournament, check for results in future columns or visit bob@yumaproam.com. The next competition will be the March 24 Mittry Lake Colorado River tournament with online sign-up beginning March 1 with the draw meeting March 23 at Baron Fuels. Membership is $15 with basic entry $25 plus available options.

• Desert Bass Anglers: March 2 Colorado River Tournament with sign-up and launch at Fisher's Landing. Call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 726-1984.

• Wednesday Jackpot Derby: Sign-up $5 each Wednesday at 8 a.m. at Fisher's Gas Dock with weigh-in 1 p.m. Winner takes the pot for one big fish, any species. Call Jimmy Phipps at 782-2207.

• Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club: Don't forget the March 2 Alamo Lake Cleanup with free camping that weekend at the group use area Cholla Campgrounds and boat launch for all who sign up to assist in the cleanup. Bring your own fishing and camping gear, and food, as well as work gloves. Contact Stewart Kohnke, wildlife manager, at 856-0706.

• American Bass: I'll report results of this weekend's Yuma Series Tournament next week or call Jeff Woods at 1-951-201-9461.

Hunt happenings

• Hunt recommendations public meeting Thursday: Make plans to attend the public forum being held 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge office, 9300 E. 28th St., to discuss developing the 2013 fall hunt recommendations for deer, bighorn sheep, turkey, javelina, buffalo, bear, mountain lion and small game animals. It's a great way for people to stay informed and provide input into development of the recommendations. Visit www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

Contact Jean Wilson at jeanrenegade@gmail.com or call 247-4450.