Yuma full of good places to fish

When I read the letter from Joe Hoffstadt recently where he couldn’t find a decent place to fish, I really felt sorry for him. Of course, this time of year vegetation in the water does do a good job of growing and clutters our water ways at times but even that at times can help in catching fish, with a good share of fish underneath to try for. I wonder if Joe has thought about canal fishing? There are plenty of fish in our canals without problems from vegetation getting in the way. I’d suggest the canal at Avenue 12E from Highway 95 by the 12E bridge, for starters. Another canal right here in town is just east of Yuma West Wetlands going under the bridge on 1st Street – it’s a decent fish producer.

A question for Joe: When you tried fishing at Martinez Lake, did you try the dock area by the Colorado River just outside of Fisher’s Landing? There are some huge fish right there near the dock that are there because people toss their left-over live bait into the water - a good place to toss in a line. Try Mittry Lake during the week. I know for a fact there are fish off the Handicap Jetty – try that, you might like it! Fortuna Pond, during the week, is also fairly free of other fishermen

If you have a boat, I’d suggest calling Mac or Bobbi McDermott of Desert Bass Anglers – they know where the fish are – give them a call at 726-1984. Bob La Londe takes care of Yuma Pro Am Series for both the pros and amateurs and great for beginning fishermen without a boat. Bob can be reached on the internet at bob@yumaproam.com. Also, it might be a good idea to run over to Harold Wah’s Sportsmen’s Hideaway behind Barons Fuels on East 16th Street.

Harold works with fishermen at all levels and might be able to hook you up with other fishermen who’d like a fishing buddy or just offer advice on good places to fish and bait to use. You’ll enjoy seeing what Harold has on hand just in case you might need a worm or some other fish-catcher.

If you are military, active or retired, get out to the MCAS Recreation Area at Martinez Lake (you can ask directions at Fisher’s) and talk to Mike Castello or call Mike at 783-3422. He can steer you to where the fish are. Might help to check the weekly Outdoor Column in the paper - I try to keep all the latest fishing information updated so we can all have fun on the water.
Hope this helps catch a fish or two.

Jean Wilson
Yuma