Dave Gorden

   Dave is Originally from Minnesota. Now currently residing in northern California, his home water is Northern California Delta. Dave also likes to fish for Walleye, crappie, striped bass, sturgeon, northern pike and muskie. His specialties include: Expert on bass jigs and topwater, but he also has a well rounded knowledge of all types of lures and techniques.

   Dave is currently developing his own line of jigs, lures, and soft plastics. He is also currently fishing on 2 western regional circuits, and he is making his FLW debut in 2008, fishing the Stren Series western division. Dave also plans to fish the Bassmaster Central Opens.

   "I really enjoy helping people that want to get into bass tournament fishing. Anything from advice on gear and bass boat set up, to questions about what to expect, and how to find a tournament circuit that fits their needs. I have an article coming out in November's issue of the Bass Anglers Guide where I give advice on choosing an amateur, AAA, or semi-pro circuit." - Dave Gorden

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User's Questions

Question: Posted: 10/25/2007
Dave,

Hello. I don't know if you remember me or not but my name is Kevin and me and my buddy Rick were the guys in the BassCat that came up to you while you were fishing Camanche a couple weeks ago. First off, thanks for taking the time to talk to us even though you were fishing. I have two questions for you, hope you don't mind.

We went back out there this past week and tried the techniques that you showed us using the Helix worms you generously gave us. (Thank you again) We rigged and fished them exactly how you showed us but we only managed a couple bites and one dink in the boat. When we saw you out there you seemed to be catching them pretty steady. HOW DID YOU DO THAT?

I also went out and bought the Super Spook in the color you recommended and I tried that first thing in the morning without even a nibble. I was "walking the dog" just fine in some areas that seemed good plus we saw you hook a few on Spooks the morning we talked. Why didn't the fish give me the time of day? I'll admit I was in the same areas you were so I am stumped. Again thanks for taking the time to talk with us!

Sincerely,
Kevin

Dave's Answer:
Kevin,

It was my pleasure meeting and talking with you and Rick. OK here goes:

Your first question is a tough one because there are many variables that can contribute to a slow bite. But, I suspect you and Rick were working the areas too quickly. Those fish out there are becoming more and more lethargic and are not as quick to bite. That day, I worked those areas slowly, and I spent about twice as long in one spot before as I normally would before getting bit. So next time, work the bait and the areas slowly and focus on the off-shore structure in about 10-18' of water. Those colors I gave you always catch fish out there so it's just a matter of finding them. I don't believe that you are going to find any large schools of fish because I remember only catching 1 or 2 in any given spot then...nothing until I found another area with 1 or 2 fish, and so on.

Your second question is simple: The answer is FULL MOON!! With the bright, full moon and no cloud cover, those bass probably became active feeders the night before you got there. I don't know what time you started fishing but even at safe-light, they may have already quit feeding and were not interested in your Super Spook. Try that again after the moon disappears. Just log on to AnglersResource.org to check the current moon phases and weather conditions.

I wish you and Rick the best of luck!

Dave

Question: Posted: 10/6/2007
Dave,

Hello! I see that your home water is the delta. I know that there are lots and lots of big bass in there, and I was at a weigh in out there when you brought in a nice 10 pounder a few months ago. Nice fish! I'm headed out there very soon and I'd like to catch my first double digit fish. I plan on fishing deeper with crank baits and drop shot with green or brown colored worms and maybe some topwater in the morning. What would you suggest I do to convince one of those big hawgs to bite? Thanks Dave and good luck! Maybe I'll see you out there on the delta one day.

Sincerely,
Will McKenzie
Stockton, CA

Dave's Answer:

Will,

Thanks for your support. The delta bite is tough right now. The bass are in transition and with the cooler temps at night, they seem to be moving into their winter patterns a little early. You can't buy a topwater bite right now either....unless you're fishing for stripers, they're hammering the topwater right now. Anyway, crankbaits are a good choice during both high and low tides. Look for the bass to be in 15-20' of water near off-shore structure and the deeper points off of the tule islands. Crawdad or any shad color should produce some bites. As far as dropshot, look for deep bridge pilings 15 feet or deeper. Drop em right next to them as the bass typically will be held tight, right next to the structure. Texas rigging creatures like the Sweet Beaver in green pumpkin have produced for me as well. You may want to consider fishing swimbaits on the out going tide. As the water level drops, the baitfish will come out of hiding and reposition themselves. You can bet the bass will be right there too. Use 3-6" swimbaits in either baby bass, sunfish, or solid white. Work your baits right off the bottom. If you have trouble finding the fish, grab your flippin stick and start pitching up on the rock walls in about 10-14 feet. Keep your eye on your sonar and look for rock piles or other structure. Jig em up off the structures. Black or brown jigs work the best. Black/blue or brown/orange are great as well. Trail your jig with either the Zoom Super Chunk in sapphire blue or a 5" double tail grub in any blue or cinnamon color. The Yamamoto cinnamon/black/purple flake is another great choice. Just remember, the bite is slow so don't get discouraged and keep at it. Good luck!

Dave