Take a pro-guided fishing trip - 2008
Local fishing pro Dave Willhide is an active member in the two major bass fishing clubs in Yuma, Yuma Bassmasters and the Desert Bass Anglers, and has been offering guided fishing trips for novice to advanced fishermen for the past five years as a sponsored professional.
He competes in 35-40 bass tournaments a year and helped organize the Yuma Bassmasters' open tournament and charity dinner scheduled for this weekend at Martinez Lake.
Over that time, Willhide has become familiar with the countless hot spots on the river and its many secluded adjoining lakes that often resemble paradise. Largemouth bass in these warm, shallow waters can grow to as heavy as 14 pounds, and he has mastered the many methods for hooking them.
"It’s a pretty unique fishery and it’s pretty good on most days," Willhide said. "There’s a lot of little pothole lakes off the river that you can only get into with a little aluminum boat. And there’s a lot of places on the river where the only way you can get into them is to park your boat and hike in. But most of the major lakes I’ve fished, almost all the way up to Blythe."
The inspiring desert scenery and wildlife on this all-day or half-day boating trip are worth it alone, but the opportunity to learn the best tricks for landing that monstrous bass put Willhide’s guide service over the top. Check it out.
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IF YOU GO...
Goin’ Fishin’ Productions Guide Service
What: Guided bass fishing trip on the lakes of the Colorado River north of Yuma. Includes all gear, tips and tactics for hooking the big one.
Cost: Half day — $100 for one person, $150 for two. Full day — $150 for one person, $225 for two.
Contact: Bass pro Dave Willhide at 782-2621 for more information or to set up a reservation.
