Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › So Cal Bass Fishing
SuicideNemesis.
Im moving to So Cal (San Diego Area) next spring and keep looking at all the lakes down there. It all looks promising, but whats the deal with the 35mph speed limit?!? Im at 45 in my PIV before I know it. Where would I be able to go and not have to worry about that, as well as what are some good clubs in the area? Any input would be awesome.Chaz- Chaz
The San Diego lakes are relatively small lakes, such as Lake Hodges. But, they have very big fish in them. They usually stay pretty crowded. So the limit is for Safety. Most of the Bass boats there had small motors on them from what we saw while we were there. And there were “A LOT” of rental boats on the water. Aluminum with tiller motors. You will like the fishing though. Have fun. Some of those lakes also have a very limited fishing season. Not open all the time.
Thanks Jim,I was looking forward to the big fish, but those restrictions are retarded. Looks like lots of trips to Havasu.- Chaz
The only lake you have to really worry about the speed limit is Diamond Valley, they will give you a ticket. While Lake Murray and Lake Miramar have a 5mph speed limit, El Cap, Otay, Sutherland, San V and Hodges are always wide open.
Really? I was looking at El Cap and Lower Otay and its posted online for the 35mph. I was hoping they were only referring to when towing a skier. As far as Hodges, I will definitely be there. Its not Dixon, but its close. Im going to be in Temecula so being right off the 15 will make it an easy trip. Thanks man, I was starting to think of my boat and wonder how mad she would get at me for not being able to open her up. The Bass Cat is built to get there fast and fish forever. Also, the surface areas on these lakes are crazy 1200 to 3300acres! Im used to Back Bay being a small body of water at 25,000acres!- Chaz
I fish El Capitan a lot very nice lake but get there early. It is open Tursday Friday and Saturday for the first 85 vessels then it closes until 4:00 pm then re-opens. Sunday is for pleasure boating and personal water craft only, no fishing. Monday is for fishing only, also there is an $8.00 fee per person and a $7.00 boat launch fee. When you get out here you will see why they have the 35mph speed limits. Not everyone follows them but on the open boating days you will find the water goes in every direction and it is impossible to read. There is always wind everywhere except early in the morning, caused by the lake being in the mountains and it just funnels it in. Lower Otay is the Olympic training center/site for the rowing teams. There you will find the lake is filled with rows of rowing lane bouys. Perris Lake will be just North of you and it is very busy on the week-ends. There and many other lakes you will get inspected for the various Quagga and Zebra muscles on everything. Make sure your boat and everything in it is bone dry before you go there or they will turn you away. Learn the regulations on the little crunchy critters and you will be fine. Also when you come out this way make sure the plug is out of the boat and it is dry. When you go through the various different Border Patrol check points they can and will check your boat to insure it is dry. Once you are out here and you understand this place is jammed with people and most every water holding puddle is part of the variuos water districts it all comes into place. Cali is definately not what you are used to in any way, but very rarely are you ever weathered in the house. For me summer is for fishing and racing, winter is for duneing and desert types of entertainment.BrianBrianHAWG Hunter2013 BassCat Eyra2013 Mercury 250 Pro XS Gen2 L/U
Thanks Pops. I appreciate the input. Im mostly just worried about getting going and forgetting about the limit and finding myself at 50 just cruising a long. I do know I wont be going through a whole lot of gas. Those Optis are awesome anyways. As far as SoCal goes, I was stationed there for about 8 years, but between constant deployments I didnt fish at all. 7 out and 5 back for 5 1/2 years didnt lend much time to allow for fishing. Just training and partying like a rock star until I had to go back to the Iraq or Afghanistan. Now Im married with 2 kids. A LOT different mind frame. You know of any good clubs in the area?- Chaz
Where were you stationed? I was at Miramar for six years, I retired out of the Marine Corps in 2006. San Diego Bassmasters is where I will probably gravitate to as I know a few of their members. I am just getting back into the swing of it as I have been away from fishing for over 20 years. Like you it is hard to dedicate the time and discipline to this sport needed for how I like to do it. When you are home for less than a year and that time is broken up with various training dets and then deployed for over a year blah blah blah it gets tough. I would do it again in a second though, no regrets what so ever. I love the Corps!!! BrianBrianHAWG Hunter2013 BassCat Eyra2013 Mercury 250 Pro XS Gen2 L/U
CHAZ, I THOUGHT YOU KNEW SOU CAL IS ON PROBATION FOR CHEATIN.IT PROBABLY EFFECTS EVERYTHINGIN CALIFORNIA…YA SEE WHAT IT DID TO SWARTSNAGER…
Hey Tideman, it was either that or Okinawa and there aint no bass in Okinawa! Just the main island in Japan. Brian,I feel ya, its a rough way to live but it dam sure is living. I went from 29 to Pendleton, to Virginia Beach, and now back to Pendleton. Been in for 9 years now. Wild ride, and its not even half over yet. Wouldnt change it for a thing though. Although I may think I would from time to time.Chaz- Chaz
© 2026 Bass Cat Boats
