There's nothing quite like the way the rod loads up when something decides to eat at Los Vaqueros Reservoir in California. One second it's steady and the next you're in a fight that could be a strong striper or a scrappy trout. Those surprise moments are what keep you coming back to the water.

The reservoir sits out in nice open country with hills all around, making for a relaxing backdrop while you work the baits. Spring conditions have the bite going strong with both species active. It turns into one of those days where the variety makes the time fly by.

Take Mike from Hayward and his crew of four. They racked up over thirty fish between them recently, blending stripers and trout nicely. Mike relied on Rapalas with nightcrawlers on death hooks to get the job done. Stuff like that reminds you why it's always exciting to get out on the water on weekends.