Sedona AZ

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chad Simon on January 26, 2010 at 6:25am

If your driving, I would swing by Clear Lake in California. You might have to do a little convincing that it's actually on the way, but it would be worth it. Throwing away all maps and GPS devices from your vehicle wouldn't be a bad idea either, and perhaps make convincing her a little easier!

Permalink Reply by Kevin Higgins on January 26, 2010 at 8:27am

Yeah, check out "Upper Lake" off of Lake Mary rd. just north of Sedona. There are some nice Largemouth in there throw perch patterns (they are thick in there). It's a good lake to fish from shore as its shape is more like a river so you get a lot of shoreline. Also when your down there start asking locals where to go. You might get some info on some local ponds. Bring lots of water its easy to get dehydrated in AZ when your fishing cause you loose track of time. I hope this helps.

Permalink Reply by Randall J DeFreese on January 26, 2010 at 9:46am

Try this Mike,
Put an add on Craig's list that you are looking for a trip in the area and are willing to share or pay all the expense. I did this recently when my wife and I headed to Florida for a cruise. I was suprised how many locals responded. As a result of that listing I was able to fish the everglades with a local bass fisherman. Great time was had by all and my cost was less than if I had hired a guide. It's something I will do again if I'm traveling to an area I want to fish in. I put the listing in the Boats section because you know all of us anglers check that section out alot. Give it a try-Good Luck!

Permalink Reply by Mike Guenther on January 27, 2010 at 5:11am

Thanks for the info on Upper Lake. We are only in Sedona for a few days and this looks close enough that I might be able to get in a couple hours from the shore. I'll let you know how I do...

Kevin Higgins said:

Yeah, check out "Upper Lake" off of Lake Mary rd. just north of Sedona. There are some nice Largemouth in there throw perch patterns (they are thick in there). It's a good lake to fish from shore as its shape is more like a river so you get a lot of shoreline. Also when your down there start asking locals where to go. You might get some info on some local ponds. Bring lots of water its easy to get dehydrated in AZ when your fishing cause you loose track of time. I hope this helps.

Permalink Reply by Steve Hastings on January 27, 2010 at 9:17am

Mike,
One other thing to consider is the gear you'll use. If you're flying, these days you get charged extra for those extra bags, and the TSA will confiscate anything that is sharp, so getting rods and tackle in your trip can be tricky, so here are some suggestions from my experience.
1. I really like Randalls idea even though I haven't done it yet, I will certainly try it. There is also, a fish swaps section on bassboatcentral.com for swapping trips with folks from another area. This requires commitment on your end too though but can be a way to make new friends in areas that you travel to regularly.
2. Depending on the airline, Jetblue and SW give the first checked bag for free, Alaska which I like to fly charges 15.00 for the first and 25.00 for the second.
3. So if you are going to be fishing alot ( doesn't sound like you're situation but written for others too.) pack flat tackle boxes in your checked bag.
4. If you want to have a tackle box, use a soft side one as your carry on. Make sure that your flat boxes fit into it. , You can fill it with clothes, no hooks of any kind or other sharp object in this bag. Put your expensive reels, camera gear, etc in this bag also. Just nothing sharp, TSA will take it.
5. Along with your carry on they will let you have a personal item..... fishing rod. A two piece is easier to carry and pack but most of use buy 1 piece rods in the 7 foot range and it is possible on the 737's as there is a slot for long items to fit through in the overhead compartments, but it would be very tricky if you get on late as the slot is in the back of the compartment. I'd recommend 2 piece rods you could definitely take a couple with no issue. They will also store them in the front cabinets for you that the Flight attendants use.
6. So 1 personal item and one carry on, and one checked bag will cost you 15.00 on an Alaska flight, and nothing extra on Jet blue or SW.
7. I personally like the tv screens on the Jet blue planes, but prefer Alaska for the online booking system as Jet Blue blocks out a large number of seats as Preferred seats and charges $25.00 extra for those seats. I like the Isle and getting an Isle is nearly impossible on a Jet Blue flight without paying extra. Alaska doesn't charge extra for the preferred seats, and I just don't like the cattle call that is SW. I want to know which seat before I get there and don't want to play the SW game.
8. Finally if you are going for a longer trip and need to take a rod case with multiple rods, you're going to have to check that second bag. Make sure its a hard rod case that TSA can get into, It's can't be locked or you will be getting off the flight, and insure that case, if its 6 rods you could be looking at insuring it for a couple grand. the airlines will insure them up to a certain price which varies. Know that number don't assume.

Enjoy your trip!
Steve

Permalink Reply by Mike Guenther on January 27, 2010 at 4:43pm

Hey Steve,
Thanks for all of the flight info. I went to southern CA last spring flying Alaska and didn't have any issues with hooks or being able to fit my rod case in the overhead but I'll be sure to check with the airline before I go. Thanks again...

Steve Hastings said:

Mike,
One other thing to consider is the gear you'll use. If you're flying, these days you get charged extra for those extra bags, and the TSA will confiscate anything that is sharp, so getting rods and tackle in your trip can be tricky, so here are some suggestions from my experience.
1. I really like Randalls idea even though I haven't done it yet, I will certainly try it. There is also, a fish swaps section on bassboatcentral.com for swapping trips with folks from another area. This requires commitment on your end too though but can be a way to make new friends in areas that you travel to regularly.
2. Depending on the airline, Jetblue and SW give the first checked bag for free, Alaska which I like to fly charges 15.00 for the first and 25.00 for the second.
3. So if you are going to be fishing alot ( doesn't sound like you're situation but written for others too.) pack flat tackle boxes in your checked bag.
4. If you want to have a tackle box, use a soft side one as your carry on. Make sure that your flat boxes fit into it. , You can fill it with clothes, no hooks of any kind or other sharp object in this bag. Put your expensive reels, camera gear, etc in this bag also. Just nothing sharp, TSA will take it.
5. Along with your carry on they will let you have a personal item..... fishing rod. A two piece is easier to carry and pack but most of use buy 1 piece rods in the 7 foot range and it is possible on the 737's as there is a slot for long items to fit through in the overhead compartments, but it would be very tricky if you get on late as the slot is in the back of the compartment. I'd recommend 2 piece rods you could definitely take a couple with no issue. They will also store them in the front cabinets for you that the Flight attendants use.
6. So 1 personal item and one carry on, and one checked bag will cost you 15.00 on an Alaska flight, and nothing extra on Jet blue or SW.
7. I personally like the tv screens on the Jet blue planes, but prefer Alaska for the online booking system as Jet Blue blocks out a large number of seats as Preferred seats and charges $25.00 extra for those seats. I like the Isle and getting an Isle is nearly impossible on a Jet Blue flight without paying extra. Alaska doesn't charge extra for the preferred seats, and I just don't like the cattle call that is SW. I want to know which seat before I get there and don't want to play the SW game.
8. Finally if you are going for a longer trip and need to take a rod case with multiple rods, you're going to have to check that second bag. Make sure its a hard rod case that TSA can get into, It's can't be locked or you will be getting off the flight, and insure that case, if its 6 rods you could be looking at insuring it for a couple grand. the airlines will insure them up to a certain price which varies. Know that number don't assume.

Enjoy your trip!
Steve

Permalink Reply by Kevin Jones on January 27, 2010 at 8:34pm

Try contacting the hook up outfitters at Lake Pleasant, AZ. www.thehookupoutfitterrs.com Tell them I sent you and you might receive a discount off their normal rate.

Permalink Reply by Spencer Durand on January 29, 2010 at 4:54pm

There are some good lakes in Payson. Some hold smallies. Also there are some in wet beaver creek. Its just an hour drive out of pheonix. Or pleasant can be good.