Stands of flooded tules -- and there are plenty lining the shores of the park -- are a favorite hangout of Clear Lake's biggest largemouths.

You can't go wrong weaving spinnerbaits through sparse fronds or working poppers parallel to the edges. Try pitching bulky plastics to openings in thicker vegetation when the bite gets tough.

Four campgrounds offer 147 sites with tables, fire rings and food lockers. Running water is available in each campground, although only three have developed bathrooms with hot showers. Although there are no RV hookups, there is a dump station.

Boaters have the use of a multi-lane ramp, slips and battery-charging stations. For information, call the state park at (707) 279-4293. For reservations, dial 1-800-444-7275.

Once you've landed your share of bass, take the kids out on the water for some float-tubing fun. Rentals are available in Lakeport, only minutes from the park. For other ideas, call the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 1-800-525-3743.

EAST BAY PIERS
Along the East Bay side of Northern San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay and the Carquinez Straights, there are several piers open to public fishing. Piers at Berkeley Marina, Point Pinole and Martinez offer unique angling opportunities. You can fish without a license, have easy access to the water and get a good chance at catching saltwater fish without a boat.

The best part about pier-fishing, which is often good year 'round, is that you never know what you're going to hook. But you can increase your odds of catching particular bay species by going when they're biting. From June through November, one of the most popular targets is striped bass. Try using light tackle to soak live bullhead or pieces of anchovy.

In addition to providing spectacular views of the waters you'll be fishing, the campgrounds at Mount Diablo State Park offer a centralized starting point for day trips to East Bay piers. There are only 56 sites, however, so families wishing to stay here should make reservations early.

Although some sites accommodate RVs to 20 feet, trailers are not recommended. For information, call the park at (925) 837-2525. For reservations, dial 1-800-444-7275.

The San Francisco Bay area offers numerous away-from-the-water opportunities, but one of the most popular is catching an Oakland A's home game at McAfee Coliseum. For other ideas, call the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce at (925) 934-2007.

LAKE TULLOCH
Most anglers drive right past the turnoff for Tulloch on their way to New Melones, Don Pedro and other well-known Sierra fisheries. They obliviously don't realize that some of the best fishing in the foothills lies only minutes away. Tulloch offers rainbow trout, largemouths, smallmouth bass, and catfish. But during summer, it's the panfish that provide non-stop action.

Anglers catch bluegills from shore around the campground by soaking redworms below a bobber. The secret is keeping your bait just off the bottom.