With Hot Shots, he prefers the little guys, like models 60, 70, or sometimes a model 35. The clearer the water, the smaller the plug.

"If there hasn't been a lot of rain, and the water is low, I'll go with a darker plug. When the river is roily, I want something in copper or orange."

Bank-Fishing
Every guide on the Trinity will tell you that drift-fishing is usually more effective than fishing from the bank. That's because a boat allows you to cover miles of water thoroughly, including a lot of places that are out of the reach of bank anglers.

However, if you don't happen to own a drift boat, you can do just fine if you keep a few things in mind. For one thing, you've got to be flexible. If you're in a good spot, but then the strikes dry up, move -- because that's what the fish have probably done. You have the option of other bank-fishing locations on the Trinity, thanks to dozens of access points along the river.

"For my money, the best reach for bank access is between Junction City and Del Loma," Huber says. "There's plenty of access the whole way, and to learn the spots, all you have to do is watch where the other anglers go.

"One thing a lot of guys are doing is what I call sight-fishing. They study the river from a vantage point until they spot some fish. Then they get set up and go after them. That tactic can be really effective." l

Find more about Californi fishing and hunting at CaliforniaGameandFish.com