By Loren Brooks

Logandale resident Paul Bernardo shows off his impressive striper catch to close off the 2011 fishing year.

Paul Bernardo, of Logandale, Nevada, who has great enthusiasm for going after the fish in deep water, caught a nice striper while trolling in 120 feet of water.

Paul is well known on the waters of Lake Mead, and particularly recognized because of his beautiful dog that rides in the bow of his boat, while he is trolling for striper.

Friday, December 30, will be remembered by many comrades out on the lake catching striped bass. All of us are hoping for the opening of the Overton Beach boat ramp, in the next few days or weeks. Rumors are flying about the opening of the boat ramp, which is just 12 miles from Overton. Particularly with the water on the rise, to the point that it is 20 feet deep at the boat ramp. Maybe it will open in 2012.

In the meantime we are all launching at Echo Bay, and catching fish in all directions. Some fishermen are catching more than others but none of us have any complaints with all of this beautiful weather. The lake has been free of wind lately, making for glassy conditions, and warm temperatures as we close off the year of fishing at Lake Mead.

Neighbors and friends in Overton, Logandale, and Echo Bay, always like to know about the number of fish caught since my last report. Here are some numbers for the last week of December, which will cause most of us to keep our fishing license current. zero, zero, 2, 1, 38, 48, 21, 25, 7, 8, 12, 16 just to mention a few reports of what has been taking place on the lake.

Yes it happened, I got skunked twice this week, but friends in the boat covered for me.

As I said before, there is more to fishing then catching fish. Hang in there and keep your lures or bait in the water. You never know. You may come up with a big one in 2012. You may even break the State record.

Happy New Year!