Best Wild Rainbow Trout Fishing in SoCal

Recently, a friend and I hiked into yet another hidden stream in Southern California. The hike was arduous but definitely worth it, as the multitude of colorful rainbow trout we caught evidenced. 

I hope you enjoy the photos and the video, filmed with SJ4000 Action Camera and a few shots with GoPro Hero.

Product Review: Midland XTC 450VP Action Camera

Midland offers a wide variety of action cameras, geared towards the outdoors aficionado. In the past, I have reviewed their excellent XTC 300 and am thrilled to try out their new XTC 450 Action Camera. 

Features

The Midland XTC 450 offers a considerable upgrade from the XTC 300, now offering 1080p recording at 16:9 aspect ratio with a rotatable, 7 element lenses. Sadly, the viewing angle is limited at 1080p (30fps) to 105 degrees. At 720p (60fps), it jumps up to 142 degrees. A 1700mAH battery, with life up to 4 hours (very reliable for me during testing) will keep users recording at length during trips. Focal length 5 inch to infinity and MP4 video at H.264 compression round out the specs on this action camera. Settings are adjustable via the back panel (video quality, WiFi, etc) or through the smartphone app, Action Connect.

(More after the jump)

Product Review: SJ4000 Action Camera Review WiFi Model

I love action cameras, especially affordable ones. While GoPro often comes to mind when action cameras are discussed, there is actually a huge number of options available for anglers on the market today. One of the most exciting and affordable action cameras today is the SJ4000. It has been extremely well-received online, with multiple reviewers praising it. So, it's only fitting I feature this intriguing GoPro-alternative in our continuing review series on affordable action cameras. 

(Read on after the jump!)

San Gabriel Canyon: Exploring and Fishing

Took a little hike to the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. Fortunately, the water was flowing well, despite the recent drought. Unfortunately, the trash and destruction wrought by weekend crowds and careless gold prospectors still peppered the shoreline. I also could not find any trout, no wonder given the poor state of the stream. Did manage to land a tiny (or large for his usual size?) Arroyo Chub while fishing for trout. He was safely released, as seen in the following video of the trip. Tight lines!

Product Review: Whistler Rush Action Camera Review

The Whistler Rush action camera is a intriguing addition to the action camera market. I was able to take it on several fishing trips and capture a variety of footage in challenging conditions. How did it perform? Read on for the full review of the Whistler Rush action camera. 

The Whistler Rush films at 1080p/30fps, 720p/60fps. The 170 degree viewing angle is cut down to a 127 with the 1080p video. Camera has 5.0 M CMOS sensor, f/2.8 6-layer glass lense, with H.264 compression. Photos are 8 MP. Dual Micro SD card slots are available (neat touch!), allowing for even more recording options, in addition to a built-in dash cam feature for on/off recording with ignition. There is also a white LED light on the front that can be used to better iluminate subjects, another unique touch on the Rush action camera. HDMI, Aduio video ouput, time lapse photography and a swell 1.5 inch color monitor round out this impressive array of features on the Rush. It's really shocking that GoPro still can't seem to include a view screen on all its models; I am very glad to see this feature on the Rush. It's easy to navigate the built in menu and adjust settings as needed on it as well. 

Videos and more after the jump (click below)

New Action Camera Review: Rush Action Camera (Coming Soon)

 

Ready for more affordable action cameras? Check out Whistler's Rush, a new compact action camera with a lot of intriguing features! Stay tuned for this upcoming action camera review while I put it to the test while fishing and hiking here in Southern California. While you are waiting, check out past reviews of some of my favorite action cameras on Hunting the River King: BlackVue Sport, Midland XTC, and the IronX.

Fly Fishing Santa Ana River: Urban Creekin'

The Santa Ana River is one of the few year-round flowing streams in Southern California. Sure, most of it is runoff from neighborhoods and water-treatment plants. However, there still exists a good number of warmwater fish living a midst the concrete spillways and overpass shadows. Here is a short video I created, filmed with the Midland XTC action camera, shot alongside the Santa Ana River.

Fall Catfish Surprise

Hit up my favorite bass lake for a little warmwater fishing this Fall in California. Couldn't find the largemouth, but I hooked into a rather big surprise on my plastic bass lure! Hello, Mr. Whiskers!

Video:

Summer Steelhead and Smallmouth Bass

Just returned from a fantastic trip to the Pacific Northwest. Managed to get in some excellent smallmouth bass fishing on the Columbia River in Washington State. To make things even better, I also caught a summer steelhead while fishing for the smallies! 

Check the video out below, filmed with the BlackVue Sport Action Camera. 

Also, check out these underwater photos I took of steelhead smolts as well!

Just another California Trout Fishing Trip

The water was running fast and cold, the trout were eager to bite, and I had the whole creek to myself. Perfect.

Salton Sea Fishing for Tilapia

Just returned from a fun-filled fishing trip to the Salton Sea. I hope you enjoy the video of the tilapia fishing!

Not much to report, aside from stained waters, plenty of small tilapia, and a long, long drive.

Lost Lake in Cajon Pass Fishing

Recently, I fished Lost Lake in the Cajon Pass, near Highway 215 in California. This little sag lake, in a fault line, is very, very deep. It is spring fed and has crystal clear water. 

 Video

The fish were very wary and shoreline access was limited. However, between my friend and I, we managed to land 3 largemouth and one bluegill. It's a very odd lake that feels out of place amidst the dry scrub brush and nettles.

Silverwood Striped Bass Fall Fishing

Catching stripers is always fun. Catching them on topwaters while they are actively feeding is the best! Check out my most recent video from Silverwood Reservoir in California for an evening of striper fishing!
(Also, my apologies-it's been a little while since I've posted!)

BlackVue Sport SC500 Review: New Action Camera on the Block!

The BlackVue Sport SC500 is a new action camera from developer Pittasoft. This powerful action cam takes aim at GoPro with an impressive set of specification, better price point, and excellent video quality.

Read on for the full review, photos, videos and more!