Name: Backpacking With Rod at Henry Coe State Park @outsidewithmike
Uploaded: 2026-09-23T08:17:00-05:00
Duration: 8 min 17 s
Description: Backpacking With Rod at Henry Coe State Park

Backpacking With Rod at Henry Coe State Park

Outside With Mike 2026-09-23 | Backpacking With Rod at Henry Coe State Park

Bird Steals Fish After Its Released

Outside With Mike 2023-09-15 | Me and my friend Keith had a fishing competition one day and I guess this smart bird was just waiting for its opportunity!

This was perhaps the most fun I've ever had fishing. Was a great day. Keith won, 13 - 12.

Idiot Vandalizes Mission Peak Pole

Outside With Mike 2023-09-08 | This is an iconic pole on top of Mission Peak in Fremont. The little tubes point to different mountain peaks throughout the Bay Area and you can look through them and see each point of interest.

There is also a time capsule buried beneath it that the Boy Scouts made and is to be opened in 2090, 100 years after its creation.

I hope whoever did this is caught. It takes a special kind of dickhead to climb up here and do this just because he's angry about people parking in front of his house, or similar reasons. It is my strong belief that this is the reason for the vandalism. By the way, the trail has been here a lot longer than any of these people.

If you live in the area please attend the city council meeting and support the repair of the pole. I do not have a date for the meeting but I was told it is in less than 2 weeks from the date of this video being published (video posted Sept 8, 2023).

More info on the pole and efforts to repair it:
https://norick.vn/mission-peak-pole-vandalism-fremont/

From a news source:
------------------------
The attraction of the sculpture has frustrated some neighbors who say the overwhelming number of cars in the area creates a safety hazard.

"On the weekends, it is completely swarming with people," said Lee. "It can be a dangerous situation."

[Bullshit!]

"There’s a lot of animosity in this neighborhood toward park visitors," said William Yragui with the Mission Peak Conservancy. "They consistently vote to restrict access to this park at this entrance."
------------------------

There is no danger here, get over yourselves. There are correct and legal ways to approach any problem, and I want to stress that it is probably only one person who took the law into their own hands and cut the pole. Even many residents in the neighborhood are upset about it.

The trail has been here longer than these residents so if you don't like it go live somewhere else. The pole itself has been there for over 30 years, the trails are much older.

Emigrant Wilderness Solo Backpacking - My First Sierra Nevada Trip

Outside With Mike 2023-09-07 | This is the most beautiful place I have hiked or backpacked so far! I hope you enjoy what I was able to capture in this video. I ran into a few problems and learned a lot from them. It was a great trip!

I should have brought my "Tenacious Tape" with me. You'll know what I mean when you see the video. Lesson learned the hard way.

My 35 pound pack was pretty heavy for me. I either need to get stronger or lighten the load! Or both!

Mount Whitney is coming up in less than 4 weeks and I'm still training and gearing up for it!

Lakes visited: Camp Lake, Lilly Lake, Bear Lake.

#backpacking #hiking #camping

Mission Peak Pole Vandalized - Dont Let This Idiot Win!

Outside With Mike 2023-09-05 | Some dickhead cut the iconic pole on top of Mission Peak that has been there for over 30 years. It was in the local news. I think it's probably someone who lives near the trail head at the Stanford Avenue entrance and doesn't like hikers parking near or walking by his house. Can't say for sure but that's my guess. Take my advice in this video and teach him a lesson.

#vandalism #hiking #bayarea

Jackrabbit + Weird Trail Crossing

Outside With Mike 2023-08-27 | First time I've seen a fence crossing like this. I think the jackrabbit must have been young, it wasn't afraid of me enough. They are incredibly fast but this guy was pretty chill!

Going on a 3 day backpacking trip in a few days!

#hiking #backpacking #wildlife

Repeating A Difficult Hike At Mission Peak

Outside With Mike 2023-08-23 | This hike kicked my butt in the previous video so I went back to try it again. There are some very steep sections here. I made this video pretty short.

This is at Mission Peak and it has about 2,100 feet of elevation gain. I didn't show the descent but it bothered my knees a lot, I can still feel it :(

I will be fishing...yes I said FISHING next week in the Sierra mountains, so stay tuned for that video. I will be spending 3 days in the wilderness. I have not fished in quite awhile. Got my license today!

Mt Whitney is coming up Sept 30! Still training!

#mtwhitney #backpacking #hiking

Very Tough Hot Day On The Trail - Mt Whitney Training

Outside With Mike 2023-08-15 | More Mount Whitney training!

This hike really tested my will. I think it was a combination of too much sun and not enough food before I started. I say that because this hike shouldn't have kicked my butt like it did.

I wanted to summit Mission Peak twice today but I couldn't wake up at 5:00 am to beat the heat. So I started in the afternoon instead and took a very steep route up. Bad idea. The plan was to summit just once.

I think for my next hike I will start very early, go up this steep route first, then go down and summit a second time from a different direction. I need to prove to myself that it was the heat and not my conditioning.

Note:
Listen to your body when it's hot out. Take breaks and take it easy. I brought over a gallon of water and had plenty left over. I needed the extra weight anyways. Even if it isn't scorching hot the sun can still have a real negative effect. Recognize the warning signs and don't be afraid to turn around. Be safe!

#mtwhitney #backpacking #training

Im Climbing Mount Whitney!

Outside With Mike 2023-08-07 | A brief intro on my preparation to climb Mount Whitney Sept 30th, 2023. I'm working so hard to get ready but I still have work to do.

--------------------------

Mt Whitney photo credit:
"Geographer"
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Geographer
License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/1.0/deed.en

#mtwhitney #exercise #shorts

Why You Should Hike

Outside With Mike 2023-08-04 | Some reasons why you should be hiking. Yes, YOU! Thought I'd try making my first "Short" video.

#hiking #exercise

Mount Whitney Training - 3,670 Feet at Mission Peak

Outside With Mike 2023-07-31 | My hikes are getting increasingly difficult as I prepare for Mount Whitney on September 30th! This is my highest, longest and definitely most difficult hike to date.

My goal was to hike at least 3,500 feet and I had to hit two peaks in order to achieve that on local trails. My plan was to hike 2,000 feet up Mission Peak, then back down the other side 2,000 feet, then up a different trail for another 1,600 feet.

I only have two more months to train for Whitney and I am working hard in the gym and on the trail!

Our Mt Whitney hike will be about 6,200 feet of elevation gain, 21 miles in length, and we are doing it in one day. I have never worked so hard for anything in my life and I still have along ways to go to be ready for it. This is the most challenging thing I have ever attempted, by far.

#hiking #backpacking #mtwhitney

Mount Whitney Training - 2,500 Feet My Highest Hike Yet

Outside With Mike 2023-07-19 | Hiking up Black Mountain today, training for the big Mount Whitney Hike on September 30th! Today I'm going 10 miles out and back and 2,500 feet. It's pretty steep at the start and near the top.

The fog was awesome! The entire South Bay was covered in a white blanket. I had some really nice views up there.

I'm looking for higher hikes to train with around here. I'm thinking Mission Peak would be good. One route is 3,600 feet elevation gain, it goes to the peak, then down, then up another nearby hill and back down. Just not sure about the heat though, I'm watching the forecast.

I met some cool people this day and hiked with them for awhile. There was a heat warning for the entire Bay Area today so it got warm very early. I don't like heat! I woke up at an unheard of 5:30 am and I still couldn't beat the sun!

#backpacking #hiking #mtwhitney

10 Mile Hike In Santa Cruz - Wilder Ranch

Outside With Mike 2023-07-12 | Hike with me in this beautiful area of Santa Cruz, CA. What a perfect day for a hike! I start at Wilder Ranch about 1/4 mile from the ocean and head up until the hills.

In this video I mention a "Big Hike" I've been training for. I'm spending time in the gym, I'm on the trails, I've changed my diet, I'm doing everything I possibly can to get in shape for it! It is going to be extremely difficult and I have 2.5 months left to prepare. I still have a long way to go!

I have a difficult practice hike coming up and I will talk all about this "Big Hike" in my next video.

Video notes:
This video was shot with a GoPro 7 and a Panasonic Lumix FZ80. I edited it with Adobe Premiere Pro.

I always shoot with a flat color setting with the GoPro which requires color correction in post.

I strive for a realistic look. I hate videos and photos that are over-saturated with color which is why I shoot with a "flat color" setting rather than using "GoPro color" which is very unrealistic.

#hiking #backpacking #santacruz

Solo Backpacking at Henry Coe State Park

Outside With Mike 2023-06-07 | I was finally able to do my first backpacking trip of the year! This was a great way to test my gear and myself. It was also a good chance to work on upgrading the quality of my videos.

I'm thinking about going to Big Sur next for 2-3 nights. That will be a much more difficult hike and should provide some beautiful scenery for the video as well.

Let me know what you think of this video in the comments!

Music credit:
Me

#backpacking #hiking #camping

Testing Out My Knee Before Backpacking Trip

Outside With Mike 2023-05-25 | My knee has been a problem for months and I've been working on fixing that. Today I gave my knee a good test up some steeper climbs. Nothing too big but I needed to see what would happen.

I'm making sure I'm ready for some overnight trips. I'm hoping to go on my first trip next week.

I added a map animation of the route I took and I will start using this in other videos as well. I will make it higher resolution in the future. I think it's very cool!

I sold my fishing kayak, the Old Town Sportsman PDL 106. I barely used it, I have no interest in using it anymore really so I sold it. I'm not really into bass fishing anymore either, though I may do a little of that when I backpack. I'd rather fish for trout up in the mountains.

#backpacking #hiking #outdoors

Spectacular! New Almaden Trail In Spring

Outside With Mike 2023-05-15 | I think this is one of the best looking videos I've done so far because I did not use a GoPro for this hike. This video mostly consists of a detailed look at a section of New Almaden Trail in San Jose, CA during Spring 2023.

Backpacking videos are coming soon!

You may recognize a little bit of this trail from my previous video. This is one of my favorite trails in the area. It's nice and narrow and winds through some gorgeous scenery.

There is very little talking from me in this one, just a kind of virtual hike through the lush landscape. San Jose has never looked better!

I had to hike this 5 mile route 3 times in 4 days before finally getting good footage - human error! All footage is from day 3 (April 12, 2023).

I will be hitting Henry Coe for my first overnight backpacking trip of the year in a week or so.

#hiking #sanjose #backpacking

Hiking A Beautiful Spring Day

Outside With Mike 2023-04-24 | I don't know that I've ever seen San Jose so green and beautiful. There isn't much talking from me in this video, just sit back and enjoy the awesome colors and this great trail!

Going to do my first overnight trip very VERY soon! My knee has been giving me issues, but it isn't really my knee, that's just where I feel it. Strengthening my legs and all the surrounding muscles is helping. Once I'm confident with my strength I will go!

I've lost some weight since this video too. I'm getting stronger!

#hiking #quicksilver #naturehike

Hiking Mount Umunhum To Old Radar Tower

Outside With Mike 2023-04-01 | When I was a kid we used to look up at this mysterious building and imagine it was a secret lab or something. Today I will hike up there and see for myself!

This hike is about 8 miles and 1,150 feet elevation change. It is not steep but it is long if you aren't used to hiking. My legs and feet were glad when I made it back to the van!

NOTE: The video is a little lower quality than usual. I accidentally recorded this at 240 frames per second rather than 60. I had to stabilize the footage in post and convert the FPS. Stabilizing doesn't come out as good as the camera can do in realtime. The bit rate is kind of low too because of it. Editing this video was A PAIN!

The weather has been phenomenal lately and there was no way I was gonna stay indoors today.

Quicksilver Guadalupe Hike - Early Fall, Deer, Rabbits

Outside With Mike 2023-03-21 | More killer trees today! It's no joke, a few hikers were killed a few days after this in So Cal by a falling tree. This day was beautiful. If you wanna check out this area now is the time!

I thought I would post some local hikes to maybe get people interested in getting outside themselves. I have bigger trips coming up soon!

Hiking is good for the body and the mind! I absolutely love it!

Hike At Quicksilver Park - Rain, Wind, Killer Trees!

Outside With Mike 2023-03-17 | The trees were trying to kill me today! If you are hiking in high winds watch out above you! The south bay looks gorgeous thanks to all the rain we've had! As a bonus, a big full rainbow was visible almost the entire hike.

The video quality isn't the best in some spots, I had to use my phone because, once again, the GoPros were being fussy. I will never buy another GoPro.

I hiked two days in a row at different places and saw huge limbs and even entire trees that had fallen on the trails. It was very windy a few days ago. Be careful!

This was a quick hike. Some good backpacking trips are coming up soon, in the meantime I'm getting in shape.

Quick Hike - Cooking Lunch and Dessert

Outside With Mike 2023-03-02 | Why eat at home when you can do this? Today was a quick afternoon hike. I just wanted a nice mellow place to cook a simple meal and eat, and I wanted to put in a few miles too.

Doing a few hikes a week preparing for the "season". I am planning some nice trips, including some that include fishing, probably for trout.

Virtual Hike Experiment - 3 Miles.

Outside With Mike 2023-02-28 | Hello again! I'm pretty sure this video won't be for everyone. It is an experiment so if you're not into it that's cool. I did a 3 mile hike without me being in it, no talking, just the trail and the sights I saw, POV style.

To clarify: the entire hike is on video, almost every step. It's just something I wanted to try. Perhaps people who cannot hike would be interested in seeing something like this.

This was at Calero County Park in late February 2023. It is a 3 mile hike that goes up maybe 400 feet, over grassy hills and through shady wooded areas.

It's my first try at this type of video and could be a lot better (see notes below).

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of the video and/or the idea in general.

Video Notes:

The footage is pretty smooth but I didn't want ultra-smooth drone type footage. I wanted it to look like someone walking, be at ground level, and have all the sounds that accompany a hike, including footsteps.

I want people to see and hear it the same way they would if they were walking on the trail themselves. I don't want you to be forced to listen to my choice of music for 50 minutes, or try to impress you with my camera angles. I want it to look like you are hiking.

You can hear me breathing sometimes, especially the uphills at the beginning. I don't think it's too distracting but others may. LET ME KNOW!!! I don't want music in these videos but you can mute the sound and turn on some music if you'd like. I wanted the natural sounds of the environment. I will try to place the microphone in a different spot next time and see if that helps.

I spent a lot of time editing this footage. Camera shakes, noises I made, correcting the contrast and color. I used mostly GoPros so it needed a lot of work.

The trail gets nicer looking about one third into the video. A lot of trail maintenance has been done since the heavy rains we had so it's a little ugly at first.

There is no talking and I am not featured in it at all. Just the trail and the sights and sounds along the way.

The parts where I used my head-mounted cam are smoother than where I used the chest-mount. I can tell the difference.

I did this hike three days in a row before I got a video that looked and sounded okay. The first two days were just problems with no usable footage. I'm still not all that happy with it but it's a first try.

I cut out areas here and there for technical reasons, like where footage was very shaky. Other than that this video shows almost every step of the hike.

I learned a lot from this and I will make the next video a lot nicer, and find a more interesting place to hike as well. It took a lot of planning and trial and error.

An Evening At Turtle Pond

Outside With Mike 2023-02-05 | This is one of my best looking videos to date and I'm happy to be able to finally share it. If you love turtles then this video is for you! These turtles live very close to my house and I only recently discovered them.

The sun was perfect on this day and the turtles were all on display soaking it in. It was spectacular and I felt lucky to see this.

These turtles are called Red-Eared Sliders. I had no idea they were so colorful until I saw them through the zoom lens! They can live over 45 years. There is a natural spring here that keeps the pond full.

There's just something cool about turtles!

I hope you find these turtles as beautiful as I do. I spent a lot of time on this video. Let me know what you think!

Technical Stuff:
I am new to photography other than using GoPros.

Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ-80
Shot at 1080/60 FPS using the built in 60x zoom lens.
Time of day: Late evening, very low sun. Early fall.
A cheap tripod was used for most shots.
A few handheld shots show jitter if you look closely.
I feel that I squeezed some very good quality footage out of this budget camera.

The audio was not usable so I put the music together myself. I kept it very low-key so it isn't a distraction. I'm not a fan of music in videos but it needed a little something.

Video and music are mine and copyright 2003.

Channel Update - Healing Up

Outside With Mike 2022-12-19 | Quick channel update. More videos to come soon-ish.

A Bass and an Owl! Awesome Footage!

Outside With Mike 2022-10-06 | I tried some "one handed" fishing today and got a big treat - an owl visited me and let me video and photograph it! I was blown away!

Skip ahead...
01:30 Fish
02:55 Owl

This video has a lot of footage of the owl, it was the highlight for me. I don't think I've ever seen one during the day, certainly not this close.

I love seeing wildlife when I fish and hike. This was a real treat for me. I hope you enjoy it.

Owl footage was shot with a Panasonic Lumix DC FZ80. Some on a tripod, some handheld, fairly low light conditions.
amzn.to/3JS19FD

I love the new camera! It lacks a lot of features but for the price it can't be beat, especially the 60x optical zoom. I used it for the Wilder Ranch Santa Cruz video and it was great for that too.

Getting closeup shots of wildlife is something I've wanted the ability to do for a long time, and this camera makes it extremely affordable. Maybe I will post a video of all the animals I've shot so far with it.

October 4, 2022

Trip To The Sierras! Trail Maintenance and Camping!

Outside With Mike 2022-09-21 | Some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen is in this video!

The group I worked with is Amador County Stewardship
amadortrailstewardship.com

I was invited to The Sierras to help with trail maintenance in Amador County. I could only help a little because of my tendinitis, but wow what a great experience!

I was with a group called Amador Trail Stewardship. They maintain, repair and design trails in Amador County. I had an awesome time with this great group of people. I had been planning a different trip to the Sierras but this opportunity came and I took it at literally a moment's notice. I was on my way in less than an hour after getting the invitation.

Some of what we did was cleaning debris off the trails, helping define them with rocks and dead tree limbs. We (they mainly) cleared a bunch of log jams out of a creek that would flood the trail. There were huge logs that had to be cut up with chainsaws before they could be moved.

If you're ever out hiking and see something and wonder, "Did someone actually hike out here and do this?", the answer is yes, someone did! It was great to give back a little and be a part of this.

If you are near Amador County and want to help out, visit their website linked above. And if you are not in the area you can probably find organizations near you that need your help.

September 16 - 17, 2022

Fishing and a Channel Update

Outside With Mike 2022-09-14 | Yes I went fishing today! As I say in the video I am having difficulty with my right arm and have not been able to fish for awhile. Today I thought I'd try some light fishing, mainly with my left hand and see how it goes.

I'm working on fixing the arm with my doctors. In the meantime I will hike and also fish if and when I can.

Hiking Gorgeous Coastal Cliffs - Wildlife Everywhere!

Outside With Mike 2022-08-26 | I took my new camera on an 11 mile hike along some of the most beautiful ocean scenery in the world. I ran into a lot of wildlife too! See if you can name all the different animals!

I tried to let the video do most of the story telling this time and kept the talking to a minimum.

And NO the video is not all flowers as seen in the thumbnail preview (stupid Youtube).

This is at Wilder Ranch State Park near Santa Cruz, CA. There are several trails that follow the cliffs as well as lead up into the hills nearby.

Sorry fishing fans but I just haven't been able to fish. I am probably going to have surgery soon on my arm to fix some problems. My fishing will be limited during this time. I will keep you updated, but I will still be hiking and making whatever videos I can.

Camera (Panasonic Lumix DC FZ80) - amzn.to/3JS19FD

This video is appropriate for any age.

August 23, 2022

I Am The DinkSlayer! Small Bass Fear Me!

Outside With Mike 2022-07-15 | Quick video of one of the smallest bass I have ever caught. Reminds me of Coyote Creek! Was a nice evening! I needed to see a fish after all the hiking I've been doing. Was fun screwing with these small fish just off the bank.

I'm going to leave my kayak at Lake Tulloch and use it there the rest of the summer. Stay tuned!

July 13, 2022

Fishing & Backpacking - First Solo Overnight Trip!

Outside With Mike 2022-07-15 | This is it! After over 3 months of practice hikes and getting in shape, I took my fishing and camping gear and set out to fish a remote lake. I also took the hardest route to get there.

This is a long video - I wanted you to feel my pain going up the hill! This 54 year old body needs to be in better shape, but i'm working on it!

This was the toughest hike I have done yet, as well as the heaviest pack I've carried. The cool temperature that day was deceiving. When the sun was directly on me I got hot quick. The video shows just how much trouble I had (and fun!).

It feels good to have completed this first solo camping trip. All the hard work paid off! I wouldn't have made it without all the practice I did!

The fishing was a bit tough, though I did get a lot of bites and hooked a few. I was too tired to fish as much as I'd hoped to.

Fishing videos coming soon, I just caught one today!

Henry Coe Park
July 5 - 6, 2022

Gear used that I like (Amazon Links)

Tent - amzn.to/3ofu4ZT
Sleeping Bag - amzn.to/3uUY9BN
Sleeping Pad - amzn.to/3REpVMC
Trekking Poles - amzn.to/3PwitBt
Titanium Cooking Pot - amzn.to/3yNXhjv
Stove Titanium (1 ounce!) - amzn.to/3cgGe26
Compass - amzn.to/3zaBzYn
Headlamp - amzn.to/3z6dDED
Tent Footprint (tarp) - amzn.to/3PvYSBo
Boot Laces - amzn.to/3i6Xry4

Backpack REI Flash 55 - rei.com/product/148589/rei-co-op-flash-55-pack-mens

I didn't actually use the compass but it is a quality one.

FINAL Practice HIKE Before My Fishing Trip!

Outside With Mike 2022-06-27 | Last hike I will post here anyways until my overnight fishing trip! I'm ready to go! I am just waiting for some cooler days in the forecast, and I see a few coming up!

In this video I put 20 pounds in my pack for the first time and set off to do a short easy hike to see how I handle the extra weight. Didn't go quite as planned (the short and easy part)!

I've been fishing recently too so hang in there, I will have more fishing videos. In fact I should be taking the kayak for a several day trip to my favorite lake later this week!

A few days or so after that I will hopefully go on my overnight backpacking adventure, weather permitting. All my hard work will pay off soon! Should be a great video too!

My Highest Hike Yet - Coyote Peak

Outside With Mike 2022-06-21 | Two weeks after my visit to the E.R. I'm going for Coyote Peak. As a kid I could climb something like this no problem. Now at almost 55, not quite so easy!

This climb was pretty tough but I noticed that I rest a lot less than I did when I first started hiking. The difference is definitely noticeable!

I did one more hike after this with 20 pounds in my pack and I surprised myself BIG TIME! Maybe I will show that one.

I will do a few more heavy-pack hikes (no video) then I will do my big overnight fishing trip! I may even do 2 nights! All of this work will be worth it!

June 16, 2022

Hot Rod Cars and Bass

Outside With Mike 2022-06-09 | Finally did some fishing! Went to visit my Dad and had a great time. My back is still sketchy from my hospital visit 10 days ago. I've had a lot going on the past month so not much videos :(

My cousin's website: www.lambertcraftworks.com
Check out the Tree Of Life fire pit, that looks awesome! He actually has a lot of cool stuff available on the site.

Fishing was uncharacteristically tough for me at the lake. The weather was weird so maybe...ah who knows!

The cars:
1956 Chevy
1940 Ford
2021 Corvette

Music
I created the music for a video game. Copyright me.
Title "Gigantum"

This video is appropriate for all ages.

June 4, 2022

Emergency Room, a Hike and a Sunset

Outside With Mike 2022-06-09 | I had a back spasm and went to the ER, yay. I'm still having a little trouble (6/7/22) so it sucks but I'll be on the trail again any day. The hike part of the video is short. I made it 10 days before my injury.

So everything has been delayed a little bit. I can't really hike yet so I'm losing progress physically. The weather is getting hotter too. I wanted to beat the heat with my first overnight trip. We'll see about that.

Well I'm not giving up that's for sure.

Music
I created the music for a video game. Copyright me.
Title "Light-years From Home"

This video is appropriate for all ages.

May 22, 2022

Practice Hike #2 - Calero - 5.5 Miles

Outside With Mike 2022-05-20 | Warning: There is no fishing in this video. This was my second practice hike and it was tough! I did the same hike 2 days later and it was easier, I could tell.

Watch til the end of the video and see a comparison of my heavy breathing from today vs 2 days from now on the same trail. It's nice to see such quick improvement.

I have not fished in 3 weeks, which is crazy. There are personal reasons for this. It has been hard to get away, especially with the kayak. More fishing videos will come.

I now have my first overnight solo camp and fish trip finalized, though I'm not sure on the date. The point is to fish somewhere I have to hike to, camp overnight, fish the next day and come home. I also will bring enough food for a second night in case I want to stay.

This video is appropriate for all ages.

April 26, 2022

Getting In Shape! Practice Hike #1 - Calero

Outside With Mike 2022-05-09 | Hey! I am preparing myself to do some overnight backpack fishing trips, and this is day 1 of that. I haven't caught anything since my last video. There is no fishing in this video...kayak fishing soon!

This hike was about 3 miles with a net elevation gain of maybe 300 feet. I am not in great shape so I am kicking my own ass in order to have more energy for kayaking, and for hiking and fishing.

On the day of this video I weighed about 193 pounds. I am 5' 11" tall, and other than bank fishing I don't get a lot of exercise.

I am posting some videos and tracking my progress. As of today (May 8) and after only 5 hikes between 3 and 6 miles, I am already in better shape. I redid this same hike today with no problems at all. So I am already making progress!

I hope you aren't bored with this but it is what I am doing. I will still be bank and kayak fishing too, but I've spent a lot of my recent time focusing on preparing for backpacking fishing trips.

This may be the very first video where I did not need to edit out any foul language. Maybe that's a good sign. I talk a lot in it but I have recorded other hiking trips that are more scenic and less talking by me. Not sure if I will post them, just trying this out.

This video is appropriate for all ages.

April 24, 2022

Persistence Pays Off! Plus a Frye Sighting

Outside With Mike 2022-04-23 | It doesn't feel like it but I've had a decent year so far. I'm catching fish earlier in the season than I ever have. It just doesn't seem like enough.

Some of the local lakes are beginning spawn while smaller and warmer waters like that pond are already celebrating birthdays. Water levels are way higher than last year so things are looking pretty good in the south bay.

I'm just waiting for better weather so I can go to Lake Tulloch and visit the bass...I mean my Dad! The kayak is definitely coming with me.

I also might do some overnight hiking and fishing trips this year, solo. I recently started watching hiking videos and it's been inspirational. I really like "The Hiking Rev" on Youtube. He's an older guy that hikes, including completing the Pacific Crest Trail at 67 years old. Anyways, it's something I'm considering.

This video is appropriate for almost all ages.

April 19, 2022

Bank Fishing For Bass and Bluegill

Outside With Mike 2022-04-12 | More bassin' in San Jose. I was going to fish shallower water but the spots were taken. Gonna hit another local lake next time, AND kayak fishing should be happening soon.

In this video I talk a little bit about people crowding each other on the banks. Just want to make sure people know I'm super friendly, just walk up and say hi if you see me, maybe we can fish the same spot. But when someone repeatedly crowds me without a word I get a little agitated.

The nearby Home Depot burned down while I was fishing. You can see some smoke in the sky a few times.

I forget the name of the lure I caught that one bass with...like a tiny yellow hair jig with a white tail. They're like $2 at Walmart for a bunch of them. I was trying to catch bluegill with it and ended up with a bass, and not for the first time either.

Go fishing!

April 9, 2022

MISSION: Cross the Creek and Find Bass!

Outside With Mike 2022-03-15 | I trampled through the brush risking life and limb ;) trying to find a way to cross the creek so I could fish the other side of the lake. It's still early in the season so I am very happy with the result!

I caught my biggest of the year so far! Was a nice trip to a quiet, peaceful lake. Who doesn't need a little peace and quiet these days?

This video is appropriate for all ages.

March 13, 2022

Bassin With Ron At A Pond

Outside With Mike 2022-03-01 | Ron joined me again, this time at a small pond. Had a little luck, including a 150 mph jerkbait flying between us (instead of into us). Sorry, Ron!

I will not fish this pond often as it is very small. Ron and I went to a local lake yesterday and skunked. Not a fish in sight at all. But we checked it out for spots we can fish this season.

I really hope it rains again before summer. The lakes are looking a lot better but they won't last. I'm going to enjoy it while I can!

This video is appropriate for all ages.

Feb. 20, 2022

Quest For My First Bass Of 2022!!!

Outside With Mike 2022-02-19 | I have been fishing like a Mad Man and it finally paid off! Witness the trials and triumphs of my quest to land the first bass of 2022!!!

I visited many places before finding success, and success came earlier in the season than ever! It is still Winter! This is what I go through to get that first bass and get you a decent video!

Oh and don't miss the dudes dangling from the helicopters flying over Uvas Reservoir! Crazy!!!

It's been a while since I posted a good video and I thank everyone for sticking around! I didn't want to post anymore "no-catch" vids. I know this will be my best season ever! Some of the lakes and ponds I visited look pretty good now after the rains this year (but we need more!).

Subscribe and watch this season as I go on many kayak fishing trips and bank fishing adventures.

This video is appropriate for all ages.

2/4/2022 - 2/17/2022

Quick Hello and Winter Pond Fishing 2022

Outside With Mike 2022-02-03 | Just wanted to check in - I'm still here and ready to start fishing again. This video is more of a channel update than anything else.

I'm getting the new kayak ready and will be hitting the Delta and many other places. Exploring the Delta will be a real adventure for me.

The rain raised the level of this pond between 2 and 3 feet. Hopefully we get even more rain.

2/2/2022

The Bank Fisherman - A Day In The Life

Outside With Mike 2021-11-11 | The Bank Fisherman is a person who will sacrifice their body and spirit in the quest to find fish. This video is more about the adventure than the fishing.

And when I say "bank fishing" I'm not talking about those dudes who go to the pond in their community park or golf course fishing from manicured lawns. I'm talking about hiking along a river or creek or lake, urban or wilderness, in search of bass or trout or any other species.

I'm talking about getting dirty, falling down, bleeding, getting stuck by thorns and bit by mosquitoes. Carving your own path when necessary. That's just another day at the office for you, the Bank Fisherman (and "Fisherman" includes women).

This video shows some of what I go through to get a bite (or not). It has some weird scenes I think and is just a bit different than my usual stuff. I walked between 5 - 6 miles this day, and almost all on rough terrain.

The frustrations can be great, but the rewards are that much sweeter. Sometimes I lose my mind a little bit on a tough day. But something good usually happens as well...meeting cool people, seeing wildlife. This creek is apparently a ghost town for fish but I still had a great time.

So this video is for all of the Bank Fishermen who trudge through the woods and urban landscapes looking for adventure.

This video is appropriate for all ages.

November 5, 2021

Making My Own Senkos and Fishing Them - My First Time

Outside With Mike 2021-10-30 | I decided to try making my own soft plastic Senko style worms! It's pretty cheap if you just want to try it. I show you what I used and how I did it every step of the way, and I will test them at a local lake too (if they come out okay)!

I used a rock/Corian mold from a seller on Amazon for $20. I made some mistakes so if you want to try this you should watch more videos about DIY senkos.

Plastisol: amazon.com/dp/B07G6TFXGC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
Coloring: ebay.com/itm/184426303812?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
Senko Mold: amazon.com/dp/B07RLFWJ13?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
Measuring Cup: amazon.com/dp/B0002ITQHS/ref=twister_B00OQ16ZNK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This video is appropriate for all ages.

October 28, 2021

Bank Fishing Again - A Look At Chesbro Lake

Outside With Mike 2021-09-26 | Chesbro Lake reminded me why I hate it today. I had to get outside today so made a quick video. This lake is super duper low.

More kayak and bank fishing videos to come! I haven't been able to fish lately, but now I'm back at it. Today was just a warm-up ;)

This video is appropriate for all ages.

September 25, 2021

First Time Kayak Fishing The Delta

Outside With Mike 2021-09-12 | This is my first kayak fishing trip on the Delta. It was a tough day but I had fun and learned a lot as well. The Old Town Sportsman PDL did a great job! This thing is so easy to fish in!

I should have stayed longer and waited for high tide, but lack of sleep caught up with me. I can't wait to go back to the Delta, I probably will in a few days.

To my viewers in the Bay Area - you may need to drive a bit to find good fishing now, but the Delta is close enough, hour and a half or so depending on where you launch. You can get bass, fat stripers and all kinds of other fish here. It is worth exploring.

I'm just getting started!

This video is appropriate for all ages.

September 10, 2021

My New Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 + FAT Bass

Outside With Mike 2021-08-29 | There is a very fat bass in this video but the real highlight is the NEW KAYAK!!! My brand new Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 is the big surprise!!!!

This is sort of a review but it's also just a video of me using and fishing with it. I used it for three separate days and it was a blast! If you are interested in this kayak, or in kayak fishing in general then check out my experience learning to use it.

Having pedals is a complete game-changer. I went from hating kayak fishing to loving it just based on the pedals alone. This kayak is so stable I barely have to think about standing up or grabbing stuff out of the milk crate behind me. It is WAY MORE STABLE than my Wilderness Systems Ride 115.

I am not sponsored, I bought this kayak with my own cash and it was well worth it!

This video is appropriate for all ages.

August, 2021

Tied My PB! BIG BASS In The Kayak!!!

Outside With Mike 2021-08-17 | First of all, I am buying a brand new fishing pedal kayak this week! More on that later!

I took out my Wilderness Systems Ride 115 to see if I like kayak fishing enough to invest more money into it. I really don't like using the paddle. The big fat bass I caught in this video made up my mind - I am buying a new pedal yak! Caught a few others too!

Sorry for a lot of night video, it was very hot during the afternoon. That was a fun catch, she steered my kayak around - big girl! She was actually just under my PB, maybe tied.

My next video will probably be in the new kayak, and hopefully during the day! Can't wait!

This video is appropriate for all ages.

August 14, 2021

Night Kayak Fishing + I Saw a Crazy Fireball!

Outside With Mike 2021-08-03 | I finally got the kayak out, but it was so hot during the day it really limited things. I fished at night from the yak and the dock. Caught bass!

I'm going back there in a few weeks, if not sooner and will try and fish during the day.

The cove I kayaked in is smallish and full of docks, especially way in the back. There were people relaxing on their docks enjoying the night air which made it cool. I need a pedal kayak though. Grabbing the paddle all the time is a pain when in tight areas.

I also saw a crazy Fireball in the night sky! That was AAAWESOOOOOOME!!!!!!!!! I didn't get that on video but I made some Photoshop images that look like it.

This video is appropriate for all ages.

7/31/2021

Tackle Storage + Coyote Creek Pond Update

Outside With Mike 2021-07-16 | I needed to organize my tackle so here's what I came up with. There is some fishing in the vid too, just checking out the condition of the ponds.

The back pond seems to be going down faster than the rest. I wonder if it is completely blocked off due to the low water. One access point is choked.

There are still places to fish in the South Bay, but it's tough. The creeks were fun and provided good numbers every time I went. Plus where else can you fish in the shade around here? Looks like I will have to get the kayak going!

The videos will keep coming, and more frequently. I am now forced to fish better waters that are further away. That can only mean better fishing!

This video is appropriate for all ages.

7/11/2021

Fishing With Ron! Searching Coyote Creek For Fish

Outside With Mike 2021-07-01 | Me and Ron/"Vecta" (subscriber/viewer) hit Coyote Creek to see if there are any pockets with bass. We both caught fish! We also tried to rescue a few in a very small pool but couldn't get those to bite.

Thanks to Ron for showing me these spots. We covered a lot of ground in order to find the fish that we got. Totally worth it!

At the end of the video I am at Guadalupe Creek, which seems to also be dry. There are very shallow pools with stranded fish. Very sad for them and for us. These shallow puddles are getting very warm and the food supply is almost zero.

I feel bad trying to catch fish like that unless I can save them, and there was no place better to put them if caught. Some other pools are large and may last awhile.

This video is appropriate for all ages.

June 27, 2021