[roby]

Some quick thoughts about camping at Irvine...

1) It's possible to pick "any" camping spot at Irvine. For example, if you want to fish the Kid's Lagoon you can camp there. Or if you want to fish the Flats, you can camp there as well. The staff will move a fire pit to your campsite. At the moment, campers are staying at Woody's Cove because of the water level.

* If I was camping, I would stay at the Kid's Lagoon (if there is space along the shoreline right now). They just had a "Kiddie Pole" tournament there and many decent sized trout did not get caught.

* Bring your own shade.

* Bring equipment to stake your gear down. It gets very windy at Irvine.

* Call Irvine Lake before you go and check out the conditions and ask if they are having any "events" at the lake. Often times Irvine will have concerts, bass tournaments, 100s of Scouts, etc. at the lake.

2) The morning water temperature at Irvine is roughly 65 degrees and after 11 the water temp is 70; it's only getting hotter at the Vine. If you do go, fish as early as you can. If possible have downriggers or leadcore for trolling. Or target catfish/bass/crappie.

3) Leash all your gear on the yak - the surf is wicked this time of year. And for crying out loud use braid when you are near the kelp....

4) As for other locations to spend time with your family:

* I would go to Huntington Beach for the whole day. First, get there early and get a nice spot with a fire pit. Then go and have fun at the beach and surf fish for perch and halibut. Last, go back to the fire pit and roast hot dogs and make Smores.

* If you really want trout, I would try Big Bear Lake. The evening temps are cold for young children to camp, so you can rent a cabin if the price is right.

Good luck...