Saturday is one of the annual “Free Fishing Days.” Sept. 23 is the other one. No license required on either day. Gather up the kids and just go do it. Here are some places where you can find some action:

• California Delta

Black bass action will go wide open when the wind dies down and the top water bite takes over. It’s a short window, so be ready. Summer temperatures suck the coastal air through the Delta.

During the windy times, use buzz baits and spinner baits near the weed lines. When it’s calm, Vixens and Archer Bee Sammys are popular. Walk the dog with your Snag Proof frog in the slop.

The striper bite is also improving; soak bait along Broad Slough and the Collinsville area. Troll when you can find clear water.

“Anything that smells” is the story on catfish bait. Clams and cut bait will work, too.

• Lake Berryessa

Longtime local pro guide Jim Munk said the bass bite is still hot here. Toss plastics along that eastern shore from the Farmhouse north.

• Clear Lake

I never disagree with Jim, but I boated and released an eight-pound bass here last week. Rig up a drop shot with a six-inch straight tail Roboworm MM3; find a big submerged rock and fish low and slow.

The big ones really do feel like the bottom.

• Lake Nacimiento

This bass lake near Paso Robles will be the site of a little outing for the participants of the annual OWAC (Outdoor Writers Association of California) Conference next week. I hope to bring back some good news about this new water.

• Bodega Bay

It’s as simple as, “good weather, good salmon fishing.” Call the team at Wil’s Bait & Tackle (875-2323). They book “Six Pack” boats — just six anglers on board. This is my favorite “party boat.” Just get a raft of kids or your best buds and have a “private charter” day all to yourselves.