Captain
John Madden

Member since March 2025 Bethel Island, United States
Background
As a lifelong angler and successful Delta tournament fisherman I have recently retired from my career in the Fire Service and wanted to share my passion for bass fishing on the California Delta with others. We live directly on the water in Bethel Island. My son is a touring collegiate and professional angler fishing all of the major circuits so we are no longer competing regularly together which has freed up my time. I love to teach others how to approach the complex fishery and am confident you will enjoy your day on the water. Often it is a dream to fish the CA Delta for many anglers and I want to make that day memorable and full of success. I love to throw topwater, flip and punch for big bites.
Techniques
Techniques on the Delta can vary and even include some finesse techniques depending on the tide, time of year and water movement. However, if at all possible I would always pick up a topwater lure to entice big explosive strikes if possible. Especially when the conditions are right the Frog will be the go to bait. However, you have to also have the punch rod close by to punch those amazing mats that are all over the Delta.

Hey, I'm Captain John Madden

Bethel Island, United States
Background
As a lifelong angler and successful Delta tournament fisherman I have recently retired from my career in the Fire Service and wanted to share my passion for bass fishing on the California Delta with others. We live directly on the water in Bethel Island. My son is a touring collegiate and professional angler fishing all of the major circuits so we are no longer competing regularly together which has freed up my time. I love to teach others how to approach the complex fishery and am confident you will enjoy your day on the water. Often it is a dream to fish the CA Delta for many anglers and I want to make that day memorable and full of success. I love to throw topwater, flip and punch for big bites.
Techniques
Techniques on the Delta can vary and even include some finesse techniques depending on the tide, time of year and water movement. However, if at all possible I would always pick up a topwater lure to entice big explosive strikes if possible. Especially when the conditions are right the Frog will be the go to bait. However, you have to also have the punch rod close by to punch those amazing mats that are all over the Delta.

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(16 reviews)
Bethel Island
 3 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $350

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 16 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (12)
awesome trip
awesome trip
Father\/Son Fishing Trip
+9
Angler rating
16
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 16 reviews
Paul H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Father/Son Fishing Trip

VERIFIED   NEW  Kids Bass Fishing Introduction on May 31, 2026
Wanted to take my 6 year old son on a fishing trip and saw the option for kids intro to bass fishing for half day. Competitive...
Paul H. recommends Tidal Bass โ€“ CA Delta
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Dane H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great fishing experience

VERIFIED   Kids Bass Fishing Introduction on April 18, 2026
Had a great day out on the water with Captain JD Madden. You can tell right away he really knows the Delta heโ€™s not just...
Dane H. recommends Tidal Bass โ€“ CA Delta
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Noah B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Capโ€™n John is the best guid in the Delta

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip โ€“ Targeted Tide on June 13, 2026
He showed us how to find the fish and he delivered big time!ย  Good pointers for my dad and I about boating as well as we are...
Noah B. recommends Tidal Bass โ€“ CA Delta
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Leah I.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

John is the best!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip โ€“ Tide Switch on May 4, 2026
I booked a fishing trip with Captain John as a surprise gift for my dadโ€™s 65th birthday. John went above and beyond to communicate...
Leah I. recommends Tidal Bass โ€“ CA Delta
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Clyde S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Local Knowledge Catches Fish

VERIFIED   Special 4 hour trip for Clyde Simmons on March 30, 2026
Captain John was great because he has the local knowledge to catch fish-and we did catch fish, he has a casual and polite personality,...
Clyde S. recommends Tidal Bass โ€“ CA Delta
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