Meet Tony Z
Your Shasta Lake fishing guide
Tony's story
Tony Zanotelli grew up in Northern California with a rod in his hand and a boat on the trailer. What started as weekend fishing trips with family turned into a lifelong obsession with bass fishing and the waters of Shasta Lake.
After years of tournament fishing and learning every arm, cove, and point on the lake, Tony started guiding to share what he knows. His approach is straightforward: put you on fish, teach you something new, and make sure you have a great day on the water.
Tony fishes Shasta Lake year-round and knows how seasonal patterns, water levels, and conditions affect the bite. Whether it's working deep structure for spotted bass in winter or throwing topwater for largemouth in the spring spawn, he adjusts the game plan to match what the lake is doing that day.
Every trip includes hands-on instruction. Tony wants you to leave as a better angler, not just someone who caught fish.
Why Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake is one of the best bass fisheries in Northern California. The size, structure, and species diversity make it a world-class destination for guided fishing.
30,000
acres
The largest reservoir in California. Enough water to explore for years.
365
miles of shoreline
More shoreline than San Francisco Bay. Endless coves, points, and structure.
5
major arms
Sacramento, McCloud, Pit, Squaw Creek, and the main body. Each fishes differently.
12
months of fishing
Bass are active year-round. Every season brings different patterns and opportunities.
The boat and gear
Everything you need for a day on Shasta Lake is on the boat. Tony maintains all equipment so you can focus on fishing.
Bass boat
Purpose-built bass boat with a powerful trolling motor for precise positioning on structure and in coves.
Electronics
Side-scan and down-scan sonar to find fish-holding structure, baitfish, and bottom composition in real time.
Tackle
Full selection of rods, reels, and tackle for every technique. Spinning and baitcasting setups, soft plastics, crankbaits, topwater, and more.
Safety
Life jackets for all passengers, first aid kit, and all required safety equipment. Tony prioritizes safety on every trip.
What anglers say
“Tony's knowledge of Shasta Lake is unreal. He put us on bass within 20 minutes and we didn't stop catching all day. My kids had the time of their lives.”
Sarah T.
Family trip, August
“I've fished with a lot of guides and Tony is the real deal. Patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely wants you to learn. Already booked my next trip.”
Mike P.
Two Day Trip, October