All Hail Fishing!
Though crowded, Clear Lake offered big sacks of fish for the most wiley of the Bass Busters.
Lakeport CA - The Bass Busters of Santa Clara County held its 3rd tournament of 2008 over the weekend of March 15th & 16th. The two-day event took place at the legendary Clear Lake where the Bass Busters launched out of Konocti Vista Resort in Lakeport CA. The Weather Channel was predicting everything short of a plague of frogs but, just as last month, the weather remained mild until about 2:00 pm then, all hail broke loose. Just in time for the run back to the weigh-in anglers were pelted by hail which ranged from the size of a lentil to the size of a pea as rated on the “Legume” scale. Though the conditions seemed to keep the big girls at bay, there was no shortage of quality fish, with an average size of more than 2lbs. Most anglers caught fish but consistent action remained elusive.
If there was a theme besides sketchy weather it was the statement made by our newest and potential members as they ushered in a new challenge to reigning Bass Busters that they better ‘sack up’ or shut up! Jeff Leo, fishing as a potential member, pulled in two limits with an average weight of well over a 3lbs/fish including the 6.88lb big fish of the tournament, to secure top spot with 34.30 lbs of sturdy Clear Lake big mouths. Jeff headed south to find his fish in deeper water figuring the passing cold front would drive the bigger fish off their early-spring staging area back to the nearest deep water. Though he did offer a few landmarks to his secret spot, he would not divulge the exact GPS coordinates until he is voted into the club.
Not to be intimidated by the latest generation of Bass Buster, the 2007 Angler of the Year, current club treasurer, and birthday boy, Michael Chen, secured 31.48lbs. and, second place. Using his time pre-fishing to locate some off-shore rock piles which he and non-boater, Tyler Linscott, (5th place, 25.91 lbs.) picked apart with 3/8oz. brown and purple jigs.
Finishing in third place was Dean Ziemer, another potential member, who utilized a drop-shot MMIII robo-worm to bring in his 27.37lb. sack.
TOC Results
For those of you who have been paying attention, the Tournament of Champions, (a tournament within a tournament), was held on the first day of the Clear Lake tourney. The TOC pits the top ten anglers from the previous year against each other in an additional competition which takes place during the first day of the two-day general club tournament. This year the TOC winner was Ron Shikashio who took home his 1st TOC plaque with another consistent finish, bringing in a solid bag of 17.31lbs.
Along with the TOC the Bass Busters enjoyed a great buffet and raffle. Thanks goes out to Spiro for once again bringing it all together for the benefit of the club. As always Glenn and Mel Cotton's made it fantastic raffle with sweet bass anglers booty.
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TOC champion Ron Shikashio shows mad data entry skills.
Next Meeting
Next Tournament
The Delta on April 19, Launching from Orwood Marina. It is a team pick-your-partner tournament. If you haven't found a partner yet, get on it! Times a waistin'. If you can’t make the meeting and plan to fish the next tournament let someone who is attending the meeting know. The same goes for entry in the big-fish pool.
