Thirty-two teams gathered the weekend of April 1st for the Christian Bass Angers Fellowship (CBAF) season finale hosted by Honor Bound and the Sunset Christian Church in Rocklin, California. Anglers checked in Friday night before the event and were treated to an awesome barbeque complete with all-you-could eat tri tip steak and all the fixings. Besides the great food and fellowship, teams received dozens of top-notch raffle prizes from perennial sponsors including Ranger Boats, Snag Proof, Berkely, G-Loomis, Powell Rods, Gary Yamamoto Baits, Rodstrainer Baits, Coyote Bait & Tackle and many others.
Tournament morning, anglers were met by the CBAF check-in staff and overcast but clearing skies. Some teams likely stayed home as the previous day’s weather saw high winds with heavy rain that threatened to drastically change pre-fish patterns. Teams included father-son, husband-wife, brothers and some of the best pros in the country. As is customary with CBAF events, a very professional and speedy check-in and no-wait launch process followed.
Rumor had it that big fish were feeding on swimbaits and the story line held true. Anglers returning to the launch at days end reported a feast or famine outcome with many anglers weighing only a few fish. Those who figured things out were rewarded with some of California’s finest spotted bass, smallmouths and a few nice blacks for good measure. When the last boat weighed in, it was the team of John Harper and Chad Martin tipping the scales at 19.34 lbs. Their limit was capped by two beautiful spotted bass over 5 lbs taken on Huddlestons. Second place and overall big fish honors went to the team of Michael Tremont and Kevin Ryan with a weight of 17.50 also taken on swimbaits. Third place with an impressive weight of 14.92 was the team of Russ Snyders and Richard Kong. Rounding out the top 5 were Patrick McMurray and Larry Martinez in fourth with 14.83 and Tim Dotson and Marvin Inman in 5th with 13.26.
Back at the host church for the awards ceremony, tournament director Dave Tencati finished the raffle giveaways that had begun the night before. G-Loomis rods, Powell rods, Solarbats sunglasses, tackle boxes and many other prizes made for a great finish for many fisherman who otherwise struggled on the lake. Three big fish prizes were awarded with the largest, a beautiful 7.15 lb fish good for $320 and a custom hand-crafted trophy to team Tremont/Ryan. Top 10 finishers received plaques and prizes with the first three teams taking rods and reels from G-Loomis, Powell and Shimano. All teams felt like winners when each received tackle bags bulging with great products like rip baits, buzz baits, spinners, cranks, plastics and hats.
The event culminated with an inspirational message from CBAF president Paul Baker. All eyes were focused as Paul challenged anglers and their families to further consider their relationship with God. The CBAF and Honor Bound continue to be one of the most family-friendly, professionally run and competitive tournament circuits on the West Coast. Keep an eye on our web site for details on our upcoming 2006-2007 season. We look forward to seeing you on the water.
