The CBAF visited the California Delta for the first time on Saturday, June 16th. World renown for its incredible bass fishing, the Delta offers hundreds of miles of fishable waterways. Lurking in the tidal and brackish waters are Florida strain bass approaching teen weights. Though a transition period for these bass, it was expected at weigh-in for double-digit bass to cross the scales. Did the Delta disappoint?
Lining the banks of Frank’s Tract is Russo’s Marina which played host to the event and catered to the needs of bass anglers. Part of their endorsement to the tournament angler are golf cart rides to and from their vehicles, a bait shop on the water (Hook, Line and Sinker), and staff personnel available at the wee hours of the morning.
A total of 33 teams launched their boats in anticipation of catching giant bass within the six hours of fishing time. Word at the dock was there was a strong flipping bite but it was the topwater bite that most anglers were dreaming of. With unseasonably hot weather in the high 90’s all week, the majority of anglers had Zara Spooks, frogs, wake baits, poppers, buzzbaits and horny toads tied on.
Bright skies and an outgoing tide greeted the anglers after Mike Baker rallied the anglers with a stunning rendition of the National Anthem. One by one, the boat numbers were called out as the anglers made their way out of the 5 mph zone.
First Timers take First
The team of Grant Matsunaga and Bill Otsuka proved their mettle on the Delta by capturing 5 bass weighing 22.86 lbs. Grant and Bill explained at the award ceremony that they ran west in the morning to Big Break and caught their limit of bass on Chatterbaits and Rattle Traps. Known for their flipping expertise, the team was pleasantly surprised to win with reaction baits. Anchored by the 3rd big bass of 7.59 lbs., the team took home first place plaques and $1060 in prize money.
.40 oz out
Coming in second place was a Delta veteran, Kenny Schmitt and partner Chuck McCartney. Anchored by a 2nd big bass of 8.43 lb. bass, their 5 fish limit weighed 22.47 lbs. Kenny reported catching the big fish on a wakebait around 10:30 am. To fill their limit, they caught the rest of the fish flipping, tossing topwater and spinnerbaits. Kenny and Chuck won $650 for their efforts.
Past champions take third
Juan Acosta and Mike Gutierrez won the Anderson CBAF tournament held earlier in the year and claimed the spotlight again with a 3rd place finish. Juan and Mike reported catching their fish flipping beavers. With a solid bag of 20.74lbs, the duo won $235 for a good day of fishing.
Big Fish honors went to CBAF regular, Ron Owens, who nailed a 10.31 lb. pre-spawn hawg on a blue and black jig.
Following the weigh-in, the CBAF leadership team hosted a top notch BBQ that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Ending the tournament were awards recognizing the efforts put forth by the staff of Russo’s Marina and Hook Line and Sinker. Paul Baker, president of CBAF, closed the day with a Gospel message.
