Bethel Island, CA – This week, Russo’s Marina on the California Delta will be “hopping” with anglers from all over the west, competing in the Ultimate Frog Challenge (July 30th-31st), a bass tournament where all participants are limited to only throwing hollow-bodied frogs. This is one of many “specialty” bass tournaments that take place on the Delta and throughout the country each year. These unique events give participants an opportunity to get the experience of a top-level tournament, but in a laid-back environment and without the pressure of a normal bass circuit.
From an angler’s perspective, these types of specialty events provide an opportunity to have a great time with friends, while also getting the chance to compete for some good money, in a less stressful environment. When the rules of the tournament say you can only throw a frog or only throw a product from a specific brand, it takes a lot of the pressure off of you.
West coast tournament angler and The Motor Café pro Zak Elrite, is fishing the Ultimate Frog Challenge this week and says it’s more about the good times.
"I love fishing these types of tournaments. They’re kind of all or nothing. You don’t have to worry about how many rods to tie up or working on a ton of strategy every day. You’re limited to throwing a certain brand’s products or a specific type of bait, so you have a lot more time to enjoy hanging out with friends. It’s still very competitive and I’m definitely still fishing to win, but it has a much more relaxed feel to it, for sure."
It’s also fantastic exposure for the brands involved, since most of these tournaments focus on an individual company and their products only. River2Sea, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baitsand Rat-L-Trap are just a few of the brands that hold events like these every year. They’re drawing big numbers and selling tons of product in the process.
“We’re seeing more and more participants coming out for these events every year,” says UFC Tournament Director, Vince Harris. “Three hundred to four hundred participants is pretty standard. We typically throw a BBQ on the final day and giveaway thousands of dollars in raffle prizes, so even if you don’t have a good tournament on the water, you can walk away with some super cool stuff. Most everybody walks away with a smile on their face.”
It’s not a hard sell for many of the brands involved. For example, the River2Sea Open and Gary Yamamoto Big Bass Tournament (also put on by Vince Harris on the Delta) require you to only use their products during the event. After the final day, raffle tickets are given away based on the number of product packaging you turn in, so brands are able to see the thousands of dollars spent specifically on their products for these events in a VERY tangible way.
The Ultimate Frog Challenge going on this week, July 30th-31st, is unique as it involves multiple brand’s hollow-bodied frogs competing against each other for the title of “Best Frog.” Live Target, Savage Gear, Jackall, Spro, River2Sea and even overseas brands like teckel Frogs, are just some of the brands that will be represented on the Delta come next weekend. Many of these companies even set up booths at the events to sell product directly to participants over the course of the two-day tournament for direct sales opportunities.
With these “specialty” tournaments popping up everywhere from Guntersville, Alabama to Sam Rayburn, Texas, out on the West Coast and everywhere in between, it’s easy to see why they have been so successful. A great opportunity for anglers to experience an inexpensive, fun, competitive tournament platform, along with the highest-quality and most recognized brand participation, creates a perfect combination for a top-notch event.
For more information on the Ultimate Frog Challenge or any other Angler’s Press Events please visit their website at www.anglerspress.com
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