Nor-Cal Bass held there annual night open this past
weekend at Lake Don Pedro. Ninety-five anglers signed
up to compete in the 12-hour marathon.
The lakes start getting crowded this time of year, making the transition to night fishing the best alternative.
The quiet nights make summertime fishing a pleasure. However, this year?s event was scheduled earlier so the nights were still a little cool and crisp. Many of the competitors were bundled up when they arrived for the 7:00 am weigh-in.
Thirty-four of the forty-eight boats came to the scales with many reporting good fishing for lots of fish but tough fishing for quality fish!
All but five of the boats that weighed in brought in five-fish limits. The teams brought 161 bass to the scales, weighing 409-pounds.
The title went to Oakdale?s Russ Pierson and Mel Biggs Jr. of Los Banos. The team brought in a 19.26-pound five-fish limit.
The pair keyed on grassy banks from 1 to 15 feet deep. They fished from Ramos to Big Creek and main lake areas in between. Their fish came on Shad colored Norman crankbaits, Senko?s and 6-inch custom worms.
For their solid performance, the team earned $1,935. The teams weight was anchored by their 8.72-pound lunker that tied for big fish.
Second place went to Doug Miller of Sonora and Jody Miller of Soulsbyville. The anglers brought in a five-fish limit that tipped the scales at 17.32-pounds.
The team tossed green pearl grubs and brushogs in 20-feet of water on rocky points in the lower lake. Their solid performance earned the anglers $1,225.
Modesto anglers Mike Goncalves and Chuck Meyer finished 3rd with their 17.20-pound five-fish limit. The teams weight was anchored with their 8.72-pound lunker that finished in a dead tie for big fish.
All their fish were caught on 4-inch Keeper 1034 worms that were dropshotted. They keyed on rock banks in 10 to 15 feet of water in Ramos Creek. Their finish earned the pair $885.
Rounding out the top 5 in 4th place was Oakdale anglers Randy and Glenn Pierson. The pair brought in a 16.18-pound five-fish limit that netted the anglers $800.
Fifth place went to Don and Andy Stilley of Modesto. Their 15.78-pound five-fish limit earned the pair $415.
Special thanks goes to our tournament trail sponsors, Stratos Boats and Evinrude Outboards. Because of their support, Nor-Cal Bass will be awarding a fully rigged Stratos/Evinrude prize package at their Pro Championship tournament. Visit Bob?s Marine to take a look at this great boat and motor combination!
Thanks also to our official rod sponsor, St Croix, for supporting our anglers and awarding their quality built rods at the Nor-Cal Bass Pro Championship.
Nor-Cal Bass Tournament Trail sponsors are: Stratos Boats, Evinrude Outboards, Bob?s Marine, St Croix Rods, Thompson Chevrolet, Autolife Sporting Goods, Escalon Bait & Tackle, Tom?s Truck Repair, Tracy Oasis Marina, Del Taco Manteca/Oakdale, Thermo Oil Batteries, Super Pork, Keeper Custom Worms, Predator Worms, McClure Painting & Plastering, Hildebrand?s Auto Repair and PMZ Realty.
For more information on our tournament trail and our 2004 schedule, visit our website, www.nor-calbass.com
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