Stone/Brown Take Top Honors at Berryessa Kick Off

While most of Northern California is in the midst of a freeze, (starting air temp on Saturday was 17 degrees and wind chill brought it down to around zero), one thing was constant, the winners are still red hot, with a top notch performance, once again. Before we get to that, let’s talk about the lake. The water temp was in the high 40’s and the bite was red hot. 20 of the 25 teams weighed in 5 fish limits and more than half the fish that came to the scales were Largemouth Bass. While talking to contestants at the scales, we determined there was a good Jig & Pig bite and a pretty good worm bite, both of the brown persuasion. Another little know thing was the reaction bite was on first thing in the morning, with rip baits and crankbaits doing fairly well. Most reported catching their fish in 25 – 40 feet of water on the main lake.

Finishing on top were long time teammates Jared Stone of Lakeport and Marc Brown of Ukiah. Their 5 fish limit tipped the scales at 16.27 pounds and was anchored by the big fish of the tournament, a beautiful 6.70 pound Largemouth. During the awards, Stone told how they focused on main lake points with small rock. He said, one always had a jig in hand while the other had a worm. This versatility and confidence in each other is one keys to this teams long time success. The reward on this day was a pair of nice trophies, sponsored by Kosich & Callahan Insurance Services and a check for $2670. Congratulation to Jared and Marc, keep up the good work.

Second place went Sonoma’s Dave Church and Petaluma’s John Kidder. These guys are back fishing together after Dave took a couple of years off to fish with his son. The Wine region better get ready for some stiff competition the rest of the year. Dave and John also had a 5 fish limit, weighing 15.70 pound and had an anchor fish 5.10 pound (3rd best of the day). They also used Brown Jigs and drop shotted Brown worms in 45 feet. Church told us the real key for them was focusing on step banks in the narrows. While a totally different structure, it just goes to show how important the lure choice was on this day. They also received a pair of those nice plaques and $1230. Good job guys.

Third place went to the current Anglers of the Year for the Wine Region, Randy Marshall of Folsom and Kevin Davis of Elverta. Their 5 fish were just 4 hundredth of a pound back at 15.64 pounds and also included a nice kicker, 5.50 pounds (2nd big fish of the day). Again Jigs and worms were the key for Randy and Kevin, who told us at the awards, they spent all day on the main body of the lake. These guy’s were very excited about starting out the defense of the title in such good order, and also took the time to thank sponsors G. Loomis, Costa Del Mar, RoboWorms, Tackle Warehouse and SPRO (Sports Professionals).

Forth place went to Chris Diaz and Chad Buckley of Penngrove with 15.49 pounds. They took home $400, while $300 went to fifth place finishers James Kimura and Art Narverup who weighed in at 14.31 pounds.

100% BASS would like to thank the fine sponsors that make the difference between fishing and the quality events we are able to provide as a result of their support. BassCat Boats, Mercury Outboards, MossDale boats in Tracy, Bridgestone Tires and Gill’s Tires in Stockton, MinnKota Trolling Motors, Humminbird Electronics, Berkley Trilene, Spiderwire Braid, Persuader Bass Baits, Solar Bat Eye Protection, Walton’s Pond in San Leandro, Hook, Line & Sinker in Oakley, Phil’s Props in Redding, MF Finesse Worms, Comfortroll, Comfort Suites of Oakley, Sig Fish Inc, and No Sweat Mist, Jims Pro Bass Tackle in Paso Robles, Cytosport and Cytomax energy drinks, Modesto Toyota, Cuesta Cadillac in Atascadero, Powell Rods, Cal West Concrete Cutting, Kosich & Callahan Insurance Services and Russo’s Marina. For complete tournament results, please visit our web site at –www.100percentbass.com.

Bob Kornhauser – Owner 100% BASS – 530-274-1397