PHOTO: APEX Anglers (Left to Right) Greg Gutierrez, Tony Franceschi, Luke Johns, Marty Lawrence
IONE, Calif. – The MEET THE PROS event presented by HOOK’D kicked off this week’s APEX Pro Tour stop at Lake Camanche in Northern California.
The Amador County community showed out to support the convergence of the esteemed APEX anglers at the HOOK’D expo which cordoned off a city block to include tackle vendors, food, music, raffles, fishing seminars, Q and A’s and one-on-one tips from the pros.
Included on the scheduled seminar roster was APEX angler Luke Johns, the youngest angler to win a Wild West Bass Trail Pro/Am. Johns was impressed with the fishing fan turnout.
“It’s incredible to see the influence and draw that APEX has on local communities,” he said. “It always feels great to be able to spread some knowledge about the sport we all love!”
The first-ever APEX crowned champion, Greg Gutierrez claimed victory at the Arlington Invitational and came to HOOK’D ready to share tips, baits and secrets of his longtime fishing success. “Double G” as he is known was pleased the APEX Pro Tour was making an appearance in the foothill area.
“What a way to start off the 3rd stop of the Trail – at Camanche,” he said. “And, what an amazing meet-and-greet hosted by HOOK’D this was. With such a large group of fans – young and old – it looks like the word is spreading. APEX has come to town!”
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Gutierrez is looking forward to this weekend’s bass battle.
“With the low water levels and the high air temps, it looks like this event is shaping up to be a tough one that really tests the anglers," he added.
Always ready to sign autographs, APEX angler Ken Mah shared insight as a seminar speaker and mingled with the next gen in the sport of fishing.
“I had a great time with my fellow APEX anglers engaging with the community,” he shared. “I hope they will invite us back soon.”
As for the upcoming Camanche competition, Mah was pleased to be a part of such an innovative tournament format.
“The fisheries that APEX has in store for us are not where anglers are usually tournament fishing; so, you just don’t know what it’s going to take to win,” he said. “We won’t really know until we learn the format. Will it be two weigh-ins a day or one? Will we be bringing in 10 fish a day or five? It is what I love about APEX. It is always ready to test our abilities.”
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APEX anglers Tony Franceschi and Marty Lawrence were also onsite at the HOOK’D expo to talk fishing – pre-blast off.
“I’m excited to be competing on Camanche as I have not been to the lake in many years,” Franceschi explained. “The nice thing about going to a venue like this, where tournaments are not usually held, is that you can show up with an open mind and fish the conditions.”
“Hopefully, the fish will make us feel as welcome as the residents of the community did,” said Lawrence. “I’ve been looking forward to an awesome event in this area.”
Becky and Jay Kelly, the owners/operators of the HOOK’D shared their appreciation for support of their event.
“We would like to thank everyone who showed up to make this a success,” said Becky. “Thanks to the APEX pros that took the time to talk and teach everyone in the audience. The community support we get at all of our events is outstanding! Wild West (APEX) runs an absolute professional Tour and we are so thankful to be a part of it.”
The APEX Pro Tour will blast off July 9 - 11 at the North Shore of Lake Camanche. Fishing fans can follow along with each and every fish catch at TOURNEYX.
Anglers seeking tackle or gear can shop HOOK’D at 106 Main Street in Ione or online at HOOKD4LIFE.COM
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