All six Best Bass Tournaments (BBT) divisions have concluded, and the field is now set for the annual Tournament of Champions (TOC). The top teams from all divisions, plus the Travelers Division, have all qualified for this big-money event, which will be held on Lake Berryessa on October 12th and 13th out of Pleasure Cove Marina.
According to longtime tournament angler and guide BBT Tournament Director Randy Pringle, the TOC should provide great fishing for all three bass species. He offered some insight into the lake, how it should fish, and some of the details of this great year-end event.
The Tournament Location
Each year, the location of the TOC is a secret until midway through the season to prevent "cherry picking" of regular season events by teams only looking to fish a big event on their home waters. It's become an annual tradition to announce the lake after the new season starts, and this year, it's Berryessa. Pringle said the fishery is a perfect location for this event because it allows anglers to fish in many different ways, especially in October.
"This time of year, you can throw anything you want to and catch fish," said Pringle. "A team could win this tournament on topwater, or it could be won on a drop-shot. I expect spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and A-Rigs to put fish in the boat if it gets windy. Another thing about this lake is it has big bass that eat trout and kokanee, so a big swimbait can also come into play."
Pringle also noted that Berryessa has all three main bass species and that each should be a factor since they all grow big here. "The lake grows some huge bass for all species since they eat kokanee," he said. "This is a place where a person has the chance to catch their personal best of all three species."
Pringle would know as he has caught a 15-pound largemouth from the lake and knows it well.
"It's a canyon lake on one side towards the dam with deeper water and rock piles," he began. "Then you have an open area with trees and flats holding fish and island tops. It also has three major creeks running into it: Capell, Pope, Putah, and smaller ones. Anglers can fish all three arms and fish a different style. This is not just a lake for the flipping or swimbait guys; you can find the bite that you like here."
Pringle also likes how large the lake fishes because of the size and ample cover. "Everyone will have room to move around because the lake is 22 miles and 127 miles of shoreline," he said. "It's a popular lake for water skiers, but in October, there will be a lot less than in the summer months, so there should be plenty of water to go around. Plus, the water is up, so the bushes, trees, and shrubs should all be in play."
Payout, Details, and Predictions
One major draw for this event is the large amount of money available, with a top prize of $20,000 and many more payouts and options for the rest of the field.
"The guys are fishing for $20 grand," he said. "There are payouts for placements and options, but if you win first place, you will forego other payouts. This is written in the rules and is fair because they have already won the top prize."
The tournament is Saturday and Sunday, with off-limits starting on Monday. Wednesday the 9th is the first day of practice, Thursday the 10th is the second day, and Friday is mandatory registration between 2 and 4 p.m. before the rules are read at 5 p.m. Anglers can only practice during official practice alone or with their tournament partner.
As for what Pringle thinks it will take to win and do well, he expects solid weights. "17 to 20 pounds a day will likely be what is needed to win, and if you can catch an average of 15 pounds a day, you'll probably get a check," he said. "There will be a lot of teams that do well the first day and don't do as well the second day, so consistency will be key. Also, don't stick all your fish in practice because that's one of the easiest ways to spoil an area. Save your fish for tournament day."
The 2024 season will wrap up on Lake Berryessa with big money and year-long bragging rights on the line. The lake should be a great fishery for the qualified teams and provide plenty of action for everyone who attends.
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