Day 2 of the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Western Division event on the California Delta proved to be a challenge for many, as anglers attempted to piece together a transitionary bite with the tidal situation.
The puzzle seems to be falling into place for leader Michael Moreno, who was able to follow up his Day 1 total of 17 pounds with another 17-13 on Day 2. Adapting to the conditions and slowing down his approach was key to his second-day success.
Here’s how the rest of the leaderboard stacked up behind him.
2. Christian Ostrander – 34-6 (8)
Making the biggest wave on Day 2, Christian Ostrander crushed 25-14 to rocket into contention. After only weighing three fish for 8-8 on Day 1, he was able to surge into second place.
“All of my water didn’t pan out whatsoever yesterday,” Ostrander says. “I had three fish and lost two big ones yesterday. BIG ONES! I said ‘forget that water.’”
Looking to turn the tide in his favor, he went to new spots on Day 2 but stuck to the same strategy.
“I just went to a whole new area, where I knew there were some big ones,” Ostrander says. “I did the same thing today, I chattered, I threw Senkos and I punched.”
The six-hour tournament window was tough on other competitors, but it wasn’t a factor for Ostrander when it came to stacking up nearly a 26-pound bag.
“I’m making a long run, I don’t have much time to catch ‘em,” he says. “But today the ...