Like kids anxiously waiting for Christmas, each year
California anglers anticipate the end-of-season release of George Kramer's
Top-40 and while it is never short on controversy, one thing is for sure - love
it or hate it, it definitely gets anglers fired up. That is the intent
explained Kramer.
Not a solo endeavor for the Hall of Fame Legendary
Communicator, the compilation of the best-of-the best derives from deets
considered by his Bass Angler Assessment Team (BAAT).
Unsure of the year of debut for his bass biz
rankings, Kramer estimated it had been the talk around fishermen's water
coolers since '95. "It isn't a straight touring angler's list," he
explained. "If that is what you want, you can find that on a tour website.
We look at performance, relative skills and success of anglers and we love
every big fish and every guy with a 60-lb limit; but we also look at other
proud accomplishments, such as guides with good success and reputations from local
stores and their customers."
Kramer explained the formula for the leaderboard was
that there wasn't a specific formula. "If there was, there would be no
need for George Kramer," he commented.
Although the list is shrouded in controversy, Kramer
sees it as a way to "give his fellow anglers a pat on the back" and
hopes the take away is a "feel good list" regardless of position.
"It just grates on this ol' dog when guys don't see that these 40 names
are the .0037 highest percent of bass fishermen that there is - a little sliver
of our best anglers, no matter what spot they are in," he said.
Click here for the Kramer
Top-40 List for 2013.
The old adage "...you can't please all of the
people all of the time" typically holds true, but this year at least, many
of the anglers asked about their Kramer inclusion, did seem pleased.
With a few hours live, the List had already made a
run through the angler hotline. With a call out to many on the list, here is what
some had to say:
Jeff
Michels - (Shown on the FLW stage at a Western EverStart stop) It feels pretty good to be at the top of the list of some amazing angers. I've been inchin' my way up slowly. It's tough to stay no. 1; but, I would like to try and stay in the top-5. It would be a huge accomplishment. I would love to go back east and
fish. If I don't go while it is right, I may regret it in the future. Thanks to
George for ranking me no. 1.
Ish
Monroe - (Shown with a pair from the California Delta) Second?... Second?!?!? First loser? I qualified for the Classic. I qualified for the Cup. I was 11th in Elite AOY
points and I did it all out of my zip code. Second? You know... nothin'
against, Jeff Michels, but what do I have to do to be first?
Chris
Zaldain - Sweet! (Chris was out of the Country and the convo was cut short)
Brent
Ehrler - Unfortunately, I don't get to fish in California
anymore; so, I'm happy to actually make the list. The only time I spend on the
water is to fish with Rick Grover from Angler's Marine or Minoru Segawa from Lucky Craft. The other days on the water are
driving around Lake Perris to break in my new Ranger/Mercury for the upcoming
season. As far as the Open goes, my schedule has been tied up for the last few
years and I haven't been able to make it. I either have a tournament on the
same week or that's my only off week, which means I get to hang out with my
family. With my Ranger and all of my equipment back east, it would be difficult
to drive west to fish, then turn around and drive back east again. Winning the
Open is still one of my goals. Hopefully the stars will align in the future.
Cody
Meyer - It's awesome!!!
I was no. 1 last year; so I have some work to do to get back there. I am proud
every year just to make the list. There are a ton of good California anglers.
Mark
Daniels Jr. - I've moved up and movin'
forward is good. There are a lot of good anglers that get overlooked; so to be
on his radar is cool. Next year, fishing the Tour, I hope it just gets bigger
and better and that I keep movin' forward. I look
forward to reading the list every year. I would like to thank George for giving
us that spark at the end of the year in the West with the list and I have to
say Michels earned that no. 1. It was well placed and well deserved.
Jason
Borofka - I am super-excited to get the compliment. I hope
to move up higher in the list with more success next year. I would love to be
no. 1. Thank you George for all of the work you do promoting the sport. It was
cool of you to recognize me and congrats to West Coast Jedi Jeff Michaels for
his no. 1 spot. My goal is to beat him!
Bub
Tosh
- Bub Tosh is back. You better bet on it!
Jimmy
Reese - The difference between being ranked no. 1 and no.
2 through 40 is hard work, dedication and execution. I did not execute this
past year and deserved to be 20th - lucky to be 20th. Best part about it is, I
still have to passion to go do it again. Fish on!
Matt
Allen - (Shown with a boatload of Clear Lake giants) The truth is, I look forward to Kramer's list,
every year. It is an honor to be included. I wasn't sure I would make the cut
this year with my transition from trophy hunting to guiding for trophy fish. I
really, really appreciate that Kramer saw the work that was done this past
year.
Ken
Mah
- It is nice to be recognized as one of California's top anglers. I am
especially honored that he said "well liked".
Howard
Hughes - It is always thrilling. There are some really
good sticks out there. Thank you, George.
Andy
Cuccia (Cooch) - (Shown with the 16-lb'r that Kramer referenced) He pays attention. He knows who is
out there workin' hard. I used to make the list a lot when I was tournament
fishing. Since I have strayed away from that and am guiding, it is cool to get
recognized for my knowledge of the River and Clear Lake and other places that I
guide. It goes to show you that if you stay positive and move forward, things
can happen. I have to say thanks to Dan Heath for gettin' me into a Phoenix
boat, or there wouldn't be any fishing and to all the help from people on
Western Bass for helping me keep my head up.
Bobby
Barrack - That is pretty awesome. It is an honor to be part
of the List. I wish there was some way to get more guys involved in the water
situation of the State. It doesn't just end with the Delta. If I could suggest
one thing, it would be to spend 20 minutes a week, finding out for yourself. If
you bass fish, cat fish, striper fish - if you fish - it is something you
should have an understanding of. Go to RestoretheDelta.org and read it
yourself. We will talk more about it, George.
Billy
Egan
- I'm very humbled and surprised to make George Kramer's Top 40 California
anglers list.
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