9 anglers decided to give it a try and launched out of Jones Valley at 7:30 AM for a full day of multi-species fishing. The weather was mild with highs in the 70s with partly cloudy skies and a calm breeze. The primary patterns were reported to be trolling Kastmasters for trout and bass and drop shotting shad pattern worms for bass. Per Rusk, “the trout were right on the surface and the bass were below them. Most trolled the ¼ oz. blue/silver Kastmasters. The trout were chasing the shad right on top and the bass hang out below the trout”.
At 2:30 PM they headed in to see who would be crowned champion. Four of the nine anglers were able to manage a three fish limit. Ultimately, it was local Ben Wiechman of Redding, CA. Ben submitted two bass that totaled 35 inches (including a 20-inch magnum spotted bass that was big fish of the tournament) and a 16-inch trout for a slam total of 51 inches. Second place was Bryan Rusk with 12.25 inches of bass and 37.25 inches of trout for a slam total of 49.5 inches. In Third Place was Brock Whaley with 27.75 inches of bass and 14.5 inches of trout for a slam total of 42.25 inches.
Here’s your results:
1. Ben Wiechman – 51 inches
2. Bryan Rusk – 49.5 inches
3. Brock Whaley – 42.25 inches
4. Jeff Baker – 38.75 inches
5. Jeff Riggs – 31 inches
6. David Bishop – 29 inches
7. Jeff Davies – 26.75 inches
8. Tim Arthur – 0 inches
9. Bryan Anondson – 0 inches
Up next for the Shasta Bass crew is the Hobie Bass Open Series (B.O.S.) on Lake Shasta on 3/9 and 3/10/19. This trail will consist of seven events across the nation on some of the best fisheries to include: Lake Chickamauga, Kentucky Lake, Lake Fork, Lake St. Claire, and Lake Guntersville. This is the only event in California. The series boasts a 100% payout. The top angler from each event qualifies for the 2020 Hobie World Championship (location TBD). The top five from each event qualify for the national championship to be held on 11/9 and 11/10 (location TBD). This is a great opportunity for California kayak anglers, don’t let it slip by.
*The event organizers would like to deliver a special thanks to the California Fish & Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area for allowing them to host the Shasta Bass Fall Kayak Classic. The event was operated under a special use permit with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this event is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
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