The 2019 Motherlode Kayak Angler (MKA) Motherlode Series schedule has been finalized and is set to kick off on Lake McClure. This is the second season for the tour, and it will be an exciting one. They have 3 events scheduled on awesome fisheries during prime time. Late March on Lake McClure (3/23/19), late April on Lake Don Pedro (4/28/19), and mid-May on Lake Tulloch (5/11/19). Lake McClure is known to be a spotted bass factory but as of recent, it has shown its ability to kick out some incredible limits of bass in excess of 30 pounds! Lake Don Pedro is a big fish lake with largemouth regularly exceeding double-digit weights. This will be the first visit to Lake Tulloch that is a well-known Smallmouth fishery located just below New Melones Reservoir.
The MKA Motherlode Series is open to kayaks, kick boats, belly boats, and u boats. Paddles, Pedals, and trolling motors are allowed. Tournaments are a 3 fish limit utilizing the catch, picture, and release (CPR) method. This circuit welcomes anglers of all levels with a focus on sportsmanship and safety. Life jackets are required at all times without exception.
For 2019, the angler cap has been increased to 60 due to overwhelming demand in the first season. Last season consisted of 2 qualifying events (Lake McClure and Lake Don Pedro) followed by a Tournament of Champions (TOC) on Kelsey Bass Ranch that would decide the Angler of the Year and TOC Champion. Ultimately it was Jacob Traba of Pacifica, CA that was crowned the TOC Champion with a total length of 63 inches that included a 21.75-inch big fish. Damian Thao of Fresno, CA finished strong in all 3 events and was named Angler of the Year (AOY).
Many of the anglers who fished the inaugural season are already registered for this season. Some are looking to repeat, while others are looking for redemption. Here are your top 10 from each event last season:
Lake McClure (3/3/18)
1. Damian Thao – 48.25 inches
2. Obedie Williams – 47.5 inches
3. Felipe Maciel – 47.25 inches
4. Brian Konefat – 47.25 inches
5. Francisco Rangel – 46.5 inches
6. Chava Moua – 46.5 inches
7. Kongo Thao – 45.75 inches
8. Chuwie Vang – 45.75 inches
9. Sean O’Connor – 45.5 inches
10. John Myers – 45.5 inches
Lake Don Pedro (4/15/18)
1. Kongo Thao – 56 inches
2. Xiong Moua – 52 inches
3. Mark Carroll – 50.5 inches
4. Damian Thao – 50.5 inches
5. Brian Konefat – 49.25 inches
6. Shadowns Vangyi – 48.5 inches
7. Rob Knoles – 48.5 inches
8. Brigham Vang – 48.25 inches
9. Chris Laird – 48 inches
10. Obedie Williams – 47.5 inches
Kelsey Bass Ranch TOC (6/24/18)
1. Jacob Traba – 63 inches
2. Obedie Williams – 63 inches
3. Brigham Vang – 60 inches
4. Damian Thao – 59.75 inches
5. Xiong Moua – 58.5 inches
6. Rob Knoles – 58 inches
7. Shadowns Vangyi – 57.75 inches
8. Brian Konefat – 57.25 inches
9. Kong Her – 56.25 inches 56.25
10. Michael Lavoie – 56.25 inches
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