Yak-a-Bass event had 120 anglers sign up for the season opener at Lake Oroville. The weather was cold with air temperatures ranging from 30 to 65 degrees, water temperatures were chilly 45 to 48 degrees. The fish were schooled up in specific locations and if an angler found that magical spot they were rewarded with the Motherlode. When the lines were out, and all the fish were submitted, Joseph Tax had found the motherlode with 76.25” beating second place by 1.5”. Tax launched out of Bidwell and headed to the Middle fork. The wind was blowing straight in his path with 3-foot waves crashing over his bow. Tax stated Oroville Lake was like a scene from the Deadliest Catch, “it was terrifying.” His kayak took on water and he had to stop twice to bilge the water out. Tax caught his fish using a drop-shop rigged with a 2.8” Keitech. His key presentation was to slowly move the rig in 70 feet of water right in the middle of the creek. The action was just to lift slightly and let the bait naturally swim back to the bottom, then lift again and a fish would bite. Most of his larger fish came in 70 feet of water but several of his 15-inch fish came in 50 to 60 feet of water. The Western Grebes were present in his Motherlode location, he noticed that the birds were eating shad the same size as the 2.8 Keitech. He knew that bait was present, giving him the confidence to work the area over. Tax stated that he caught around 65 fish in that single area. Because of the “terrifying” boat ride to his location, he felt it was best to stay. Tax thanked P-Line, Keitech, Owner Hooks, Powel Rods, Daiwa, and his biggest supporter, his wife.
Danny Miller finished in second place with 74.75”. Launching from Loafer Creek and making an hour-long run to the Middle Fork where he had found quality size fish during his practice fishing. He focused on long clay points; his lures of choice were a swimbait and drop-shot. Making a run to a small cut with a feeder creek, Miller spent the rest of his time there culling fish. Miller showed his gratitude to James Snyder, Bill Bukowatz, Ron Lewis, Mike Lavoie, York Sell and a special thanks to his wife Kelly and the good lord above who is always with us.
Mike Ensign finished third with 74.25” Launching from Lime Saddle ramp. Ensign traveled over 14 miles total during his day. After fishing a jig with no bites and the wind picking up, he made an adjustment that proved to push him to the top three. Ensign adjustment was to target windy main lake points with a Dark Horse A-Rig. He fished the A- rig in 25 feet of water ticking the bottom while going with the wind. Ensign sponsors are I-rod, Bioenno batteries, Dark Horse Baits, Gama Fishing Line, and NewPort Motors.
1. Joseph Tax 76.25”
2. Danny Miller 74.75”
3. Mike Ensign 74.25”
4. Greg Blanchard 74.00”
5. Brandon Miller 74.00”
6. Marvin Liave 73.00”
7. Pua Yang 72.25”
8. Alden Walden 72.25”
9. John Myers 72.25”
10. Anthony Kernan Penaloza 72.00”
Big Fish
Daigo Kobayashi 18.25”
Advertising