Zona and Kvd Anglers Marine Bass-a-thon trip

[jfross]

Thank you Mark Zona and Rick Grover for an outstanding bass trip. I arrived @ the airport 4 pm. Z and his life long friend Tom picked me up and went to the launch ramp for an evening of fishing. We fished until around 7pm catch and releasing 2lb to 3lb fish with a few 4lb mixed in, all small mouth chunkies. This was a small taste of what was to come in the next 2 days. Next morning 5:30 am the 3 of us went to a different lake for the day, 85 degree air temp, clear skys, and about 200 catch and release small mouth 3lb to 4 lb with 14 fish over 5 lbs. The hardest pulling smallies i've ever tangled with. KVD was also out in his boat taping his show with cameraman Dave. We meet up during the day to discuss areas and fishing. We all meet up for drinks and steaks after the day ended. Considering the company I was in, these two heavy hitters in the bass world had not one sign of being egotistical- bass- maniacs. They were just like me and you with one exception, their the best of the best. The next moring Z and I started out to another area to look around. The sign of fish was there but smaller grade, not what we are looking for. We picked up drove to another area about 40 miles away and launched again. This area produced around 100 smallies 3lbs or better, 25 smallies, 4 lbs to 5 lbs and 4 over 5 lbs. We were to be off the water by 2pm, but the fishing was so good, we fished until 4 pm. Z just couldnt stop his arms from casting. We must have said last cast around 100 times, but when you are landing a 3lb to 4lb smallie on every cast it's hard to pick up and go. These fish have never seen lures before and must have had a steady diet of steroids. To sum it up, the best small mouth fishing i've ever wittnessed. Rick, I hope you will have Zona and KVD this year at the Bass a Thon and possibly give another trip away with Zona. Thank you again Z for your hospitality and an awsome fishing adventure. Believe me guys, Zona can talk the talk and walk the walk. Trust me when I make this statement. Good luck on World's Greatest and Bass Elite Series shows this year and we all will be watching. JRoss
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[Nor Cal Bassman]

Bro, It sounds like you had a sweet time with some great fishermen. I would love to have the chance to met Zona. That dude cracks me up. His show is one of the best and funniest. And a chance to meet and fish with KVD... priceless.

Good stuff bro-ski!!!!

[TEAMDEADMONEY]

I as well as many others are completely jealous that we couldnt go on that trip. Sounds Like you had a blast.
That was a once in a life time trip...hopefully you took some pics of fun.. If you did then you should post some here. We'd like to see some.

Pete

[Keith Tripp]

John,

Z called me yesterday as he was loading his family to go back there and get after them smallies again. He wanted to tell me and Rick what a GREAT time he had on the trip and how well you guys slammed the smallies. He couldn't stop talking about it!!!!!! I am happy to hear you guys not only caught the fish but had a great time all the way around. Z is a great guy and a real plus for this sport.

Rick at Anglers Marine always comes up with something great at the Bass A Thon and it sounds like this may have topped it all... Great job as always Rick. Not sure we could top a day on the water with Z but we will see Rick's plan at this years Bass A Thon.

Keith Tripp
Ranger & Stratos Boat Group

[Rick G]

That is awesome. There are a ton of great people in this industry that I have been lucky to meet over the years and those 2 are on the top of the list for sure. Congrats on a great time. I am jealous!. Rick G.

[DB]

Where were you fishing?

[Rick G]

Somewhere near Traverse City Michigan. Secret Zona 'Zones'. Rick G.

[jfross]

I didn't mention places or lakes because, Yes, it is a secret Z zone. Please respect the fact that Z and a hand full of others have spent years reconning theses fishing grounds and it wouldn't be right for me to let the cat out of the bag. What happens on the water, stays on the water.sorry boys. Jross

[Mike]

Wow! Awesome Smallie fishing fo sho'!!!!!