DELTA DON >>>WINS!!!!!

stickbait · Post by **stickbait** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 9:03 pm

Delta Don... congrats ... what a amazing story...Sounds like they worked thier butts of for this one !!!

I sure would love to see this area those boys fished... I think I would have went beaver hunting !!!

http://www.flwoutdoors.com/

Dan Pollard · Post by **Dan Pollard** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 9:15 pm

You will have to wait till October to see it on Verse

Flippinjigs · Post by **Flippinjigs** » Sun Jun 13, 2010 7:33 am

Yea! That was one heck of a story on the FLW web site. Especially after the pulling equipment broke. But luck was shinning. The river was higher because they been letting more than normal water out of Lake Shasta. The news said that the river would be higher by three feet and faster. That may have helped them on the last day to get their fishing area without equipment.

Good Fishin

NoCAL · Post by **NoCAL** » Sun Jun 13, 2010 1:58 pm

I ran the camera boat for Don and believe me they were way back in the boonies. Us two camera boat drivers didn't even go in where they were actually fishing. Made for a long day just waiting pulled upi n the tules for them to come out. I was getting texts all day from the cameraman about fish that Don was catching. I knew it was going to come down to the wire and it sure did. What a great finish. It will be an awesome show when it finally airs. Sad to say that will not be until 17 October. The FLW put on a great event and hopefully will continue to run events from the Webber Point events center. It is a beautiful venue for bass tournaments.

NoCAL

Matt Moreau · Post by **Matt Moreau** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 7:21 am

Way to go Don!!!

Kbeever · Post by **Kbeever** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 7:24 am

I read the article too and want ask the question, where do tournaments draw the line on what external devices are allowed?? Pulleys?? I don't even think attaching something to public land and leaving it there overnight is even allowed by state law. And then they dug out a passage way?

Basically Don was fishing water that the rest of the field realistically couldn't even fish. Shoot, the camera boats couldn't even make it in there.

I am aware this is not a first, as it has been noted that in prefish anglers have dug out passages at different bodies of water, but it doesn't make it right, especially by attaching something to PUBLIC property.

In a tournament, you're supposed to competing for the same fish in the same accessible body of water, not making some special device that will allow you to get to a portion that isn't accessible to the rest of the field.

Keith

davet. · Post by **davet.** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 7:37 am

I knew this was coming, but took longer than I expected.
Where do we draw the line? I was wondering that.
I commend Don for his resourcefulness and enginuity, going the extra way to get a win. If I could have, I'd have done the same.
Nobody contested, it's official, it's a done deal, so please no whiners, but we may have a logical discussion about details.
First off, if mechanical means are legal, can I hire a helicopter to lift me into a secluded owbow, as long as the hole is attached by water?

Kbeever · Post by **Kbeever** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 8:10 am

Davet,

Please don't insult me and call me a whiner. I am just bringing up a valid point. The same issue arises in other waterways where people gain access through ways that aren't accessible to the rest of the field. (Aluminum Jet Boats on Havasu)

I think if I you enter a tournament, you should have the same opportunity that everyone else does without using devices that give you unfair access that you wouldn't have without that device.

The reason for the post was to see if people concur or is it just a matter to WIN at all cost as long as it doesn't break the "Rules".

I am sure Don had no ill intent and I am not remotely suggesting that, I am simply asking a question where do we draw the line.

Keith

ASD · Post by **ASD** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 8:29 am

Rules are Rules. An if the Rules do not list the type of drives you can use or min or max HP. then it's run what u brung. Most Rules say the area must be open for all to fish it dose not say all must be able to fish it. So if some guy shows up with an air boat and can get to places u can't you should get an air boat if you want to fish their. Don't get me rong I don't like it when guys out run me to my #1 spot

but my boat only has a 115 HP Merc on it an dose 48 MPH and the Rules say you can have a faster boat. I also can not fish some of the places people with faster boats can because it takes to mush time to run that far but the trade off is I can get to places that a 21'er can't

so be happy and fish were u can and have fun doing it

Smitty · Post by **Smitty** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 8:32 am

They did not have access that others didnt. Jet Boats are not allowed in FLW tournaments. You must have a prop. Anyone in the field could have done the same thing. Sounded like Don knew those fish would be in there and they just had to figure out how to get to them.
As far as a helicopter, the rules state your boat must be in tournament waters at all times. They were in water going over the beaver dams (although very very skinny).
Kudos to them for the effort and work. It aint easy relying on 1.5 hours to catch your fish on certain days.
Smitty

FATGUY · Post by **FATGUY** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 11:02 am

did smeone say the dredged it ?? is that legal?? i fished a tourney where access was blocked by downed trees. we asked if we could go in and chain saw a entry .. no way . we were told we couldn't because the trees we attached to public property.. also if they dredged i hope they didn't destroy any of the beaver dam ..

Brian · Post by **Brian** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 11:13 am

BOB G wrote:did smeone say the dredged it ?? is that legal?? i fished a tourney where access was blocked by downed trees. we asked if we could go in and chain saw a entry .. no way . we were told we couldn't because the trees we attached to public property.. also if they dredged i hope they didn't destroy any of the beaver dam ..

OH crap, If so, I hope the HSUS doesn't find out...........

Phil Burgess · Post by **Phil Burgess** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 1:35 pm

WAY TO GO DON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW THEN WHO WANT TO TAKE ME AND SHOW ME WHERE THIS SECRET HOLE IS AT............. I HAVE DYNAMITE SO I KNOW WE CAN MAKE IT IN EASY.......... LETS OPEN THIS BABY UP.....................

davet. · Post by **davet.** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 1:57 pm

Davet,

Please don't insult me and call me a whiner. I am just bringing up a valid point. The same issue arises in other waterways where people gain access through ways that aren't accessible to the rest of the field. (Aluminum Jet Boats on Havasu)

No, that wasn't directed at you. It was directed at the floodgate that I was expecting to follow. I was just calling for a civil discussion. Da internets can be deceiving in meaning.

davet. · Post by **davet.** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 2:03 pm

Phil Burgess wrote:WAY TO GO DON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW THEN WHO WANT TO TAKE ME AND SHOW ME WHERE THIS SECRET HOLE IS AT............. I HAVE DYNAMITE SO I KNOW WE CAN MAKE IT IN EASY.......... LETS OPEN THIS BABY UP.....................

I've been scanning google satellite with a fine tooth comb, I'm gonna find that sumbitch!!

mrmarshall · Post by **mrmarshall** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 4:12 pm

It will be curious to see what the FLW sponsors think about this. How is Cabela's going to profit off of being part of the promotions on this one? Start selling game hoists and camp shovels in the fishing catalog?

I remember Mark Menendez won an Elite Series event in an aluminum boat that could go places that you couldn't get a big boat into. However his efforts didn't require any civil engineering.

Steve Reed · Post by **Steve Reed** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 5:14 pm

The story also mentions working through some beaver damns... I would be really curious as to what the laws regarding this are. I know that in most states it is illegal to do so and is heavily fineable.

swordfish · Post by **swordfish** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 5:30 pm

Beavers are very industrious, and would probably fix any cuts to the huts in a day or two besides what else do they have to do all day long? Nobody is gonna go over them , just by them.

ash · Post by **ash** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 5:39 pm

So far I think its funny out of the respondents of this thread two fished the FLW on the PRO side are two that say Way to go...and do not take issue with the ingenuity that Don and Leon have shown.

I think it will bring up discussion, if they attached a device that allowed them to get through to pretty water...god bless, if they cut a hole in the levy well that is another issue....as ASD said you run what you brung....the "unfairness" of it kinda rings true to what guys said about Dee Thomas when he was Tulle dippin with a ten foot pole, hey he smoked us thats not fair....

There is a risk vs reward, if they get stuck in there lose the tide, snap a lower unit its game over done deal, as long as its navigable water and the participants at no time were trespassing or breaking the law then its fair game.

As Dave mentioned the Tournament director has ruled on it the guys got their deserved check, I say congrats way to create your won destiny....literally!

ASD · Post by **ASD** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 5:44 pm

Ash
Well said

Brian D. · Post by **Brian D.** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 6:16 pm

davet. · Post by **davet.** » Tue Jun 15, 2010 8:44 am

Smitty wrote:They did not have access that others didnt. Jet Boats are not allowed in FLW tournaments. You must have a prop. Anyone in the field could have done the same thing. Sounded like Don knew those fish would be in there and they just had to figure out how to get to them.
As far as a helicopter, the rules state your boat must be in tournament waters at all times. They were in water going over the beaver dams (although very very skinny).
Kudos to them for the effort and work. It aint easy relying on 1.5 hours to catch your fish on certain days.
Smitty

I can tell you one thing, when I'm running my 19 footer with the 200 horse Promax in 3 foot rollers, that thing has lost contact with water a lot longer than I really like.

As for going over a beaver dam, the water level on each side is usually not nearly equal. I'v seem them suckers 6 feet tall with a difference of water levels of, well, 6 feet. I guess if there's water flowing over it and you never go over dry ground, yer ok.
I just can't imagine the amount of effort and power it took to drag a boat up and over a beaver dam. That's crazy!

I'm gonna hire this helicopter guy to get me into those holes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkH6uPBPymY

Flippinjigs · Post by **Flippinjigs** » Tue Jun 15, 2010 9:40 am

Now that I think about it. I think it's a great win, However the use of push poles no problem. Tying blocks/pulleys and ropes to pull you boat through is another issue that sholud be addressed in the tournament rules. Untill it's addressed. I guess it's OK to prep your fishing location prior to a event. I guess if you could drege an area, you could also prep the area by chumming it too? For It not written? Folks are clever! Some might remember this:

I recall another angler (Randy Blocket???) fishing a BASS event many years ago. I don't recall the lake. But he contacted Ranger boats to see if he pulled the plug how many inches his Ranger boat could be submerged to get under a low bridge. I fact he did submerged the boat got under the bridge. Caught the winning weight on jigs.

Good Fishin

NoCAL · Post by **NoCAL** » Tue Jun 15, 2010 10:57 am

I don't think either Leon or Don ever said they installed the pulley or winch system that they used the first 2 days. It might have already been there and they just used it. I do know it was not in use on Days 3 and 4.

NoCAL

leachman90 · Post by **leachman90** » Tue Jun 15, 2010 11:01 am

Steve Reed wrote:The story also mentions working through some beaver damns... I would be really curious as to what the laws regarding this are. I know that in most states it is illegal to do so and is heavily fineable.

Hey Steve, I guess Don will have the money to pay those fines now doesn't he?

As far as the beaver huts,like it has already been said those beavers would have any damage done fixed in no time. And with this area not been fished for what was said to be several years these animals will be fine. I fish a lot of huts up here, as a matter of fact I search for huts to fish. Now we should let the beaver issue die. Last thing we want is for PETA to read this thread.

As far as Don and Leon, I have never met Don but I do know Leon and I am very happy for him.God Bless...Jim

stickbait · Post by **stickbait** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 7:39 am

NoCAL wrote:I don't think either Leon or Don ever said they installed the pulley or winch system that they used the first 2 days. It might have already been there and they just used it. I do know it was not in use on Days 3 and 4.

NoCAL

Hey NC... you were the camera boat... No photos ???

NoCAL · Post by **NoCAL** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 1:04 pm

They left the camera boats at the mouth of the slough. They didn't want us to tear up our boats and the size of the area was just too small to have 4 21' boats in there even if 2 wouldn't be fishing. So we never actually saw the fishing spot, just the access point to get into it.

NoCAL

Cooch · Post by **Cooch** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 1:09 pm

A Big Congrats to Don Davis, job well done my friend, you timed and planned it perfectly this time!

For those who feel the need to debate Don's victory here, have at it, just know the real facts are in the hands of FLW. 6 observers, Lord only knows how many camera men and other boat observers where there the final 2 days, when all was said and done, FLW felt Don & Leon played with in their rules and awarded him the Victory!

For those who are attempting to find this lil jewel of a hidden pond down there, good luck! It's taken maybe 10+ years for that lil puddle to replenish with fish since our good buddy Sapper yanked so many fish from there. Now Don & Leon yanked all those fish, close to 160 pounds from there, gonna be awhile before it replenishes again! LOL

jcruz · Post by **jcruz** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 1:18 pm

Personally, I feel if it's navigable waters and your not breaking any rules or local laws it is in play and fishable to the first person who runs there on Day 1.

That said, this was posted on the FLW website -- under the Delta Don story, from the would-be pond owner -- can anyone validate these pointed remarks? It is obvious the guy doesn't type much either.

mcardoza28 (6/15/2010 at 18:50 PM)
delta don fish a simeye privite sul that is only ment for kids i know this because i am the farmer that owens it and whach him fish while i was mowing my picnic area that over looks the privite water way that is feed by the rivers ground water.If you make it in there ok but bring the fish back they were planted there by other pepole that fish for fun like handycap kids and little kids that we get started fishing.For pepole to come in there and fish it for money is not what it is intened for my own bass tronment not even aloud in this area and it is for a charity event.if any qustions please email me at mcardoza28@gmail.com thank you.[quote][/quote]

Cooch · Post by **Cooch** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 2:12 pm

I'd bet that was a planted parody post! California farmers are a lot smarter than this(Water=Gold), plus, ain't no California Farmer, much less one with a pond out back, gonna be sitting at his computer on a Tuesday afternoon at 18:50. HAR!

flipit · Post by **flipit** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 2:46 pm

Gotta agree with Cooch here. Not only that, they talked with the TD prior to the event and were told they were good. Therefore no problem. They were ahead of the game on this one and congrats are in order. Will it change fishing/rules? Most likely, but at this time its all good.

PS.. Wish I knew where they were cause Id do the same if it was within the rules.

flipit · Post by **flipit** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 2:47 pm

Cooch wrote:I'd bet that was a planted parody post! California farmers are a lot smarter than this(Water=Gold), plus, ain't no California Farmer, much less one with a pond out back, gonna be sitting at his computer on a Tuesday afternoon at 18:50. HAR!

Most likely a bitter imposter.

Ray Vanacore · Post by **Ray Vanacore** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 4:36 pm

Also, Most Farmers know how to spell .Just my .02.
Ray Vanacore

rickd · Post by **rickd** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 4:48 pm

If you're thinking about going down there make sure you bring a few spare props!

fish_food · Post by **fish_food** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 5:03 pm

Cooch wrote:I'd bet that was a planted parody post! California farmers are a lot smarter than this(Water=Gold), plus, ain't no California Farmer, much less one with a pond out back, gonna be sitting at his computer on a Tuesday afternoon at 18:50. HAR!

Funny thing is, there actually is/was farmland owned by a Cardoza in that south Delta area. There are oxbows/sloughs down there where bassboats regulary get stuck--a friend who farmed the area would help "unstuck" them once in a while. If he felt like it. The Cardoza, Filippini and Kell farms, Fillipini Slough, Mexican Slough, etc...

Cooch · Post by **Cooch** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 5:44 pm

flipit wrote:Gotta agree with Cooch here. Not only that, they talked with the TD prior to the event and were told they were good. Therefore no problem. They were ahead of the game on this one and congrats are in order. Will it change fishing/rules? Most likely, but at this time its all good.

This is ABSOLUTELY a TRUE statement fellas! I actually just came from Bobby's house down the street and just happened to pose this to him as he fished that event. His comment, "I think it's awesome what Don & Leon did! They played by the rules and out thunk the rest of us. Anyone of us could have done the same thing, yet we chose to stick to our own game plans. They even checked with FLW prior to the event to ensure it was legal with in their rules. We western guys just got a taste of what's been going on with saavy anglers all through out the Sourh and East fer decades."

Two more HIP HIP Horays for DON & LEON!

Shad*Wizard · Post by **Shad*Wizard** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 6:17 pm

My shad buddy Paul years back described a place up that way that sounds just like the description on the FLW website...Some of the best shad in the state came out of that country...Big and Wild!...Paul had 2 Minnkotas on his rig and mine was on 5 all the time...Take your chances if you head up that way...And if you get stuck or break down, have fun staying there the night...

We ran at night with 3 boats...Stay up there alone and you'll get the "Willies" for sure even if you brought "Betsy" along...One night somebody opened up with what sounded like an AK-47 off the bank...We shut off our lights and kept shadding...Only the word "Boonies" can describe that country...Paul found boats floating up there one year with no motors on them...His boat was stolen too...

I'm going to miss that "Old Man"...He passed away in Feb. from liver cancer...Best red worm farmer in the state...He sold redworms to Bass Pro Shops in Manteca for awhile...Even in his 70's, it was hard to keep up with him...Worked from sun up til sundown on his worm farm, 6 days a week...One of those "Missouri" farm boys who worked hard and honestly...The worm farm will continue to sell worms throughout the Delta and Motherlode...

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 8:21 pm

i'm guessing that a lot of you delta guys know where this place is, I talked to a couple people at the delta today and asked about this oxbow. From the rumors and a few google earth maps...I'm pretty sure, I found it. I could be wrong, but i'm almost sure I found it.

I really want to know if I found the place or not, however, I'm almost certain there is no way I'm taking my boat in there if it is anything like i hear and what I saw on google maps.

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 9:06 pm

Okay...a little more research...I'm 99% sure that I found the place, if anyone has got a beater boat (cause I don't have money to replace mine after going in) that they want to go give it a try...pm me.

Steve Reed · Post by **Steve Reed** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 2:48 am

Hey James,

Yeah, fishing those dams isn't the problem... I know for trout they are awesome, but in many states disturbing them at all including moving a single stick is illegal... ( in most regulations they say if you allow any water to flow through that isn't already). I believe washington is very strict on this as well.

I think its cool they found this area, but was it legal to do so?

JustinD · Post by **JustinD** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 2:57 am

Why would you search out and try to beat up anyone elses water? Seems like Don's 30+ years of Delta knowledge was just cashed out by FLW. Please bring your boats down south....the prop guys need your $.........

Oxbow......well its an oxbow but I'm pretty sure not the one your looking at on Google earth.....that ones impassable.

Kbeever · Post by **Kbeever** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 8:03 am

Hello Cooch,

Was Don's pond the same place Steve Sapp used to win so many tournaments from? (I am assumming you were referring to him as the Sapper?)

I remember hearing something like that back in the day when Sapp was doing good.

Haven't heard his name, is he still around?

Keith

Rich reeser · Post by **Rich reeser** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 8:17 am

If'n I had to guess I would say its near Pilot Slough

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 9:31 am

JustinD wrote:Why would you search out and try to beat up anyone elses water? Seems like Don's 30+ years of Delta knowledge was just cashed out by FLW. Please bring your boats down south....the prop guys need your $......... Oxbow......well its an oxbow but I'm pretty sure not the one your looking at on Google earth.....that ones impassable.

First of all, I doubt I will ever even go in there. I fish for fun, not for money...so you have nothing to worry about. I'm going to tell a couple of people about what I found to see if they want to go on a adventure, but other than that, my mouth is shut.

Who elses water is that? I thought it was navigatable, therefore legal for all to fish. That water belongs to you selected few who where told about it 30+ years ago? Everyone will know where it it is here in a few months, I just found out a little before.

And as far as not finding the right spot...maybe, but I would be willing bet a new rod or reel if you want.

JustinD · Post by **JustinD** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 10:06 am

birdi23nls...I'm just messing with ya man....There are a million places people never see or explore on the river.....I mean how many have gone backside of Union Point thru the canals back down to old river...Yes there is a way....People are locked into what they know. Thats human nature. These spots/spot have been there forever and will continue on. Guess its just the huge influx of boats I see in the south now.....Words out. Seems like every few years the "good" area changes.

birdi23nls · Post by **birdi23nls** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 11:27 am

JustinD wrote:birdi23nls...I'm just messing with ya man....There are a million places people never see or explore on the river.....I mean how many have gone backside of Union Point thru the canals back down to old river...Yes there is a way....People are locked into what they know. Thats human nature. These spots/spot have been there forever and will continue on. Guess its just the huge influx of boats I see in the south now.....Words out. Seems like every few years the "good" area changes.

I didn't take it in a bad way...I was just curious is all. That is why I did a little research. You the man.

Derrick · Post by **Derrick** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 6:33 pm

Great job Don!
For those who are going to try and navigate the south delta please be careful it is not like the rest of the delta. It has many sand bars and logs that stick on them and it changes all the time-- some places deep water is 2ft. You need to pay attention to the tides and if they are pumping water south. Over the past 21 years I have seen guys really tear their boats up from losing lower units, cracking the fiberglass to getting stuck BAD on bars and flats. Again go slow and it doesn't hurt to have a push pole.You will need it!
Derrick

meagain · Post by **meagain** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 6:47 pm

hahaha all that boat traffic makes it more interesting, just my .02

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