The air was still and crisp. Cloud cover blocked out the twinkling stars. Maybe the Weather Channel was going to be correct forecasting a "Chance" of showers. I could hardly wait to get on the road to Lake Berryessa and Markley Cove. The morning was off to a great start and I had a feeling fishing was to be GREAT.

The Markley Cove store welcomed us with bright lights, hot coffee and enthusiastic smiles even though it was 4:45 in the morning. Jan greeted us by holding the door open for us as we readied for registration. The anglers were given XS Energy drinks, new RoboWorm products that were sent up by Mike Brakebill for our anglers to test and Jim Dandy sample baits when they signed up. They each had something to keep their energy level up and something to help them catch a big bag of bass. We would see at 3:00 p.m. when the 33 paid teams would bring their catch to the docks of Markley Cove how the day went!

When all of the teams were waiting at the 5-mph buoy line for blast off. I had everyone shut down their big motors for a minute of silence in remembrance of Garrison "Garry" Knox. A bass fisherman, fellow director and a personal friend to many whom participate in our sport. A fixture at every Angler's Choice Northwest Championship that will be missed by all. The anglers then sped off into the mist-covered waters of Lake Berryessa.

As the sun began to climb higher the weather got better. Even a few blue patches of sky occasionally appeared warding off the rain! The anglers began showing right on time. Lots of limits in the 7 to 8 pound range. Until Todd Storm and Bob Pisani came to the scales with TWO bags! Todd weighed in a 6.73 Lake Berryessa largemouth that when added to their 4 Smallmouth bass brought their total weight to 14.55. Todd was one happy fisherman. But said that may not hold up as there were many good fishermen yet to weigh in. To make a long story a bit shorter, no one else came in with a two-bag limit. Todd Storm and Bob Pisani were our Lake Berryessa Champions. First place money was $1320 add the $100 option pot for a total of $1420 and 1st place 84 Lumber sponsored plaques. Todd's Big Bass earned him $330, a Competitive Edge Wrap-Around worm/jig rod and an 84 Lumber sponsored Big Bass plaque. If that fish holds out as Big Bass of the Year, Todd will receive a spray-on bedliner courtesy of Jesse Angeles at Ultra Truck Works in Elk Grove. Ron Diacon and John Caulfield had 2nd place nailed down with a 13.00 limit that had 2 largemouth and 3 smallmouth in the mix. They took home $660 for 2nd place, $100 option pot and 84 Lumber sponsored plaques. Ron also had the 2nd Big Bass of the event, a 2.87 largemouth, and received a lifetime warranted California Tackle spinning reel, a team set of EZ-Cul-RZ, a jar of Craw-Cane, a RoboWorm products assortment and a box of custom hand-tied jigs. Ron said that he caught that 2nd Big Bass on a Jim Dandy tube bait that he received at registration. For that he received a $100 Calif Tackle certificate for the highest finishing team in the money using a Jim Dandy bait. And a $50 Calif Tackle certificate for the Biggest Bass caught using a Jim Dandy bait. Greg McCosker and Randy Marshall's 12.16 was good for 3rd place and $560 and 84 Lumber plaques. An 11.46 limit was good for 4th place for Dave Symmons and Alan Butt. They got a check for $455 and 4th place 84 Lumber plaques. Steve Thurman and Terry Honkanen were in the money with their10.35 limit. They took home $380 for 5th place, $100 option pot and 84 Lumber plaques. Sixth place and $295 went to Wayne Hinrichs and Mark Meddocks with a 10.01 limit. A 9.58 limit took home the Lucky S.O.B. (Son of a Bass) one spot out of the money option of $140 for Steve Geffs and Kelly Owens. Brent Lyons and Sabin Holm received $80 of Calif Tackle certificates for their 9.02 limit and Bill Cowan and Jay Burns each received a $25 certificate from Just Fishin' courtesy of David Yates. Since Michael Lattrell and Mark White, who was fishing his first ever event, was the youngest team there. I awarded them a 12-pack of XS Energy drink to help them stay alert and not miss any bites during their next event. For being the youngest angler in the event, age 16, I gave Mark White a Mercury hat and a RoboWorm product assortment. I'm sure that RoboWorm assortment will improve his ability to catch bass!

A total of 138 fish were brought to the scales and all released alive. Total weight was 241.87 pounds making the average weight 1.75 per fish. The top five limits included 2 spotted bass, 17 smallmouth and 6 largemouth. Needless to say there were a few nice smallmouth bass brought to the scales! Lake Berryessa a great fishery!

Thanks to the staff at Markley Cove and my event staff Dan, Jerame and Justin Davis as well as Big Ron Herrin. These guys help our event run smooth. Thanks to our local and product sponsors 84 Lumber, XS Energy drinks, Just Fishin, Calif Tackle Company, Ultra Truck Works, RoboWorm, Sunny's Electric Marine, Bass Widow Products, Craw-Cane and Sacramento Pro tackle. Thanks to our national sponsors Bass Cat boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, BassWest, AC Pro Shop and Competitive Edge. Both our national, local and product sponsors make our events possible and FUN! Our next event will be at Folsom Lake on Saturday February 14th. That's right Valentines Day! Registration will again be at the IHOP in Folsom. If you have questions please drop me an e-mail at 481terry@msn.com. See you all at Folsom Lake February 14th!