CALIFORNIA FOOTHILLS DIVISION

June 20th, California Delta

Press Release

Father's Day – June 20 th – Calif Delta

“What the heck!” my mind thought, “I just went to sleep!” Sure enough it WAS the alarm clock, 02:00 in the MORNING! I force myself out of a deep sleep and shut off the alarm clock. Ten minutes later I'm out of the shower, dressed and the coffee's brewing. One more time over the checklist, a cup to go and I'm off. Seventy minutes later I'm pulling into Big Break's parking lot.

On the drive down to Big Break Marina, I noticed the wind had not subsided. It was still blowing pretty good along the river. Wind howling through the Delta makes for an exciting boat ride! I was praying that it would let up a bit by blast off.

Once we had all 24 teams in the books, it was time for the wild ride. But surprise surprise! The wind had actually ceased and the waters were calm! At 05:17 we were blastin' off into the vast maze of sloughs and canals of the awesome California Delta! We'd have the outcome at 12:30 when the teams would bring in their catch.

Let me tell you, 12:30 rolled around pretty darned quick. Everyone was right on time. Even though the wind did raise its ugly head and everyone was talking about the rough rides on the way back down the river. 16 of the 24 teams brought limits to the scales. Bryan Roland and Mike Brant's 17.64 pound bag that was anchored by a 6.64 largemouth, Big Bass of the event, took first place honors. They took home a total of $1505 and 84 Lumber sponsored 1 st place and Big Bass plaques. Bernie Gaunt and Leroy Bertolero had 2 nd place in the net with their 16.58 limit and took home $670 and 84 Lumber sponsored plaques. Third place went to Russ Graves and Jim Scarberry for a 14.33 limit and netted $400 and 84 Lumber plaques. A 14.16 limit had fourth place nailed down, $445 including options and 84 Lumber plaques for Bill Spence Jr. and Chris Raza. Our Lucky S.O.B. (one spot outta the money) option of $115 and 5 th place 84 Lumber plaques went to Gino Campiotti for his 13.77 limit.

During the weigh-in, raffle tickets were sold for the drawing that would be held once everyone was back from trailering their boats. Our local sponsors had been generous! David Yates of Just Fishin' boats donated an assortment of Luck Craft lures, a box of plastics baits, line and buzzbaits, a plastic tackle box that held a Castaic and a Optimum swimbait, a Lucky Craft hard bait and other assorted tackle. Gary Estes of Extreme Angler donated a “Skeet Reese” signature series Lamiglass rod, a Diawa procaster bast casting reel and a $40 gift certificate. Gene Bucholez of Hook, Line and Sinker donated a couple of pairs of G. Loomis neopreme gloves. Brent at Oroville Outdoors supplied the Kistler Rod for the Big Bass of the Event and assortment of plastics and buzzbaits. Troy at Troy's Outdoor Sports also gave a plastic tackle box loaded with crankbaits and plastics along with a $20 gift certificate. Jim Carius and Ryan White of Galaxie Marine donated a $100 gift certificate towards outboard motor repair. Sunny Lampe at Sunny's Electric Marine donated a trolling motor tune-up certificate a $125 value. Dennis at Sacramento Pro Tackle donated a $25 gift certificate as well. Jesse Angeles at Ultra Truck Works donated a set of truck tie downs as well as the certificate for a Ultra Linings Spray-On bedliner that went to Geno Higgins for catching the 13.01 Lake Oroville largemouth that was the Biggest Bass of the Year in the California Foothills Division. We also had worm assortments from Mike Brakebill at RoboWorm. Team set of EZ-Cull-RZ from Roger and Ellen Johnson of Bass Widow Products. Lifetime warranted ball bearing spinning reels, T-shirts, hand and body warmers, flashlights and plastic baits from Dennis Larrison of California Tackle Company. Master Guide Capt. Jeff Gedeke of Success Fishing Guide Service donated a half price certificate, a $300 value, for a guided Salmon fishing trip on the upper Sacramento River for four anglers. I'm telling we had one heck of a raffle!

The young man that was pulling and reading the tickets, Johnnie Kert, did a great job. Just ask his Dad John Kert. When the box of 5 Lucky Craft lures donated by David Yates was on the block. He told Johnnie that if he want a ride home he'd better draw Dad's ticket. Well guess what! Johnnie did just that! Dad was elated! And so was Johnnie, he didn't have to walk home!

I want to thank all that attended our Father's Day event. We had a great time. Thanks to David Biron of Big Break Marina for his hospitality. A big THANKS to my staff, my brother and nephew Dan and Jerame Davis, and Big Ron Herrin who I could not have done without the entire year! These guys make our events run smooth and efficient! Thanks to all of our national sponsors and our previously mentioned local sponsors! And most of all…….

THANKS to all of the teams that competed in the California Foothills Division of U.S. Angler's Choice this past year. Everyone combined made for a great year of angling!