March madness

Cal Delta’s big-bass shooting match includes record-setting limit

OAKLEY, Calif. -The California Delta boasts a rightfully heralded reputation for monster bass, and when the scales closed on day one of the FLW Series National Guard Western Division event in Oakley, Calif., this phenomenal fishery had not only upheld the lore but enhanced its legend with a marathon of mammoths – five of which established a new Wal-Mart FLW Series record.

At day’s end, 160 pros posted double-digit catches, 52 had 20 pounds or better, and 15 broke 25 pounds. Setting the historic mark was Chad Frie of Livermore, Calif., who stunned the weigh-in crowd – already conditioned to seeing large stringers – with five bass weighing 35 pounds, 10 ounces. Frie’s two heaviest weighed more than 18 pounds.

“This is unreal,” Frie said. “This is my first (FLW Series Western Division) tournament, and it’s in my home pond. I had a great day today.”

Fishing 3 to 6 feet of water in the central delta area, Frie threw chartreuse shad-colored swimbaits near the tules. Although he only boated 10 fish, Frie said the fluctuating conditions ushered in by approaching weather created a hot midday bite.

“This front coming in was definitely the key,” he said. “The wind started blowing, and I started getting them.”

Of his record performance, Frie said confidence started building when he realized he was on a roll: “After three fish, I knew my bite was going. It’s the same one I had going on Saturday (during practice). I had a feeling it was going to stick, so it went well.”

Hoping to retain his lead through another two rounds of qualifying, Frie said he’s aiming for at least 25 pounds on day two and 20 on day three.

Master flipper in second

In second place, Brentwood, Calif., pro Dee Thomas, recognized as the man who pioneered flipping tactics, caught a limit weighing 33-1. Sticking with his trademark presentation, Thomas flipped weed edges in 2 to 5 feet of water.

By midday, he was comfortable enough with his progress to back off and preserve the spot’s potential. “After I got my last big one, I left my fish – that was at noon. I didn’t hurt them.”

Understandably tight-lipped about his area and bait choice, Thomas was adamant about the virtue of his technique: “Flipping is a reaction (technique), and it allows me to cover a lot of water. I can go down a bank and hit 10 targets while (another angler) will hit only one.”

Ehrler third

Brent Ehrler of Redlands, Calif., was all smiles after turning in his personal best performance of 31-4. “This is the biggest limit I’ve ever caught in my life. Hopefully, I can go out and catch a couple more good stringers and hang on (for the top-10 cut).”

Best of the rest

Tracy, Calif., pro Rob Riehl took fourth place with 31-1, while Chris Raza of Roseville, Calif., was fifth at 29-10.

Rounding out the top 10 pro leaders at the FLW Series Cal Delta event:

6th: Brett Hite of Phoenix, 28-6

7th: Art Roland of Brentwood, Calif., 27-2

8th: Cody Meyer of Redding, Calif., 27-1

9th: Mike Reynolds of Modesto, Calif., 26-13

10th: Brandon Craner of Filer, Idaho, 26-11

William Ponting, of Murrieta, Calif., took Snickers Big Bass honors on the pro side with his 11-3.

Co-angler Division produces two 11-pounders

You know you’re in a tremendous fishery when you weigh an 11-pound, 2-ounce largemouth and it does not win the day’s big-bass award. Just ask Paso Robles, Calif., co-angler Jim Slusher, who watched his fish fall 3 ounces short of the mark set by Joe Madden of John Day, Ore., who caught an 11-5.

Steve Adams of Discovery Bay, Ca., topped the Co-angler Division with 23 pounds, 8 ounces. Turlock, Calif., fisherman Daniel Montes took second with 21-9, followed by Slusher, who placed third with 21 pounds. Robert Jones of Clayton, Calif., finished fourth with 20-1, and Chris Rains of Soledad, Calif., was fifth with 20 pounds.

Best of the rest

Rounding out the top 10 co-angler leaders at the FLW Series Cal Delta event:

6th: Greg Sniffen of Saratoga, Calif., 19-6

7th: Jim Sall of Pasco, Wash., 19-4

8th: Young Yank of Los Angeles, 18-13

9th: James Lima of Reno, Nev., 18-1

10th: Joe Cornell of Lafayette, Calif., 18-0

Day two of FLW Series action on the California Delta continues at Thursday’s takeoff, scheduled to take place at 7:30 a.m. Pacific at Russo’s Marina located at 3995 Willow Road in Bethel Island, Calif.