Andrade takes FLW Series co-angler crown on Lake Mead

California rookie captures first-place after entering first-ever FLW Outdoors event

LAS VEGAS – There’s an old saying that goes, “Good things come to those who wait.” However, in the case of Roland Andrade, you can throw that slogan right out the window as the rookie defied all expectations this week, capturing a co-angler tournament title after entering the very first FLW Outdoors event of his career.

To be sure, the remarkable achievement wasn’t lost on Andrade – a former member of the Marine Corps Reserves and current gang detective with the Santa Ana police force.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” said Andrade of his victory. “It’s beyond anything I expected. I’m just floored right now.

“My goal was just to come here, have fun and catch fish,” he continued. “So this more than exceeded my expectations.”

Although Andrade said he has been fishing tournaments ever since he was 15 years old, a few years ago he decided to take time off from the sport to raise a family and take part in the Marine Corps Reserves. But after that commitment expired, he asked his wife if he could jump back into the tournament fray.

Luckily for both of them, she granted permission.

“Recently my life settled down and tournament fishing was something I really wanted to do again,” said Andrade, who hails from Corona, Calif. “I really feel blessed right now. To win against this premier class of fishermen on the West Coast is just amazing. I had a great week and got a chance to fish with some outstanding anglers. So to win this event is just a bonus.”

Andrade said that he used a combination of Darter Head Yamamoto grubs and Robo worms while targeting bass on steep walls and isolated rock in 25 to 35 feet of water.

But in the end, his rookie nerves gave way to an outstanding performance – one that he will never forget.

“This is my first FLW event and it’s definitely the biggest win of my career,” said Andrade, who ultimately boated a three-day total of 23 pounds, 9 ounces.

For his efforts, Andrade won a new Ranger boat and trailer as well as $1,500 in bonus prize money

The Wright stuff

J.R. Wright of Truckee, Calif., stormed back from 10th place overall in yesterday’s competition to grab second place in the co-angler finals. As a result of his total catch of 23 pounds, 4 ounces, Wright won over $4,500 in prize money.

“I had three outstanding draws and that’s really important for a co-angler,” said Wright. “I pretty much fished flawlessly except for yesterday when I missed a 4-pounder. But overall, I had a good week.”

Wright said that he targeted bass in 20 to 30 feet of water, using a combination of tubes, worms and drop-shots while honing in on shade pockets on rock.

Zanotelli nets third place

Jimmy Zanotelli of Redding, Calif., finished the Lake Mead event in third place after recording a total three-day catch weighing 21 pounds, 11 ounces.

“I just went out there and grinded it out everyday,” said Zanotelli. “Obviously I wanted to win. But I finished in fifth place at Lake Shasta (the first FLW Series event of the year) and now I have a third-place finish at Lake Mead. So overall, I’m pretty happy. You couldn’t ask for a better start of the year.”

Zanotelli said that he used a Yamamoto green-pumpkin jig with a Hula Grub trailer to land the majority of his catch.

“I was basically targeting shade pockets and ledges in about 8 to 10 feet of water,” he said. “I had a fish on that would have won it for me today but it broke off. But that’s just fishing.”

While Zanotelli walked away with nearly $3,500 in winnings, he said that fishing with his brother Tony (who finished in 14th place) was an added bonus.

“I’m really happy for both of us,” said Zanotelli. “We travel together, we fish together and we really help each other out the best we can. I really enjoyed this week.”

Best of the rest

Tim Dotson of Loomis, Calif., took home fourth place overall after netting a total catch of 21 pounds, 4 ounces. Dotson said that he used a drop-shot all week to land the majority of his catch.

For his efforts, Dotson took home over $2,000 in prize money.

Rounding out the top-five finishers was day-two leader Jeffrey Woods of Riverside, Calif. Woods used a three-day catch of 20 pounds, 3 ounces to net $1,600 in prize money.

National Guard FLW Series Western Division co-angler competition resumes at the California Delta, scheduled to take place in Stockton, Calif., June 9-12.