Deciphering the Delta
FLW Series National Guard Western Division anglers attempt to unlock keys to California Delta during second day of tourney action
STOCKTON, Calif. – With clear skies and a brisk morning air serving as backdrop, the full field of FLW Series pros and co-anglers departed Weber Point Event Center marina shortly after 6:30 a.m. Thursday on the most pivotal day of competition to date.
However, as they departed the marina under unseasonably cool temps, most anglers had plenty to think about. While some pros have been able to adequately assess the appropriate strategies to land weighty five-fish stringers, the majority of the field continues to struggle in their attempt to capitalize on the behemoth bass that lurk in the bountiful waters of the California Delta.
Throughout Wednesday’s weigh-in, a good number of anglers described the fishing conditions as uncharacteristically difficult. While some chalked it up to the recent cold front, others said it was a result of a finicky bass bite related to post-spawn seasonal patterns. Either way, one thing was clear – for most, this is not the California Delta they are used to fishing.
“I’m still a little lost,” said National Guard pro Tim Klinger, providing an honest assessment of his fishing production over the past few days. “It’s just weird. It’s a little bit cooler and a little bit windier but usually at this time of year you can catch them under the mats. But I’m having a hard time doing that. The fish are really spread out and they’re hard to catch.”
Klinger said that no one pattern seems to be prevailing and that the key, as far as he can tell, is simply to get around a lot of fish to maximize your chances of landing that kicker largemouth that can propel you up the standings.
“The fish don’t seem to be consistently targeting one bait and that’s why you see a lot of people junk fishing (moving quickly while throwing a variety of different lures in an attempt to locate good fishing areas or discover a workable fishing pattern),” said Klinger. “It’s a volume game. The guys who are catching them are the guys who are around a lot of fish. Right now, it’s a matter of finding out where the schools are.”
Klinger believes the density of the cover is also affecting quality hookups.
“The cover is so think right now that if you do get your bait through the mats and get bit, the odds of getting that fish into the boat are worse than gambling,” he said. “In the past, if you found a good grass mat, you might get three or four bites. Now, you’re lucky to get one.”
While locating higher concentrations of bass is certainly important, Klinger also said that timing is just as essential – especially when fishing tidal waters.
“If you’re not at the right area with the right cover during the right tides, they’re really hard to catch.”
Currently, Leon Knight of Discovery Bay, Calif., leads all pros with a 22-pound catch. Meanwhile, Randy Bruno of Huntington Beach, Calif., heads the co-angler field with a total catch of 21 pounds, 5 ounces.
Tourney format
The entire field will compete during the first three days of the Cal Delta event. The co-angler champion will be crowned after Friday’s weigh in based on the heaviest accumulated three-day weight. The top five pros will then continue on to Saturday’s final day of competition. The pro winner will be determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from all four days.
Throughout the week, pros will be battling for a top award of up to $56,000 in the Pro Division and a Ranger 177TR with a 90 horsepower Evinrude or Yamaha outboard in the Co-angler Division.
In addition to the Cal Delta purse, all anglers will be competing for valuable points in the hope of qualifying for a shot at advancing to the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup, slated for Hot Springs, Ark.
Bass-fishing fans take note
During FLW Series competition this week, anglers will take off and weigh in at the Weber Point Event Center marina, located at 221 North Center Street in Stockton, Calif. Takeoff will commence 6:30 a.m. each morning. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday weigh-ins will begin at 2:30 p.m. with Saturday’s final weigh-in scheduled to start at 4 p.m.
Fans will also be treated to a Family Fun Zone from noon to 4 p.m. at the Weber Point Event Center prior to Saturday’s final weigh-in. There will be drawings for rod and reel combos every 30 minutes during the event and a drawing for a $300 Cabela’s gift card at the conclusion of the weigh-in. Activities in the Family Fun Zone include a Ranger boat simulator and assorted fishing-themed games.
All activities are free and open to the public.
Want to watch the weigh in live but can’t make it in person? Then tune into FLW Live on FLWOutdoors.com shortly before 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time to watch live streaming video and audio of Thursday’s weigh in.
Coverage of the California Delta tournament will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on VERSUS. “FLW Outdoors,” will air October 17 from 12:30 to 1:30 ET. “FLW Outdoors,” hosted by Jason Harper, is broadcast to approximately 500 million households worldwide.
FLW Series action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 2:30 p.m. Pacific time at the Weber Point Event Center located at 221 North Center Street in Stockton, Calif.
Thursday’s conditions
Sunrise: 5:43 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 54 degrees
Water temperature: 70-73
Expected high temperature: 81 degrees
Wind: NW at 10-15 mph
Maximum humidity: 35 percent
Day’s outlook: mostly sunny
Tides: high (4 a.m. and 6-8 p.m.); low (1 p.m.)