SACRAMENTO, Calif. – And then there were five. After two grueling days of FLW College Fishing Western Regional competition, the top five teams hit the open waters of Folsom Lake shortly after 7 a.m. one final time in search of a tournament title and the top prize of $50,000 in scholarships.
Currently, Sacramento State – led by Robert Matsuura and Peter Lee – holds the overall lead after boating a healthy two-day stringer weighing in at 21 pounds, 8 ounces. And while they’re only clinging to a 1 1/2-pound lead, the hometown favorites said they are going to do everything in their power to ensure that the title doesn’t slip through their grasp.
“If we catch 10 pounds today, we’re going to be pretty confident heading back to weigh-in,” said Lee. “There’s still a lot of pressure on us because we’re representing Sacramento State, but our goal right now is to go for the sweep.”
While Sacramento State has found itself atop the leaderboard after the conclusion of each tournament day so far, there is still a looming threat – primarily in the form of the two teams from Chico State.
“The Chico State teams are probably our toughest competition,” said Matsuura. “They have two really good teams and we’re going to have to fish our best to win the tournament.”
While Sacramento State only managed an 8-pound, 1-ounce stringer in Friday’s competition, both Chico State teams recorded stringers of at least 10 pounds, 2 ounces. In short, the gap between first place and the rest of the final field is closing rapidly.
“Yesterday it was tough out for us and the Chico State teams did very well,” said Lee. “So we have our work cut out for us.”
While other teams struggled with the afternoon bite throughout the tournament, Sacramento State seemed to have the opposite problem – a problem that undoubtedly needs to be corrected in order to have a chance at securing a title.
“We haven’t been able to catch anything before 11:30 a.m.,” said Matsuura. “So we’re going to change up our spots. Basically, any fish we can in the morning is going to be a big plus for us. If we can just get 2 pounds early in the day, I think it’s really going to help our confidence. And confidence is really important – especially on the final day.”
Tourney format and event logistics
The top-five collegiate teams departed one final time from Folsom Lake Marina shortly after 7 a.m. Saturday morning. This afternoon’s final-day weigh-in will be held at Sacramento State Alumni Center, Lot 8 beginning at 5 p.m. The weigh-ins is free and open to the public.
The top-five team finalists include:
California Polytechnic State University – Scott Hellesen, and Damian Bean both of San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Chico State – Parker Moran and Marshal Smith both of Chico, Calif.
Chico State – Thomas White, Fountain Valley, Calif. and Allison Shaw, Chico, Calif.
Sacramento State – Robert Matsuura, Sacramento, Calif. and Peter Lee, Elk Grove, Calif.
San Jose State University – Tyler Swasey and Anthony Lee both of San Jose, Calif.
The top five teams from this week’s Western Regional Championship have already gained an automatic berth to the FLW College Fishing National Championship, where the first-place team will win $100,000 with $50, 000 of that for their school and $25,000 cash and a Ranger 177TR bass boat for their fishing club.
Bass-fishing fans take note
Sacramento State will be hosting a College Fishing Festival which will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Students and fishing fans alike will be treated to live music, the National Guard Warrior Challenge, a Ranger Boat simulator, tailgate games, a sports zone along with contests for cash and several prize giveaways. The festival will take place at Sacramento State Alumni Center, Lot 8. The festival is free and open to the public as well.
Want to watch Saturday’s FLW College Fishing Western Regional Championship final weigh-in live but can’t make it in person? Then tune into FLW Live on FLWOutdoors.com shortly before 5 p.m. Pacific time to watch live streaming video and audio of today’s weigh in.
Vital statistics:
Sunrise: 7:09 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 48 degrees
Expected high temperature: 84 degrees
Wind: From the northwest at 10 mph
Water temperature: 71-75 degrees
Humidity: 51 percent
Day’s outlook: Mostly sunny
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