The 2nd Annual Berkley Big Bass Challenge on the Delta is in the record books. The event, hosted by Vince Harris and Anglers Press, saw more than 300 anglers vying for over $16,000 in cash and a new 2009 Toyota Tundra truck valued at over $25,000. Also on the line was a day on the water with 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion Skeet Reese, which was won in a raffle by Brett Walsh. Tony Ragona, Tracy, Calif. native, won the Toyota Tundra against the other hourly winners of the tournament.
The tournament was held on the prolific California Delta that is known for producing large bass. The scales saw many good size bass during the hourly weigh-ins, but many anglers also cashed checks with smaller fish.
“The purpose of the tournament was to have a blast and expose as many anglers, from novices to weekend tournament warriors, to the entire spectrum of Berkley baits,” said Andrew Marks, Berkley Sr. Marketing Manager. “We believe that our products truly catch more fish. I was excited to see the field grow from 105 anglers last year to over 300 anglers. The turnout was a true testament for what Berkley wants to see happen to the entire fishing industry - growth. Plus, getting to see the joy of these anglers and their families made this tournament worth the effort.”
The event started with the Berkley Experience Trailer setting up at Russo’s Marina. Partnering with the Hook, Line and Sinker, the Berkley Experience was open all during the tournament. Product demonstrations and pro staff were on hand to help the anglers with selecting their Berkley baits for the upcoming tournament. Each angler received a goodie bag with a Berkley hat, 2 baits including the new Crazy Legs Chigger Craw and a box of the world’s first color-changing nylon monofilament Trilene Transoptic line – recently introduced by Berkley.
Seven hourly prizes and the Tundra were guaranteed to be awarded regardless the number of anglers or weights, but when the field grew to over 300 anglers Berkley added an additional chair that paid $50 each hour. Only Berkley baits were used in the two-day event. The baits that brought the fish to the scales varied from top-water Frenzy Walkers to PowerBait 10” Power Worms, Chigger Craws, Beast, Heavyweight SinkWorms and the new Crazy Legs Chigger Craw.
Berkley Pros Randy Pringle and Jeff Huth, emcees of the event, watched as Chris Schland brought in the largest bass caught, a 10-pound, 8-ounce hawg during the first hour of competiton.
Complete results can be found at www.anglerspress.net. A video of the final winners attempting to start the truck can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FueKaTKxUqg
The 2010 dates are being set for the 3rd Annual Big Bass Challenge on the Delta and will be announced soon. The Texas Berkley Big Bass on Lake Fork is set for October 17th-18th.
