Hello Basscontenders:

The California Bass Contenders annual awards banquet and raffle will be held Wednesday June 6, 2018 at our regular club meeting at Michael Angellos’s Pizzaria. Please note the early start time at 6:00PM when dinner will be served. Dinner and soft drinks will be provided by the bass club at this annual awards banquet. We are starting early because we need the extra time to get the regular club business, including drawing teams for the June tournament, completed before moving into the awards and raffle. As everybody knows this special raffle is the highlight of the entire season. Nobody has an annual raffle like we do. We have a host of top shelf items that will be in our raffle so please bring some money and buy your raffle tickets. Raffle tickets will be sold at $20 per ticket or six (6) tickets for $100. We encourage you to take advantage of the $100 deal which gets you an additional ticket and an additional shot at these amazing prizes. The special raffle is for active club members only who are in good standing.

Unfortunately prospective guests are NOT eligible to purchase raffle tickets. Prospective guests who have participated in at least one tournament or one meeting are encouraged to attend the banquet and have dinner and soft drinks provided by the bass club, you new guests can participate next time once voted in as a full patch member. Please note that dinner will be served early at 6:00PM. FYI: An active member in good standing is a member who received a minimum of 60 points in the preceding season and has paid all of their club dues and related fees on time. We look forward to seeing you at the annual awards banquet and raffle beginning at 6:00PM on Wednesday June 6, 2018.

UPDATE: Cast4Kids Silverwood:
Cast4Kids Sunday May 6, 2018 Silverwood was a success. Over 30 special needs kids were treated to a fun day on the water leaving all of their problems and worries on the shore for one afternoon of fishing and fun at Silverwood SRA. A huge thank you to the California Bass Contenders club for their generous $325 donation to this worthy cause. The donated funds will stay local at the Silverwood event and not on the national scene where for next year every participant will get a small tackle box and a fishing rod and reel on this special day. All of the volunteers and participants were also treated to a fresh hot breakfast burrito during morning registration and a very nice lunch and awards ceremony where prizes are given out to every Cast Kid and volunteer that attends. Thank you to Conrad Apodaca Sr, Big Ed Cazares, Sergio Sanchez, Johnny Abyad, Randy Estrada and his friend Mike Collins, Little Big Ed Jr and my wife Loralee Cazares for representing the best bass club in So Cal the California Bass Contenders at this awesome event.

I had an amazing time volunteering with my wife who worked on the shore along with my son Little Big Ed Jr as my first mate on our boat. We had cast kid Ryan on my boat who seemed emotionless, he didn’t seem happy or sad no smile nor frown, he hardly reacted never said a word for first 30 minutes. But then it happened, when he caught his first ever bass his face lit up like a Xmas tree. He caught a couple more as he continued to laugh and giggle as we high fived and practically cried with happiness together. You should have seen the joy in his Dad Charles’s face seeing his son break out of his shell, his Dad and son even had a double hookup which made it all the more special. Just look at this million dollar smile.

CALIORNIA BASS CONTENDER T-Shirts:
If you want to order Basscontender swag T-shirts please sign up at the next meeting with Big Ed. You must pay the funds in advance or at least 50% down to place your order. T-shirts come in navy blue, ash/grey or black. Our logo does not work on lighter colored shirts. We must place a minimum order of 12-13 shirts total. The shirts will not have the Delta 2017 text that is pictured in the proof below.

$11 Short Sleeve S, L, XL add $1.50 per XL upgrade includes tax.
$14 Long Sleeve S, L, XL add $1.50 per XL upgrade includes tax.

CALIFORNIA BASS CONTENDER JERSEY:
Current Club/Team pricing minimum order of 10 jerseys is short sleeve $59.99 or $64.99 for long sleeve. If you want a zipper collar add $10. If you want a hooded UV shirt the price $89.99 each. All sublime UV hot/cold/wet fabric. This price includes 21 logos total front and/or back and names on front and back. They have 6000 industry logos in stock so you can choose any logo you like. For instance on my mock print I run a Champion Boat with a Murcury ProXS and Minnkota Ultrex with Lowrance electronics. If you’re a Shimano guy you can add Shimano, Diawa, Yamamoto etc. I also added the lightning bolt on back of my jersey from LA Chargers and an LA Dodger logo on front so mine is completely custom for me and the way I like it. We will make the new jerseys with the newer California Bass Contender logo like the decal T-shirt or you can keep it the same with old logo.

Our current Club / Team pricing is as follows: 10 jerseys or more short sleeve $59.99 ea. – add $5.00 ea. for long sleeves and $10.00 ea. for zip collars.  Matching Hoodies will be $89.99 ea. These prices include up to 21 logos front and back and names front and back in any colors you can imagine.

CALIFORNIA BASS CONTENDER DECALS:
Decals are UV resistant and are 10″X5.9″ each decal is $20.

REMEMBER DINNER IS AT 6:00PM don’t be late!

 

See you at the banquet: Big Ed!

We are a local bass club in Los Angeles County. California Bass Contenders has been around since before 1980. We are one of oldest and one of the biggest bass clubs in Southern California. We have a wide variety of anglers from skill ranges beginner to expert. We are always looking for new prospective members both boaters and non boaters so if you are looking to become a part of an organized bass club stop in and check us out. Often times we will have a guest speaker from the Bass Fishing industry, but no matter what we will always have a good time talking about fishing, sports and many other various lies.

At every meeting we choose names out of a hat at random for angler pairings to the next club event. Whether you’re a first time guest, new prospective member or an old veteran member you can enter a tournament just by showing up to the monthly meeting. Come to a meeting and check us out, come early and have something to eat or enjoy your favorite beverage. We look forward to meeting you!

 

The 2018 Bass Contender proposed schedule was chosen from input given from club members. Please note that this proposed schedule is pending permit verification from DFW and Lake Use verification.

Read ’em and weep boys:

 

 

January 27, 2018 Perris (full moon)

 

 

 

 

February 24, 2018 San Vicente (full moon)

 

 

 

March 24-25, 2018 Havasu (2 day full moon)
Team Tournament Format

 

 

 

April 28, 2018 Castaic (full moon)
Top Ten Fish Off

 

 

 

 

May 19, 2018 Pyramid (full moon)

 

 

 

 

June 9, 2018 El Capitan

 

 

 

 

July 21, 2018 Perris (night event under full moon)

 

 

 

 

August 25, 2018 Silverwood (night event under full moon)

 

 

 

September 16, 2018 (Sunday) Castaic Bass Club Challenge
Dual event with Castaic Bass Club and other So Cal bass clubs
Team Tournament Format

 

 

 

October 13-14, 2018 Piru (2 day)
Team Tournament Format

 

 

 

 

November 17, 2018 Diamond Valley

 

 

 

December 2018 Nunya (no event)

Estrada and Irwin smash ’em 2013 WON Bass US Open

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — While there are indeed a multitude of reasons the U.S. Open is one of the defining tournaments of any bass fishing circuit, anywhere in the world, the focal point of the US Open, and that which truly separates anglers from champions, is the tournament’s three-day format on what is arguably one of the toughest fisheries in the country, Lake Mead. Well, true to form, this year’s Open went down to the wire and Rusty Brown from Tustin, CA came out as victor when the dust settled. Among many of the best anglers in the world like Rick Clunn, Aaron Martems, Gary Dobyns, Brett Hite, Morizu Shimizu and John Murray just to name a few were Southern California anglers Randy Estrada and Tim Irwin.

Randy and Tim did extremely well at this years 2013 WON Bass US Open. On day two after weighing a great sack of fish the tournament announcer put the microphone in Dr Randy’s face asking him a few questions about his day. Up on the stage in front of the press and huge crowd Randy answered with, “I would like to say hello to all the members from my bass club the California Bass Contenders”. What a great thing to say on such a huge stage with hundreds of thousands watching live and on webcast from all around the country and the world. Randy and Tim your Bass Contender brothers are proud of your awesome achievements and outstanding finish in this years 2013 WON Bass US Open.

Looking at the top 10 or even top 20 any experienced statistician would be hard pressed to create legitimate odds for who is most likely to emerge the victor in a tournament of this magnitude. There’s just so much opportunity for astronomical success or catastrophic failure. A gargantuan leap at Mead is entirely within the realm of possibility; however, a placement plummet is just as likely. But that’s how it goes in this tournament; that’s the appeal. You don’t have to be a seasoned pro or household name to step up and beat the best of the best. Sure, it’s going to take three days of 5-fish limits and your chances of success are exponentially higher if those limits are near the 10 pound range. But as you can see from the leaderboard, continually improving upon what may have initially seemed to be a sub-par day on the water is just as likely to create a champion as anything else.

With Randy and Tim meeting up for a little bit of prefish explration they were all serious and focused while on the water. After each prefish day they had time to relax and enjoy Las Vegas as you can see from Randy’s three good keepers below. This would not be the case once the event started as then it was all about fishing and focusing on your plan. Our own “Pops” Colgan made his way up to the Open as he does every year and spent time with Randy and Tim pictured below.

  

I had the chance to speak with Bass Contender brother Randy Estrada during and after the tournament. Randy is no stranger to the US Open with a win under his belt in 2006 as the AAA WON Bass US Open Champion. Randy also placed fourth in 2009 fishing as a Pro beating most of the best fisherman in the world. Randy pre-fished for a week leading up to this years event as he went out looking for new water and visiting familiar water from previous tournaments. Randy said the key to doing well at these events is consistency and making sure you make every bite count. He said one pound can easily gain you 10 to 15 places on the leaderboard or just as easy drop you just as far.

On day one Randy weighed in a very respectable 8.38lbs shooting him up to 26^th place on the leaderboard out of 150 pro’s. On day two with 7.58lbs Randy stayed consistent and was able to keep his edge on the other pro’s while on the water winds were gusting to over 50mph. This kept him in the hunt and within striking distance. After day three and 8.15lbs Randy finished 23^rd overall and only 2lbs from the top ten. Randy primarily fished EchoBay and Temple Bar. Congratulations Randy on phenomenal tournament and finish.

 

Hailing out of San Dimas, CA 2013 AAA WON Bass US Open competitor Tim Irwin fished his first ever US Open and almost bested the entire field of 150 AAA anglers from all over the country. Tim was blown away by the size and magnitude of an event like this. He also came down early to pre-fish as he figured out how to catch ‘em pretty good on a body of water that was a stingy as any other in the country. On day one Tim caught all five fish weighed in by his pro for 5.33lbs. They traveled over 80 miles back and forth to and from Las Vegas wash claiming 93^rd place on the leaderboard. On day two Tim’s pro partner came off a difficult one fish day for 0.98lbs. His day two pro let Tim call the shots, so shot caller Tim directed the team and off they went. On their first stop they had a five fish limit in the first 20 minutes catching fish on top water and jigs. It was a day that Tim will never forget coming in with second largest bag of the entire tournament for day two with 11.18lbs only a couple of ounces from the big bag brought in by So Cal pro and good friend of the club Joe Uribe Jr from Anglers Marine. Tim finished the day gaining 75 places in the leaderboard up to 18^th place just like that. After another stellar day on day three Tim was again able to fish his spots and lead his pro to 9.76lbs giving Tim a seventh place finish overall and $1600.00 pay day which was icing on the cake.

 

Tim is hooked and is already looking forward to next years event. Tim had the opportunity to hang out with Aaron Martens and spend some great conversation a few different times. Sure they talked a little bit about fishing but for the most part they talked about regular ol stuff that had nothing to do with the sport we love. Tim met so many other cool people like Dobyns and a whole host of the best anglers in the country. His experience both on and off the water is something he will never forget.

Thank you Randy and Tim for allowing us Bass Contender brothers to live a little bit of your experience while we are all here at home rooting for you all the way. We all look forward to hearing more when we see you soon on the Bass Contender ciruit. Randy and Tim sound off below and write a reply about your experience at the US Open. We would love to hear your comments. Bass contenders you can also write your comments below by simply filling out your name and email address and posting your reply.

Tight lines: Big Ed!

 

Congratulations to Paul “Big Fish” Herber for absolutely crushing the competition and easily securing the 2016-2017 Angler Of the Year. Paul joined the Basscontenders back in 2013 as a non boater guest of his mentor Bill Layne, but it didn’t take long before his love for the sport blossomed into buying his first Champion bass boat (my favorite) soon after. Today Paul fishes out of his second boat 21′ Triton fully wrapped and bad to the bone set up with all the latest and greatest. Paul thanks his sponsors The Grind, Coolbaits, 7Eye sunglasses, Atlas Treatment and Peregrine 250 boat care products for their continued support.

Ever since coming on the scene in 2013 Paul has made a big statement with more tournament wins and top ten finishes than any other angler in our club. Going into last months Havasu 2 Day tournament Paul had already secured enough points to win AOY whether he fished or not… you guessed it he fished anyways! Paul also is fishing ABA at Lake Perris with his second favorite team partner Adam “The Destroyer” Day where they too are leading the pack with points standings and AOY  honors half way through the regular season.

Both Paul and his lovely wife Dani are super stoked about his quick rise up the leaderboards but they know the day is coming when even Paul will most likely lose to the new kid on the block… It’s no wonder that Adam too will soon have to take second fiddle to Paul’s favorite future team partner… his almost two year old son Maverick who is almost ready to hit the tournament scene… just look at those eyes and that big smile fully concentrated on beating Dad!

 

Paul is the force to be reckoned with… congratulations to Paul Herber from the California Bass Contenders for a very well deserved Angler Of the Year honors and watch out soon for Maverick… he’s next and much better looking than his Dad!

See you on the water! Big Ed!

California Bass Contenders would like to thank the outgoing board members and congratulate our new elected 2017 Board of Directors. Thank you to everybody for a full house of members and a packed house at the January election meeting. Your new President’s campaign acceptance speech for 2017 promised more barbecues at club tournaments and pizza at some of the upcoming meetings throughout the season. He also wants more transparency and reporting for club funds and required insurances for all boaters on file. Gabby will also bring back the monthly joke to start all club meetings. A special Basscontender shout out to Mark Pavlinac for accepting the nomination and position of Club Secretary. Your elected board members are as follows:

President: Gabby Hayes

Vice Pres: Alfred Vasquez

Treasurer: Kenny Isago

Secretary: Mark Pavlinac

Tournament Director: Big Ed Cazares

Website Admin: Big Ed Cazares looking for volunteer admin

Board Members:
Conrad Apodaca Sr
Conrad Apodaca Jr
Adam Day
Derrick Yoshinaga
Randy Estrada
Mark Bowman

See you on the water: Big Ed!

 California Bass Contenders would like to remind you to purchase your 2017 Fishing License soon. Happy New Year we hope you catch a big one in 2017!

 

California Bass Contenders wants to wish everybody a Merry Fishmas! God Bless and good luck in 2017!

Big Ed webmaster!

Basscontenders:

It’s that time of year again to vote for boardmember positions. The elections will take place at the January meeting so please do your best to attend and have your vote counted. Basscontender club secretary John Savko will be making the ballots for the election that will be held at the January 4th regular meeting. We still have positions that need candidates so if your thinking about getting more involved and are still on the fence now is the time to throw your hat in the ring.  Let John know if you interested in running for any of the positions so he can get your name on the ballot. Board member positions and their duties are as follows:

PRESIDENT: The president shall conduct and preside over all meetings and direct official club business. He shall direct all committee functions and supervise or preside all club gatherings.

VICE PRESIDENT: The vice president shall act as program chairman, assist the president in his duties and preside in the absence of the president. He shall also keep a record of all boaters insurance affidavits in addition to handling entertainment for the club meetings.

SECRETARY: The secretary shall maintain accurate minutes of all meetings, keep all official records, including club affiliations, and handle chapter correspondence with other affiliations or clubs.

TREASURER: The treasurer shall maintain accurate records of finances, report at each meeting and to collect dues for membership and appropriate entry fees at club tournaments.

TOURNAMENT CHAIRMEN: This is or may be a combination assignment of the tournament chairmen and or his appointed helpers. The duties are to conduct and supervise monthly club tournaments, confirm entry fee tokens has been collected and to conduct and supervise the monthly tournament weigh-in.

WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR: This position shall oversee the administration of the club website and is responsible for public information and social media.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The remaining board shall consist of the above executive officers, the immediate past president and three or four other active members selected from the membership. The number of board members shall total an uneven number.

ELECTIONS:

Nominations for officers shall come from the floor at a regular club meeting.

Election of officers shall be held annually at a regular meeting. Nominations may also be made from the floor at this meeting. Elections shall be by simple majority of members present, by secret ballot.

Eligibility to vote. Each member is entitled to one vote.

The term of office is for one year which shall begin on April 1^st and end on  the last meeting day of March, or until a success assumes office.

 

 

See you in 2017: Big Ed!

 

The 2017 Bass Contender proposed schedule was chosen from the input given from club members. Please note that this proposed schedule is pending permit verification from DFW and site location. You will be informed by the club when this schedule becomes official. Read ’em and weep:

January 14th, 2017 Lake Perris

February 25th, 2017 Lower Otay

March 18-19th, 2017 Havasu 2 Day

April 8-14th, 2017 Delta Road Trip Fun Fishing. No points

April 29th, 2017 Diamond Valley Lake

May 20th, 2017 Pyramid Lake

June 10th, 2017 El Capitan

July 22nd, 2017 Skinner

August 19th, 2017 Silverwood

September 23rd, 2017 Castaic Lake

October 21st, 2017 Lopez 2 Day

November 11th, 2017 Diamond Valley Lake

NOTE: The April 8-14th Delta Road Trip is a fun fishing event. No points are awarded pick your own partner. BYOB community barbecue every day for dinner lunch on the river and stories that will last a lifetime!

 

Bring in your best five! Big Ed!