Last night’s California Bass Contenders meeting was a long one — and for good reason. We had a packed agenda, meaningful discussions, and two tournament partner draws, all while covering important club updates and supporting members during difficult times.
Upcoming Tournaments
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February 21, 2026 – Lower Otay Reservoir
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March 21–22, 2026 – Lake Havasu (2-Day Event)
Both tournaments generated strong interest, and the club made several adjustments to help increase participation.
Banquet Announcement
Please mark your calendars — our club banquet will be held on March 14 at Compa Chris’s home in San Dimas.
A huge thank you and shout-out to Chris for opening up his lovely home and hosting the club. More details will be shared as we get closer to the date.
Important Club Update – Support for Johnny Abyad
Our 2025 Club President, Johnny Abyad, remains in ICE custody. His family has started a GoFundMe to help cover legal expenses, and any support is greatly appreciated during this extremely difficult situation.
🔗 GoFundMe – Support for Johnny Abyad:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-our-family-together-support-for-legal-costs
Members can also email Compa Chris to submit letters of support. Character reference letters are especially helpful and encouraged.
Our thoughts and support remain firmly with Johnny and his family.
Condolences
The club would also like to extend heartfelt condolences:
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To the Abyad family on the loss of Johnny’s father
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To the Roblero family on the loss of Eddie’s father
Our thoughts are with both families during this time and flowers are being sent to both on behalf of the California Bass Contenders.
Tournament Participation Exceptions
To help ensure strong turnouts at Lower Otay and Lake Havasu, the club has approved the following temporary exceptions:
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Guests WITH boats may fish as boaters
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Proof of boat insurance is still required
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All club bylaws must still be followed
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Guests must still complete the membership process
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Guest boaters are eligible for Top 3 payouts
Club Apparel
If you’re interested in ordering shirts, hoodies, sun shirts, or other club apparel with the California Bass Contenders logo, reach out to Compa Chris for order form and details. Let’s get our name out there.
Scholarship Fund Announcement
A voluntary scholarship fund has been established for a graduating senior heading to college, specifically for direct family members of club members.
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Funded only by donations
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No dues or fees are used
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Goal is to award the scholarship in approximately 18 months
More details will be shared as the fund grows.
January Tournament Results
Congratulations to Team Compa Chris/ Jonathan O.H. Ivie for taking 1st Place at January’s Diamond Valley Lake tournament.
Tournament Partner Draws
Lower Otay Teams
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Dean Leslie – Chris Cruz
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Dave Mendez – Anthony Muro
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Derrick Yoshinoga – Chris Bonilla
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Rory – Sherman Wray
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Albert Medina – Miguel Lizarraga
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Steve Meza – Zack Coelho
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Gerald Sowers – Eddie Roblero
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Chris Graciano – Alvaro Muro
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Gary Crouse – Jonathan Gauthier
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Frank Schwamborn – Thomas Riley
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Dr. Randy Estrada – Alfred Houston
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Gil Bowman – Dan “Pops” Colgan
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Kenny Isiago – John Diaz
Lake Havasu (2-Day Tournament) Teams
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Gary Crouse – Alvaro Muro
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Frank Schwamborn – Chris Bonilla
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Dave Mendez – Thomas Riley
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Dean Leslie – John Diaz
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Richard Johnson – Sherman Wray
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Gerald Sowers – Anthony Muro
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Chris Graciano – Miguel Lizarraga
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Kenny Isiago – Eddie Roblero
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Albert Medina – Alfred Houston
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Dr. Randy Estrada – Zack Coelho
Tournament Fees
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Lower Otay: $60
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Lake Havasu: $70
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Otay Co-Angler Fee: $70 + ½ launch fee
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Havasu: Ideally split 50/50 between partners (gas, lodging, and launch fees for both days)
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a productive meeting. Despite heavy topics, the club continues to move forward together — on and off the water.
