The 2026 CBC season kicked off at Diamond Valley Lake with 24 anglers rolling in ready to start the Angler of the Year chase on the right foot. New year, fresh line, and plenty of confidence were in the air at launch — but nobody was under the illusion that Diamond Valley was going to give up easy points. From the first cast, it was clear this opener was going to demand patience, adjustments, and a full day of work. If anyone thought this was going to be a warm-up tournament, DVL quickly set the record straight.
Launch started under a cold morning haze and overcast skies, setting the tone for a day that kept anglers guessing. While conditions looked promising, DVL made it clear early that this was going to be a grinder’s tournament. The cloud cover hung around, stayed indecisive, and the bite followed suit — forcing teams to remain patient and adjust throughout the day.
The bite at DVL was classic Diamond Valley in January — unpredictable and different for just about every boat on the lake. Some teams found early momentum, while others didn’t boat their first fish until late morning. Limits came quick for a few, while others scraped together one or two quality bites and had to build off them all day. It was a true mixed bag, and once again, Big Fish and kicker bites played a major role in shaping the final standings.
Chris “Compa” Graciano and Jonathan “O.H. Ivie” Gauthier led the charge with a dominant five-fish limit for 18.46 pounds, anchored by a monster 8.43-pound Big Fish that turned heads at weigh-in. Dr. Randy “Doc” Estrada and Miguel “Miguelito” Lizarraga followed closely behind with a strong 14.73-pound bag, including a 6.34-pound kicker. Rounding out the Top 3, defending AOY Albert “OG” Medina and Zack Coehlo posted a solid 14.47 pounds to start their season on a high note.
While some teams leaned on kicker bites, others made their money with consistent three-pound class fish. “OG” Medina and Zack put together one of the more balanced sacks of the day, stacking solid 3-pounders that many teams simply couldn’t find — proving once again that at DVL, consistency can be just as deadly as one giant fish.
It was a great way to kick off the 2026 season — competitive, unpredictable, with some solid catches and exactly the kind of tournament that reminds everyone why Diamond Valley Lake is never a gimme. Either it puts out, or it leaves you hanging. (Kinda like my ex!) Big Fish made the difference, and consistency and knowledge of the lake paid off. A few hard lessons were learned as well. (And yes… for the record, all future tournaments will require drain plugs installed and gas gauges checked — because “E” doesn’t mean Excellent, Rauuuuul. 😄⛽)
Congrats again to all the teams, and especially to Compa Chris for the 8.43-pound giant — a hell of a way to start the season and the Big Fish race.
We’ll see everyone at the next club meeting on February 4th — and at the ramp at Lower Otay on the 21st, with full tanks, drain plugs in, and ready to harass some San Diego County bass.
Tournament Conditions
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Weather: Overcast, cool morning warming slightly
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Wind: Light
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Water Conditions: Algae bloom in marina, effects variable throughout lake
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Barometer at Launch: 29.89″ Hg
🏁 Official Results
🥇 #1 Chris Graciano / Jonathan Gauthier – 5 Fish – 18.46 lbs – 🐟 Big Fish: 8.43
🥈 #2 Dr. Randy Estrada / Miguel Lizarraga – 5 Fish – 14.73 lbs – 🐟 Big Fish: 6.34
🥉 #3 Albert Medina / Zack Coehlo – 5 Fish – 14.47 lbs – 🐟 Big Fish: 4.40
4️⃣ Steve Meza / Gerald – 5 Fish – 13.01 lbs – 🐟 Big Fish: 3.50
5️⃣ Dean Leslie / Anthony Muro – 5 Fish – 12.33 lbs – 🐟 Big Fish: 3.31
6️⃣ Gil Bowman / Kenny Isiago – 3 Fish – 11.30 lbs – 🐟 Big Fish: 5.25
7️⃣ Gary Crousse / Robert Terrazas – 5 Fish – 10.91 lbs – No Big Fish Weighed
8️⃣ Dave Mendez / Thomas Riley – 4 Fish – 8.47 lbs – No Big Fish Weighed
9️⃣ Eddie Roblero/ Chris Cruz – 2 Fish – 7.01 lbs – No Big Fish Weighed
🔟 Derrick Yoshinaga / John Diaz – 1 Fish – 6.87 lbs – 🐟 Big Fish: 6.87
1️⃣1️⃣ Frank “Bass Raider” Schwamborn / John “Junkyard” Savco – 1 Fish – 2.32 lbs – No Big Fish Weighed
🚫 Raul V / Sherman Wray – No Weigh-In (Boat issues)
📊 Tournament Analytics
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🎣 Total Fish Weighed: 41
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⚖️ Total Weight: 119.88 lbs
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📈 Average Fish Weight: 2.92 lbs per fish
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🐟 Big Fish of the Tournament: 8.43 lbs (Chris Graciano)
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🧮 5-Fish Limits: 6 teams
