Last Saturday was an absolute beautiful day to be out fishing - let alone to be competing in the 8th edition of the NorCal Trout Angler’s Challenge Championship event, and possibly the keys to a brand-new Lund boat package.
And a total field of 160 anglers (adults and youth) did just that as they converged on Collins Lake to partake in a qualifying championship event that was rescheduled from last November due to the lake’s low-water conditions at that time.
But despite heavy trout plants by Collins Lake just weeks prior to the event, the bite at the lake was stingy for some, and those that did catch fish, soon came to realize that they were in the “championship rounds” (to borrow a phrase from the boxing world) and winning this marquee event would require much more “skill” than luck.
Coming out on top, and claiming the title of “Top trout angler in the west” was Thao Vang, who fishing from his kayak, fooled a 5.47-pound rainbow into biting his Berkley bait offering.
For his efforts, Thao took home over $500 in cash, and a custom-made championship trophy!
In the NTAC’s Youth division, 5-year-old Mason Cetinich, followed in his father’s footsteps, (his father won the NTAC championship’s adult division in 2018) and topped the field of youth anglers to capture the Youth division crown, on the strength of a huge rainbow trout that weighed 4.99 pounds!
Congratulations Mason....Rumble young man…Rumble!
Chester Clark was the winner of the Lund boat package that was offered in a draw only to the top-ten finalists, and was all smiles as he certainly looks forward to claiming a wonderful prize that is courtesy of Gone Fishin’ Marine in Dixon, California.
What an outstanding event!
And a big THANK YOU to all or our NTAC participants and partnering sponsors that have stayed with us - even through the pandemic challenges, and continue to make the NorCal Trout Angler’s Challenge a QUALITY series where families, youth and anyone that enjoys the fun of fishing, can look forward to participating in.
Up next….?
The NTAC kicks-off its 2022 season on March 19th at beautiful San Pablo Dam in El Cerrito!
This event is shaping up to be a “killer” as San Pablo Dam is famous for its big WEEKLY trout plants and huge hungry rainbows!
See you there!