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BETHEL ISLAND, CA. One might say that he was pre-fishing for the upcoming “top-water frogs only” event (aka The Ultimate Frog Challenge), but Rob Cloutier, proprietor of the Bass Hole Tackle store in Bethel Island, was simply doing what has always done when competing for big fish on the California delta, and that is: finding what the fish want. And like most in the field, that had to deal with the challenges of the weekend’s high winds, and stingy bite, he went back to basics, and became the overall BIG FISH champion of the 15th annual Gamakastu Big Bass Challenge on the strength of an 8.78 pound largemouth that came on a Copper Red Baits Wave Frog. “I had to follow the tides and make adjustments to the high winds on both days noted Rob, but was able to locate an area protected by the wind to get the fish I need to win....and was fortunate enough to also win some cash via an hourly chair!”, he added. The amazing part is that Rob managed to pull off a true “trifecta”, in that he not only won big cash via one of the 60 hourly chairs, and caught the biggest overall fish of the event, but also qualified for – and won the “Super 12” drawing for a new Humminbird Mega Live 2 Forward Facing sonar unit! Click on the links below (Part 1 and Part 2) to hear how Rob found his big fish! Congratulations Rob Cloutier on a well-deserved victory! While the bite was somewhat stingy, lots of smaller “post-spawn” bass were caught, with the overall hourly big fish weight averaging only 5.37 pounds, the entire field expressed that they had a ton of fun competing in an event that is known as bass fishing’s version of “Texas Hold-Em” poker! The event also featured a FREE raffle for lots of premium Gamakatsu product, and various “swag” items, making it one to remember!
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Kylie Cloutier wins – River2Sea Youth division! The Gamakatsu Big Bass Challenge also featured an exclusive youth division – presented by River2Sea, and both of Rob’s daughters, Kylie, and McKenzie, took first and second places respectively! Rounding out third place in the youth division was youth angler Ryder Hunt. Kylie Cloutier won the event with a bass that weighed 3.52 pounds, earning herself $80 dollars cash and a nice trophy for her efforts! A big thanks to all that participated in this annual event, and a SPECIAL thanks to Gamakatsu USA makers of “The World’s Finest Hooks”, for its continued support of Angler’s Press Outdoors events. Next up?... It’s time to get “froggy” and prepare for what has become the biggest event of the season – The Ultimate Frog Challenge (aka UFC11) - presented by Gone Fishin’ Marine of Dixon California, and coming to the California Delta at Russo’s Marina July 26th and 27th! This event is a TOP WATER FROGS ONLY spectacular and again will featuring a FREE tri-tip BBQ lunch for "early bird" signups, boat displays, ATV, and demos and displays, an exclusive Folsom Lake Dodge / Gamaktasu Kid’s division, PLUS a HUGE raffle and more....so SAVE THE DATE! See you there! Angler’s Press Outdoors |