BETHEL ISLAND, CA. - It appeared last weekend, that the wind and sun gods called a summit, and together agreed to cut anglers participating in the UFC4 frog-baits-only extravaganza, some "slack", as Saturday and Sunday's major reduction of both heat and wind, surely was an integral part of the entire field being able to enjoy some great fishing during the exciting 4th annual event.
But it was RBBassfishing.net founder and avid delta fisherman Ron Howe, along with partner Kevin Cornwell, that ruled the day, demonstrating their mastery of the California waterway known as "the delta", and rocking the scales, and fellow anglers with a six fish limit that weighed – get this, 36.25 pounds!
“We had no special game plan, but both of us know the delta pretty well, so we went to areas that we knew would be holding fish given this weekend's tides and temps”, noted Ron who is also a past Snag Proof Open champion. Though excited, both anglers were noticeably mute when asked how and where they caught their fish, as they both plan to fish other upcoming delta events. They did indicate however, that they used multiple brands of top water frog baits to get the job done this weekend.
Ron and Kevin, congratulations on a well deserved victory!
Mathisen/Kirkpatrick take "Top Frog" award for ProZ frogs!
There was a separate competition within the regular UFC4 event, dubbed the “Royal Rumble” where each frog manufacturer designates a team to represent them in head-to-head competition against other frog manufactuer designated teams. In this exciting competition, Mathisen and Kirkpatrick represented the ProZ frog brand, and captured the event's coveted “Top Frog” trophy, that will be sent to the home office at ProZ frogs.
“We are thrilled to have won this for ProZ, in such a big event, and against such a good group of delta anglers Dan noted. I was visiting down south one day and saw the ProZ bait in a small tackle store and ordered a bunch for my store (Dan’s Delta Outdoors in Oakley)…and it has quickly become my favorite frog”!
For the win, ProZ frogs also receives 1-year's advertising with Angler's Press Outdoors.
Daiwa Youth Division
This division was chocked full of kids that received an introduction to “Frog Fishing 101” and one youth, Airiana Ochoa, surely received a “passing grade” as she managed to land a bass that went 6.06 pounds on Ish’s “Phat Mat Daddy” Frog produced by River2Sea.
"She wasn't paying attention and I just happened to look over to where her bait was, saw a HUGE swirl, and the saw the bait go down for the count", noted Adam Ochoa, Airiana's dad. She didn't even know she had it on until she leaned back and felt it, and started screaming!.... It was a priceless moment!" he added.
For first place, Airiana received a 1st place custom trophy and $100 cash!
Thanks to all that participated in this 4thannual event, as it was as exciting as ever - and a ton of fun. A special thanks to Gone Fishin Marine of Dixon, who as always, comes in strong in support of northern California anglers and boaters.
We will be looking to see you all at next year’s event…UFC5!
And again...may the BEST frog win!