The NorCal Trout Anglers Challenge (NTAC) tour began the 2019 season on Saturday, February 2 with anglers braving cold and rain to catch lots of quality rainbow trout at San Pablo Reservoir in El Sobrante.
“This event was amazing,” said Vince Harris president of Angler’s Press Outdoors, the organization that created the NTAC series. “Despite cold, and rainy weather, over 100 trout anglers came out for this 7th year opening day event.”
The event, presented by Gone Fishin’ Marine and Lasher Elk Grove Ram and hosted by Angler’s Press Outdoors and the Fish Sniffer magazine, took place during the opening weekend of fishing season on the East Bay Municipal Utility District reservoir, nestled in the forested and verdant green East Bay hills.
“We are overwhelmed and very thankful for the support we have received from both our sponsoring partners and participants, and it is clear that this series is helping to bring individuals, families and youth together – in one place, to enjoy a great day of outdoor fun,” said Harris.
Jeff Garcia won first place in the event by landing a 5.04 lb. rainbow trout while shore fishing.
“I hooked the fish while using PowerBait off Oak Point,” said Garcia. “It was a matter of a lucky cast and lucky timing. I didn’t get on the lake until around 8 a.m.” “I lost one larger fish that almost took my rod into the water. I also landed another smaller trout,” he noted. Dirk Ensweiller finished third with a 4.39 lb. rainbow, while David Cohn placed third with a 3.82 trout.
The fourth through tenth place winners were (4) Jason Pandolfi, 2.5; (5) John McGill, 2.3; (6) Chris Nunes, 2.27; (7) Mike Urbani, 2.21; (8) Jay Huey, 2.12; (9) Dan Quick, 2.11; and (10) Adam Hoffield, 2.06. Solei Richardson of Richmond won first place in the Youth Division by catching a 3.89 lb. rainbow while shore fishing with garlic PowerBait. She was fishing with her dad, Michael, when she hooked the fish.
The second through sixth place winners were (2) Travis Luna, 1.7; (3) Winston Hubert, 1.36; (4) Angel Blanco, 1.32; (5) Brianna Gutierrez; 1.32; and (6) Harley Levin, 1.23 .
The fishing success varied, depending on the angler and the area fish. Some anglers landed limits, others landed one or two fish, and some anglers reported getting skunked. Therese Carter of Sacramento won a Yakima Rooster Tail tackle pack and $100 in cash for using a Rooster Tail spinner.
Next up for NTAC anglers?
Lake Amador ...land of the big Lighting Trout!
