The third stop in the West Coast Bass Pro Am Tournament Trail took anglers on a road trip to Lake Shasta for the April 24- 25 event.
Pairings were held at Phil’s Prop Shop where fishermen found event sponsor Mad Dog Lures handing out chatterbaits, spinnerbatis and plastics to try out in the crystal clear waters of Shasta.
Regardless of the beautiful 70 degree daysand high 50′s water temp, the fishermen fought a tough bite on the lake and only 5 boats broke ten pounds at weigh in on Day One.
Mike Folkestad and Russ Meyer were two of the pro’s to land a limit of ten plus pounds.
Dan Frost helped by his 6.25 big fish fought his way past 11 pounds for his team.
Steve Shaeffer secured second with 11.23.
Pro, Pat Clement and co, Craig Nelson culled their way to the top with 13.5, after starting the day with a 5 pound sack.
Day Two
The final day saw a rise in temperature and a plummet in most weights. Few anglers were able to top their first day at the scales. Although, there’s always a fortunate fishermen in the crowd, and this day it was Mat Saavedra.
Mat managed to find a five plus that scored at the scales, for Big Fish on Day Two and locked third place in the tournament with a two day total weight of 20.11. When asked about his big fish, he claimed the catch that earned the cash was luck, and he said “he would take that luck to the bank any day”.
The field was unable to shake Shaeffer from second, while he added another solid sack of ten plus to his haul on Day One and wound out the weekend with 21.49.
Mat & Steve each putting $1600 or more in their pocket for the weekend’s work.
Mat Saavedra Steve Shaeffer
Going into the final day with over a 2 lb lead, coming off a 2 year haitus, Pat Clement couldn’t be caught and carried the crown home with a tournament total of 22.56 and nearly $3 grand in cash. His award was accepted by his son Cliff.
Cliff Clement accepts Pat Clement’s First Place Pro Award
More ways to Win
West Coast Bass famous for the one cast that can catch thousands in cash, didn’t disappoint in Shasta. Dan Frost’s 6 lb’r cemented the 6th seat and sealed the Mega Big Fish win for a total take of over $2200.
Pro, Jiggs Benn and Co, Chris Ricci, “Contest within the Contest “, winners beat U.S. Reel Pro Staff Russ Meyer who finished 8th with. Each finishing 7th overall, walk away with a new reel
At Pairings…
Larry hands out gear to some…
and throws it out to others.
At the Scales …
Sometimes, the fishermen can’t believe their eyes…
Sometimes, the weigh master can’t believe his eyes…
Sometimes, Larry bets Ricci that he can’t pull 9 lbs out of the lake…
and … Larry’s wrong. Ricci finished 7th with over 18 lbs.
Countin’ down the Top 10
Pros
- 22.56 Pat Clement
- 21.49 Steve Shaeffer
- 20.11 Mat Saavedra
- 19.58 Ben Williams
- 19.23 Mike Folkestad
- 17.63 Dan Frost
- 17.59 Jiggs Ben
- 17.48 Russ Meyer
- 17.48 Rich Smith
- 17.21 Mark Lassagne
Cos
- 20.85 Jim Scarlett
- 20.66 Craig Nelson
- 20.38 Pat Dugle
- 19.55 Jeff Czapla
- 18.92 Eric Epperson
- 18.35 John Erickson
- 18.20 Chris Ricci
- 18.07 Cliff Clement
- 17.72 Tami Curtis
- 17.72 Josh Palmer
The West Coast Bass Pro Am cirucit will return to the California Delta on May 15 – 16 for the final event prior to the Tournament of Champions. There are still spots available contact Larry Viviano for sign ups.
Results available for the West Coast Bass Pro Am season opener held on Clearlake.
Results available for the 2nd stop on the California Delta.
Look for full coverage of the West Coast Bass events in the Bass Angler’s Guide.
Visit the West Coast Bass website for more info.
