LAKEPORT, Calif. — Fishing partners Kory Ray and Mark “Chief” Torrez needed 10 weigh-in bags to haul their collective catches to the weigh-in scales at today’s B.A.S.S. Nation Western Divisional tournament on Clear Lake. What sounds like a fish story is really the truth. Ray’s five-bass limit weighed 29 pounds, 1 ounce, while the limit caught by Torrez tipped the scales at 30-10. That makes Torrez, of Camarillo, Calif., the Day 1 leader.
California state law, in the name of live fish care, is the reason for the overload of weigh-in bags. The state requires any bass believed to weigh 5 pounds or more to be carried in a separate bag. The catches of both anglers easily qualified for the extra bags. The weights could have weighed much more. The tournament day was shortened by over an hour due to a fog delay. Obviously, the lost time didn’t hurt Torrez. In his case, it helped.
“Once the fog lifted and the sun came out it was over,” he said. “The fish fed early, were spread out and then disappeared.”
That’s not surprising at all and goes with the prevailing pattern for the season. Clear Lake’s bass are in prespawn mode, meaning the big females are staging on offshore habitat. Their next move will be into the backs of coves to spawn.
“This is all about light and the cold snap we just experienced,” added Torrez.
Daytime high temperatures in the 80s prior to the tournament had the fish beyond where they are now. The warming trend underway now could push the fish into ultra shallow and clear water. That scenario might develop before the tournament ends. Temperatures are expected to gradually warm each day. Should that happen, look for even better catches, predicted Torrez.
Ray agreed. “If the fish stay on the move then we’ll do it again tomorrow.”
With the fish on the move, without blinding sunshine, the bait of choice is no secret. Many of the anglers are using lipless crankbaits that resemble shad being fed upon by the bass. The lure is favored for covering water and causing the predatory bass to strike when in search of food. Fish on the move create a mind-boggling puzzle for the fishermen to solve. Ray, who provided the boat for the leading anglers, knows what that can mean.
“I don’t expect those fish to be there tomorrow,” he admitted. “In this tournament it’s all about staying on the move, just like the fish. They can be in one place today, another area tomorrow.”
Up for grabs at this tournament are state bragging rights, among other prizes. After the conclusion of the three-day event the state posting the highest collective weight is awarded a Triton 189 TRx rigged with Mercury outboard, Lowrance electronics and a MotorGuide trolling motor.
The highest placing individual advances to the Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, the highest level of bass club competition. So far that berth belongs to Torrez, whose Ventura County Bass Club has five members on the team from California. California leads the state competition with 115-2. Idaho follows with 112-2 and Oregon is third with 109-12. Washington is fourth place with 95-7 with Utah in fifth with 95-7. Other current state leaders are Andy Bravence, Arizona; Larry Triplett, Colorado; Josh Ragan, Idaho; Tim Johnston, Montana; Ellison Hubbard, Nevada; Robert Peixotto, New Mexico; Kory Ray, Oregon; Davick Hansen, Utah; David Kromm, Washington; and Levi McNeill, Wyoming.
Another competition is brewing in this diverse event. Teenage anglers from the states are competing for the reward of the top high school division. That prize is awarded on Friday, the final day of the tournament. The tournament on Clear Lake concludes on Friday. The top anglers from each state advance to the championship next March at Grand Lake, Okla.
2015 B.A.S.S. Nation Western Divisional 4/8-4/10
Clear Lake, Clear Lake CA.
(ANGLER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. "Chief" Torrez Camarillo, CA (CA) 5 30-10 0
2. Kory Ray Lebanon, OR (OR) 5 29-01 0
3. Davick Hansen Clinton, UT (UT) 5 23-11 0
4. Josh Ragan Rathdrum, ID (ID) 5 22-11 0
5. David Kromm Kennewick, WA (WA) 3 20-05 0
6. Mark Lassagne San Ramon, CA (CA) 5 19-04 0
7. Mike Lavallee Sandy, UT (UT) 5 18-11 0
8. Brent Shores Boise, ID (ID) 5 17-12 0
9. Larry Triplett Castle Rock, CO (CO) 5 17-09 0
10. Keegan Graves Meridian, ID (ID) 4 16-06 0
11. Tim Johnston Kalispell , MT (MT) 4 15-13 0
12. Jeremiah Hofstetter Aurora, CO (CO) 5 15-04 0
13. Robert Peixotto Albuquerque, NM (NM) 4 14-15 0
14. Kim Pfaff Deer Lodge, MT (MT) 4 14-13 0
15. Mike Coleman Pinoeer, CA (CA) 5 14-09 0
15. Tim Rawlings Malad City, ID (UT) 5 14-09 0
17. Kevin Ford Eugene, OR (OR) 5 14-05 0
18. Don Dethloff Coeur d Alene, ID (ID) 5 13-15 0
19. Justin Campbell Pasco, WA (WA) 3 13-12 0
20. Levi McNeill West Valley, UT (WY) 5 13-11 0
21. Nicholas Fitzsimmons Lyle, WA (OR) 5 13-05 0
22. Mitch Ratchford Kennewick, WA (WA) 5 12-02 0
23. Nick Boehme Logan, UT (UT) 4 12-02 0
24. Clint Johanson Benton City, WA (WA) 5 12-00 0
25. Steven Wilson Rohnert Park, CA (CA) 2 11-08 0
26. Lane Coale Grand Junction, CO (CO) 4 11-06 0
27. Franco Vallejos Albuquerque, NM (NM) 5 11-04 0
28. Jeremy Kimberling Rathdrum, ID (ID) 4 11-01 0
29. Jason Hooper Salem, OR (OR) 4 10-15 0
30. Jeremiah Smith Denver, CO (CO) 4 10-13 0
31. Kenny Hansel Los Alamos, NM (NM) 4 10-12 0
32. Tate Brown Heber, UT (UT) 2 10-12 0
33. Mark Hilyer Libby, MT (MT) 2 10-08 0
34. Keith Truett Brownsville, OR (OR) 5 10-00 0
35. Mike Dominick Alberton, MT (MT) 4 09-15 0
36. Andrew Sayles Galt, CA (CA) 2 09-15 0
37. Ellison Hubbard Las Vegas, NV (NV) 3 09-06 0
38. Addam Gross Cove, OR (OR) 2 09-06 0
38. Jason Hickey Weiser, ID (ID) 2 09-06 0
40. Zackery Shaff Richland, WA (WA) 2 09-03 0
41. Nick Wood Yreka, CA (CA) 2 09-00 0
42. Bret Felter Malad City, ID (UT) 3 08-15 0
43. Derek Phillips Castle Rock, CO (CO) 4 08-14 0
44. Tony McCalmant Post Falls, ID (ID) 3 08-13 0
45. Jesse Milicevic Henderson, NV (NV) 3 08-08 0
46. Becca Golightly Preston, ID (WY) 2 08-05 0
47. Lee Thomas Green River, WY (WY) 3 08-04 0
48. Dan Jordan Camas, WA (OR) 4 07-15 0
49. Justyn Palmer Coeur d Alene, ID (ID) 2 07-15 0
50. Chase Ratchford Kennewick, WA (WA) 3 07-11 0
51. Andy Bravence Globe, AZ (AZ) 4 07-07 0
52. Dejon Lewis Ventura, CA (CA) 3 06-00 0
53. Robert Satterwhite Lakewood, CO (CO) 2 05-15 0
54. Curtis Spindler Missoula, MT (MT) 1 05-08 0
55. Jason Hemminger Oxnard, CA (CA) 2 05-07 0
56. Dominic Amato Las Vegas, NV (NV) 2 05-03 0
57. Doug Gaskill Las Vegas, NV (NV) 1 05-03 0
58. Bill Golightly Preston, ID (WY) 3 05-02 0
59. Joe Joseph Camarillo, CA (CA) 2 05-02 0
60. Stan Fisher Trout Creek, MT (MT) 3 05-00 0
61. David DiDomenico Boulder, CO (CO) 2 04-14 0
62. Dave Lee Mesa, AZ (AZ) 2 04-13 0
62. Travis Whitney Kennewick, WA (WA) 2 04-13 0
64. Tim Myers N Las Vegas, NV (NV) 2 04-11 0
65. Dave Cole Heber, UT (WY) 2 04-10 0
66. Tony Lind Auburn , WA (WA) 1 04-09 0
67. Todd Woolard Salem, OR (OR) 2 04-07 0
68. Randy Okubo Evanston, WY (WY) 2 04-03 0
69. Cody King Island City, OR (OR) 2 03-15 0
70. Jake Cook Pasco, WA (WA) 1 03-14 0
71. Brian Day Margarita, CA (CA) 1 03-11 0
72. Tim Roberts Green River, WY (WY) 1 03-09 0
73. Joe Cole Coalville, UT (WY) 2 03-08 0
74. Brian Hanson Sutherlin, OR (OR) 1 03-07 0
75. Matt Peters Las Cruces, NM (NM) 1 03-06 0
76. Johnny Johnson Farmington, NM (NM) 2 03-05 0
77. Patrick Davis Henderson, NV (NV) 2 03-03 0
78. Steve Lund Glendale, AZ (AZ) 2 03-01 0
79. Chris Lambert Olympia, WA (WA) 1 03-01 0
80. Michael Gibney Gresham, OR (OR) 1 03-00 0
81. Gene Batey Jr. Pasco, WA (WA) 1 02-13 0
82. Matthew Antonich Post Falls, ID (MT) 1 02-09 0
83. Don Collins Kalispell, MT (MT) 1 02-06 0
84. Jon Webb Centennial, CO (CO) 1 02-05 0
85. Chris Rockwell Morrison, CO (CO) 1 02-04 0
86. Pat Hanning Tucson, AZ (AZ) 1 02-03 0
87. Harrison Bertsch Rathdrum, ID (ID) 1 02-02 0
87. Dee Rounkles Jr Ogden, UT (UT) 1 02-02 0
89. Dave Nichols Mesa, AZ (AZ) 2 02-01 0
90. Joshua Baker Rathdrum, ID (ID) 1 02-01 0
90. Kenny Oldham Coalville, UT (WY) 1 02-01 0
92. Steve Hammond Famington, NM (NM) 1 01-15 0
92. Sidney Reeves North Ogden, UT (UT) 1 01-15 0
94. Dustin Christensen Wallace, ID (MT) 1 01-12 0
95. Chad Phillips Thornton, CO (CO) 1 01-11 0
96. Tyler Ivie Hooper, UT (UT) 1 01-06 0
97. Randell Bell Elephant Butte, NM (NM) 1 01-04 0
97. Ron Mace Kennewick, WA (WA) 1 01-04 0
99. Robert Christensen Wallace, ID (MT) 1 01-03 0
100. Tom Lugibihl Missoula, MT (MT) 1 01-01 0
101. Gene Mestas Henderson, NV (NV) 1 00-15 0
102. David Bertsch Harrison, ID (ID) 0 00-00 0
102. Brian Bolander Scottsdale, AZ (AZ) 0 00-00 0
102. HS-NM Clark - Bradshaw Waterlfow, NM (NM) 0 00-00 0
102. HS-UT Zabriskie - Burn Murray, UT (UT) 0 00-00 0
102. Lance Cathcart Peoria, AZ (AZ) 0 00-00 0
102. Gary Collins Moorpark, CA (CA) 0 00-00 0
102. HS-MT Garrison - Cooper Thompson Falls, MT (MT) 0 00-00 0
102. Gerald Croy Tucson, AZ (AZ) 0 00-00 0
102. HS-OR Steigman - DeGree Redmond, OR (OR) 0 00-00 0
102. Billy Dunson Farmington, NM (NM) 0 00-00 0
102. Matt Durham Las Vegas, NV (NV) 0 00-00 0
102. HS-CA Gomez - Gomez West Sacramento, CA (CA 0 00-00 0
102. Michael Grande Las Vegas, NV (NV) 0 00-00 0
102. Joe Griffin Tucson, AZ (AZ) 0 00-00 0
102. Paul Hemsley North Las Vegas, NV (NV 0 00-00 0
102. HS-ID Kropp Hickey Weiser, ID (ID) 0 00-00 0
102. Chad Hullinger West Valley City, UT (W 0 00-00 0
102. Bob Lechel Los Alamos, NM (NM) 0 00-00 0
102. Rodney Leon Sahuarita, AZ (AZ) 0 00-00 0
102. Paul Martinez Jemez Springs, NM (NM) 0 00-00 0
102. David Mays Portland, OR (OR) 0 00-00 0
102. HS-AZ Sendek - Mazy Phoenix, AZ (AZ) 0 00-00 0
102. Kevin Melford Camarillo, CA (CA) 0 00-00 0
102. James Miller Jr Tucson, AZ (AZ) 0 00-00 0
102. Mandy Myers Santa Quin, UT (UT) 0 00-00 0
102. HS-WA Lack - Oldenburg Cheney, WA (WA) 0 00-00 0
102. Bubba O'Neill Evanston, WY (WY) 0 00-00 0
102. Ethan Peterson Post Falls, ID (ID) 0 00-00 0
102. Stephen Pike Las Vegas, NV (NV) 0 00-00 0
102. Joe Ramirez Bayard, NM (NM) 0 00-00 0
102. Connor Santos Colorado Springs, CO (C 0 00-00 0
102. William Sasek Vail, AZ (AZ) 0 00-00 0
102. Dusten Stewart Roy, UT (UT) 0 00-00 0
102. KC Stone Pleasant View, UT (UT) 0 00-00 0
102. Timothy Sutton Great Falls, MT (MT) 0 00-00 0
102. Tory Thomas Rock Springs, WY (WY) 0 00-00 0
102. Herb Turner Westminster, CO (CO) 0 00-00 0
102. Kevin Wiggins Las Vegas, NV (NV) 0 00-00 0
102. HS-NV Ebert Wilkin Pioche, NV (NV) 0 00-00 0
102. Mark Williams Los Alamos, NM (NM) 0 00-00 0
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 19 268 834-13
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19 268 834-13
TEAM STANDINGS Day 1
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State Lbs-Oz
1 CALIFORNIA 115-02
2 IDAHO 112-02
3 OREGON 109-12
4 WASHINGTON 95-07
5 UTAH 94-03
6 COLORADO 80-15
7 MONTANA 70-08
8 WYOMING 53-05
9 NEW MEXICO 46-13
10 NEVADA 37-01
11 ARIZONA 19-09
INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS Day 1
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WASHINGTON
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 David Kromm Kennewick, WA 3 20-05 0
2 Justin Campbell Pasco, WA 3 13-12 0
3 Mitch Ratchford Kennewick, WA 5 12-02 0
4 Clint Johanson Benton City, WA 5 12-00 0
5 Zackery Shaff Richland, WA 2 09-03 0
6 Chase Ratchford Kennewick, WA 3 07-11 0
7 Travis Whitney Kennewick, WA 2 04-13 0
8 Tony Lind Auburn , WA 1 04-09 0
9 Jake Cook Pasco, WA 1 03-14 0
10 Chris Lambert Olympia, WA 1 03-01 0
11 Gene Batey Jr. Pasco, WA 1 02-13 0
12 Ron Mace Kennewick, WA 1 01-04 0
13 HS-WA Lack - Oldenburg Cheney, WA 0 00-00 0
IDAHO
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Josh Ragan Rathdrum, ID 5 22-11 0
2 Brent Shores Boise, ID 5 17-12 0
3 Keegan Graves Meridian, ID 4 16-06 0
4 Don Dethloff Coeur d Alene, ID 5 13-15 0
5 Jeremy Kimberling Rathdrum, ID 4 11-01 0
6 Jason Hickey Weiser, ID 2 09-06 0
7 Tony McCalmant Post Falls, ID 3 08-13 0
8 Justyn Palmer Coeur d Alene, ID 2 07-15 0
9 Harrison Bertsch Rathdrum, ID 1 02-02 0
10 Joshua Baker Rathdrum, ID 1 02-01 0
11 David Bertsch Harrison, ID 0 00-00 0
11 HS-ID Kropp Hickey Weiser, ID 0 00-00 0
11 Ethan Peterson Post Falls, ID 0 00-00 0
OREGON
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Kory Ray Lebanon, OR 5 29-01 0
2 Kevin Ford Eugene, OR 5 14-05 0
3 Nicholas Fitzsimmons Lyle, WA 5 13-05 0
4 Jason Hooper Salem, OR 4 10-15 0
5 Keith Truett Brownsville, OR 5 10-00 0
6 Addam Gross Cove, OR 2 09-06 0
7 Dan Jordan Camas, WA 4 07-15 0
8 Todd Woolard Salem, OR 2 04-07 0
9 Cody King Island City, OR 2 03-15 0
10 Brian Hanson Sutherlin, OR 1 03-07 0
11 Michael Gibney Gresham, OR 1 03-00 0
12 HS-OR Steigman - DeGree Redmond, OR 0 00-00 0
12 David Mays Portland, OR 0 00-00 0
ARIZONA
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Andy Bravence Globe, AZ 4 07-07 0
2 Dave Lee Mesa, AZ 2 04-13 0
3 Steve Lund Glendale, AZ 2 03-01 0
4 Pat Hanning Tucson, AZ 1 02-03 0
5 Dave Nichols Mesa, AZ 2 02-01 0
6 Brian Bolander Scottsdale, AZ 0 00-00 0
6 Lance Cathcart Peoria, AZ 0 00-00 0
6 Gerald Croy Tucson, AZ 0 00-00 0
6 Joe Griffin Tucson, AZ 0 00-00 0
6 Rodney Leon Sahuarita, AZ 0 00-00 0
6 HS-AZ Sendek - Mazy Phoenix, AZ 0 00-00 0
6 James Miller Jr Tucson, AZ 0 00-00 0
6 William Sasek Vail, AZ 0 00-00 0
WYOMING
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Levi McNeill West Valley, UT 5 13-11 0
2 Becca Golightly Preston, ID 2 08-05 0
3 Lee Thomas Green River, WY 3 08-04 0
4 Bill Golightly Preston, ID 3 05-02 0
5 Dave Cole Heber, UT 2 04-10 0
6 Randy Okubo Evanston, WY 2 04-03 0
7 Tim Roberts Green River, WY 1 03-09 0
8 Joe Cole Coalville, UT 2 03-08 0
9 Kenny Oldham Coalville, UT 1 02-01 0
10 Chad Hullinger West Valley City, UT 0 00-00 0
10 Bubba O'Neill Evanston, WY 0 00-00 0
10 Tory Thomas Rock Springs, WY 0 00-00 0
NEW MEXICO
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Robert Peixotto Albuquerque, NM 4 14-15 0
2 Franco Vallejos Albuquerque, NM 5 11-04 0
3 Kenny Hansel Los Alamos, NM 4 10-12 0
4 Matt Peters Las Cruces, NM 1 03-06 0
5 Johnny Johnson Farmington, NM 2 03-05 0
6 Steve Hammond Famington, NM 1 01-15 0
7 Randell Bell Elephant Butte, NM 1 01-04 0
8 HS-NM Clark - Bradshaw Waterlfow, NM 0 00-00 0
8 Billy Dunson Farmington, NM 0 00-00 0
8 Bob Lechel Los Alamos, NM 0 00-00 0
8 Paul Martinez Jemez Springs, NM 0 00-00 0
8 Joe Ramirez Bayard, NM 0 00-00 0
8 Mark Williams Los Alamos, NM 0 00-00 0
CALIFORNIA
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 "Chief" Torrez Camarillo, CA 5 30-10 0
2 Mark Lassagne San Ramon, CA 5 19-04 0
3 Mike Coleman Pinoeer, CA 5 14-09 0
4 Steven Wilson Rohnert Park, CA 2 11-08 0
5 Andrew Sayles Galt, CA 2 09-15 0
6 Nick Wood Yreka, CA 2 09-00 0
7 Dejon Lewis Ventura, CA 3 06-00 0
8 Jason Hemminger Oxnard, CA 2 05-07 0
9 Joe Joseph Camarillo, CA 2 05-02 0
10 Brian Day Margarita, CA 1 03-11 0
11 Gary Collins Moorpark, CA 0 00-00 0
11 HS-CA Gomez - Gomez West Sacramento, CA 0 00-00 0
11 Kevin Melford Camarillo, CA 0 00-00 0
MONTANA
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Tim Johnston Kalispell , MT 4 15-13 0
2 Kim Pfaff Deer Lodge, MT 4 14-13 0
3 Mark Hilyer Libby, MT 2 10-08 0
4 Mike Dominick Alberton, MT 4 09-15 0
5 Curtis Spindler Missoula, MT 1 05-08 0
6 Stan Fisher Trout Creek, MT 3 05-00 0
7 Matthew Antonich Post Falls, ID 1 02-09 0
8 Don Collins Kalispell, MT 1 02-06 0
9 Dustin Christensen Wallace, ID 1 01-12 0
10 Robert Christensen Wallace, ID 1 01-03 0
11 Tom Lugibihl Missoula, MT 1 01-01 0
12 HS-MT Garrison - Cooper Thompson Falls, MT 0 00-00 0
12 Timothy Sutton Great Falls, MT 0 00-00 0
UTAH
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Davick Hansen Clinton, UT 5 23-11 0
2 Mike Lavallee Sandy, UT 5 18-11 0
3 Tim Rawlings Malad City, ID 5 14-09 0
4 Nick Boehme Logan, UT 4 12-02 0
5 Tate Brown Heber, UT 2 10-12 0
6 Bret Felter Malad City, ID 3 08-15 0
7 Dee Rounkles Jr Ogden, UT 1 02-02 0
8 Sidney Reeves North Ogden, UT 1 01-15 0
9 Tyler Ivie Hooper, UT 1 01-06 0
10 HS-UT Zabriskie - Burn Murray, UT 0 00-00 0
10 Mandy Myers Santa Quin, UT 0 00-00 0
10 Dusten Stewart Roy, UT 0 00-00 0
10 KC Stone Pleasant View, UT 0 00-00 0
COLORADO
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Larry Triplett Castle Rock, CO 5 17-09 0
2 Jeremiah Hofstetter Aurora, CO 5 15-04 0
3 Lane Coale Grand Junction, CO 4 11-06 0
4 Jeremiah Smith Denver, CO 4 10-13 0
5 Derek Phillips Castle Rock, CO 4 08-14 0
6 Robert Satterwhite Lakewood, CO 2 05-15 0
7 David DiDomenico Boulder, CO 2 04-14 0
8 Jon Webb Centennial, CO 1 02-05 0
9 Chris Rockwell Morrison, CO 1 02-04 0
10 Chad Phillips Thornton, CO 1 01-11 0
11 Connor Santos Colorado Springs, CO 0 00-00 0
11 Herb Turner Westminster, CO 0 00-00 0
NEVADA
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Ellison Hubbard Las Vegas, NV 3 09-06 0
2 Jesse Milicevic Henderson, NV 3 08-08 0
3 Dominic Amato Las Vegas, NV 2 05-03 0
4 Doug Gaskill Las Vegas, NV 1 05-03 0
5 Tim Myers N Las Vegas, NV 2 04-11 0
6 Patrick Davis Henderson, NV 2 03-03 0
7 Gene Mestas Henderson, NV 1 00-15 0
8 Matt Durham Las Vegas, NV 0 00-00 0
8 Michael Grande Las Vegas, NV 0 00-00 0
8 Paul Hemsley North Las Vegas, NV 0 00-00 0
8 Stephen Pike Las Vegas, NV 0 00-00 0
8 Kevin Wiggins Las Vegas, NV 0 00-00 0
8 HS-NV Ebert Wilkin Pioche, NV 0 00-00 0