November 14, 2007

Commentary
Big bass tournament pits the best
trophy anglers against each other

By JIM MATTHEWS
Outdoor News Service

Angling has always been a mildly competitive sport. Fishing buddies for years have bet “a dollar on the biggest, and a dollar on the most.”
Today, tournament purses can exceed a million dollars, but the events almost all focus on who can catch the most fish. Bigger fish count more than smaller fish, and there are often side pots for the biggest fish, but most tournaments have merely expanded on the “dollar on the most” concept. Anglers who catch the most fish win in these events.
This is all kind of odd considering that anglers don’t much brag about catching a runty limit of one-pound bass -- unless they won $5,000 or something for catching those fish. Guys don’t have stringers of little fish mounted. They mount and brag about the biggest fish they’ve caught. The simple fact is that bigger fish are both harder to catch and fewer in number. It simply takes more skill to catch a big fish. Yet tournament fishing has never focused on “dollar on the biggest” concept. Competitive fishing events have never really tried to find the “best” angler, the one who consistently catches big fish.
With a build up like that, you could have predicted this line: Until now.
The Heavyweight Bass Classic Tournament scheduled for Jan. 25 at Casitas Lake is a departure from the regular tournament bass fishing world. It is an attempt to really see who the best angler may be. The seemingly obviously advantage of catching lots of fish fades when it’s only the biggest bass you land that really matters. Big fish anglers are different because it takes a different mindset and different tactics if you’re just focusing on trying to entice the biggest bass.
The tournament was the brainstorm on Ken Huddleston, a maker of big swim baits, and one of the crowd of Southern California anglers who focus on catching big bass.
“I guess I came up with the idea when I fished a couple of seasons in the WON and ABA events where I fished nothing but big baits. I’d get big fish, but I never could put two together to win,” said Huddleston.
“I suppose I could have tried to catch smaller fish, but it wasn’t interesting to me. Big bass are a different species, and I started wondering why there wasn’t a big fish tournament,” said Huddleston, admitting that he’d been mulling the idea over for a decade.
Then recently there was some banter recently on one of the bass fishing bulletin boards about who was the best big fish angler, and it rekindled Huddleston’s interest in having an event that would settle the issue on the water.
He enlisted the help of another big bass angler and tournament director Ron Cervenka.
“In the course of like three days we put this plan into motion, on the fourth day we announced it, and now it has just exploded. We didn’t realize there was this much interest in this,” said Cervenka.
They set the first event as part-invitational and part-open event. They were surprised that all but two of the well-known big bass anglers they approached about fishing on the “invitational” side of the event agreed to pay the $200 entry fee and compete. The remaining entries for the other 25 spots in the 50-angler event will be filled first-come, first-serve, with the slots becoming available this Saturday at Angler’s Marine Bass-A-Thon. If any slots are left after this weekend, they will be open on a first-come, first-serve basis to any would-be trophy bass angler.
The incentive? With a full field of 50, the angler who wins earns a cool $10,000 in the winter-take-all, 100 percent pay back format. He also gets a belt buckle (think World Series of Poker).
The big bass event is destined to become at least an annual event, but Cervenka said they are already planning a Northern California competition after the January event at Casitas. While future events won’t have an “invitational” component, the 20 anglers who catch the biggest fish in the first competition will be given priority for the next event.
“I think one of the interesting things about these tournaments will be that a guy who has been using swim baits for two or three years, caught a few big fish, and built his confidence can now pit himself against the best of the best,” said Cervenka.
The event has been the buzz of the bass fishing web sites and forum sections for the past month. And a lot of anglers are wanting in.
“Big fish guys aren’t generally interested in tournaments, and tournament guys aren’t interested in trophy bass fishing, so we didn’t realize there would be this much interest in this,” said Cervenka.
Maybe it’s just been long over due, but all bass anglers are enthralled with big bass.
Huddleston likes to remember the crowd reaction when pulling a huge bass from his live well during a tournament weight-in session.
“I just really enjoyed hearing a crowd response to a big fish,” said Huddleston. “We don’t realize most people never get to lay their eyes on a live bass that size -- a fish over 10 pounds.”
There will be a who’s who of big bass anglers fishing together on one day at one lake.
“All these big bass guys know each other. They might not like each other, but they all have respect for each other,” said Huddleston.
It could also be one of the most impressive tournament weigh-in of all time.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 16-18 FEDERAL DUCK STAMP ART EXHIBIT: The 25th annual Wildlife Art Festival, featuring the top entries in the federal duck stamp art competition, will be held at the San Bernardino County Museum Nov. 16-18. Joe Hautman, winner of this year’s competition for the 75th federal duck stamp, and festival artist Lee Kromschroeder will be joined by 23 of the West’s finest wildlife artists during this event. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Members of the San Bernardino County Museum Association can also attend 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16. Admission is $6 for adults, with students and seniors $5. Children 5 to 12 are $4. Children under 5 and museum association members are free. or more information, call the museum at 909-307-2669 or visit the web site at www.sbcountymuseum.org.
NOVEMBER 17 INLAND FISH AND GAME TURKEY SHOOT: The Inland Fish and Game Conservation Association will have its 7th Annual Turkey Shoot and Feast Saturday, Nov. 17 at the club range. Events include trap, winks, pot shooting, black powder buffalo shooting, and cowboy running rabbit and turkey events. Everyone who attends should bring a side dish or dessert. For more information, call the trap range at 909-793-4014 or the rifle range at 909-335-9724.
NOVEMBER 17-18 WINTER BASS-A-THON: The 21st Annual Winter Bass-A-Thon will be held this Saturday and Sunday at Angler’s Marine, 3475 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. It is billed as the largest all-bass fishing event in California. Speakers both days include Skeet Reese, BASS Angler of the Year; Irwin Jacobs, the legend behind Genmar; Peter Thliveros, Carolina rigging specialist; Gabe Bolivar, former FLW Tour Rookie of the Year, Jared Linter, Ish Monroe, and Boyd Duckett. Information call Angler’s Marine at 714-666-2628 or got to the web site www.anglersmarine.com.
NOVEMBER 18 UNITED ANGLERS GARAGE SALE: The sixth annual United Anglers of Southern California Garage Sale and fundraiser will be held 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 18 at the Turner’s Outdoorsman main office-warehouse, 1041 Mildred Ave., Ontario. This annual event raises thousands of dollars to support UASC’s fishing and marine conservation programs. For information or directions, call UASC at 949-863-9447 or visit www.unitedanglers.com.
DECEMBER 1 HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The class dates for 2008 will be set soon. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
DECEMBER 1-2 CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON COURSE: A 16-hour California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course is being offered by Firearms Training Associates at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises this Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $180 per person. This course meets the state requirement for 16 hours of training to qualify for a CCW. Dates for 2008 classes will be set soon. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867. The web site is www.ftatv.com.
DECEMBER 1-3 WATER-FOR-WILDLIFE WORK PROJECT: The Mojave Preserve Water-for-Wildlife Volunteer Group will have a guzzler repair project in the Cedar Canyon area of the Mojave National Preserve Dec 1-3. Food will be provided two evenings and three mornings, but everyone should bring water, firewood, food or lunch and snacks, and gloves. For more information and directions to the camp site, contact Cliff McDonald at 760-326-2935 or via e-mail at bigmc@citlink.net.
DECEMBER 8 BAJA FISHING SEMINAR: The staff of 976-TUNA will be conducting a free Baja Fishing Seminar 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8, at Bass Pro Shops, Victora Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga. A free trip to Palmas de Cortez will be given away. Contact 976-TUNA at 310-328-8426.
DECEMBER 15 UNITED ANGLERS NO-MOTOR TOURNAMENT: The United Anglers of Southern California will have is rescheduled “No-Motor” Tournament Saturday, Dec. 15. The event will benefit the Carpenteria Marsh helping to protect important halibut nursery habitat. The tournament is open to all anglers who fish aboard kayaks, float tubes, canoes or any other seaworthy craft that runs exclusively on “people power.” The entry fee for those signing up by December 13 is $40 -- which includes UASC membership or renewal. On-site sign-ups on December 14 or 15 will be available for $50. For the latest information, rules, and sign-up forms, go to the UASC web site at www.unitedanglers.com or call the UASC office at 949-83-9447.
JANUARY 25 HEAVYWEIGH BASS CLASSIC TOURNAMENT: The Heavyweight Bass Classic will be held Friday, Jan. 25 at Casitas Lake to determine the best of the big bass anglers. The event is limited to 50 anglers with a $200 entry fee and the winner takes all -- not to mention having bragging rights at the best big bass angler in the country. Entries will be accepted beginning Nov. 17. For more information, contact Ron Cervenka, P.O. Box 800342, Santa Clarita, CA 91380 or e-mail socalteams@hotmail.com.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

The following is a list of hunting, shooting, and fishing clubs and organizations in Southern California with contact information and regular meeting dates:
976-TUNA ROD AND REEL CLUB: The 976-Tuna Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. At the December meeting a free trip to Palmas de Cortez in Baja will be given away. Contact Phil Friedman at 310-328-8426.
CALIFORNIA STATE VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The California State Varmint Callers Association meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Denny's just north of the 210 freeway at Irwindale Ave., Irwindale. Contact Steven Childs at 626-407-8826 or steve@sdchilds.com. Web site: www.csvca.com.
CANYON OAKS SPORTSMAN’S CLUB: The Canyon Oaks Sportsman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of every month at it’s clubhouse in Lakeview Terrace-Sylmar. The club has regular trap, skeet, smallbore, big bore, handgun, and Cowboy Action shooting events. Contact Gary White at 818-998-7240, Mike Totta at 818-362-2181 or Mike Nickoloff via e-mail at idpamike@yahoo.com.
CERRITOS ROD & GUN CLUB: The Cerritos Rod & Gun Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at Heritage Park in Cerritos. Contact Charles Sharp at 714-317-8290 or fish_90605@yahoo.com.
CLUB FISH: Club Fish, a 20-year-old fishing club, meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse, Santa Ana. The clubhouse is located at the entrance to Riverview Gold Course. Contact Mike Cross at 949-854-5258 or m_r_cross@yahoo.com.
HIGH DESERT FLY-FISHERS: The High Desert Fly-Fishers holds its monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month at The Apple Valley Fire Conference Center, 19235 Yucca Loma, Apple Valley. Contact John Rose at 760-247-5966.
HIGHLAND PARK SPORTSMEN'S CLUB: The Highland Park Sportsmen's Club meets at 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2035 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles. Contact Mauro Garcia at 323-254-0763 or incareal@juno.com.
NATIONAL VARMINT HUNTERS: The National Varmint Hunters meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars club located on Grand Avenue, just west of 17th Street, Santa Ana. Contact Mark Harris at 714-655-6954 or mhitis1@yahoo.com or Terry Mathers at 714-299-9938 or coyote@jps.net.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER):The High Desert Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club, 16699 Stoddard Wells Rd., Victorville. Contact Dave Recce at 760-956-7092 or Dave Halbrook at 760-553-2794.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER):The Orange County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at The Firing Line, 17921 Jamestown Lane, Huntington Beach. Contact Pat Ryan at 714-841-2100 or Casey Rasmussen at 714-377-5859.
ORANCO BOWMEN: The ORANCO Bowmen meet the second Tuesday of each month at the club range, 17504 Pomona Rincon Rd., Chino (Euclid Avenue one block north of the 71 freeway). The range is open to the public on Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 909-597-7582. Web site: www.oranco.org.
ORANGE COUNTY BASS CLUB: The Orange County Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Garden Grove Elk's Lodge. Contact Steve Pendergast at 949-651-8172 or prendergasts@netzero.com.
PLUNGE CREEK COWBOYS: The Plunge Creek Cowboys, a new Cowboy Action Shooting club in the Inland Empire, has shoots the third Saturday of each month at the Inland Fish and Game range on Orange Street in East Highlands. Authentic or replica firearms and garb required. Information: www.plungecreekcowboys.com.
PREDATOR CALLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY: The Predator Callers of Orange County meet 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Denny's restaurant, 7490 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. Contact Bob Peters via e-mail at bpi1@ca.rr.com or Don Jamroz at donjamroz@aol.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER): The High Desert Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club. Contact Cruz Garcia at 760-949-6334 or fathercruz@verizon.net.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER): The Orange County Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse (located at the entrance to Riverview Golf Course) in Santa Ana. Contact Craig Riedel at 714-282-1194 or criedel@mflex.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (RIVERSIDE CHAPTER): The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Prado Olympic Shooting Park, 17501 Pomona Rincon Road, Chino (one block west of Euclid, just off the 71 freeway). Contact Ron Gibbons at 909-902-9814 or gibbent@gte.net. Web site: www.quriverside.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN DIEGO CHAPTER): The San Diego Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at DFG Headquarters at 4949 Viewridge Rd., San Diego. Contact David Preddy at davidpreddy@cox.net or visit www.sdqu.org.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CHAPTER): The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Triple B Clays in El Monte. Contact Tim Bovard at 866-206-9070, ext. 6715 or sgvqu@onebox.com.
REDONDO ROD & GUN CLUB: The Redondo Rod & Gun Club meets 8 p.m. every Thursday of every month at its own clubhouse. The club has promoted hunting, fishing, sport shooting and the outdoors since 1948. The clubhouse is located at 2023 Vanderbilt Lane, Redondo Beach. Contact 310-379-7772.
RIVERSIDE VARMINT CALLERS: The Riverside Varmint Callers meet 7 p.m. the last Saturday of each month at Flo's Country Kitchen, Riverside. Contact Lance Cochrane at 909-919-4309 or Ray Gauthier at 951-785-4986. Web site:www.californiavarmintcallers.com/chapters.html/.
SAN DIEGO SPORTING DOG CLUB: The San Diego Sporting Dog Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Animal Medical Center, 600 Broadway, El Cajon. Contact Steve Sarmiento at 619-659-9393 or sssarmi@sbcglobal.net.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The Southern California Varmint Callers Association meets 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Denny's Restaurant at Pioneer Blvd and Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Contact Granville Crow at 310-548-6221 or crowshot1@cox.net or Skip Gildner at 562-900-9020 or mtnhigh5@excite.com.
TEMPLE CITY SPORTSMEN: The Temple City Sportsmen meet the first Thursday of each month at the Temple City Civic Center in Temple City. Contact Jim White at 626-201-7782 or TCSPresident2006@yahoo.com.
TURNER'S OUTDOORSMAN ROD AND REEL CLUB: The Turner's Outdoorsman Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Marie Callender's Restaurant, 2300 Foothill, Pasadena. Contact Richard Crowe at 626-960-9610.

[Want your event or club listed here? Send the information to Jim Matthews, Outdoor News Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427-0007 or e-mail it to odwriter@earthlink.net. Following the style used above for events and clubs makes our life easier and increases the likelihood of it being included here.]

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