SWBA Tourney Report

[Nic D]

Not a yak report but thought I might share.


The day started off at J Street, Chula Vista Launch Ramp. In the random drawing of boats team number 5 was picked which would allow us to be one of the first boats out at #7.

This was strictly a Spotted Bay Bass Tournament only and they had to be at least 14.25". Anyone that fishes Spotted Bay Bass knows how hard it is to find a 14" SBB let alone 5. We got to our (A-Spot) and immediately put 2 legal fish in the well. We stuck it out in that spot until we felt like it was dried up but pretty stoked to have 2 keepers right away. We headed to another one of our zones and saw several boats fishing the area but we thought we would give it a try anyway. Nic opted to throw a 3" swim-bait lathered in Uni Butter and I was throwing 1oz. Stanley Big Shot blade. As we rolled up to a spot we've had success on previously I instantly hook up for a good legal. Shortly after, Nic gets a good one that makes the mark. We "High 5", all we need was one more to round out our limit (it was only 10 a.m. and 2:30 was our weigh-in time).

We fished hard but things became tough when our Trolling Motor busted and the wind wasn't much help either. We opted to run back closer to the weigh in area and hit a little cove with moored boats. Nic was on the helm (AKA-Trolling Motor Guy) and put me on a piling, instant hook up. I get it out with frayed line and Nic nets it. Nic yells out, "YES, THAT'S THE ONE!" We both knew that fishing had been tough and a 5th fish could possible put us in the top 5. I laid the fish on the measuring board and swung the tail...14"....AYYYYYY! The fish had girth too! We were bummed.

We came up 0.25 inches short of a limit but still managed 11th Place out of 45 teams. It ended up a very good start to the year.

Our next SWBA tournament is March 14th out of Mission Bay, Dana Landing. We will be fishing for Calicos and Sand Bass...

the sunrise prior to the start

Ballast Point Brewing Fishing Team.
Writer: Moyer
Editor: Dragomire