LAKE MOHAVE, Calif. (October 16, 2023) – At the scenic shores of Lake Mohave, where the world-class bass catching contest got underway for this angling adventure at the Katherine Landing Marina.
The stage was set with the pairing of enthusiastic anglers on Sunday night at the Edgewater Hotel and Casino. These intrepid duos, comprising boat owners and non-owners, gathered in high anticipation for the three-day fishing fiesta. While many of these pairs were complete strangers, a common love for fishing was the tie that binds them.
At the crack of dawn on Monday, 183 boats lined up, each assigned a specific launch time. The tranquil lakefront came alive as the sun cast its golden glow over the pristine waters, with eager fishermen anxiously waiting for their chance to land the big ones.
Karen Garber, the General Manager of Katherine Landing, reminisced about last year’s U.S. Open and the decision to host it here due to the low water levels at Lake Mead. This year, the tradition continues, even as Mead’s levels have shown slight improvement. The warmth and enthusiasm from the contestants have endeared them to this venue, and the hope is that they will return for more fishing adventures in the future.
Participants from last year’s contest showered Lake Mohave with glowing reviews, and it’s no surprise that this angler’s paradise continues to be a favorite destination for the finest anglers.
The excitement doesn’t end on the water. Weigh-ins are scheduled each afternoon during the competition, with groups of 25 anglers getting their turn every 20 minutes from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The diligent record-keeping ensures that every fish is accounted for before they are gracefully returned to their watery home.
As the days roll on, the tension mounts, and winners will be crowned and prizes awarded on Wednesday. The stakes are high, and the competition fierce, as these anglers aim to demonstrate their prowess in reeling in the biggest bass.
A tinge of concern was voiced by co-anglers Tim Demecs and Randy McAbee. They wondered if the fish would be “spooked” by the flurry of activity leading up to the tournament launch. With hundreds of boats on the lake in the days preceding the event, the fish might not be as cooperative as they hope. But, as any angler will tell you, unpredictability is part of the sport’s allure.
The excitement was not confined to the waters alone. Moe Medina opened her dockside café, ready to serve breakfast burritos, pastries, juice, and coffee to the hungry anglers. Her cheerful disposition is a testament to the warm welcome the fishing community receives in this charming corner of the world.
As the first day of fishing came to a close, five teams made a strong statement, each landing five-fish catches weighing in at a hefty 20 pounds. Another 20 teams were not far behind, falling within the 15- to 20-pound range.
The leading lights after the initial day of competition were pro Kyle Grover, hailing from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and his amateur partner Quincy Lewis from San Diego. They topped the charts with an impressive haul of 20.70 pounds. Right on their heels were Evan Barnes of Dardanelle, Arkansas, and Coy Mott from Fruitland, Idaho, with a 20.58-pound catch, while Jim Vretzos from El Dorado Hills, California, and Travis Hargis from Chula Vista, California, claimed the third spot with 20.23 pounds.
Notably, the top eight teams are separated by less than two pounds, making it anyone’s game as they shuffle partners for Day 2. Among the local anglers in the mix, Zach VerBrugge of Lake Havasu City stands at seventh place in the pro standings with an 18.94-pound catch, partnering with amateur Donald Lugert from Needles. Pro Chris Kinley, another local, isn’t far behind, ranking 19th with a 15.97-pound catch.
With all this angling action and tight competition, it’s clear that the Lake Mohave bass-catching contest is the ultimate showdown for fishing enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates as these anglers aim to reel in glory in this pristine oasis of angling excellence.
