Dan Perkins & Mike Bugarin Crowned
1999 NOR-CAL Anglers of the Year
By
Tim Paes
Tuesday,
November 02,1999 .... In 1999, Nor-Cal Bass Federation saw a new champion
crowned in the amateur ranks and a repeat champion in the Pro Division Angler of
the Year races.
Pro
Dan Perkins, of Arnold, CA made it back to back as he was crowned 1999 Nor-Cal
Bass Angler of the year in the Pro Division. Perkins, who is sponsored by
V&V Custom Baits, Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, California Custom Marine
Outboard Technology and Glory Hole Sports, dominated the pro ranks in his run to
the title. Perkins was the only angler to weigh-in a limit of fish at each
Pro-Am event in 1999. He brought over 96 lbs. of Black Bass to the scales, 22
lbs. more than his closest competitor. He had 641 points for the year, 34 points
more than the 2nd place pro.
Perkins
started off the season with a 2nd place finish at Don Pedro. Perkins and his
partner Val Wolfley, of Modesto, CA used V&V spinnerbaits and jigs to bring
in 13.70 lbs. anchored by the event’s big fish that was caught by Perkins.
Perkins went on to win the next tournament at Lake Camanche with his partner
Mark Winchester, of Ceres, CA. Perkins again used V&V Jigs in order to bring
in 15.34 lbs. and the title. Another 2nd place finish on the
California Delta would follow for Perkins and his partner at this event, Mark
Hancock, of Ceres, CA. V&V jigs again proved their muster as Perkins weighed
in 23.70 lbs. The 4th stop on the tournament trail found the anglers at Clear
Lake where Perkins had another top 5 finish, finishing in 4th place with partner
Mike Bugarin, of Modesto, CA. The 5th tourney at New Melones would prove to be
Perkins worst finish of the season, and it was still 11th place!
However, Perkins had the title all but wrapped up by this time. Perkins fished
that tournament with Glen Dark, of Patterson, CA. The final 1999 event took
place on the California Delta where Perkins sealed his victory with a 5th
place finish with partner Jeff Hartung, of Modesto, CA.
Perkins,
who has been outspoken in his support of Nor-Cal, has proven his ability to
compete against the best. Dan is an excellent fisherman, an outstanding
individual and a true Champion.
In
the Amateur Division, Mike Bugarin, of Modesto, CA, took the title in a very
close race that went right down to the last event of 1999. Bugarin, who was in
4th place going into the last event, was able to sneak around the 3 anglers in
front of him and take the title.
After the 1st event at Don Pedro, it would prove to be an uphill battle
for Bugarin. Bugarin and his Pro partner Don Mutchler, of Modesto, CA finished
in 31st place. Bugarin started making his move at the next event on Lake
Camanche. Bugarin, who fished with Pro Norval Pimentel, of Modesto, CA, finished
in 3rd place with 14.56 lbs. The next tournament on the California Delta
finished with Bugarin and his Pro partner Danny Crow, of Manteca, CA in 8th
place with 14.82 lbs. At Clear Lake, Bugarin had another 3rd place finish where
he fished with Pro Dan Perkins, the 1999 Pro Angler of the Year. The fifth stop
at New Melones would only be a minor setback for Bugarin as he and his Pro
Partner George Goodman, of Waterford, CA finished in 18th place. The final event
of the season on the California Delta found Bugarin and Pro partner Ron Schultz,
of Modesto, CA in 6th place, and would prove to be the points necessary to
propel Bugarin to the title.
Bugarin
can attribute some of his success in 1999 to the pro partners that he drew.
However, it takes more then good draws to reach this title, it also takes the
ability to contribute from the back of the boat. Mike has proven this ability.
It now becomes time for him to start thinking about making the transition to the
front of the boat and into the Pro Division.
Again,
congratulations to both Dan Perkins and Mike Bugarin on their successful 1999
season. They have both earned and are deserving of the title of 1999 Anglers of
the Year!
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