Don Pedro Pro-Am 2006

Ringeisen & Long Edge Out Competition to take Don Pedro Title

Saturday, March 18, 2006
Angels Camp, CA

By: Tim Paes

Nor-Cal's third stop of the 2006 season took place at Don Pedro. The everlasting winter didn't want to give up its hold on the west coast as the anglers endured dark skies, wind and chilly temperatures during their tournament day.

The fishing was pretty good as twenty-six of the thirty-six boats brought in five-fish limits. The anglers brought in 158 bass that tipped the scales at 379-pounds. The average weight per fish was 2.40-pounds.

The huge swimbait fishing that have made Don Pedro a popular destination the past few year's didn't make a strong showing, but there were a few that fell for these big fish baits. However the huge Florida's that often eat these baits weren't in the mood. The majority of fish fell victim to worms and jigs.

LeGrand pro Josh Ringeisen and partner Jeff Long, of Denair, Brought in a five-fish limit that tipped the scales at 18.24-pounds. The pairs weight was anchored by Ringeisen's 10.84-pound monster bass that that ate his jig. The victory netted Ringeisen $1,985 while Long took home $840 for a team total of $2,825.

Second place went to Riverbank pro Jeff Frey and partner Terry Kleingartner, of Atwater. Frey & Kleingartner brought in a five-fish limit that tipped the scales at 17.26-pounds. Frey took home $1,383 while Kleingartner earned $621 for a team total of $2,004.

Hughson pro Dan Sexton and partner Ben Brooks Jr., of Atwater, finished 3rd with an 16.86-pound five-fish limit. The anglers weight was capped by Brooks' 4.18-pound lunker that took big fish honors in the am division. Sexton took home $1,141 while Brooks earned $639 for a team total of $1,780.

The Pro Division Angler of the Year race saw Copperopolis pro Joe Bruce lengthen his lead with 319 points. Bruce is followed by Denair pro Robin Lowe and Merced pro John Myers, both with 304 points. Ed Larsen, of Paradise, jumped into 1st place in the Am Division with 306 points. He is followed closely by Jeff Long, of Denair, with 301 points. Champions earn free entry into 2007 events in their respective divisions.

Our next Pro-Am event takes place at Lake Camanche. Check-in will take place at Camanche North Shore. Mandatory check-in time is from 3:30 to 4:30 am on the morning of the event. Anglers late for morning check-in will be assessed a 2 pound penalty and after 15 minutes will be disqualified.

Nor-Cal Bass Tournament Trail sponsors are: Stratos Boats, Bob’s Marine, St Croix Rods, Thompson Chevrolet, Escalon Bait & Tackle, Tom’s Truck Repair, Tracy Oasis Marina, Thermo Oil Batteries, Super Pork, Keeper Custom Worms and PHJigs Tackle.