By Mark Fong
Western Staff Writer
June 11, 2011
The field of 208 anglers fishing the first day of the Yamamoto Big Bass Challenge on the California Delta were greeted with unseasonably cool weather and rain as they set off in search of Delta treasure. At stake was a chance to win one of five hourly cash prizes to be awarded during each hour of the event. The angler with the largest bass to their credit at the end of each of the 12 hourly weig- ins would earn $400 and entry into the Super 12 with an opportunity to win the coveted Golden Ticket entitling its bearer to the $7,000 cash grand prize. Last but not least, the overall big fish of the event would pay back a $1,200 cash prize.
Day One got off to a quick start with Jason Borofka of Salinas California winning the Hour 1 weigh in with a Delta largemouth that topped the scales at 8.99lbs. Borofka caught his lunker on a black and blue Vibra Jig tipped with a black and blue “5 Yamamoto Double Tail Grub. By virtue of winning the Hour 1 weigh in, Borofka captured the $400 hourly big bass prize and was the first angler to secure his place in the Super 12.
The excitement continued as Charlie Dillard of Bethel Island brought a 10.26lb. Delta bass to the scale at Russo's Marina to win the Hour 3 weigh in. When the scales closed to end the first day of competition, six anglers had gained entrance into the Super 12 with Dillard's double digit bass holding down the number one position on the leader board. The husband and wife team of Jason and Tara Borofka claimed another place in the Super 12. This time it was Tara's turn as she captured the Hour 5 top prize with a 7.41lb bass that bit a Senko.
Day Two dawned overcast and wet and as the morning unfolded the similarities to day one were striking. Robert Jones of Clayton, California won the Hour 1 weigh in with a 9.31lb largemouth. A Delta veteran, Jones caught his fish on a 7” green pumpkin with black and purple flake Senko (9X-05-031) rigged Texas style and fished weightless. Not long thereafter, a familiar face crossed the stage to win the Hour 3 prize. Charlie Dillard's 8.94lb tidal bass earned him his second entry in to the Super 12.
As the scales officially closed on the Yamamoto Big Bass Challenge, there was a buzz circulating among the crowd gathered at the weigh-in tent regarding a giant fish. Unfortunately for the Borofkas, they arrived at the check in two minutes late for the final weigh-in. Borofka had spent the waning minutes of the tournament working a giant fish that he had located on a bed. “I knew we would be late if I stayed and caught her but I wanted to bring her in anyway,” said Jason. For the record, his double digit fish pushed the scale to 11.41lbs and fell victim to a 5” ChartreuseYamamoto Hula Grub worked on a jig head.
When the dust had settled, Charlie Dillard's day one fish held up to win the overall big fish prize.
Unable to prefish, Dillard utilized his 20 plus years of experience on the Delta to concentrate on a number of his historic big fish areas. “I ran lots of water and fished nearly 30 spots,” said Dillard. He found the tournament's biggest fish in an area of sparse grass adjacent to a classic spawning location. Dillard's bass came on a 6” watermelon with black and red flake Senko (9L-05-208) rigged Texas style on a 5/0 Gamakatsu EWG hook fished weightless. Dillard went on to say that he experienced his best bite during the last 30 minutes of the incoming tide and the first 30 minutes of the outgoing tide. Dillard's Day 2 Hourly winner also came on a watermelon Senko.
Joe Reed captured the Yamamoto/Kinami Youth Division with his 3.52lb Senko fish.
Following the final weigh in, contestants and spectators gathered at Russo's Marina for the awards ceremony. Once the 60 hourly checks had been paid out, it was time for the grand prize drawing. Seated on stage the Super 12 included:
Day 1
Hour 1: Jason Borofka - 8.99 - Vibra Jig with Yamamoto Grub trailer
Hour 2: Bill Swearingen - 5.99 - Senko
Hour 3: Charlie Dillard - 10.26 - Senko
Hour 4: Mike Frederick - 7.83 - Senko
Hour 5: Tara Borofka - 7.41 - Senko
Hour 6: Mike Birch - 6.12 - Kut Tail
Day 2
Hour 1: Robert Jones - 9.31 - Senko
Hour 2: Rick Degaetano - 7.04 - Buzz Bait
Hour 3: Charlie Dillard - 8.94 - Senko
Hour 4: Hung “Mui” Ho - 7.27 - Senko
Hour 5: Moe Martinez - 7.19 - Kut Tail
Hour 6: Andy Kobayashi - 5.71 - Senko
Each member of the Super 12 was allowed to choose a sealed envelope however only one contained the coveted Golden Ticket. The question on everyone's mind was would the outcome favor Charlie Dillard, the Borofkas or one of the other eight members of the Super 12. When the envelopes were opened it was Jason Borofka who would find the Golden Ticket and claim the Grand Prize.
“We fish the Delta at least once a week,” said Jason with the winner's trophy in hand. “For this tournament we prefished on Friday. We drove around looking for bedding bass and by the end of the day we had located close to twenty fish.” It was a game plan that clearly paid big dividends. “We will definitely be back to fish again,” said the Borofkas. When asked if they had thought about how they might enjoy their winnings, Tara chimed in, “Perhaps a power pole for the boat, and now we can take a trip for our five year anniversary.” Happy anniversary, indeed.
