Basic HTML Version
14
July – September 2013
www.deltalivingmagazine.com
By Dr. Margaret Stahler, ND
margaretstahlernd@hotmail.com
P
eople tend to brag about the fish they
catch or that got away. Few people in
the Delta realize that some very special fish
stories are unfolding here that are world class
and big money.
The black bass fishery of the Delta is the
third best in the world. During the season,
championship tournaments launch out of
Russo’s Marina, brought in by former pro
fisherman, Gene Buchholz, who co-owns
the Hook, Line and Sinker with his wife, Mi-
chelle, in Oakley and on Bethel Island.
Tournaments like this are fun for the
anglers and audience! Top pro prize in the
May 16-18 FLW was $125,000.The amateur
co-angler in this contest won a brand new
Ranger fully rigged bass boat worth $50,000.
Fifty top prizes for each category, pro and
amateur were awarded. National contestants
come in to pre-fish from as far away as Japan.
They bring along their $2,000 entry fees and
$700,000-$800,000 a weekend to the local
economy for meals, lodging, gear, repairs, gas,
fishing licenses, bait, healthcare, entertain-
ment and souvenirs.
Local businesses and services organiza-
tions are needed for co-sponsorship funding
that comes back to them as advertizing and
sales. The anglers support the businesses that
support them. Service organizations, such as
the Oakley Delta Lions Club, serve 300 BBQ
meals to hungry anglers wanting to enjoy
down time on the Delta. Help is needed for
parking and grab bag stuffing to keep these
tournaments local. Young fisher people can
get into the action with the free city of Oak-
ley/Hook Line and Sinker fishing derby as-
sisted by the Delta Teens Bass Club and CA
Striped Bass Association.
It is great to win big cash prizes or a fine
bass boat, but there is joy in watching the
boats launch out of the harbor, talking to the
anglers in their non-fishing hours, seeing the
big fish that win the prize money or getting
a glimpse of Channel 2 sports announcer Joe
Fonzi or San Francisco 49ers fishing on the
Delta.
To get involved contact Gene Buchholz at
gene@hookproshop.com.
Fishing
on the
Delta
Hooks
Big Prize
Money