Fishing News - 4/22/01
From BASS
LEE DOMINATES THE DELTA - AGAIN!
California Pro Wins BASSMASTER Event for Third Time
OAKLEY, Calif., April 21 ‹ Robert Lee put the finishing touches Saturday on a tournament feat that is nothing short of amazing ‹ winning his third consecutive BASSMASTER California Western Invitational held on the famed California Delta. It was a first-time occurrence in the 31-year history of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society.
"Awesome, man, just awesome," the California pro said. "I never imagined that somebody could win three tournaments held in the same place, especially here at the Delta. This is just incredible." Lee, a 31-year-old part owner of a construction company, brought his smallest five-bass limit to the scales Saturday (15 pounds, 9 ounces). But he had enjoyed a cushion of almost 14 pounds entering the final round and scored a victory by nearly the same margin. His three-day total of 71-2 easily earned the $35,000 top prize.
In addition, Lee qualified for his first invitation to the prestigious BASS Masters Classic. The final event of the Western Invitational circuit also sent three other pros to this summer¹s Classic in Louisiana: Skeet Reese, Calif.; Mark Tyler, Calif., and Kotaro Kiriyama, New Jersey. "I¹m more excited about making my first Classic than I am winning this tournament." Lee said. "That¹s the high point of my career."
On the Delta, local expert Stevc Sapp, a 52-year-old substitute teacher and Delta guide, finished second with 57-9, followed by Oregon¹s Gary Yexley (54-5) and Ishama Monroe of Arizona (53-11). Reese finished fifth with 53 1/2 pounds.
"You have to hand it to Robert," Sapp said graciously. "He really accomplished something incredible by winning three straight here on the Delta."
Lee¹s success came by flipping a 6-inch saltwater tube and a floating worm rigged Wacky-style to prespawn bass in 5 to 12 feet of water. California¹s Gary Howell took Saturday¹s big-bass honors with a 9-pound, 15-ounce largemouth.
By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments worldwide, The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society is the world's largest fishing organization. The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism, and sportsmanship after more than three decades.
Sponsors of the 2001 BASSMASTER Tournament Trail include Ranger Boats, Ranger Trail Trailer, Mercury Outboards, Chevy Trucks, Long John Silver¹s, Kumho Tires, ACDelco Batteries, Worldwaters.com, Humminbird/Zercom Marine, Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, First USA/B.A.S.S. Platinum Visa, MotorGuide Trolling Motors, Goretex Outerwear, and GMAC Insurance.
Local sponsors: Big Break Marina, Hook Line & Sinker, City of Oakley, Calif., and City of Brentwood, Calif.
B.A.S.S. Web site: http://www.bassmaster.com.
More Fishing News
