Reese captures third title with big win at the Delta

By BILL RICE

OAKLEY --- Jim Reese of Witter Springs, who has twice claimed victory at Clear Lake, captured another goal over the weekend in winning on one of the toughest waters in the West, the California Delta in the WON BASS Miller High Life Delta Invitational.
"I fished the Mandeville area with Sumo Frogs and Roboworms to catch most of the fish," said the champion, who also moved up to finish in third spot for the year in the North Region and is one of three qualifiers for the Daiwa Cup fishoff at the Western Classic in November. "I never dreamed I could come down here and win, it's such a different fishery than Clear Lake. Reese had a total of 41.84 pounds including the second round's top stringer of 5 bass for 23.27 pounds.

Jim Stich of Bethel Island fished the same area, within sight of Reese and ended with a total of 38.49 pounds to place second. His method was a little different, though. "We caught almost all of our fish on spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and Senko worms," said Stich. "Thanks to Reese I was able to fish an area near him, and Gene Buchholz of Oakley was fishing the same area, too, on Saturday, but stayed out of there on Sunday and let us have the water."

Third place went to Steve Sapp of Manteca, who was going for his fourth straight Delta title, but ended up short at 35.53 pounds. Andy Cuccia of Oakley was fourth with 32.69 pounds, while first round leader Bob Perry of Fresno slipped to fifth with a total of 32.46 pounds.

Reese went home with a new 518VX Ranger boat and trailer, equipped with a Mercury outboard, Lowrance Electronics, MotorGuide trolling motor and Exide Stowawat batteries. He also picked up $1,000 by being the top Ranger Cup angler at this event.

The final event of the North season determined the 25 qualifiers for the Western Class in both Pro and AAA divisions. For the second straight year, Robert Lee of Angels Camp earned the North Angler of the Year title. Joining Lee and Reese in the Daiwa Cup finals will be Greg Gutierrez of Red Bluff, who on the May tournament on Clear Lake.

AAA honors at the Delta went to Paul Selvidge of Carmel, who totaled 33.79 pounds with his two Pros and won $1,250. Bill Leitelt of San Jose finished second with 33.75 pounds, plus a second big fish award of 6.61 pounds and options to total $2,400 in winnings. PhilTilbury of Ripon picked up $700 for third place with 33.54 pounds.
The largest fish on Saturday was a 9.29 pounder caught by Frank Prevost of Antioch, to earn $1,500 in the Miller High Life Daily Double. Leitelt's fish won him the second place award. On Sunday, the largest fish of 10.24 pounds earned $1,500 for David Blanc of Fairfield, who totaled $2,100 in winnings with his fourth place finish. The second big fish earned another $500 for Jim Reese with a 7.11 pounder.