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Jeff
Doll Memorial Tournament Report
A
typical windy morning, showing the full force of the marine layer
intrusion into the Delta, awaited the 30 teams that showed up to
honor the recent ALS victim, Jeff Doll, of Brentwood. A post-spawn
bite and the windy conditions made for tough fishing as only 15
teams weighed in limits. Many fishermen reported back breaking boat
rides down the main channel while returning to Big Break Marina
for the 2:00PM weigh-in
The
weighin was held at the new stage complex installed by Dave Biron
of Big Break Marina and was attended by many supporters, friends
and relatives of Jeff Doll. Hot dog bar-b-cue and raffle sales provided
plenty of diversion while the boats trickled in for the weigh-in.
The
best limit of the day was brought in by Jimmy Ghiorso and Armando
Luzuriaga. Armando reported that they used his signature series
"Mando" Snagproof frog all day to catch 9 keepers that
tipped the scales at 16.18 pounds. Armando would like to thank his
sponsors: G. Loomis, P-Line, Spro, and Snagproof.
In
second place were tournament newcomer, Dave Erwin and veteran, Dan
Fonte. When Dave caught a 6.46# that morning, Dan knew he'd made
a big mistake not getting into the Big Fish option. The six pounder
ate a bluegill colored spinnerbait. It was one of the 20 keepers
caught in the Central Delta on "Robert Lee" Zipper Worms
and blades according to Fonte. Their limit weighed in at 15.28 pounds.
I
was really rooting for the 3rd place team of Gary Estes and Clif
Vanderworf. Gary Estes, the manager of Anglers' Cove at Big Break,
had been working closely with me promoting the tournament and getting
donations for the raffle. Earlier in the week, Gary told me that
he and his partner were hoping to do well so they could make a big
cash donation to the Memorial Fund. Well- his doubts about their
lack of practice were unfounded as they had a limit on Spooks and
poppers by 7:00AM and then flipped heavy cover for 14.88 pounds.
As good as his word, Gary accepted the prize money and plaques and
promptly dropped all the money in the donation box set up on the
stage. Thanks Gary for such a class act!!
All
the money winners wisely turned much of their winnings into raffle
tickets and walked away with a bunch of goodies. The raffle was
MC'd by the irrepressible Andy "Cooch" Cuccia who made
it fun and exciting for all. Terry, Nicolle, and Melissa Doll were
on hand to thank everyone for all the effort that went into the
event. The tournament, Bar-b-cue, and raffle have raised almost
$3000 to date.
I
want to thank all the supporters who graciously donated to the tournament.
The following people and businesses deserve all the credit for the
success of this event: Big Break Marina, Albertson's of Oakley,
Anglers' Cove (Gary Estes), Oroville Bait and Tackle (Don Reighley),
Outboard Technology of Oakdale, Fisherman's Warehouse of Manteca,
Jay Liu's Trolling Motor Repair, Walton's Pond in San Leandro, Rodstrainer
Tackle Company, Andy Cuccia for Yamamoto Baits, Mojo, Solar Bat
Sunglasses, and Osprey Talon Lures, Dave Hamilton at Fisherman Eyewear,
Bobby D's Baits, Quarter Pounder Big Burger of Brentwood, M&L
Ace Hardware, Sugar Barge Resort and Marina, Jerry Kuwada at Fiberglass
Boat Repair of Santa Clara, Gene Bucholz at Hook, Line, and Sinker,
Randy Pringle's Guide Service, "Big George" Hawley's Guide
Service, and Don Lee at Ranger Boats. Ron Cormier and the American
Bass Anglers Club, Don Lee and Associates, Integrated Pain Management
(my doctor) and Mike Kennedy of WONBASS made generous donations.
I
would also like to express my thanks to the Bass Classics of Santa
Clara Valley and Jerry Kuwada for providing the release boat for
the event. A proud papa's thanks to Jimmy Young and the Delta Teen
Team for their help at the boat check, set up, weigh-in, raffle,
and clean up. A big thanks to Steve Moduno and Dave Newton, both
of Brentwood, for handling the Bar-b-cue. Without all these people
and businesses, none of this would have been possible and the Doll
family is truly grateful for their support in this hard time.
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