The 2010 3rd Annual Berkley Big Bass challenge on the California Delta took place on May 21-23. Russ Meyer's 13 lbr monster made the record books and FLW 2009 National Guard, Western Division, Angler of the Year, Zack Thompson took the Toyota Tundra. Photo Team Brewer

May 24, 3:12 AM · Jody Only - Stockton Fishing Examiner - The 2010 3rd Annual Berkley Big Bass challenge, giving away over $40,000 in cash and prizes to fishermen using only Berkley baits on the California Delta kicked off the final morning with the big bass of the day, being brought in first.

That big bass was weighed when Eric Parra arrived at 8am with an 8.6. Parra’s payday hit on a Hollow Belly Swimbait.

The next four hours all came with keepers caught in the 6 pound range, with the final weigh of the day rising to a 7lb’r.

9am - Doug Romano, reeling in the first of his $500 dollar fish on Power Hawg found his way to weigh in with a 6.87.

10am - As all seven seats for the weigh in were already full and the time ticked down to the last minute, a long time name in the fishing industry Larry Vivano, came to the scale with a hefty bag.

The anglers awaiting the tick of the dock clock to end the weigh in groaned as they all had to move down a seat to make room for a new first.  Viviano’s victory was called and he took the biggest bass seat with a 6.31 flippin fish found with a Chigger Craw.

11am - Roy Desmangles was at the scales for the fifth time in two days. Saturday’s strategy hadn’t reaped the rewards that Roy was looking for. With a change of plan on his mind, he decided to forego fishing nearby to make many weigh ins and instead take a trip to further, but familiar water and bet on the big bite at Beaver Slough.

Roy’s ride registered a perfect payoff, as his Frenzy Popper pulled the 6.35 he had taken the chance to chase and that was just what was needed to land the lead for the $500 check.

12 Noon - With 20 minutes to make the next weigh in, Jason Borofka bet on a bite with a bedding bass, that bit on his first cast. Blazing back to the scale, Jason added another $500 paycheck to the $750 he and his wife, Tara had already put in their pocket.

1pm - As the scale saw the inevitable end of the Berkley Big Bass bank, Doug Romano’s repeat appearance with a 7.10 sent him to the seat of champions for the second time Sunday. Romano racked up another $500 for the day, again on a Power Hawg.

The event giving away a total of $1350, to seven anglers every hour from 8am – 1pm, also had one final prize to present.

Each angler awarded the biggest bass bounty of $500 every hour was also given a key. The six first’s from Saturday and Sunday, totalling twelve, gathered around a new Toyota Tundra, each with a key that would possibly put them headin’ home in the driver’s seat.

The anxious anglers eagerly took their turn at the Tundra. The fortunate fisherman that found his was the key to start the motor was the 2009 FLW National Guard, Western Division, Angler of the Year, Zack Thompson.

Zack was the winner of the 9am time slot Saturday and was lucky enough to find his 4.86 flippin a Chigger Craw.

Who would have known that Chigger Craw cast that caught a 4 lb fish would win at weigh in and earn the key that could crank the motor of the new Toyota Tundra?

Although he didn't take the truck, Russ Meyer's monster 13.15 caught on a Hollow Belly Swimbait earned him the overall Big FIsh trophy of the event and the Berkley Big Bass Big Fish record.

The Berkley Big Bass challenge was held at Russo’s Marina on the California Delta, May 21 – May 23. 

The Berkley Experience trailer was on site with a variety of demonstrations on bait, gear, and techniques. New Berkley product was unveiled at the event and other revealed items will be available for sale later this year.

The California Delta anglers anxiously wait for the return of the Berkley Big Bass challenge next year, when they will again, “Catch More Fish.”

For more information on the Berkley Big Bass events visit the Anglers Press website.