By Paul Lebowitz

October 12, 2007

Plastic Navy’s tournament series returns to Orange County for a bay bass reckoning

The Plastic Navy Tournament Trail Presented by Western Outdoor News is headed north to Newport Bay for a Halloween weekend kayak fishing extravaganza. Dubbed “The Revenge,” competitors in this second Southwind Kayak Center sponsored trail stop are looking to even things up with Newport’s bass.

There’s big reward money at stake for the angler who brings the five largest finned fugitives to justice, some $1,001 or more based on attendance. Cash and / or merchandise prizes are paid out to 5th place.

“This is your chance to get back at the spotties that ignored you the first time,” challenged Plastic Navy tournament organizer Drew Clark.

Anglers will work Newport’s docks, mooring cans, and other structures hard with their favorite artificial baits. Local staples include crankbaits such as the Berkley Frenzy, either cast and retrieved and trolled next to structures. 3-in. FishTrap swimbaits in greens and browns provide the option of a slower presentation, as do numerous varieties of Berkley Saltwater Gulp!

Spinnerbaits are popular too, 3/4-oz models in double-willow designs. Anglers after every edge will spool up with premium lines, perhaps FireLine Crystal, the world’s first translucent braid, or Seaguar’s smooth-casting InvizX fluorocarbon.

The June 2nd tour stop earlier this year proved a tough day for the so-called “Tupperware Brigade.” The memory still rankles a bit, as the lone representative of the “Rubber Navy” – float tuber Patrick Sullivan – kicked his way to victory on a day that generated less than a dozen 5-fish limits.

“The fishing should be much better this time of year,” Clark predicted. Spotties and sandies, you better watch out!

Eligible fish include the spotted bay, sand, and calico bass. Anglers must be prepared to keep their fish alive and well until they can reach one of the weigh boats that will be stationed in the tournament area. Weigh boats are a privilege; anglers should expect to paddle their fish to a boat.

And what exactly is the tournament zone? It is nearly TBA – Total Bay Access. Don’t stray past the mouth of the entrance channel rocks, or fish closer than 100 yards to any bait receiver.

The heaviest fish in the optional $10 Global Fish Mounts Jackpot will take home a bundle of cash and a $400 gift certificate towards a replica mount from the nation’s leading replica fish artisans.   

Naturally, Plastic Navy and Western Outdoor News will give away a glittering array of raffle and placement prizes from the big names in the fishing business. A couple of grand prize fishing kayaks will be raffled off to lucky contestants. Okuma will be on hand with quality rods and reels, possibly even with their revolutionary new Baidarka kayak rods to show off.

Also look for electronics from Lowrance; an array of superior fishing lines and tackle products from Berkley, including that kayak staple Gulp!; floating fishing tools from Xtools; nigh-invisible Seaguar fluorocarbon; excellent swimbaits from FishTrap; Promar nets, the kayak ideal; WFO Sportfishing tackle systems; superb Costa del Mar sunglasses; and gift cards from Sport Chalet.

Unlike most Plastic Navy events, Newport competitors have free reign to choose their own launch spots. After checking in at the Southwind Kayak Center rental base beneath the PCH bridge, you can drive to your favorite Newport Beach.

A party, raffle, taco feast, and awards ceremony will be staged at Southwind’s huge store in Irvine once the fishing is over. The schedule will allow ample time for the 20 minute trip.

BOO! PLASTIC NAVY TO HAUNT NEWPORT BASS OCT 27 – Southwind Kayak Center’s Halloween tradition continues, this time as Plastic Navy Tournament Trail tour stop #5. Anglers will search Newport’s plentiful docks, mooring cans, drop-offs, and the odd eel grass bed for the heaviest 5-bass string. The first place bounty is a cool $1,001 or more.

BE KIND TO YOUR BASS – Use a powered livewell to hold your bass for the weigh boat. There are other advantages, chief of which is weighing in when you want to instead of once per bass.

NEWPORT BAY FAVORITES – Kayak bassers headed to Newport Bay all have their confidence baits. Favorites include crankbaits, swimbaits, and Gulp!

Plastic Navy is offering an early sign-up incentive, a sweet raffle prize for one of the first 100 advance registrations. Advance registration is $40 with an optional $10 jackpot. Use the entry form in this issue or visit PlasticNavy.com to sign up. Watch the pages of Western Outdoor News for ongoing Tournament Trail coverage.

Important Note! Be Kind to Your Bass
Plastic Navy prides itself on no-kill catch and release tournaments. For the health of the bass resource, competitors are strongly encouraged to use powered live wells for fish storage. Plastic Navy strives to weigh bass in timely fashion, but cannot guarantee a prompt response. It is up to the angler to maintain his bass in healthy condition. Commercial bait tanks / live wells appropriate for kayak use are readily available. Plans for a simple self-built live well are available free of charge on the Plastic Navy website: www.plasticnavy.com. Thank-you; the bass appreciate your cooperation.