By Paul LebowitzNovember 11, 2005 Brewer Pulls Away From the Pack in Plastic Navy’s Tournament Trail The waters of Newport Bay sparkled blue under sunny skies as nearly 70 kayak anglers launched their small, multi-colored craft from the Southwind Kayak Center rental shop under the Pacific Coast Highway bridge early on October 29. Most in the cherry red, day-glow orange, subdued gray or olive-drab fishing kayaks rode the ebbing tide out into the main harbor, where their humble craft scattered amongst fleets of multi-million dollar luxury yachts and bobbed slowly along shores lined with palatial homes. The kayakers were competing in Southwind Kayak Center’s Fish-N-Paddle Bay Bass Tournament, vying for the five heaviest sand, calico, or spotted bay bass they could catch using artificial baits only. Adding to the challenge, the competitors had to find a way to keep their fish alive and healthy until they could be officially weighed and released. More than a tournament title was at stake; Southwind’s Newport event was also the sixth and penultimate contest in the Plastic Navy Tournament Trail series. It was Brian Sanner’s day to shine. With a firetiger pattern Berkley Frenzy crankbait tied onto the end of his line, Sanner easily reeled in top honors. His 8.5-pound 5-bass tournament stringer was anchored by the jackpot fish, a chunky 2.3-pound spotted bay bass. Sanner’s run of good fortune didn’t end until his number was drawn in the Winner’s Circle raffle, garnering him the tournament grand prize, a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160i high performance fishing kayak. Second place finisher Tom Buckalew was nearly a pound behind Sanner with 7.65 pounds, an impressive total considering Buckalew didn’t land his first legal bass until only ninety minutes were left in the contest. |
KAYAKERS who competed in Southwind Kayak Center’s Fish-N-Paddle Bay Bass Tournament searched Newport Bay for five fish like this spotted bay bass caught by accomplished kayak angler Janette Weintraub.
SOUTHWIND Kayak Center’s Fish-N-Paddle Bay Bass Tournament champion Brian Sanner poses with his trophy in front of his new Tarpon 160i fishing kayak. Sanner’s best five bass weighed 8.5 pounds.
PLASTIC NAVY Tournament Tour Director Drew Clark tests the waters of Newport Bay in his new Halloween-themed Hobie Adventure during Southwind Kayak Center’s Fish-N-Paddle Bay Bass Tournament.
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