The highly anticipated first-ever 2024 BAM Pro/Am Tournament of Champions (TOC) is just around the corner, and the action will take place on Lake Berryessa, the largest lake in Napa County, California. Anglers will battle it out for the ultimate prize: a Bass Cat, Mercury, Garmin, and Eternal Lithium boat package.
NAPA, Calif. – November 15-17
Ryan Hall’s Take on the TOC and Fall Transition Fishing
Ryan Hall, a pro angler with RB Bass Outdoors, comes into the TOC fresh off a runner-up finish in the BAM Pro/Am Angler of the Year (AOY) race. Checking in from the shores of Lake Berryessa, Hall is prepared for what promises to be a tough competition as the lake shifts into its fall transition phase.
“It’s going to be a grind-style event,” Hall noted. “The weights will be decent; a few will catch ‘em, and others are going to struggle.”
Fall Junk Fishing on Lake Berryessa
After spending a few days practicing, Hall anticipates a full mix of what he refers to as “junk fishing.” With Lake Berryessa still transitioning from summer to fall, anglers will be faced with a variety of terrains and conditions.
“The lake is really like three lakes in one with all the different terrains that are here,” Hall explained. He also noted that although he has yet to find a solid topwater bite, he’s optimistic about using an A-rig, specifically mentioning a Picasso Lures Bait Ball Pulse with Keitechs as his go-to.
Predicting the Winning Weights
The BAM Pro/Am will follow the traditional five-fish limit each day, with the field being cut to the top-10 for Championship Sunday. Hall expects most anglers will weigh in around 13 to 15 pounds daily, but believes it will take 60 pounds total to secure the win.
“I think it will take 20-pounds a day to win,” he predicted, adding that he wouldn’t be surprised if a seven-plus-pound bass makes an appearance on the final weigh-in scales.
A Season of Growth for Ryan Hall
The TOC marks the conclusion of Hall’s first season as a professional angler. Reflecting on his transition from team tournaments to the pro level, Hall expressed pride in his performance, finishing 2nd in the AOY standings.
“It was a big jump for me,” he said. “I fished pretty well. I had some good days and some not-so-good ones, but I was able to salvage those and finish strong. I’m excited for next year’s BAM Super 60, where I’ll get to fish against the best anglers in the western United States.”
Event Schedule and Key Details
- Blast Off: Safelight each day (November 15-17)
- Weigh-ins: 3:00 PM daily at Steele Canyon Park
- Championship Sunday: Top-10 anglers compete for the title and the grand prize boat package
In addition to the weigh-ins, BAM will also announce contingency winners from sponsors like Tackle Warehouse, Bass Boat Technologies, and Garmin on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, the 2024 BAM Pro/Am Champion will be crowned.
Prepare for an intense weekend of bass fishing as the best anglers in the west take on Lake Berryessa in a battle for the TOC title!
By Jody Only
About BAM Tournament Trail
The Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM Trail) is an exclusive west coast pro level tournament circuit. BAM TT delivers multiple opportunities to showcase the talents of western anglers on several professional platforms.
As the BAM Trail continues to evolve it provides a platform of elite events for competitive anglers. The trail creates a logical avenue for sponsors to have direct contact with our West Coast anglers.
The BAM Trail is dedicated to creating a complete package of advertising opportunities including on-site activation, internet/social media, and a YouTube and TV series that reaches a large number of viewers each day.
BAM Trail is honored to be associated with its title sponsor, Bass Boat Technologies, and presenting sponsor, Tackle Warehouse. The trail is also supported by Storquest, Garmin, Bass Cat Boats, Ford Fairfield, Dish – Accell Marketing, Power Pole, Mercury Outboards, Bob’s Machine, Wood Bros, Sticky Graphics, Jean Deleonardi Real Estate, Valley Outdoors, Eternal Lithium, Alpha Angler Rods, and Fisherman’s Warehouse.
The BAM TT tourism sponsors: City of Oakley, Lake Almanor Chamber, the Boardman Chamber, and the Feather River Tourism Association.
Tournament events include BAM Pro Tour, Pro-Am and a Kayak Tour with a no entry Championship can be viewed on YouTube. Learn more here: BAM TRAIL, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media / Advertising Contact Mark Lassagne
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