The MLF Toyota Series will be at the California Delta this week (Wednesday through Friday) for the second of three regular-season events in the Western Division.
“I haven’t been to the Delta in a while, but I know that it is an amazing fishery and the fishing is good right now, so this Toyota Series tournament is going to be a really great event,” said Bass Pro Tour competitor Brent Ehrler of Redlands, Calif. “We’ve gotten a lot of rain, and even some snow lately and that could really dirty the water up. So, my guess is that we’re going to see some different baits than usual being really effective there in this one.
“With dirty water, big, flashy, bright stuff is going to be important,” Ehrler continued. “Guys are going to catch them on spinnerbaits, which always work there but have never been that bait that really shined there. Reaction-type baits, and red is important. Red ChatterBaits. I’d be throwing a Lucky Craft BDS3 and BDS4 – big, shallow-running crankbaits. And then standard flipping stuff will play there as well.”
Ehrler said that for anglers targeting clear water, California Delta staples like Yamamoto Senkos and dropshot rigs would be important.
“The weird thing about that place is it's tough to predict a winning weight,” Ehrler went on to say. “If the fishing is good and there is a strong prespawn bite, it could take 75 pounds over three days. Or, if it’s tough and they’re not really biting, it could be around 60 pounds. I predict that someone will catch 23 to 25 pounds one day, then he’ll back it up with 20, then 16 on the final day and win the tournament. I think the winner is going to need at least 61 pounds in this one.”
Anglers will take off each day at 7 a.m. PT from Russo’s Marina, located at 3995 Willow Road in Bethel Island. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina and will begin at 3 p.m.
