Anglers Get Ready Rio Vista Derby Is Here

I can’t believe it, schools finally back in session, baseball season is winding down and every so often there’s a glimpse of fall in the air. For me my favorite seasons of the year on the delta are just around the corner. It just wouldn’t be Fall if we didn’t talk about the upcoming 2005 Rio Vista Bass Festival. Fisherman are enthusiastic about this event as Rio Vista gets ready to put on there biggest party of the year. Many anglers are looking forward to reeling in a big one during the event there is so much more for the entire family.

The Rio Vista Bass festival began in 1933 and is the oldest fishing derby on the West Coast. The Striped Bass fishing derby will again highlight the three-day festival. A 166 Pro Series Princecraft aluminum fishing boat with a Mercury 60 HP Outboard is this year's grand prize for the fisherman with the largest Striped Bass.

The entry fee includes a deluxe embroidered commemorative hat. Complete rules for the event are available at area bait shops or by phoning the Chamber (707) 374-2700 or online at www.bassfestival.com

According to the official rules, in order to be eligible for awards, all fish must be weighed in and recorded within 14 hours of being caught. The angler must provide the weigh master with full and certified information as to when and where the fish was caught, the type of tackle, lure or bait used. The angler must also show a valid California fishing license, proof of entry in the derby and any other desired information relating to the catch. The above documents must be presented at the time of weigh-in or the fish will be immediately disqualified. Each angler must present his or her own fish for weigh-in. All competitors in the 2004 Bass Derby are subject to a polygraph test.

Fishing boundaries include all river and streams from Sacramento South to the Benicia Bridge – Sacramento River Delta region in all waterways open to the public. The minimum length of a striped bass allowed to be weighed in the derby will be 26 inches. A maximum of 2 fish may be weighed in during the tournament; however, only the largest is eligible for an award. Each angler must have an entry ticket. A “bump system” will be used to determine the prize awarded.

All fish entered will be marked for identification purposes. Awards will be presented at 5:00 pm on Sunday, October 16, 2005 at the BBQ at the Budweiser stage on Front Street in Rio Vista. The California Striped Bass Association – Rio Vista, Delta Chapter will be in charge of the weigh-in station and all decisions of the head weighmaster will be final.

At the awards presentation, a bonus Target Length will be pulled and the fisherman who has weighed in a fish closest to the length without going over will receive $ 500.

The 58th annual Rio Vista Bass Festival is presented by the Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce and sponsorsed by Marine Max, Mercury Outboard, PrinceCraft, Budweiser, Trilogy at Rio Vista, and Calpine Natural Gas Company. Fireworks sponsored by Bank of Rio Vista.

The Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce has worked very hard over the years to put together one of the most family oriented events on the Delta. Carnival rides for the youngsters will keep them busy. There will also be arts and crafts booths, food and drink booths set-up to benefit many local groups.

At the weigh-in station next to public launch ramp you’ll be able to see fish as they are weighed. Prizes are awarded for sturgeon and catfish as well as the stripers. This year will also feature are kids derby for kids under fifteen. The kids can enter for five bucks, come on bring the entire family.

Baitfishing will probably produce the biggest fish in the derby, as there is now a lot more bait in the area. Shad and mudsuckers are both the top choices, shad should reign as the top bait. Fishermen fishing butterflied shad on a sliding sinker rig always stand a chance of hooking up good-sized striped bass. Yes, there are those anglers who prefer catching split-tails to tempt monster striper. Sometimes it pays off as several regulars spend days fishing these big baits for that one big bite.

The Sacramento River from Sherman Lake to the Isleton Bridge will be covered with boats. If you must fish this area fish up on a sand bar in 12 to 16 feet of water. Rio vista anglers have already taken several nice stripers with the shad and mudsuckers in the area according to Can Nyguen. Nyguen mentioned there has been success for those fishing the Rio Vista Bridge area and Decker Island. Other good choices for bait anglers include Collinsville and Frazer Shoals.

Anglers who prefer trolling are going to have to work to find open water in the Rio vista area, but should be able to hook with a good sized fish in a couple of different places. In Old Dairy area and down river towards Sherman Lake, Trollers using bombers and rebels have been catching quite a few fish. Also try the Collinsville area there have some fish taken in the area up to 20 pounds recently. Many of the bigger bass of the past couple years continue to come from the reaches of Montezuma Slough.

If you would like to camp in the area Veiera’s Resort and The Delta Marina RV Park both have ramps are worth a try. Brannan Island State Park and Sandy Beach County Park also have camping and launching facilities.

There is plenty of fun planned for the whole family at the Bass Festival. There will be food, craft and commercial booths to whet your appetite and tempt your pocketbook. There are always "stuft tummies" at the pancake breakfasts and if you're looking for a "stick to your ribs" meal, there will be a BBQ by the river. Two stages will supply entertainment for visitors throughout the weekend. Some of the other events that will occur are the carnival, a car show, spectacular fireworks and the Bass Festival parade. Enjoy!

Lot's of Fun to be had at the Carnival for all

Thanks to Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce for their help in putting the article together and photos