BAM Trail Pro-Am Season Kicks Off at Lake Shasta
Lake Shasta Is Set to Welcome the BAM Trail Pro-Am Divisions for Their 2025 Season-Opener
By Jody Only
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The BAM Trail Pro-Am Season Kicks Off at Lake Shasta
REDDING, Calif. – The BAM Tournament Trail Pro/Am season-opener is set to return to Lake Shasta on Jan 24-26, marking the first stop in both the Pacific Northwest and West divisions.
Devoid of any immediate fronts and showing out with recent five-fish bags breaking 20-plus pounds, the fishery appears to be ready for an epic bass battle.
“All arms and the main lake are wide open,” said notable Shasta pro Greg “Double G” Gutierrez. “The winning fish could be found on any arm and in a mix of depths.”
Largemouth vs. Spotted Bass
Shasta has been known to spit out kicker-sized largemouth and spotted bass this time of year; but Gutierrez has turned his focus to the spots.
“I just think they’re where the money is – outside of a kicker,” he stated. “The population of largemouth are coming in, but they are just not as dependable.”
Finesse Presentations Lead the Way
Double G is tying on down baits for his Plan A.
“They’re eating big baits on a finesse presentation, but they are not eating it hard. I’m only feeling pressure and that tells me they are lethargic,” he commented.
A jig, a dart head, and a Frenzy Baits Nail with a five- to seven-inch worm are his top three selections.
“It may get tighter if the water gets clearer, but I would think that it won’t get much smaller than a five- or six-inch worm,” he shared. “Ultra-light line hasn’t been that important. I’ve been throwing six- and eight-pound Gamma Fluoro for the finesse and 12 to 14 on jigs. The bigger string isn’t bothering them right now, but that could change if the water clears up.”
The Importance of the Right Rod
The biggest tip Gutierrez had for Shasta presentations was the rod choice.
“A lot of guys throw the dart head, but without the right rod, they can lose a lot of fish,” he explained. “A rod like the IROD G2 Ultra Finesse really allows the fish to climb on the bait without feeling the hook and really load up on it. With a stiffer rod, the fish will only eat the tail.”
Swimbaits and Depth Ranges
A Shasta Bass Baits Swimbait is also on the menu for Double G. “The five-inch seems to be the right snack size,” he added.
He has been finding fish in mixed depths – some shallow in five- to 10-feet and others as deep as 35- to 40-feet.
“I’ve been seeing fish on my Lowrance – DownScan and Active Target,” he revealed. “Finding schools of shad right now is not near as good as in the fall, but there are still smaller schools of bait with bass around them.”
Advice for Co-Anglers
Gutierrez had advice for the backseaters.
“Bring your confidence and don’t get frustrated if your pro is scoping,” he stated. “Don’t worry about them. Fish anything you can keep on the bottom, and fish behind the boat. Stay on your program, open your spool, and let your line out.”
What It Will Take to Win
He expects that 13- to 15-pounds a day, over the course of three days, will be solid on the pro side in the non-shared weight event.
“There are guys catching more right now, but there are a bunch of those fish getting educated from that, and we’ve got a couple of weeks for that to continue.”
Event Format and Schedule
The three-day event will randomly pair pro and co-anglers in a non-shared weight competition. Draw partners change daily, while each angler’s weight accumulates for Day One and Two, as each vies for a spot in the top-10 to qualify for the final day field cut and fish on Championship Sunday.
Weigh-ins will take place each day at Bridge Bay Marina, kicking off at 3 PM. Join the anglers and cheer on your favorite fisherman with the BAM Tournament Trail crew.
Important Event Details
- Event Dates: Jan 24-26, 2025
- Weigh-Ins: Bridge Bay Marina Park at 3 PM daily
- Off-Limits: The lake is off-limits to contestants Jan 20-21
- Practice Days: Jan 22-23, with anglers off the water by 4 PM on the 23rd
- Check-In: Huff’s at Bridge Bay on Jan 23, from 4:30-6 PM
Housing and Contingencies
- Official Housing: Bridge Bay Resort offers an angler discount. Call (530) 275-3021 and mention you’re with the BAM Trail Pro/Am.
- Quality Inn Redding
2059 Hilltop Dr. Redding, CA 96002
(530) 221-6530 Rooms at $95.00 plus tax – two queens or a single king - Call to book. Group Rate Code “BAM Fishing Tournament”
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Redding, an IHG Hotel
2240 Hilltop Drive, Redding, CA 96002
(530) 768-5779Rooms at $135.00 plus tax – two queens or a single kingCall to book. Group Rate Code “BAM Fishing Tournament”
- Holiday Inn Express Redding North1286 Twin View Blvd.Redding, CA 96003
(530) 246-2222Rooms at $112.00 plus tax – two queens or a single kingCall to book or book through the link below. Group Rate Code “BASS”. Click Here to Book a RoomContingencies: (Bass Boat Tech, Bass Cat Quest, Toyota Bonus Bucks, Power Pole Captains Cash and Boat Contingencies)
- Saturday: Tackle Warehouse contingencies announced; payouts for 11th place to the end of the money line.
- Sunday: Bass Boat Technologies $250 contingency awarded, and the pro and co-angler champions crowned, followed by Top 10 payouts.
Launch of the Inaugural BAM Scholastic Series
In addition to the Pro/Am competition, the Lake Shasta event will feature the launch of the inaugural BAM Scholastic Series, a new platform aimed at fostering the next generation of anglers. This exciting series will provide young anglers the opportunity to compete, learn, and grow in the sport of bass fishing.
Media Access
Media persons are welcome to attend to report, film, interview, or enjoy the event. For more info or interviews, contact Mark Lassagne at 925-787-3474 or mark@bassmag.com.
About BAM Tournament Trail
The Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM TT) provides an exceptional platform for both anglers and sponsors. It combines extensive exposure opportunities, celebrating the skills of western bass anglers. The circuit receives broad media coverage across print and digital magazines, emails, podcast, websites, videos, television, and multiple large social media channels.
Proud partners of the BAM Trail: Bass Boat Technologies, Tackle Warehouse, Bass Cat Boats, Boardman Chamber, Chicken Ranch Casino StorQuest, and, Fairfield Ford, Power Pole, Dakota Lithium, Mercury Outboards, Bob’s Machine, Wood Bros, Sticky Graphics, Jean Deleonardi Real Estate, Valley Outdoors, and our conservation sponsor Fisherman’s Warehouse.
BAM’s Tourism Partners: Choose Redding, Boardman Chamber, City of Oakley, Lake Almanor Chamber, Feather River Tourism Association and Lake Don Pedro.
The BAM Trail features the BAM Pro Tour, Pro-Am, Scholastic and Kayak events, each designed to test the determination of western anglers in a competitive and environmentally conscious format.
To learn more about the BAM Pro Tour, Pro-Am and Kayak events. Visit: BAM TRAIL, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram
Media or Advertising Inquiries: Please contact Mark Lassagne for further information regarding media and advertising opportunities.
#bamtrail #bassanglermag #bamprotour #lakeshasta
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