Big Bass Expected at BAM Trail Pro-Am Stop at Lake Don Pedro
High-Profile Event Set for February 28 – March 2
By Jody Only
La Grange, Calif. – The second stop of the 2025 BAM Tournament Trail Pro/Am is set to launch at Lake Don Pedro from February 28 to March 2. This three-day tournament, presented by Lake Don Pedro, Tackle Warehouse, and Chicken Ranch Casino Resort, will bring together 150 pro and co-anglers in a draw-partner format.
With pre-spawn bass feeding aggressively, the event is expected to produce some of the biggest catches of the season.
Tournament Conditions & Fishing Strategies
NorCal pro Aaron Britt of Yuba City, Calif., predicts big weights and heavy bags at this event.
“This is the time of year and the place to be for real big bags and heavy weights,” said Britt. “One hundred percent of these fish have not spawned yet, which means they will all be using the secondary points leading into spawning flats.”
According to Britt, big swimbaits will likely be the key to victory.
“Huddlestons, Magdrafts – eight-, nine-, and ten-inch swimbaits,” he explained.
For his swimbait setup, Britt relies on:
He also expects LiveScope tactics to play a role, with a four-inch minnow and a 1/4-ounce jig head being effective for locating and targeting fish.
“I’ll be scoping around, throwing to as many fish as I can, and getting as many as I can to bite,” Britt said.
For this secondary pattern, he uses:
Best Tactics for Co-Anglers
Britt offered three key baits for co-anglers looking to succeed in the backseat:
- Dropshot – A year-round staple for getting bites
- Senko – A versatile soft plastic for various depths
- Small Swimbait (¼-ounce head) – Effective from five to fifty feet
“A dropshot is so versatile, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is or where you’re fishing—it’s always a staple for getting bit,” Britt emphasized.
Big Bass Expectations
Britt predicts a daily weight average of 23 pounds and a winning total around 69 pounds.
“Someone is going to catch one over eight, for sure—probably over ten—it has been fishing that good lately,” he said. “One hundred percent, there is the potential for a double-digit. In fact, this lake has the biggest fish swimming in all of California. There’s a teener in there for sure. The lake record is 18 pounds, and anytime you’ve got trout swimming in a lake like Pedro, it’s possible.”
Tournament Details & Schedule
Blast-Off & Weigh-Ins
- Location: Fleming Meadows, La Grange, Calif.
- Event Dates: February 28 – March 2
- Weigh-In Times:
- Friday & Saturday: 3:00 PM (High School Anglers weigh in with the other co-anglers)
- Sunday Championship: 3:00 PM
Competition Format
- Full field competes on Days 1 and 2
- Top 10 Pros and Co-Anglers advance to Championship Sunday
- College anglers compete on Sunday weighing in at 2 PM
Media & Press Coverage
Media representatives are invited to cover the BAM Don Pedro Pro/Am. This event offers exciting story angles, live-action visuals, and exclusive interview opportunities.
Whether capturing:
- Pre-dawn boat launches
- Big weigh-ins
- Interviews with top anglers
- Watch the Live Weigh ins on BAM Facebook or BAM YouTube
This tournament is a must-cover event for local news and fishing media.
For press credentials or interview requests, contact:
Tournament Rules & Off-Limits Period
- Lake Off-Limits: February 24–25 (no fishing or outside info gathering)
- Practice Days: February 26–27 (must be off the water by 4:00 PM on February 27)
- Check-In: February 27, 4:30–6:00 PM at Chicken Ranch Casino Resort
- Tackle Warehouse receipts required (within 30 days to qualify for contingency prizes)
Payout & Awards
Saturday, March 1
- Top-10 Pro & Co-Angler Cut
- Tackle Warehouse & Ford Fairfield Contingency Winners Announced
- Payouts for 11th place through last paid spot
Sunday, March 2 – Championship Day
- Final Top 10 Pros & Co-Anglers Compete for the Title
- Bass Boat Technologies $250 Contingency Award
- Pro & Co-Angler Champions Crowned
- College Champion Crowned
- Final Prize Payouts
Accommodations & Official Lodging
Chicken Ranch Casino Resort is the official lodging partner for the event.
Anglers can book accommodations at: www.bamtrail.com
Use the special BAM Trail discount code 2120163 for savings.
Booking at the official host resort ensures easy access to:
- Check-ins & meetings
- Post-event celebrations
- Tournament networking opportunities
Don’t Miss the BAM Tournament Trail Pro/Am at Lake Don Pedro!
This event is shaping up to be one of the biggest bass tournaments of the year. With perfect pre-spawn conditions, trophy-sized fish, and top-level anglers competing, Lake Don Pedro is set to deliver record-breaking weights and an intense battle for the title.
Follow BAM Trail for live updates, weigh-in results, and behind-the-scenes coverage.
About the BAM Tournament Trail
The Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM Trail) offers an elite platform for anglers while providing exceptional media exposure for sponsors. The BAM Trail receives extensive coverage across:
- Print and digital magazines – Featured in Bass Angler Magazine
- Web and social media – Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and more
- Podcasts and TV coverage – Exclusive content on Outdoor Action TV
BAM Tournament Series
- BAM Pro Tour – The West’s premier professional-level circuit
- Pro-Am Series – Competitive fishing at the highest level
- Scholastic Series – Supporting young anglers and future pros
- Kayak Series – Expanding the competition to grassroots anglers
Proud Partners of BAM Tournament Trail:
Tourism Partners
For more information, visit www.bamtrail.com.
Follow BAM Tournament Trail on: BAM TRAIL, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for live updates!
#bamtrail #bassanglermag #bamprotour #DonPedroProAm #bassfishingtournament
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