Ryon Mora Memorial Kayak Event Recap: Honoring a Legend at Lake Don Pedro
A Heartfelt Thank You from the BAM Staff
We’d like to extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who participated in the Ryon Mora Memorial Event. The outpouring of support from the kayak community was truly heartwarming, and your presence, donations, and kindness meant the world to the Mora family during this difficult time.
Ryon Mora Memorial Kayak Giveaway Winner
A special congratulations to San Saechao of Visalia, CA, the winner of the $2,999 Native Watercraft Slayer Max 12.5, presented by Yak-A-Bass, James Snyder, and Native Watercraft. San also participated in the event and was able to take home the kayak immediately after the awards ceremony at Chicken Ranch Casino Resort.
Over $10,000 Raised for the Mora Family
Thanks to your incredible generosity, we were able to raise over $10,000 to support the Mora family in their time of need following the loss of kayak angler Ryon Mora. This event truly exemplified the strength and unity of the community.
Lake Don Pedro, a stunning 13,000-acre reservoir nestled in Tuolumne County, California, is a hotspot for bass anglers. Known for its impressive 160 miles of shoreline and the potential to catch fish over 18 pounds, Don Pedro is a prime location for bass tournaments. The lake has seen several 5-fish limits surpassing 30 pounds in competition, making it an iconic fishing destination.
This year, BAM hosted the Ryon Mora Memorial Kayak Event at Lake Don Pedro to support Ryon’s family during this incredibly difficult time. The event saw the kayak community come together to honor Ryon’s memory, with participants and sponsors displaying an outpouring of support.
Fishermen’s Prayer
To begin the event, we recited the fishermen’s prayer:
“God, grant that I may live to fish until my dying day. And when it comes to my last catch, I then most humbly pray. When in the Lord’s safe landing net that in His mercy I be judged as big enough to keep.”
Damian Thao Takes the Win
Damian Thao emerged victorious with a total of 95.50 inches. Fishing the houseboats, Thao used a Nichols magnum spoon to reel in his winning fish.
“I started on slips that didn’t have houseboats in them. The fish seemed to like the shade and open slips,” Thao explained. He continued, “I caught four fish right away, including a 16”, 20”, and 18.75” fish on my second cast.”
Thao found that the center cables under the walkway were holding fish, which he could see on his Garmin Ultra II from 20 feet away. He used a Dobyns Champion 805 Swimbait Rod paired with 20-pound Pline Tactical Fluorocarbon for his setup.
He thanked Kayak City, Pline, 1st Gen Fishing, Dranc Krazy, and 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle for their support.
Reed Frazier Claims Second Place
Reed Frazier finished second with 94.75 inches. Frazier initially found fish on offshore cables, but moved to a cove with a school of fish in 25-feet of water.
“The bass were feeding on top busting bait, so I threw a Mooch Minnow and caught a 18”, 20”, and 21.25” within 20 minutes,” Frazier shared.
He fished with a Dep Shaking Unit paired with a Shimano Vanford Reel, Sufix 131 Braid, and Seaguar TactX 8-pound Fluorocarbon. Later, Frazier used a drop shot to catch more fish in the 25 to 30-foot range. He thanked BAM and Yak a Bass for their support.
Joseph Silva Takes Third
Joseph Silva secured third place with 92.25 inches. Silva fished buoys near the launch ramp and used a Neko Rig before moving to a cove where he found fish feeding on bait.
“I used the Lake Fork Flutter Spoon to catch my fish in 20 to 25-feet of water,” Silva noted. He later switched to a 1/8-ounce Keitech Jig paired with a Yamamoto Trailer and Mooch Minnow for better success.
Silva used an 8-pound Sun Line SX1 Braid on a Daiwa Steez Rod to complete his setup. “When the wind blew, the fishing was better,” he said.
A Successful Event in Ryon’s Memory
With the support of participants, sponsors, and the community, the Ryon Mora Memorial Kayak Event was a great success. Over $10,000 was raised to help the Mora family during this difficult time. Together, we honored Ryon’s memory and the spirit of the fishing community.
Event Partners:
- TourneyX
- Chicken Ranch Casino Resort
- Don Pedro Recreation Agency
- Powell Rods
- Fresno 559 Bait & Tackle
- Yak-A-Bass Norcal
- Native Watercraft
- Alpha Angler Rods
- Stumpwater Pottery
- Dan Hernandez Engraving
- Bass Boat Technologies
- Headwaters Adventure Company
- Tackle Warehouse
- Bridgford Foods
- StorQuest Storage
- Black Bear Diner
- Johnny Creek Custom Baits
Together, we made a difference in the lives of the Mora family, and we thank everyone for their support.
About BAM Tournament Trail
The Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM Trail) is the West Coast’s premier pro-level bass fishing circuit — built to showcase top anglers and connect brands directly with the fishing community.
Powered by Bass Angler Magazine’s nationwide print and digital reach, BAM offers unmatched marketing opportunities through its tournament trail, magazine, email campaigns, podcasts, social media, YouTube, and TV series — creating year-round exposure for anglers and sponsors alike.
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, Chicken Ranch Resort, Bass Cat Boats, Ford Fairfield, Power Pole, Mercury Outboards, Black Bear Diner, Bridgford Foods, Bob’s Machine, Anderson Auto Group, Sticky Graphics, Jean Deleonardi Real Estate,, Valley Outdoors and our conservation sponsor Fisherman’s Warehouse.
BAM TT tourism sponsors: Lake Don Pedro, City of Oakley, Lake Almanor Chamber, the Boardman Community Development, and the Feather River Tourism Association.
Tournament events include BAM Pro Tour, Pro-Am, Scholastic and a Kayak Tours with a no entry Championship can be viewed on YouTube. Learn more here: BAM TRAIL, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media / Advertising Contact Mark Lassagne
#bamtrail #bassanglermagazine #bamprotour
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