End of the Year Newsletter 2000

Bass-N-Tubes held their final tournament of the 2000 season at the California Delta (White's Slough). Fishing was extremely difficult for all 12 guys who attended. Post-frontal conditions had the fish in a very non-feeding mood. Darce Caldwell of Morgan Hill won this event flippin' reapers in the thick vegetation, even though he only had 2 fish. His weight of 5.52 lbs was enough to beat out club president, John Lake, by over 2lbs. John finished 2nd overall with 3.35 lbs. His 2 fish came on spinnerbaits. In 3rd place was Joe Puente of Salinas with one fish of 1.44 lbs. This was a beautiful day to be on the water, but a tough day to put fish in the boat.

This year, Bass-N-Tubes will award the well-deserved Darce Caldwell with the 'Angler of the Year' plaque. Darce beat out runner-up, Eric Howard, by over 22 lbs. Darce won 3 Delta events this year, also finishing 2nd in the first Delta event and 2nd again at Clear Lake in May. Darce also gets the 'Bassmaster of the Year' award by once again beating John Lake by only one point -- a very close race!

Darce was the very first official member of Bass-N-Tubes and has helped the club grow to the level it is at today. Darce will be working side by side with John in 2001 as Vice President of BNT.

2000 also had a new award offered to its members: a 'Most Improved' award. We look at prior years' standings and look for improvement. This year, we are happy to announce that BNT's very own photo-journalist, Jeff Smith, wins this award. His total year-end weight of 47.63 lbs, finishing 4th overall in weight, made this an easy decision.

Congratulations to all on an excellent job. All awards will be handed out at the meeting in January.

Thanks to everyone that showed up to fish with BNT this year and we look forward to seeing you next year. Our 2001 schedule will be available by the end of January. Our first event will be held in Febuary.

John Lake - Club President