BASS JUNKYZ KAYAK TOUR 2024 -2025 - EVENT 1 - SAGUARO LAKE
As fall takes hold in Arizona, it brings the season of cooler mornings and perfect outdoor afternoons. Although temperatures can still reach the high 90s, early hours on the water have been treating anglers with comfortable conditions and beautiful views. On October 26, 2024, Bass Junkyz anglers gathered at Saguaro Lake, where the morning temperatures in the upper 50s quickly warmed up, but the cool early breeze set a great atmosphere as competitors launched for a day on the water.
Setting the Stage: A Morning Gathering
As the participants arrived early, the light breeze whispered over the lake, stirring the anticipation. The Tournament Director (TDX) greeted everyone with morning announcements and encouragement, underscoring the camaraderie that sets kayak tournaments apart. Recognizing that this event had a smaller field, Lobina Lures and Copperstate Marine & Tackle generously contributed some exciting prizes, adding to the friendly, competitive spirit. Each angler received a brand-new Lobina Rio topwater lure—a well-loved tool for drawing out bass from their hideaways.
In addition to these participant gifts, there was a random name draw among registrants, and Eric Ulrich was the lucky winner. Eric took home a bundle of prizes: an AFTCO hat, the Lobina Rio Rico lure, and a $10 gift card to Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers. After the morning prayer led by the TDX, anglers dispersed to their launch sites, full of hope that Saguaro would deliver some of its infamous big bass.
Fishing Conditions and Challenges
With fall making its way through Arizona, conditions were favorable, yet Saguaro Lake was a bit stingy on this particular day. Despite ideal water clarity and temperatures, the bass seemed selective in their strikes, making for a challenging day on the water. This kind of unpredictability is what makes Saguaro such an intriguing venue. Known for yielding impressive catches in the right conditions, the lake can also test even the most seasoned anglers when the bite is tough.
Bass Junkyz anglers are no strangers to persistence, however. As the day progressed, they adjusted tactics, probing likely bass haunts, including submerged structure, ledges, and drop-offs, each angler searching for the day's winning bite.
Event Highlights: Big Fish Results and Top Standings
The day’s efforts paid off for some, with notable catches that defined the event:
Big Fish Winner: Colton Ulrich brought in the biggest fish of the day, an impressive 18.5-inch bass, showcasing skill and perseverance to land the event’s standout catch.
Second Place Big Fish: Cody Siow followed closely, landing an 18.0-inch bass that was just shy of Colton's. Cody’s catch highlighted how small adjustments and attention to detail could make all the difference on challenging days.
Final Standings
Below are the official standings for the Bass Junkyz Saguaro Lake event. Each angler showed commendable determination, but it was Colton Ulrich who came out on top, earning him the right to represent Bass Junkyz at the 2025 West Coast Championship on the legendary Clear Lake in California. With this opportunity, Colton will be joining some of the best kayak anglers from the western region, all eager to showcase their skills on this premier bass fishery.
Congratulations, Colton!
Looking Forward: Upcoming Events and Opportunities
With the event at Saguaro complete, the Bass Junkyz season moves forward with excitement as the next stop is set for Bartlett Lake on November 16, 2024. A larger field of anglers is anticipated, as this event won’t conflict with other circuits in the area. Bartlett Lake is known for its abundant largemouth bass, and November promises cooler waters, which should bring fish closer to the surface and lead to some thrilling topwater action.
This upcoming tournament at Bartlett is an eagerly awaited one, with participants prepping strategies, checking gear, and planning tactics. The mix of seasoned anglers and new participants will likely create a dynamic competition where any angler could rise to the top.
Looking Ahead to Fall 2025: Expanding into New Waters
Bass Junkyz is already looking toward the fall of 2025, which will bring anglers across the western region to two premier events at some of Arizona’s most iconic and diverse waters. These venues include Lake Havasu, Parker Strip, Martinez Lake, and Mittry Lake—all home to a unique combination of largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Each lake offers a distinct environment that will challenge competitors with a range of techniques and styles. Here’s a preview of what these lakes have in store:
Lake Havasu – Known for its clear, blue-green waters and stunning scenery, Havasu is a favorite among bass anglers. It’s famous for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, with the potential for record-breaking catches. The lake’s structure, with rock walls, submerged vegetation, and clear water, requires anglers to be strategic and patient, often focusing on finesse presentations and accurate casts.
Parker Strip – A lesser-known stretch of water that is highly productive, Parker Strip will test anglers with a mix of rocky terrain, deeper channels, and patches of vegetation that attract bass of all sizes. This area rewards those who can read the water well and adapt techniques to shifting conditions.
Martinez Lake – This beautiful lake near the Mexico border is rich in vegetation and offers a somewhat secluded experience. Martinez has become a sleeper spot for catching sizeable largemouth bass. Anglers who focus on frog lures, swim baits, and soft plastics can excel here, where bass are known to hide in dense cover and require a bit of extra patience.
Mittry Lake – A small but prolific fishery that offers a hidden gem vibe, Mittry Lake has quickly become popular for its healthy population of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. This lake, with its abundant reeds and shallow flats, will challenge anglers to perfect their presentations and explore every inch of the lake’s unique structure.
With these four distinctive lakes set to host some of the region’s best anglers, the 2025 season is shaping up to offer unparalleled opportunities for kayak fishing enthusiasts.
The Appeal of Kayak Fishing with Bass Junkyz
The camaraderie, accessibility, and competition within the Bass Junkyz circuit capture the essence of kayak bass fishing. With kayak tournaments, anglers can access remote spots on lakes that traditional bass boats cannot reach, leading to unique fishing experiences. Moreover, the kayak fishing community is growing rapidly, and more anglers are recognizing the affordability, environmental benefits, and thrill of kayak-based tournaments.
Bass Junkyz has built a loyal following of anglers who appreciate this unique approach to bass fishing. By combining friendly competition, skill-building opportunities, and fellowship, these events encourage all participants, from beginners to seasoned anglers, to grow in their abilities and enjoy their passion.
Preparing for Future Tournaments
As participants look ahead to the next event at Bartlett Lake, preparation will be key. Here are a few pointers that have helped past participants stand out and may prove helpful for those planning to compete:
Scout the Waters: Familiarize yourself with the lake layout before the event day. Knowing where to find drop-offs, submerged structure, and weed beds can make a big difference.
Focus on Hydration and Stamina: Even in fall, Arizona's temperatures can climb significantly, so proper hydration and conditioning are essential.
Use a Range of Techniques: Given Bartlett Lake’s rich ecosystem, anglers will likely benefit from a variety of presentations, from finesse baits to aggressive topwater lures.
Stay Organized: Ensure that tackle, safety gear, and equipment are packed and easily accessible on the kayak. An organized setup can be a big advantage during time-sensitive competitions.
Adapt to Conditions: Pay close attention to water temperature, wind direction, and other environmental factors. Being ready to adjust tactics based on changing conditions can often be the key to success.
