Gonzalez, Terkoski Win Bay Area Toho Event; Crandon, Richardson: TAOY

Bay Area Bassmasters is “the world’s largest B.A.S.S. Nation ‘buddy’ team tournament trail.” Based out of Tampa, FL this “bass fishing club is designed to provide a little something for anglers of all ages, with or without experience,’ and holds events on bodies of water across the state. The club held their final event of the regular season Oct. 11^th on Lake Toho.

The bite on the Kissimmee Chain has started to slow down in recent weeks. Large stringers of 25+ pounds have become fewer, and the 20-pound mark seems to be where the bar has been set. 30 teams set out from Lakefront Park in search of that goal.

Team of the Year Dan Richardson (L) and Jeff Crandon (R)

Casey Gonzalez and Eugene Terkoski didn’t quite hit the 20-pound mark, but they did find an 18.64-lb., 5 bass limit to claim their 2^nd win of the season. “We fished worms and swimbaits around hydrilla beds in Lake Kissimmee and Hatchineha,” stated Gonzalez. A 4.85-lb. kicker anchored their bag.

Jeff Crandon and Dan Richardson finished in 2^nd place, catching a 17.01-lb., 5 bass limit.

Jeff Baker and Jason Baker finished in 3^rd place, thanks to their 16.62-lb., 5 bass limit.

Gary Ford and Joe Hobson grabbed the 4^th spot, weighing a 16.53-lb., 5 bass limit. A 5.60-lb. kicker anchored their bag.

Chris Neatherly and Steve Gallette rounded out the Top 5 with an even 15.00 lbs. Neatherly also caught the tournament’s Big Bass, an 8.19-lb. lunker.

Here are the Top 10 standings:

Coming into this event, Jeff Crandon and Dan Richardson had a commanding lead in the Team Angler of the Year race. That didn’t change after this event. They solidified the title with their 2^nd place finish in the final event of the regular season. Crandon and Richardson were the only team this year to weigh in a limit at every event. They won 2 events and finished in the runner-up spot three times. They also came within less than a pound of breaking the club record for most weight in one season. That record, held by Casey Gonzalez and Eugene Terkoski, was set last season at 159.13 lbs. Crandon and Richardson weighed in 158.39 lbs. this season.

Bay Area Bassmasters will hold their season ending Classic on Lake Okeechobee November 8^th-9^th. More information on the event being held at Roland Martin’s Marina and Resort can be found on the Event Calendar.

Photo Credit: Bay Area Bassmasters