MORO BAY — On June 17, Moro Bay State Park hosted the 25th Annual Perch Jerk Classic Bream and Crappie Tournament.
“This year we had 67 teams which was five more teams than last year. The teams are always an interesting mix of folks. They range from young people, to older couples, to best buddies and next door neighbors. The river level was perfect for fishing and many good fish were caught this year. Local merchants and individuals from El Dorado, Warren and the surrounding area donated $4,513 worth of door prizes. The park gave away a $400 trolling motor as a grand prize,” said Paul Butler, Moro Bay State Park superintendent.
“Moro Bay State Park is exceptionally grateful for all those who donated and all those who participated in the event. Your support helps us accomplish our mission which is (in part) protecting the natural resources at Moro Bay and providing people with opportunities to experience the outdoors. We are also thankful for the Amendment 75, 1/8th cent conservation tax which helps us make events like the Perch Jerk possible,” Butler said.
In the crappie division, anglers are allowed to weigh in 10 crappie and for the bream division, anglers are allowed to weigh in 20 bream, Butler explained.
“We also award a trophy and prize money to the person who catches the biggest bream and the person who catches the biggest crappie. Terri Poole caught the largest bream which weighed 10 ounces. Interestingly enough, her husband, Peter, also called a 10 ounce bream but he decided to let his wife take the trophy without a coin toss,” Butler said.
Winners in the bream division include: first place total weight bream – Mark and Linda Burton (seven pounds, 12 ounces), $100; second place total weight bream – Scotty Hudson and Seth Burns (seven pounds, nine ounces), $70; third place total weight bream – Mike Langley and Raymond Leonard (seven pounds, eight ounces, $50 and largest bream – Terri Poole (10 ounces) $20.
Winners in the crappie
division include: first place total weight crappie – Chad and Amanda Miller (four pounds, 13 ounces), $100; second place total weight crappie – Odie “A.K.A. Snap” Strong ( four pounds, 12 ounces), $70; third place total weight crappie – Marty and Alex Wardlaw (four pounds, 12 ounces), $50 and largest crappie – Lakin Walthall (one pound, five ounces ), $20.