Bass Angler Magazine Podcast

• Ty Manterola’s BAM Pro-Am victory at Boardman, Oregon• Winning a $45,000 Vexus/Mercury Bass Boat tournament package• 10+ Top-10 finishes in BAM competition• Ty’s growing career tournament earnings• Finding the winning Columbia River grass pattern• Why Ty committed to one area instead of running the river• Catching the tournament’s biggest bag on Day Two• Adjusting to wind, dirty water and changing conditions• Using the Strike King Thunder Cricket• The mental discipline required to stay with a winning pattern• Fishing your own strengths instead of copying other anglers• Managing weather and changing conditions on the Columbia River• Competing against experienced Pacific Northwest anglers• The depth of fishing talent in the Northwest• Building greater recognition for Western tournament anglers• BAM Pro-Am and Super 60 tournament opportunities• Growing professional tournament fishing in the West• The BAM Scholastic Series• Opportunities for high school and college anglers• The $100,000 Simpson University scholarship opportunity• Ty’s goal of making tournament fishing his full-time career• The importance of sponsors and industry support• Support from Boardman and the local community• What’s next for Ty and the BAM TrailABOUT TY MANTEROLATy Manterola continues to establish himself as one of the West’s most consistent tournament bass anglers. With numerous Top-10 finishes, major tournament victories and a growing career earnings total, Ty has demonstrated his ability to compete across a wide range of Western fisheries.His Boardman Pro-Am victory showcased both his fishing ability and tournament discipline, as he committed to a productive Columbia River pattern through difficult weather and changing conditions to secure the win.FOLLOW BAMFor tournament information, results, schedules and upcoming BAM Trail events, visit BAMTrail.com.For bass fishing news, techniques, tournament coverage and Bass Angler Magazine, visit BassAnglerMag.com. About BAM Podcasts Bass Angler Magazine's is a bi-monthly podcast series its available free on Simple Cast, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Stay tuned as we discuss the latest in bass fishing, lure trends, ways to catch fish, tournament wins and things of interest to bass anglers.BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE (BAM), a veteran owned quarterly print and digital magazine, designed, and printed in the U.S.A. Covering largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, Bass Angler was created specifically to help you become a better, more informed bass fisherman. As the industry’s most informative bass fishing magazine, we provide you in-depth exclusive new features with the world’s top anglers.Subscribe to Bass Angler Magazine print and or digital here

TRI-CITIES: FROM 66TH TO THE TOP 10 Darrell Ocamica discusses his recent 8th-place finish at Tri-Cities and the adjustments that helped turn his tournament around. After sitting in 66th place, he caught 57 keepers on Day 2 and climbed all the way to 13th before ultimately finishing inside the Top 10. BREAKING DOWN THE COLUMBIA RIVER Despite living near the Columbia River, Ocamica says his tournament schedule and other local fisheries mean he doesn’t spend as much time on the river as people might expect. He explains how he targeted current seams where grass met moving water and found productive areas around rock and well-defined grass walls. A jerkbait became an important part of generating keeper bites. NUMBERS VS. QUALITY One of the episode’s key tournament lessons centers on the difference between finding fish and finding the right fish. Ocamica discusses how easy it can be to stay with an area producing constant bites. In a tournament, however, catching numbers doesn’t necessarily produce the weight required to win. Knowing when to abandon a productive bite and search for bigger bass can be one of the most difficult decisions an angler makes. THE GIANT THAT GOT AWAY Ocamica recounts losing a massive bass he estimated at close to 10 pounds. Landing that fish could have dramatically changed his tournament finish and potentially put him in position to win. It’s a reminder of how one bite—and sometimes one missed opportunity—can determine an entire tournament. BOARDMAN PRO-AM PREVIEW Big Ed and Ocamica look ahead to the BAM Pro-Am on the Boardman Pool of the Columbia River. Ocamica believes competitors should have plenty of opportunities to catch fish, making Boardman a strong tournament fishery for both Pros and Co-Anglers. The challenge will be finding the better-than-average bites necessary to separate from the field. Projected competitive weight: 17–20 pounds per day Potential three-day winning weight: 55–60 pounds Weather and changing Columbia River conditions could play a major role, making multiple patterns and backup areas especially important. WHAT COULD WORK AT BOARDMAN Ocamica discusses several techniques anglers could potentially have in play, including: Topwater Jerkbaits Jigs Spoons Crankbaits Rattle traps Finesse presentations Senkos He also talks about how seemingly minor differences—such as the sound produced by different rattle-style baits—can affect smallmouth. WHAT THE SUPER 60 TAUGHT HIM Competing against the BAM Super 60 field exposed Ocamica to different ways of fishing water he already knew. His biggest takeaway: don’t develop tunnel vision. Tournament anglers can become committed to techniques and areas that have worked in the past. Watching other accomplished anglers approach familiar fisheries differently reinforced the value of versatility and continued learning. THE MENTAL SIDE OF TOURNAMENT FISHING Ocamica looks back at a difficult tournament experience on Kentucky Lake in 2000 when he went an entire competition day without catching a bass. Those days can be humbling, but they’re also part of becoming a better tournament angler. Ocamica discusses the importance of continuing to learn and developing multiple techniques instead of relying exclusively on what an angler already does well. COACHING, COMPETITION AND FISHING Away from tournament fishing, Ocamica is passionate about coaching high school basketball. He and Big Ed discuss the similarities between coaching and competitive fishing. Both require preparation, constant learning, adaptability and the ability to perform when circumstances don’t go according to plan. For Ocamica, coaching is also about something bigger than wins and losses: making a lasting impact on his players after their time on the team is over. FAMILY BEHIND THE FISHERMAN Ocamica credits his wife and family with providing the support that makes his tournament career possible. With his 25th wedding anniversary approaching, he discusses how important it is for a competitive angler to have people at home who understand the commitment tournament fishing requires. That perspective also shapes his priorities. Ocamica will miss an upcoming Super 60 event so he can be there for his son’s senior-night football game. THE ROAD TO THE BAM CLASSIC The conversation turns toward the BAM Classic at Don Pedro. Ocamica is currently sitting 8th in AOY during the discussion and appears positioned to qualify. Big Ed and Ocamica discuss how Don Pedro could produce an exciting championship, with topwater, jigs, spoons, crankbaits and other techniques potentially contributing to the winning pattern. BUILDING WESTERN PROFESSIONAL BASS FISHING Big Ed challenges more Pacific Northwest anglers to compete in BAM Pro-Am events and earn their opportunity to advance into the Super 60. The discussion highlights the amount of fishing talent throughout the West and the difference in angler recognition between Western and Eastern professional bass fishing. Ocamica points out that building recognizable anglers, tournament careers and a larger Western fan base doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long-term process that requires anglers, tournaments and media exposure to grow together. FEATURED TOPICS Columbia River bass fishing • Boardman Pro-Am • Tri-Cities tournament • BAM Super 60 • BAM Classic • Don Pedro • Pacific Northwest bass fishing • smallmouth bass • tournament strategy • jerkbait fishing • finesse fishing • topwater fishing • tournament psychology • professional bass fishing • high school basketball coaching • family and tournament fishing EPISODE TAKEAWAY Catching bass and winning tournaments are two different skills. Ocamica’s experiences show that success at the professional level requires versatility, decision-making, mental toughness and a willingness to keep learning—even on water an angler thinks he already knows. About BAM Podcasts Bass Angler Magazine's is a bi-monthly podcast series its available free on Simple Cast, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Stay tuned as we discuss the latest in bass fishing, lure trends, ways to catch fish, tournament wins and things of interest to bass anglers.BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE (BAM), a veteran owned quarterly print and digital magazine, designed, and printed in the U.S.A. Covering largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, Bass Angler was created specifically to help you become a better, more informed bass fisherman. As the industry’s most informative bass fishing magazine, we provide you in-depth exclusive new features with the world’s top anglers.Subscribe to Bass Angler Magazine print and or digital here

Ron Mace joins the BAM Podcast following another major victory on the Columbia River. In this episode: Ron reflects on winning back-to-back events on the Columbia River. Making the approximately 40-mile run into the Hanford Reach. Catching 21 to 22 keepers and having around 20 pounds by 9:30 AM. Fishing current breaks in water moving as fast as seven miles per hour. Why a green pumpkin Cinco became a key tournament bait. Using floating braided line to control the presentation in heavy current. How a two-foot rise in water level changed his productive areas. Switching from Spot-Lock to drifting and catching three important bass. Understanding how Columbia River current affects shallow and deep bass differently. Fishing for tournament-winning quality instead of simply catching numbers. Why Ron targets consistent 18- to 20-pound bags. Winning with traditional fishing techniques rather than relying on forward-facing sonar. Fishing shallow water and visually identifying productive areas. Ron’s three 150-amp lithium battery setup and why dependable power matters on the Columbia. Preparing for upcoming tournaments at Boardman and future BAM events. The importance of family and sponsor support throughout Ron’s fishing career. Ron recognizes JNS Tires, Divine Wraps, Nixon’s Marine and Apollo Mechanical for their support. Ron Mace’s latest victory is another example of how preparation, river knowledge and making the right adjustments can beat technology and complicated techniques. About BAM Podcasts Bass Angler Magazine's is a bi-monthly podcast series its available free on Simple Cast, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Stay tuned as we discuss the latest in bass fishing, lure trends, ways to catch fish, tournament wins and things of interest to bass anglers.BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE (BAM), a veteran owned quarterly print and digital magazine, designed, and printed in the U.S.A. Covering largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, Bass Angler was created specifically to help you become a better, more informed bass fisherman. As the industry’s most informative bass fishing magazine, we provide you in-depth exclusive new features with the world’s top anglers.Subscribe to Bass Angler Magazine print and or digital here

Whether you’re curious about the latest Japanese finesse techniques or preparing for your next tournament, this episode delivers practical advice that anglers can immediately apply on the water. Episode Highlights The origin and rapid rise of the Urchin Bait. Why younger anglers are developing innovative techniques with the bait. Selecting the correct size for spotted bass versus largemouth bass. How bait weight affects fall rate and triggering strikes. Best colors to start with, including Green Pumpkin and Shad patterns. Fishing around grass, timber, rock, and suspended fish. Rigging options using single hooks, treble hooks, and weighted systems. Why fluorocarbon line generally outperforms braid for this presentation. Proper storage techniques for TPE soft plastics. Differences between Dice baits and Urchin baits. Creative modifications anglers are making to improve bait performance. Tournament preview for the BAM Super 60 on the Columbia River. Regional fishing insights from Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Gear & Technique Takeaways Match bait size to the species and conditions. Focus on achieving a slow, natural sink rate. The bait’s movement is more important than exact color selection. Strong, stiff tentacles create the best underwater action. Experiment with weighted hooks to fine-tune fall speed. Fluorocarbon helps maintain better bait control and hook-up percentages. Store TPE baits separately to prevent warping and damage. Don’t limit the bait to LiveScope fishing—it can be effective around nearly every type of cover. Tournament Talk The crew also previews upcoming BAM Trail events, discussing: Columbia River fishing conditions. Boardman versus Tri-Cities strategies. Local anglers expected to contend. Wind and current considerations. Catch expectations and what it may take to win. Rich Craft’s confidence heading into competition. Featured Sponsors Thanks to the companies that support BAM and tournament anglers across the West. BAM Trail Bass Angler Magazine BAM Super 60 Tournament sponsor partners discussed throughout the episode. Why You Should Listen If you’ve been hearing about Urchin Baits but weren’t sure how or when to fish them, this episode breaks everything down—from lure selection and rigging to real-world tournament applications. Joe Mariani and Ty Manarola share the techniques they’re using to consistently catch bass, while offering insights into one of the fastest-growing trends in modern bass fishing. Whether you fish clear reservoirs, grass lakes, or river systems, you’ll come away with practical tips that can help put more fish in the boat. About BAM Podcasts Bass Angler Magazine's is a bi-monthly podcast series its available free on Simple Cast, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Stay tuned as we discuss the latest in bass fishing, lure trends, ways to catch fish, tournament wins and things of interest to bass anglers.BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE (BAM), a veteran owned quarterly print and digital magazine, designed, and printed in the U.S.A. Covering largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, Bass Angler was created specifically to help you become a better, more informed bass fisherman. As the industry’s most informative bass fishing magazine, we provide you in-depth exclusive new features with the world’s top anglers.Subscribe to Bass Angler Magazine print and or digital here

Guest Austin Sandman Pacific Northwest tournament angler ABA Angler of the Year Northwest Bass Angler of the Year Grant County Fish & Wildlife employee Eastern Washington farmer Topics Covered Upcoming BAM Events Preview of the BAM Super 60 at Tri-Cities Pro-Am tournament discussion Why Tri-Cities was selected as the tournament venue Family-friendly attractions around Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco Columbia River Tournament Strategy Expected summertime bass patterns Predicted winning weight Smallmouth vs. largemouth opportunities Current breaks and dam-influenced fishing Areas where local knowledge can provide an advantage Best Lures for Tri-Cities Zara Super Spook Walking topwater baits Poppers Drop shot Forward-facing sonar techniques Carolina Rig Lizards for smallmouth Pacific Northwest Fisheries Columbia River Lake Roosevelt Potholes Reservoir Moses Lake Why Washington offers some of the country’s most overlooked bass fisheries Beyond Bass Fishing Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River Juvenile sturgeon recovery Fish and Wildlife conservation efforts Columbia River dams and fisheries management Life Outside Tournament Fishing Wheat farming in Eastern Washington Center-pivot irrigation systems Balancing farming with tournament competition Growing up in the Pacific Northwest Austin’s Tournament Journey Starting tournament fishing at age 19 Competing without today’s electronics Building a successful tournament career Importance of confidence on the water Supporting local sponsors and businesses Growing Tournament Fishing Why more anglers should fish the BAM Super 60 Opportunities for Pro and Co-Anglers Building the future of tournament fishing in the Pacific Northwest Creating a stronger regional bass fishing community   Key Takeaways Tri-Cities is shaping up to be one of the most exciting stops on the BAM Super 60 schedule. Local knowledge of current, structure, and seasonal movements could make the difference between cashing a check and winning $50,000. The Pacific Northwest offers world-class bass fishing that remains underappreciated nationally. Success in tournament fishing comes from confidence, consistency, and adapting to changing conditions. Austin’s passion for conservation, farming, and competitive fishing makes him a unique voice in the Northwest bass fishing community.   Watch More BAM Content Follow the BAM Trail for tournament coverage, live weigh-ins, podcast episodes, and professional bass fishing action from across the West. Website: https://bamtrail.comMagazine: https://bassanglermag.com About BAM Podcasts Bass Angler Magazine's is a bi-monthly podcast series its available free on Simple Cast, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Stay tuned as we discuss the latest in bass fishing, lure trends, ways to catch fish, tournament wins and things of interest to bass anglers.BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE (BAM), a veteran owned quarterly print and digital magazine, designed, and printed in the U.S.A. Covering largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, Bass Angler was created specifically to help you become a better, more informed bass fisherman. As the industry’s most informative bass fishing magazine, we provide you in-depth exclusive new features with the world’s top anglers.Subscribe to Bass Angler Magazine print and or digital here