Fishing Has Not Slowed Down Yet!

All, Fishin' Line
Michael Staggs and Ian Scheeler hold the big fish that awarded them first place on September 25, 2021.
Michael Staggs and Ian Scheeler

We had a small, yet successful, Rod Busting Tournament at Winton Woods on Saturday, September 25.

The brisk and light rain did not keep the seven teams from going out and catching some good-sized carp. The big winners were Michael Staggs and Ian Scheeler with six fish weighing at 19.91 lbs., with Staggs catching the biggest fish of the day at 4.12 lbs. Second place went to the father-son duo, Steve and Kevin Semones, with five fish weighing 14.17 lbs. Staggs and Scheeler split $147 for first and the Semoneses split $63 for second.

The next and final Rod Busting Tournament of the season is Saturday, October 23 from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. at Lake Isabella. Tony Thomas still has the biggest fish caught for the series at 25.84 lbs. The Big Fish pot for the series is up to $520 in Great Parks’ gift cards, so come out and try your luck and take home a win – and possibly the pot!

Father/Son team Steve and Kevin Sermones pose with the five fish that awarded them second place on September 25, 2021.
Steve and Kevin Semones
Chris Schreiber holds a 30-pound blue catfish. It is nighttime.
Chris Schreiber and the 30 lbs. blue catfish.
Michael Eskridge holds a 17.6-pound catfish. He is in a bait shop.
Michael Eskridge and the 17.6 lbs. shovelhead catfish.

The big fish have been biting at Lake Isabella, with a couple standouts over the past week. Chris Schreiber had some luck on the dock catching a 30 lbs. blue catfish! Michael Eskridge also did some dock fishing and caught a 17.6 lbs. shovelhead, using a crappie minnow and 8 lbs. test line.

Whether it is early morning or late at the night, the fish seem to be biting, hoping to get in some good meals before the winter days start rolling in. Come by Lake Isabella and see if you can add your picture to our Wall of Fame!

A big thank you to our sponsors who make these events great: Hamilton Bait & TackleWanglers and Bass Pro Shops.


Evin James
East Region Assistant Guest Experiences Manager