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Bass crowd joins fight to save Delta, sends boats to Million Boat Float and supporters to Capitol Rally

August 18, 2009 -- The forces committed to preserving the delta have been joined by a small contingent of what is potentially a group with magawatts of influence and power. Bobby Barrack, a nationally known pro basser and delta guide led members of the bass community in participating in the Million Boat Float and the rally on the steps of the capitol.

Participating in the weekend's events were Bobby and his wife Stacey, Mark and Sandy Young, Zack Thompson, Jason Cordiale, Ryan Contos, Mick Fitzinger, David Zavvar, Joe Cornell, Brandon Burress, Dan Wells, Danny Peluso, Nathan Edney, Bobby's son Robby and his wife Amber and Bobby's two grandchildren, Marley Edney and Dominic Bagwell, future fishermen, for whom they are trying to preserve the future of the beautiful Delta!

Bobby states that, "With the introduction of the Florida Strain Bass in 1985, the Delta has become THE place to fish, peaking in about 2005. However, in the last four years a visible decline has taken place in the fishery, coinciding with the extreme pumping  of volumes of water south."

"Up until recently it was believed that the next world record may have come from the delta. Of course that could still happen but it seems with the excessive pumping that there are whole year classes of fish missing in certain parts of the delta."

The increased fishing opportunities along with the now national TV coverage of pro bass tournaments has turned delta bass fishing into big business for boat dealers, tackle sales, fuel sales and even sales at mom and pop grocery stores close to the water. Recognizing the potential of the area, the nationally franchised outfitter, Bass Pro, opened a mega store in Manteca with the main retail target, the delta bass fisherman.

A bass boat can cost up to $70,000. Rods and reels can run into the hundreds and even some swim baits approach triple digit prices. The sale of a boat and trailer usually means that a new tow vehicle is part of the package, another $15,000 to $50,000.

Over bass 300 tournaments take place on the delta on an annual basis with anywhere from 40 to 200 boats in a tournament. The delta's rating as one of the top five U.S. locations for bass competitions draws teams from all across the United States as well as Europe, Japan and Australia. While no actual studies exist as to the dollars spent on Delta Bassin' advocates of the sport believe it easily exceeds a billion dollars annually.