KATS Blog # 4 — Choke Canyon Reservoir
It’s only been 10 short days since our last event, and I still can’t stop thinking about how epic that lake is. Choke Canyon has never disappointed as we get into the summertime, and it most definitely did not during our event. All week leading up, it looked like the weather was going to be terrible right out of the gate. To our surprise, we were gifted a picture perfect morning and a prefrontal bite for the ages. Right out of the gate there were so many 20” fish caught that my head was spinning.
To no surprise, our KATS OG Ryan Herzog managed a 25” MONSTER that weighed in at 9.7lbs — that’s a trophy fish for any angler, and to stick a fish like that during a tournament against some of the best anglers in Texas is nothing short of spectacular. I was sure this fish was going to hold out and bring him the Big Bass title. Sure enough… it did. Not a bad little pay day for one fish Herzy! Shortly after, Derek Taylor, (another household name in the KATS series) started going on a rampage catching seemingly every fish in the pond. If you know Derek, and Ryan, you know they’re big crank bait guys and sure enough that’s exactly what helped them bring home the bacon that day.
After a perfect morning, the storm started to roll in with lots of rain and heavy winds that would make even the best anglers start to scramble for a bite. For Derek Taylor, Robert Adcock, Tyler Howell, James Ashley, and Jacob Moeller — these conditions were just another addition to the fun and proved no match for these hammers. Congratulations to you guys for having a day and cashing a quick check! It was a fish catching kind of day but to put up the numbers you did in this weather is admirable to say the least. I’m looking forward to seeing what these guys can do on Lake Travis here in a few weeks!
During all the madness, Jason and I received some true southern hospitality from the great folks at Bud’s Bait & Tackle. From the ice cream sandwiches, and everlasting smiles, to the spotless facilities and cozy couches. This place had it all and made for an enjoyable awards ceremony. Lest we forget, our Chili Master Jason Mercer whipped up some delicious Frito Pie out in the rain… BEANS BABY!! I also have to mention the homemade Banana Pudding that Bryan Fontana’s wife brought to the event— I consider myself a banana pudding connoisseur but this was BY FAR the best I have ever had. Thank you so much for the contribution! I’ll be getting that recipe from you soon, Mr. Fontana.
I won’t make this too long so I just want to say THANK YOU again to everyone that has come out to support this trail throughout the season, I appreciate you all more than you know. It’s always a pleasure seeing y’all out there and watching you face each other head to head, and I can’t wait to see it all happen again on June 19th at Lake Travis! This event is lining up to be a BANGER so make sure you sign up and get ready to smash on some fish. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. See y’all there!
Kaden Pasawicz
Tournament Director