Tag: Khoa Dao

Todd Brothers Dominates on the Kennebec River!

September 25, 2024 0 Comment

On September 21, the 2024 Dakota Lithium Elite Kayak Fishing Series, presented by Black Hall Outfitters, wrapped up its fourth and final regular-season event on one of Maine’s hidden gems—the Kennebec River.

The Kennebec offers a diverse fishing experience, with fast-moving waters around rocky ledges that attract smallmouth bass, while its quieter sections and weedy backwater areas are perfect for hunting largemouth. Despite its abundance of fish and stunning scenery, this river remains under the radar compared to some of Maine’s more famous bass fisheries.

When Mike Guarino from Mid-Maine Bass Fishing suggested we host an event on the Kennebec, many were skeptical. But after a short test in 2023, we were convinced—and after this year’s event, so are the anglers.

Most entered the tournament with low expectations, having little experience with the river. However, Khoa Dao pre-fished the week prior, catching a six-pounder and two bass over five pounds. Returning the day before the tournament, he landed another five-pounder. Chris Gomes and Anthony Campbell both reported over 90 inches during their pre-fishing sessions. Even those who didn’t have epic pre-fishing days found themselves with plenty of bites.

But as the week progressed, temperatures dropped, and the fishing conditions toughened for tournament day.

With Jake Angulas aiming for his fourth straight win to sweep the regular season, Todd Brothers put an end to that streak. Todd secured his first Elite Kayak Fishing victory with a combined 91.25 inches of largemouth and smallmouth bass, beating out a very competitive field.

Khoa Dao, in just his second Elite Kayak Fishing event, repeated his strong performance on the St. Lawrence River by taking second place with 88.75 inches, including a 19.75-inch largemouth that broke a tie with Angulas. Angulas finished in third, also with 88.75 inches, narrowly missing his chance at another win.

     

Rey Morales followed closely in fourth with 88.00 inches, and Matt Lee completed the top five with 86.50 inches. The Fresh Baitz Big Bass for the event was a 20-inch largemouth caught by Jon Richardson in the last thirty minutes!

Check out the full results here

Up next is the highly-anticipated two-day championship on Candlewood Lake, taking place October 12–13. See you there!

Jake Angulas Conquers the St. Lawrence River, Dominates Season So Far

August 22, 2024 0 Comment

On August 17, the 2024 Dakota Lithium Elite Kayak Fishing Series, presented by Black Hall Outfitters, held its third event of the season on the legendary St. Lawrence River, widely regarded as one of the top fisheries in the United States. This scenic stretch of upstate New York also allowed anglers to fish two of its tributaries, the Raquette and Grasse Rivers, which are also known for their excellent bass fishing opportunities.

More well-known of the three rivers, the St. Lawrence is famous for its pristine, crystal-clear waters and varying currents, making it a prime habitat for both smallmouth and largemouth bass. The rocky shoals and underwater structures offer ideal spots for trophy-sized smallmouths, while largemouth bass tend to hide in the river’s calmer, weedy areas, giving anglers a variety of fishing challenges. The beauty of the river and the thrill of battling these bass make it a top-tier destination for competitive and recreational anglers alike.


(Watch our live event broadcast on YouTube)

Tournament day saw intense competition, with anglers battling not just the fish but the challenging river conditions. Jake Angulas once again proved to be a dominant force, claiming his third win of the season with an impressive total of 88.75 inches of bass. Angulas strategically focused on smallmouth bass in the early hours before transitioning to shallow largemouth later in the day. His decision to switch tactics and employ a chatterbait over submerged grass paid off handsomely, securing his place at the top once again.

Khoa Dao made his mark in his first-ever Elite Kayak Fishing event, taking second place with a solid 85 inches of bass, a mix of both smallmouth and largemouth. Dao also captured the Fresh Baitz Big Bass prize with a hefty 18.75-inch largemouth, a highlight in a standout debut.

In third place, Rey Morales hauled in 83.25 inches of smallmouth bass, showcasing yet again that he is one of the best anglers in the Northeast. Close behind was Antoine Desrochers-Gagnon, whose 83 inches earned him a fourth-place finish. Rounding out the top five was Gerard Elias, whose 78.75 inches of bass capped off a strong tournament for all competitors.

Check out the full results here and watch our EKF LIVE recap show with Khoa Dao…

The Kennebec River is up next on September 1. The river may not be so well-known among our anglers today, but it will be after our event. Mark our words! Don’t sleep on this one.