A great ISE Experience thanks to RB Bass
The 2014 Sacramento ISE was a very memorable one for me. My name is Harry Madera and I work with the Real Fish Bait Company out of Modesto California. This is the 4th ISE that owner Ho Pham and I have had a booth and the Sacramento ISE where we sell our custom swim baits.
Our booth was set up not too far from the large demonstration tank. Wednesday was our set-up day and we enjoyed watching the Fish & Game load all the fish that they had shocked out of the delta that morning, including a very nice 14 pounder.
Two booths over from us was the RB Bass booth. RB Bass Fishing is made up of a group of Anglers fishing from semi pro to regional pro levels on the west coast. You might have seen a RB Bass Angler at the Best Bass Tournament trail, The Future Pro Tour, US Anglers Choice, Snag Proof Open, FLW Ever start series and a whole lot more. They also support many youth fishing activities from Cast for Kids, Toys for Troops and the Co Pro Teen rally.
On Thursday I had watched them give away some very nice rods and tackle in their raffle. We had been so busy getting everything set up in our booth that morning that I had not had time to go and purchase any raffle tickets. First thing Thursday morning I made it a point of buying $20 worth of tickets.
Now as my wife Sandi can attest to I never win anything at these kind of raffles so I was not expecting much especially with as many tickets as they seemed to be selling.
As the raffle started Friday afternoon I was standing in the front of the crowd just praying to have at least one of my tickets picked. The 3rd or 4th ticket they drew was mine and I won an Abu-Garcia Veracity rod. I was stoked; I thought ok, that just made my week.
A couple of tickets later they called one of mine again, this time it was 10 custom jigs from TNT Bait Company. A couple tickets later and again one of my tickets was called. By now I started hearing muttering from the crowd, like I would normally do when someone else is winning multiple raffle prizes. This time it was a $90 team entry fee for a BBT tournament of my choice. Finally the last ticket was called for the grand prize and yes it was mine. This time the crown let out a very audible groan. I won a Dobyn’s flipping rod. I could not believe what had just happened.
Of course the next day I bought another $20 worth of tickets and again won 5 rod sleeves and an Abu-Garcia Veracity rod and reel combo. Needless to say I had one great ISE week.
The following Saturday was my first tournament for the 17/90 Bass Club based in Modesto CA. We fished at New Melones Reservoir and I used my new rods that I won from the ISE. With the new rods, specifically the Abu-Garcia rod & reel combo, I was able to feel the very deep and subtle bites and came in 1st place for our Bass Club
As much as I enjoy working the ISE for Real Fish Bait Company, RB Bass made it an especially memorable experience and helped me win my first tournament of the year. You can bet that I will be the first in line next year to purchase my raffle tickets!
Thank You RB Bass!!