Mike Matkowski Moves In For the Win at the BAM Pacific Northwest Pro/Am at Potholes Reservoir Derek Eggimann Is Victorious for the Co-Anglers

 

OTHELLO, Wash. – Mike Matkowski of Richland, Wash., demonstrated his skill and experience in bass fishing by climbing from 4th place to the top spot at the BAM Pacific Northwest Pro/Am at Potholes Reservoir. After three exciting days of competition, Matkowski earned a total of 52.05 pounds, securing the win with a steady string of performances: 17.27 pounds on Day One, 18.51 pounds on Day Two, and 16.27 pounds on the final day.

 

Matkowski’s Winning Formula

 

Matkowski’s familiarity with the Potholes Reservoir played a key role in his victory.
“I know the area, I bounced around a lot, and I fished in areas that weren’t being as heavily pounded,” he said.

He credited his success to using specific baits like a Zoom Mag Finesse Worm, a Yamamoto 7-inch Grub and a Senko all Green Pumpkin color on 20-pound Gamma line and then white frog for a few top water bites.

“A Gambler Weight – a rattling weight – maybe made the difference,” he added.
Matkowski’s trophy and the grand prize payout of $8,545.00 included $295.00 for Big Bass and $250.00 for BBT contingency dollars.

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Burkhardt Slips to Second

Darryl Burkhardt of Boring, Ore., led the field for the first two days with daily limits of 18.54 and 18.52 pounds. On Championship Sunday, he weighed in 14.18 pounds for a three-day total of 50.95 pounds, securing second place just over a pound behind Matkowski.
Burkhardt, who had found success with schools of fish, noted that the absence of wind on the final day made the fishing more challenging.
“A big bite for Day Three was the missing component,” Burkhardt said.
Burkhardt’s payout was $3,330.00, including a $295.00 Big Stringer award plus Yamaha Bonus Bucks.

Boomer Rounds Out the Top Three

Jake Boomer of Spokane Valley, Wash., took third place with a final weight of 50.32 pounds, trailing Burkhardt by just over half a pound.
Boomer highlighted the challenges of fishing a complex fishery like Potholes Reservoir but found success by adjusting to a water drop and targeting green tules with adjacent deep water.
Boomer’s key baits included a Big Bite’s craw and a Green Pumpkin bladed jig paired with Alpha Angler rods and Lews reels.
Boomer earned a total payout of $2,818.00.

Eggimann Holds His Lead for the Co-Angler Win

Derek Eggimann of Bothell, Wash., led the co-angler division throughout the event, finishing with a total weight of 43.52 pounds after adding 15.72 pounds on Championship Sunday. Eggimann had been paired with Darryl Burkhardt, the pro-angler leader, on Day Three, which helped him secure the win.
“Fishing with Darryl – he is very skilled – winning was amazing, but I learned a lot that I’m going to take with me,” Eggimann shared.
Eggimann’s victory earned him the co-angler champion title, the trophy, and a grand prize of $3,765.00, which included a Big Stringer payout of $265.00.

Best Of The Rest | Top-10 Field Cut

 

Pro Anglers

1. Mike Matkowski – 52.05 lbs – $8,545.00

2. Darryl Burkhardt – 50.95 lbs – $3,330.00 Plus Yamaha and Costa $$

3. Jake Boomer –     50.32 lbs – $2,818.00

4. Wade Wilkens –   48.91 lbs – $2,601.00

5. Tino Durighello –  47.81 lbs – $2,384.00

6. Ty Manterola –    47.62 lbs – $2,463.00

7. Mark Cobey –    47.12 lbs – $1,951.00

8. Jason Crone –   46.05 lbs – $2,029.00

9. Cy Floyd –         45.29 lbs – $1,517.00

10. Roy Hawk –      38.54 lbs – $1,301.00 Plus $1000 Toyota Bonus Bucks

 

Co-Anglers

 

1. Derek Eggimann – 43.52 lbs – $3,765.00

2. Cody Barker –      41.92 lbs – $1,769.00

3. Ray Kawabata –    38.27 lbs – $1,150.00

4. Matt Gargalione – 36.21 lbs – $973.00

5. Darin Wilkens –    34.79 lbs – $885.00

6. Ryan Gutierrez –   33.90 lbs – $796.00

7. Carlos Palau –      33.82 lbs – $708.00

8. Kirk Marshall –      32.41 lbs – $664.00

9. Cameron King –    30.18 lbs – $575.00

10. Doug Jorgensen – 29.51 lbs – $531.00

 

 

Event Overview & Upcoming BAM Pro/Am

 

The BAM Pacific Northwest Pro/Am was held from June 27-29 at Potholes Reservoir in Othello, Wash. It was the second stop in the BAM Trail's Northwest Pro/Am Series, presented by Limit Out Marine and Tackle Warehouse. The event featured intense competition among pro and co-anglers, with daily weigh-ins and a thrilling championship finale streamed live.

 

The next BAM Pro/Am will take place at the Columbia River on July 27. Registration is already underway.

 

For more information on the BAM Tournament Trail or to register, visit www.bamtrail.com.

 

Media Contact

 

Mark Lassagne | 925-787-3474 | mark@bassmag.com