May 01, 2026

BAM Delta Pro/Am Startup Show Presented by StorQuest Self Storage

38 minutes

Location: Big Break Marina – California Delta

Recorded before the BAM Pro/Am competition, this episode captures fresh, in-the-moment insights from anglers who are about to hit the water.

THE CALIFORNIA DELTA: A UNIQUE FISHERY

Why the Delta fishes differently than lakes and reservoirs

Constantly changing conditions driven by tides

Endless water = decision-making becomes the separator

How fish position shifts daily, not seasonally

UNDERSTANDING TIDES

Incoming vs. outgoing tide positioning

How current positions bass on structure and grass

Timing windows that produce key bites

Adjusting areas instead of forcing unproductive water

TECHNIQUES THAT PRODUCE

Power fishing vs. slowing down in key stretches

Fishing grass lines, current breaks, and ambush points

Lure selection based on water movement and clarity

Covering water vs. picking apart high-percentage areas

TOURNAMENT-WINNING FISH

What separates a limit from a winning bag on the Delta

Capitalizing on short feeding windows

Decision-making under pressure during a Pro/Am

Adjustments that led to key bites during the event

ON-THE-WATER DECISION MAKING

When to leave fish vs. when to stay

Managing time with changing tide cycles

Reading subtle clues that most anglers miss

Fishing history vs. fishing current conditions

SPECIAL WEEKEND COVERAGE

This is part of a series of special BAM Podcast episodes recorded throughout the event. Stay tuned as Host Michael Bray continues to follow the action, talk with top finishers, and break down what it takes to compete at a high level on the West Coast.

ABOUT THE HOST

Michael Bray, Head Coach of the Simpson University Bass Fishing Team and Tournament Director for the BAM Trail, brings a practical and informed perspective—focused on learning, execution, and what it really takes to succeed on the water.

About BAM Podcasts

Bass Angler Magazine's is a bi-monthly podcast series its available free on Simple Cast, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Stay tuned as we discuss the latest in bass fishing, lure trends, ways to catch fish, tournament wins and things of interest to bass anglers.

BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE (BAM), a veteran owned quarterly print and digital magazine, designed, and printed in the U.S.A. Covering largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, Bass Angler was created specifically to help you become a better, more informed bass fisherman. As the industry’s most informative bass fishing magazine, we provide you in-depth exclusive new features with the world’s top anglers.

Subscribe to Bass Angler Magazine print and or digital here

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