April 27, 2026

BAM Kayak Winners – Don Pedro (Big Limits, Big Payouts!)

22 minutes

Host Michael Bray takes this special episode straight from Blast Off to the Winners Circle following the BAM Kayak Series stop at Lake Don Pedro. This one breaks down exactly how the top anglers separated themselves on a fishery that can be as rewarding as it is challenging.

Joining the show are event Champion Isiah West and runner-up Shane Jones, who finished just 0.50 inches apart in a tight race that came down to execution, decision-making, and staying locked in mentally. Both anglers walk through their approach to the event, how they adjusted throughout the day, and what it took to put together big limits on Don Pedro.

This episode is a practical look at how high-level kayak anglers break down water, manage pressure, and capitalize on key bites when it matters most. If you’re fishing springtime reservoirs or looking to improve your tournament mindset, there’s a lot to take from this one.

Hosted by Michael Bray, Head Coach of the Simpson University Bass Fishing Team and Tournament Director for the BAM Trail, this episode continues the focus on real-world tactics, angler mindset, and what it takes to compete at a high level on the West Coast.

Event Overview

BAM Kayak Series stop at Lake Don Pedro

Strong turnout and competitive field

Big limits brought to the board with a narrow 0.50” margin between first and second

Springtime conditions shaping fish positioning and bite windows

Meet the Anglers

Isiah West – Event Champion

Shane Jones – Second Place Finisher

Both anglers detail their preparation, expectations, and execution on tournament day

Key Topics Covered

Headspace & Preparation

Pre-tournament mindset and expectations

Adjusting to conditions vs. sticking with a game plan

Managing pressure in a tight field

Breaking Down Don Pedro

How each angler approached locating fish

Identifying productive water and structure

Adjustments made throughout the event

Winning Tactics

Lure selection and presentation strategies

Targeting key zones for bigger bites

Timing and efficiency on the water

The 0.50” Difference

Critical decisions that separated 1st and 2nd

Missed opportunities vs. capitalized bites

Lessons learned from a razor-close finish

Tournament Takeaways

What anglers can apply to their own fishing right now

Spring reservoir patterns and fish behavior

The importance of execution late in the day

Why This Episode Matters

This episode goes beyond results and gets into the “how” and “why” behind success on a tough fishery. Whether you’re a kayak angler or fishing from a boat, the insights shared by Isiah West and Shane Jones offer a clear look at what it takes to consistently compete and finish at the top.

Listen Now and follow the BAM Podcast for more in-depth conversations with top anglers, industry voices, and behind-the-scenes looks at the BAM Tournament Trail.

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

...more

View all episodes

By Bass Angler Magazine

4.3

2828 ratings