BOARDMAN, Ore.-The Bass Angler Magazine (BAM) Tournament Trail/Vexus Boats Northwest Division Pro Am on the Columbia River in Boardman concluded August 30.
Ty Manterola, of Pasco, WA., landed his first career tournament win at the event presented by the Boardman Community Development Association.
“This means everything, I’ve had lots of seconds, thirds, and fourths, but never gotten it done before,” said an emotional Manterola after his win. “I’m so blessed to be here. I’ve worked really hard and come really close. I finally got one.”
BAM comes to Boardman
Boardman has hosted a BAM Tournament the past few summers, with anglers launching out of Boardman Marina Park and live weigh-ins being held every afternoon.
This year’s BAM Tournament coincided with Boardman’s annual End of Summer Celebration on August 28 that included food, the opportunity for the community to meet local first responders, and a fireworks show.
“This was an awesome tournament, I love Boardman,” said Manterola, while waiting to weigh-in on Championship Sunday. “There’s big bass here and the river’s large with room for lots of boats. It’s a great community, and I’m able to have my family here.”
Day one
Jesse Halstead, of Bonney Lake, Wash., led the tournament after the first day when eight anglers brought 20-pound limits to the scales.
One of the anglers who topped 20 pounds the first day was Dave Kromm, of Kennewick, with 20.10 pounds of bass.
“It was tough out there, it’s not easy to catch a bunch of fish right now,” said Kromm, of his day- one efforts. “I got kind of lucky and landed some decent ones, but I wish I hadn’t lost a couple big ones that bit.”
After the first day of fishing, Manterola sat in fourth place with 20.65 pounds.
Day two
On the second day of competition anglers had to contend with the bass and Mother Nature, as high winds churned the Columbia River, making for some rough conditions.
Despite the wind, Manterola managed to boat another 20-pound stringer, bringing 21.90 pounds of bass to the scales to move into the tournament lead with a total of 42.55 pounds.
“Day two was a huge challenge,” said Manterola. “I only had six bites all day, but they were the right ones, and they helped get me in the lead.”
Championship Sunday
Manterola took a seven-pound lead into the final day of the tournament and was the only angler to catch over 20 pounds on Sunday.
Showing the consistency he’s been known for since turning pro, Manterola brought in bags of 20.65, 21.90, and 20.04, for a three-day total of 62.59 pounds in Boardman.
Brian Walters, of Electric City, WA., finished second, with a three-day catch of 51.16 pounds.
The fact that his first tournament win came on a stretch of his hometown water meant his family was able to watch and made Sunday’s victory all the sweeter for Manterola.
“My family does everything for me, I wouldn’t be here without them,” said Manterola, as he recounted overcoming the challenges and doubts of being a professional angler, especially now that he and his girlfriend, Alyssa, have a young daughter.
Manterola’s parents, as well as various aunts, uncles, cousins, and his great-grandmother were all in attendance to see him hoist the trophy on Championship Sunday.
Manterola received a $45,000 prize package that included a Mercury-powered Vexus 1880 boat for his win.
“If you love something make it work no matter what,” said Manterola.
