Escondido's Lake Hodges continues to take the brunt of both casual and tournament fisherman, continuing to produce quality bass day and night. The National Bass West Series, arguably San Diego's most competitive field, will get their first crack at Hodges Saturday, May 9th. And despite the consistent pressure the lake has received lately, anglers have reason to be optimistic about the chance to catch a double-digit fish Saturday.

Tournament angler, Mike McLernon proved last Wednesday that big fish are still available for the taking (photo shown to the right, approximate 11 pound fish). McLernon, and tournament partner Jeff Wilkey currently sit in 6th place in the year-to-date standings, 26 points off leaders Tom Leedom and Brian Kowalski.

Lake Hodges has always had a reputation for kicking out biguns, and this season is no exception. In fact, there has probably been an increase this season in the frequency with which 8 pound plus fish have been weighed during tournament competition.

Lynne Peterson of NBW has waived the membership fees for this tournament, making it a little more affordable for anglers to try out a National Bass West team tournament.

Only two tournaments remain in the 2009 National Bass West San Diego Region - May 9th and July 11th, both at Hodges.

As mentioned, Leedom and Kowalski lead the pack with two-thirds of the schedule behind them, but have John Kerr, the most dominant San Diego tournament angler right on their heels. John and son Jordan are seeking their second straight NBW Angler of the Year Title.