On the water with B.A.S.S. Elite Series
Angler Chris Zaldain, AKA Zaldaingerous, March 8, 2020 Guntersville Lake Alabama
By Derrek Stewart Updated 12/6/24
March 8, 2020/Guntersville Lake, Alabama
For some, the chance to be a BASSMASTER Marshal is a rare
and coveted privilege. When I signed up as a Media Marshal, I too felt the
weight of this unique opportunity. I attended the mandatory marshal meeting the
day before the start of the competition, fully aware of the extraordinary
experience that awaited me. It was a moment I had to seize, and I did
everything in my power to make it happen.
After two days of competition, I was delighted when I
received a text message, “Hi Derrek; this is B.A.S.S. we wanted to check and
see if you were still interested in doing an angler ride-along tomorrow?” The
message arrived at 2:05 pm; before the clock struck 2:06, my reply – “Yes,
Absolutely!” I couldn't contain my excitement for the prospect that was just
around the corner.
It was a chilly but calm Sunday morning at the launch ramp.
After two days of competition, the top 25 of a field of 53 elite anglers fish
the final day of the planet's most prestigious bass angling event, the
Bassmaster Classic.
Meeting up with my pairing, Chris Zaldain, aka
Zaldaingerous, was exciting. Sharing the water with Zaldain, a fellow
Californian and a dedicated swimbait/big bait angler, was a one-of-a-kind
experience. As we head into the final day, Zaldain, sitting in 23rd position,
needs what he calls a ‘Hammer Bag’.
Chris Zaldain's B.A.S.S. Stats
Residence: Fort Worth, Texas
Birthdate: 9/11/1984
B.A.S.S. events: 95
B.A.S.S. wins: 2
Most recent tournament win: 2015 Toyota Angler of the
Year Championship
Bassmaster Classic qualifications: 5
Bassmaster Classic best finish: 23 (2017)
B.A.S.S. earnings: $777,287
Years as a full-time pro angler: 9
Signature technique/strength: western versatility,
swimbaits, jerk baits, finesse fishing
Home waters: California Delta and Clear Lake, California
Favorite fishery: Lake Ontario, New York
Hobbies: shooting, golf, hockey
Career
highlights: An Elite angler since 2012, Zaldain won the 2015
Angler of the Year Championship at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. He had a fantastic
year in the 2019 Elite Series, with three second-place finishes, one third, one
12th, and one 13th.
Interesting fact: Chris adopted his dog Nebo after finding the pup
abandoned at the cabin he rented for an Elite event on Lake Dardanelle.
Stats
by Bassmastermedia.com
Gathered
on the dock, the anglers, staff, marshals, and media members revel in the
excitement of the moment as they eagerly anticipate the takeoff.
Impressively relaxed, Zaldain enjoys the moment
seconds before blast-off, despite the magnitude of the event.
Shortly after takeoff,
Zaldain made a quick stop to target bridge abutments and pilings using
crankbaits.
Zaldain is operating a Skeeter powered by a Yamaha outboard.
At 72 MPH, it was an exceptional ride. Zaldain’s second stop would see most of
his casts.
Zaldain is not alone at this bridge. In 8th place, David
Mullens also favors this location.
Fans are watching as Mullins kneels before casting his lure
further under the bridge.
The sunrise and fans observed from their boats, maintaining
respect by keeping a reasonable distance from the competitors.
A Crews Missile, John Crews, sitting in 3rd, passes through.
Watching Zaldain was a lesson in efficiency, persistence,
and awareness of conditions. When feeding opportunities arose, Zaldain took
full advantage.
A powerful five-pound-plus largemouth bass from Guntersville
anchors Zaldain's bag, securing his spot at an impressive 16th place in the
final standings.
The Pros are loading onto their trailers and heading to the
Legacy Arena. A record-breaking crowd, the largest in B.A.S.S. history,
witnessed the grandeur of the 2020 Academy Sports – BASSMASTER Classic.
A tremendous thank you to B.A.S.S. and a special shoutout to
Chris Zaldain for the opportunity to experience this event. Zaldain's
professionalism and friendly demeanor made the event even more enjoyable. Best
of luck with future angling, and Big Fish Mojo to Zaldain!
