It turned out to be a close tournament with tough fishing conditions. Catching big fish
would be the challenge as the numbers of small fish was there. Flat calm and 75
degree average water temperatures was what awaited the 50 anglers during the
practice period for the TBF District 21 National Semi-Finals. During tournament days
the wind averaged 5-10 mph with gusts to 20.
Jeremy Fuentes from New Mexico weighed in 11.95 lbs. Day 1 to take a lead on the
boater side and followed it up with 10.75 lbs. Day 2 for a total of 22.70 lbs. On the Co
Angler side, Richard Sainz from New Mexico weighed in 12.06 lbs. on
Day 1 and 8.34 lbs. Day 2 for a total of 20.40 lbs. They would not look back and went on
to claim the Boater and Co-Angler 2025 District 21 Champion titles. Both will be moving
on to the 2026 TBF National Championship.
Joining them will be the top boater from Colorado, Troy Stinson with a 2-Day total of
17.72 lbs. and top Co-Angler from Colorado, Carey Goldberg with a 2-Day total of 13.79
lbs.
Brian Hickey was the highest finishing boater from Colorado during the tournament with
a 2-day total of 19.31 lbs. but had already qualified to the 2026 TBF National
Championship through the TBF State Champions Program along with his son, Kaden
Hickey.
A total weight of 650.16 lbs. was brought to the scales.
CTBF would like to thank you the City of Grove, GRDA, and Cherokee Casino for
hosting the event.
