Bass Angler Magazine Podcast

Austin Sandman how to fish the Pacific North West

Episode Summary

In this episode of the BAM Podcast, Mark Lassagne sits down with Pacific Northwest angler Austin Sandman for an in-depth conversation covering tournament bass fishing, life in Eastern Washington, and why the Columbia River and Tri-Cities are becoming premier destinations for competitive anglers. Austin shares his unique perspective as both a tournament angler and an employee with Grant County Fish and Wildlife, offering insight into fisheries management, sturgeon recovery efforts, and the challenges of balancing farming, work, and competitive fishing. The conversation also previews the upcoming BAM Super 60 at Tri-Cities, where Austin breaks down seasonal fishing patterns, predicts winning weights, and discusses why local knowledge could play a major role. The episode also explores the Pacific Northwest’s incredible fisheries, including Lake Roosevelt, the Columbia River, and Potholes Reservoir, while highlighting opportunities for anglers to compete in the BAM Super 60 and Pro-Am circuits. Whether you’re preparing for the next BAM event or simply love learning about bass fishing across the West, this episode delivers valuable tournament insights and plenty of local knowledge.

Episode Notes

Guest

Austin Sandman

• Pacific Northwest tournament angler
• ABA Angler of the Year
• Northwest Bass Angler of the Year
• Grant County Fish & Wildlife employee
• Eastern Washington farmer

Topics Covered

Upcoming BAM Events

• Preview of the BAM Super 60 at Tri-Cities
• Pro-Am tournament discussion
• Why Tri-Cities was selected as the tournament venue
• Family-friendly attractions around Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco

Columbia River Tournament Strategy

• Expected summertime bass patterns
• Predicted winning weight
• Smallmouth vs. largemouth opportunities
• Current breaks and dam-influenced fishing
• Areas where local knowledge can provide an advantage

Best Lures for Tri-Cities

• Zara Super Spook
• Walking topwater baits
• Poppers
• Drop shot
• Forward-facing sonar techniques
• Carolina Rig
• Lizards for smallmouth

Pacific Northwest Fisheries

• Columbia River
• Lake Roosevelt
• Potholes Reservoir
• Moses Lake
• Why Washington offers some of the country’s most overlooked bass fisheries

Beyond Bass Fishing

• Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River
• Juvenile sturgeon recovery
• Fish and Wildlife conservation efforts
• Columbia River dams and fisheries management

Life Outside Tournament Fishing

• Wheat farming in Eastern Washington
• Center-pivot irrigation systems
• Balancing farming with tournament competition
• Growing up in the Pacific Northwest

Austin’s Tournament Journey

• Starting tournament fishing at age 19
• Competing without today’s electronics
• Building a successful tournament career
• Importance of confidence on the water
• Supporting local sponsors and businesses

Growing Tournament Fishing

• Why more anglers should fish the BAM Super 60
• Opportunities for Pro and Co-Anglers
• Building the future of tournament fishing in the Pacific Northwest
• Creating a stronger regional bass fishing community

Key Takeaways

• Tri-Cities is shaping up to be one of the most exciting stops on the BAM Super 60 schedule.
• Local knowledge of current, structure, and seasonal movements could make the difference between cashing a check and winning $50,000.
• The Pacific Northwest offers world-class bass fishing that remains underappreciated nationally.
• Success in tournament fishing comes from confidence, consistency, and adapting to changing conditions.
• Austin’s passion for conservation, farming, and competitive fishing makes him a unique voice in the Northwest bass fishing community.

Watch More BAM Content

Follow the BAM Trail for tournament coverage, live weigh-ins, podcast episodes, and professional bass fishing action from across the West.

Website: https://bamtrail.com
Magazine: https://bassanglermag.com