Bass Angler Magazine Podcast

BAM PODCAST: RON MACE – BACK-TO-BACK COLUMBIA RIVER CHAMPION

Episode Summary

Ron Mace joins the BAM Podcast to break down his latest Columbia River tournament victory and what it takes to consistently win on one of the West’s most challenging fisheries. Ron talks about making a roughly 40-mile run into the Hanford Reach, fishing heavy current, adjusting to changing water levels, and targeting the quality of bass needed to win rather than simply catching numbers. He explains how a rising river forced him to change his approach and how drifting productive areas helped him connect with key fish. One of the biggest takeaways from Ron’s victory is how simple his winning approach was. While forward-facing sonar continues to dominate tournament fishing conversations, Ron relied on river knowledge, experience, shallow-water fishing and a green pumpkin Cinco to get the job done. Ron also discusses his equipment, lithium battery setup, upcoming tournaments, and the importance of his wife, sponsors and business partners who support his tournament career. It’s a great conversation about adapting to changing conditions, trusting your instincts and proving that traditional fishing techniques can still win big tournaments.

Episode Notes

Ron Mace joins the BAM Podcast following another major victory on the Columbia River.

In this episode:

• Ron reflects on winning back-to-back events on the Columbia River.
• Making the approximately 40-mile run into the Hanford Reach.
• Catching 21 to 22 keepers and having around 20 pounds by 9:30 AM.
• Fishing current breaks in water moving as fast as seven miles per hour.
• Why a green pumpkin Cinco became a key tournament bait.
• Using floating braided line to control the presentation in heavy current.
• How a two-foot rise in water level changed his productive areas.
• Switching from Spot-Lock to drifting and catching three important bass.
• Understanding how Columbia River current affects shallow and deep bass differently.
• Fishing for tournament-winning quality instead of simply catching numbers.
• Why Ron targets consistent 18- to 20-pound bags.
• Winning with traditional fishing techniques rather than relying on forward-facing sonar.
• Fishing shallow water and visually identifying productive areas.
• Ron’s three 150-amp lithium battery setup and why dependable power matters on the Columbia.
• Preparing for upcoming tournaments at Boardman and future BAM events.
• The importance of family and sponsor support throughout Ron’s fishing career.
• Ron recognizes JNS Tires, Divine Wraps, Nixon’s Marine and Apollo Mechanical for their support.

Ron Mace’s latest victory is another example of how preparation, river knowledge and making the right adjustments can beat technology and complicated techniques.