Bass Angler Magazine Podcast

Ostrander & Madden take the win at California Delta

Episode Summary

Host Big Ed Everhart sits down with BAM California Delta Pro-Am Champions Christian Ostrander and J.D. Madden following an exciting event on the California Delta. Christian breaks down how he secured the Pro Division victory targeting post-spawn bass with spinning gear, Magnum Zoom Trick Worms, and clean hydrilla edges, while J.D. explains how he dominated the Co-Angler Division fishing behind some of the West’s top pros using bluegill-colored Cinco baits and strategic long casts around spawning fish. The conversation dives deep into current Delta conditions, post-spawn transitions, grass growth, tide influence, and how bass are moving from spawning areas into aggressive feeding patterns. Christian and J.D. share detailed tournament strategies, bait selection, and the adjustments they made throughout the week to stay consistent on one of the country’s most challenging tidal fisheries. The episode also explores the future of the California Delta fishery, discussing improving fish quality, abundant forage, weed management concerns, and why anglers should expect an outstanding summer bite in the months ahead. Whether you’re a tournament angler, weekend fisherman, or simply love bass fishing on the West Coast, this episode delivers valuable insight into tournament-winning patterns and current Delta fishing conditions.

Episode Notes

Featured Guests

• Christian Ostrander – BAM California Delta Pro-Am Champion
• J.D. Madden – BAM California Delta Pro-Am Co-Angler Champion

Hosted By

• Big Ed Everhart

In This Episode

• How Christian Ostrander won the BAM Delta Pro-Am
• J.D. Madden’s wire-to-wire co-angler victory strategy
• Fishing behind elite pro anglers and adapting from the back deck
• Why bluegill-colored Cinco baits were key during the spawn
• Post-spawn bass transitions and changing Delta patterns
• Fishing clean hydrilla, rock troughs, and current breaks
• Using spinning rods and straight braid effectively in Delta grass
• Frog fishing, Whopper Ploppers, squarebills, and cranking techniques
• The role tides played during the tournament
• Current health and future outlook of the California Delta fishery
• Sea lion impacts vs. weed spraying concerns
• Summer bass fishing patterns developing on the Delta
• Christian’s philosophy on West Coast tournament fishing
• J.D.’s guide service “Tidal California Delta Fishing”

Techniques & Baits Discussed

• Bluegill-colored Cinco baits
• 7” Magnum Zoom Trick Worms
• 4” finesse worms
• Whopper Plopper
• Squarebill crankbaits
• Frog fishing
• Punching techniques
• Straight braid spinning setups

Delta Conditions Discussed

• Full moon spawning activity
• Post-spawn feeding windows
• Hydrilla growth and grass conditions
• Clean water vs dirty water approaches
• Current breaks and tide movement
• Bluegill and crawdad forage patterns

Presented By

• StorQuest Storage
• Vexus Boats
• Mercury Marine
• Tackle Warehouse
• Bass Boat Technologies
• Bridgford Foods
• Black Bear Diner

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