Team USA wins the 2^nd annual Texas-Mexico International Cup

by Patty Lenderman

Twelve Bass Champs teams, a mixture from each of the four regions all over the state of Texas convoyed to Sugar Lake, just outside of Roma, Mexico to challenge, for the second year in a row, 12 teams representing Mexico.  Last year, the Mexico teams won the first annual event by four pounds at Lake Guerrero.  The Mexico team chose Sugar Lake because based on this year's tournament the lake provided the heaviest weights. The Mexico team had a great deal of knowledge of the lake before the event. 

The convoy arrived at the Sugar Lake Lodge about 5:00 PM on Thursday, June 6^th.  The teams were met with a severe Thunderstorm right as they were pulling up to the lodge.  After everyone had received there room information, the teams had dinner at about 8:00 PM and discussed the plan for the weekend.  Chad Potts, President of Bass Champs, started off the team meeting and discussed last year's loss to the Mexico team, and how this year was going to be different.  Chad stated, "This year we need to work together as a team, a few of our team members have been on this lake a few times, so they will be able to give us all a little help".  He introduced Speedy Collet, Terry Oldham, and Jaime Buitron.  The group took turns sharing knowledge of the lake, how to run it, how to fish it, and some areas to avoid. Potts continued, "I know it's a little different for all of us to help each other catch more fish because we're used to competing against each other.  But, this year our only goal is to bring the trophy back to the United States."    

Friday was the official practice day and the first time the majority of the American Team had seen the lake.  During the meeting on Thursday night, the team agreed that everyone would stop fishing at noon on Friday, and come to the restaurant to eat lunch and discuss fishing tips and trade information.  This lunch actually seemed to be a big help to everyone on the team.  The guys that had found areas of concentrated fish were able to let other teams follow them to those particular areas of the lake.  Also, teams that were having success on specific baits shared what was working best for them.   

Everyone had to be off the water by 5:00 PM on Friday and get ready for the inauguration and pendant ceremonies.  Pedro Sors of the Cana y Carete Mexico Tournament Trail, and Chad Potts introduced each team member then exchanged gifts. Everyone wished everyone good luck, and dinner was served.   

Saturday Morning, first day of this two day fishing event, the boats were numbered for take-off.  At approximately 6:15 AM the National Anthems for both Mexico and United States were played before all 24 teams went out to claim the cup for their country.  The first day of fishing was from daylight until 4pm.  Each team could weigh in five bass.  It was hot with afternoon thunderstorms and absolutely no wind.  Nearly everyone was using crank baits and flipping soft plastics in the bushes.   

The American teams finished well at the end of the first day, taking 1^st thru 3^rd places.  Chad Potts and Jeff Welch weighed in an incredible weight of 41 lbs 2 oz with their five fish, taking a 1^st place lead and setting a new lake record for the heaviest 5 bass ever weighed in a tournament on Sugar Lake and also setting the record for the heaviest stringer every weighed in a Bass Champs event.  They had not one but two kickers in the bag at 9 and 10 pounds. "We culled more than twenty bass over four pounds, and several over six pounds." Chad said.  "Pretty much everyone was using the same technique. Jeff and I were fishing a ledge at a point near the dam, about 15' deep.  We caught several there, but then we found a little gut that ran through the middle of the trees in 10'-12' of water. Obviously the big ones were holding there.  "We were throwing a Berkley deep diving Frenzy and also flipping 10" watermelon and watermelon red Berkley worms."  Welch added, "To be completely honest Chad and I were just hoping to not be in last place.  We've got a heck of a team this year; all of these guys are great anglers.  I think we are as surprised as everyone else that we are in the lead."

Rounding out the top three places were Terry Oldham and Jaime Buitron with over 39 pounds and David Waller and Rick Scott with over 37 pounds.  David Waller caught the Big Bass of the tournament on the first day weighing 13 pounds 3 oz. At the end of Day one the American team was in the lead by over 30 pounds. When asked about the lead the Americans had, Jeff Welch stated, "It seems like 30 pounds is a lot, but on this lake, you never know.  That is only a 3 pound per team average. I can promise you were not going to take it easy tomorrow, this Mexican team is full of great anglers that can catch a big bag anytime." 

The second day was short, only fishing until noon.  That's all the time the Americans needed, seizing top five spots, claiming Big Bass and winning the event.  This time, Team USA more than made up for last year's loss (by 4 pounds) winning with a 70 pound margin!  Chad and Jeff stayed on top having a two day weight of over 72 pounds.  The 100 fish that the American teams weighed in tipped the scales with over 700 pounds total. 

"We'll be going back again next year.  Win or lose everyone has had a great time in this Texas-Mexico International challenge this year and last.  It was an honor to be able to compete against the team from Mexico; they are class act, all of them.  I am confident they will come next year ready to compete. We were represented well with the skilled anglers that went with us.  Congratulations to Team USA" - Chad Potts, President/Bass Champs