Westernbass Magazine October 2011, Page 53

Westernbass Magazine October 2011, Page 53

be aware and

By Brian Carpenter

O

n Sept 29, 2011 at 8 o’clock in the morning,

California tBF angler Mike Moreno

and his son Jared were pre fishing for

the California Bass Federation State Championship on the delta, when they were

involved in a major boating accident.

While traveling west on the San Joaquin river,

Moreno’s boat struck a large pipe extended from a

dredging barge, part of the delta Construction Project.

The pipe was submerged just under the waterline. The

250HP Mercury motor from Moreno’s ranger z21 was

ripped from the transom, flipped and landed in the boat

between the consoles… still running.

Moreno was pinned down by the weight of the

600 pound motor, that landed upon him with bone

breaking force. despite that, he was able to reach

the motors stop button and turn it off. Son Jared

sustained laceration injuries from the spinning prop.

Moreno and son, sustaining major injuries, were

ushered to a nearby hospital - Moreno via ambulance

and son Jared via Mediflight. Both required surgery

and thankfully will be recovering at home for the next

few months. When i spoke to Moreno, he eagerly

wanted to talk fishing.

We recalled a fishing trip

we took earlier this spring.

it was on the delta and we

had caught 34 pounds for

our best five fish. i told him,

“Mike, that was one of the

best fishing days i ever had

and i’m glad i was able to

share the day with you.”

Issue 4  October 2011

of the accident Moreno wishes to pass on these words to all anglers, “Be prepared; always wear your life jacket with the kill switch attached. and you need to have a cell phone with you at all times for emergencies. Be aware, things can happen that are beyond your control.”

Mike Moreno from Salida Ca, now 42 years old, started fishing the local lakes and rivers at the age of 7 with his father and grandfathers. They fished for all types of fish. His fascination with bass fishing started at an early age when he visited with his neighbor who owned a bass boat and fished tournaments.

Moreno purchased his first boat at the age of 20, a 13.5 foot aluminum boat with a 25hp motor and a 12v electric motor. He custom mounted a pedestal seat on the front deck, which he built himself, and often fished Woodward reservoir for bass.

Mike joined his first bass club the Modesto ambassadors in 1999 where he has served as Secretary, Vice President, and President also achieving angler of the year in 2005. it was during his early years with the ambassadors that he grew a fascination for trying to figure out the tides on the delta.

Moreno is one of the nicest anglers around and is a great friend to many. He and his family are outdoors often; camping, hiking, hunting and fishing. He has one daughter Mackenzie (10) and three boys, Cadence (14) Michael (14), and Jared (16). Jared finished in 5th place as angler in the 2011 delta region series, quite an

accomplishment for his first year of competitive

fishing. Moreno’s wife deanna,

encourages and supports the family

involvement in outdoors and fishing,

and is often at tournament weigh ins

with the family.

on behalf of all anglers, as you rest

and heal, know that you and your son

are thought of warmly and wished a

full and quick recovery.

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