Bassmasters honors top 2022 anglers

Jerry Jones was honored as the Canyon Lake Sportsman of the Year and Kevin Hugo received the Angler of the Year Award at the 36th Annual Canyon Lake Bassmasters Awards Banquet at the Canyon Lake Country Club Saturday.

Bassmasters club members and their guests attended the banquet where the club’s anglers were honored based on points earned at the monthly tournaments as well as heavy sacks, big fish caught and other criteria.

Jerry was selected as Sportsman of the Year after years of service.

“Jerry goes above and beyond and always has volunteered,” Bassmasters President Chuck Moreno said. “He has served on the board many times. This year at the Kid’s Derby, he took over the Snack Bar to make sure the derby was a success. I have fished with him countless times and it‘s always fun and full of laughter.”

Angler of the Year is based on points, etc. and Kevin was the top club member for the past year. Tying for second place were Jeremy Evans and Mauro Megalo. Third place went to Rich Tucker.

At each tournament, the participant who catches the biggest fish wins an award. The person who caught the biggest fish of the year was Mauro Megalo, who hauled in an 8.8-pound bass. He received the Big Fish of the Year Award.

Bassmasters Club Angler of the Year Kevin Hugo holds one of his many catches at the club’s tournaments throughout the last year. Photos provided by Casey Engel

Chuck, as master of ceremonies, honored the outgoing board at the banquet.

“Vice President Jeremy Evans brings a lot to the club,” Chuck said Saturday. “He is responsible for our updated club logo and the shirt design and style. He was also directly involved in the design of the club weigh-in station.”

The Treasurer was Dan Ewing.

“Dan has been a huge asset to the Bassmasters…best Treasurer ever,” Chuck said. “Dan brought the payouts to the live weigh in, which was a first in our club history. Dan is artistic and very organized.”

Danny Batinitch served as the 2022 club secretary.

“Danny has been on the board multiple times and always volunteers to help,” Chuck said. “I have known Danny for around 30 years. Danny has caught a bass over 13 lbs.”

Weighmaster Jim Wright has served in the position for many years.

“Jim is another huge asset to the club,” Chuck said. “He is a good bass fisherman, Master of the Saltwater fishing and a pretty steady supplier of $20 bills to me on side bets. The best weighmaster ever.”

The Club Historian was Travis Smith.

“Travis is a very long-time Bassmaster and has served on the board countless times,” Chuck said. “He has dedicated thousands of hours of his time and blood sweat and tears to the club.His fishing skills and dedication to the sport are on a whole different level. Travis has been a ginormous asset to the Canyon Lake Bassmasters for a very long time.”

The 2023 board members were introduced at the banquet Saturday night. They are Chuck Moreno, president, Jeremy Evans, vice president, Jim Wright, weighmaster, Steve Retter, treasurer, and Casey Engel, secretary/sergeant at arms.