Dropping a line
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers BIG CATCH- Camarillo resident Mark Torrez regularly competes in national fishing competitions.

After 42 years of fishing, Mark "Chief" Torrez reeled in his finest performance last month.

Torrez was the top angler from California in the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (BASS) Federation Nation Western Divisional Tournament in Bullfrog, Utah, last month, earning him a chance to compete in the nationals to be held this November in Florida, Arkansas or Missouri.

"It feels really good to finish first in state," said Torrez, a Camarillo resident. "I have been fishing for a long time, and this is the first time I have made nationals. It's a dream come true for me."

Torrez wasn't sure how well he would be able to fish after not getting much research done on the waters in Bullfrog. Torrez had only one day to scout the area and ask locals where they like to drop bait. He was told to try and drop a line near the tire reefs. The advice paid off.

"After they announced we could fish near the tire reefs I threw on a 'cinco' (bait) and flipped my line under. Immediately I caught a fourpound fish, and I was like 'All right!'

"I caught a couple more fish that day, and by the end of the day I had caught five fish for 11 pounds, three ounces. I asked a kid what a good limit was for this area, and he told me that I already had it. After the first day I led by a little more than a pound."

Following a successful first day, Torrez had even more luck on the second day. Torrez stuck near the tire reefs again, and this time caught more than 20 fish.

"I've never had that kind of day before," Torrez said. "People were starting to give me a lot of respect after that. My boatman was saying, 'Oh, Chief was the best; he let me fish, and I had so much fun.'"

By the third and final day the secret was out.

Torrez's tire reefs area was the hot spot to catch fish. Although he was now surrounded by many other boats, Torrez still caught another 20 fish.

After weighing in his top five on the day, he had another 11 pounds. Although the three stellar days weren't good enough to get him first place overall within the 12 states competing, it did give him top honors in California and a chance at nationals.

"I'm kind of hoping they pick the nationals to be in Florida; that would be nice," Torrez said. "Although I don't mind where it is. The whole trip is no expenses, and it will be fun to compete. I just wish my dad was here to see me do this."

Torrez began fishing with his father in 1965 in Oxnard, where he grew up. Torrez now works a midnight shift at Target in Thousand Oaks, which makes it easier for him to fish in the early hours of the day. He fishes in the waters of Lake Casitas almost daily.

"I think, originally, my parents had me fishing early on just to keep me out of trouble," Torrez said. "But over time I really got to love being near the water. It's such a relaxing thing to do."

Although fishermen are known for being calm, Torrez isn't your ordinary angler. Before he ever casts a line, Torrez is known for driving up with his boat blasting loud rock music like AC/DC or Def Leppard. "I like to play music loud before I fish," Torrez said "Let's just say people can hear my arrival when I come to fish."

Torrez said he also owes a lot to his wife, Cheryl Brogdin, who has stuck by him for 12 years.

"She's real supportive," Torrez said. "I mean there are times when I fish for a whole week, and she tells me, 'That won't be happening again for a while.' But she also helped me get my new boat, which is great. It was like upgrading from a Volkswagen to a Cadillac."

Torrez said the biggest fish he has ever caught was 11.5 pounds, which he said took 15 minutes to reel in. The angler has also caught as much as 45 pounds worth of fish in one day.

The Chief will be hoping for a big day at nationals, where the top angler from each division (there are five divisions) will go on to fish in the Bassmasters Classic, which will take place in early 2008.

In the meantime, Torrez will continue to prepare for the tournament in his Triton boat.

"I've had a lot of support over the years from sponsors such as Cronies and Coastal Embroidery, so I have to thank them," Torrez said.

"But I'll fish with anyone. I love the sport. I try to teach kids from the Boys & Girls Club as well as the United Way. And I enjoy talking about the sport with anyone."