ROCKLIN – Ca, There is no question, for anyone in the know, that Clearlake is a big-bass factory that has proven itself time and time again as being perhaps the best bass fishery in the country. And Future Pro Tour anglers will be hoping that the “factory” is in full operation, when they descend on the lake during the tour’s second stop of the 2005 season, April 22nd, at beautiful Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa in Kelseyville.
After March’s wild season opener on Lake Berryessa, where 162 team made their mark on the much smaller Napa Valley impoundment, Clearlake should be just the ticket to provide a even more challenging venue for this legion of dedicated amateur anglers.
Late April at Clearlake can be the best time for catching big bass in that some of the big females will be on spawning beds. If fact, it was just a few years ago that Byron Velvick, fishing a B.A.S.S open event on Clearlake in the spring, set the B.A.S.S record for the largest 3-day limit ever caught in a B.A.S.S tournament. In addition to this, it was just a few weeks ago that the Future Pro Tour - Pro Support Staff member Jimmy Reese scored big in the FLW/Stren series event, finding huge bass everyday of the tournament to win his first “major” event. So.. should Future Pro Tour anglers set their sights high? You better believe it! There are still plenty of big bass left in this oversized pond just waiting to be caught!
As Future Pro anglers plan their strategies for the event, many will keep in mind that doing well will help them accumulate the points needed to secure a berth in this year’s Future Pro Tour Classic to be held November 4-5 on Clearlake, in which the winners will receive a fully rigged Ranger 185vs, with Evinrude 150hp E-Tec outboard engine, MinnKota trolling motor, Hummingbird electronics, and Centennial Batteries!
Doug Clarke and Greg Nelson, who won this event last year crushing the field with a +30lb 5-fish limit and taking home over $3,000 in cash, said that they are hoping for a repeat of last years performance. “We are extremely confident about our game plan for this event”, noted Greg and Doug who have set their sights high this year and are shooting for both the angler of the year and FPT Classic title before moving on to the pro ranks. “We held our own at Berryessa, and look forward to posting good finishes during the rest of the year”, they added in excited tones.
Adam Perry, a perennial favorite on Clearlake, is really looking forward to a “big bite” on Clearlake, after an admittedly disappointing performance at the Berryessa opener. “I went for a big swimbait bite (at Berryessa) and they just weren’t there”, commented Adam who represents Outdoor Pro Shop in Rohnert Park and Oakland. “But that’s the way it goes sometimes, and I am looking ahead, getting prepared to throw big swimbaits on pre-spawners and cruising bass that will be in the shallows at Clearlake next month”, he added confidently.
For those of you that don’t know, the Future Pro Tour is an amateur level team circuit that offers a great opportunity to learn the basics of competitive bass fishing, meet lots of great people, and just have fun. Our goal simply put, is to provide a venue in which entry/amateur level anglers can improve on their bass fishing skills in a friendly yet competitive environment. Requiring only a nominal entry fee, we encourage all participants to share information, and be part of making our events a fun experience for all.
The Future Pro Tour is a team format and features 2 divisions – Div I (0-90hp) and Div II (91hp and above), where anglers in each division fish for that division’s prize money. At the end of the year, teams with the most points from each division will qualify for the end of year – Future Pro Only – tournament of champions dubbed the Future Pro Tour Classic!
An optional pre-registration seminar for this event will be held on Friday (4/21) at Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa’s conference center from 4-7pm featuring some of the Future Pro Tour Pro-Support Staff members who will give tips on how to fish Clearlake in the early spring. Some of the Pro-Support Staff member that will be on hand are:
- Jerry Tilton
A Clearlake resident, (Lakeport) Jerry is perhaps the most versatile pro angler on the West Coast, and has won major events on just about every body of water in the west. A 14-time West Coast Bass Classic Qualifier, and Champion, Jerry now makes his home in Clearlake and really has a “bead” on these Clearlake bass. You won’t want to miss what this wily veteran has to say about Clearlake fishing in the spring.
- Wayne Breazele
A Kelseyville resident, Wayne is a noted “stick” on this lake. And though he has won several boats in major Pro/Am competitions on Clearlake, please don’t be fooled: Wayne can get em’ on Oroville, Shasta, and just about any body of water he competes on. Wayne knows where the big ones live, and will help you figure out what you need to do to fair well in this event.
- Mike Tuck
“Mr Clearlake” is a moniker that has become extremely appropriate for pro angler Mike Tuck, as he has found Clearlake to be one of the lakes he can frequently score big on. Having won 3 fully rigged bass boats on the lake in the past 3 years during major competition, Mike knows how to pattern Clearlake bass like no other and looks forward to sharing some of his secrets with Future Pro Tour anglers.
- Jimmy Reese
Brother of B.A.S.S touring pro Skeet Reese, Jimmy has made a name for himself in the west and the odds-on favorite to win ANY major Clearlake event in ANY circuit – at ANY time of year. And for all of you Delta “rats” that have never fished Clearlake before, Jimmy, an “imported” Delta rat in his own right, is without a doubt the best person to help you understand the important similarities Clearlake and the Delta both share.
- Bernie Gaunt
Triton Boats Pro Bernie Gaunt has been fishing on the professional trail for quite some time and has faired extremely well on the major circuits such as FLW/Stren series and B.A.S.S. Bernie knows Clearlake and will show you how to increase your chances of scoring a big limit with a variety of baits.
During the seminars, there will be a free raffle for premium sponsor product such as Lucky Craft Baits, SnagProof frogs, Reaction Innovation plastics, gift certificates for free massage/spa treatments at Konocti’s world-class Dancing Springs Spa - a world-class, full service facility, and much, much more!
Everyone, this is the perfect opportunity for your whole family to participate in your bass fishing adventures - without them having to stay in the hotel bored while you fish all day. Konocti Harbor Spa and resort has something for everyone including: 2-Olyimpic size pools, a complete health spa with massage, manicure/pedicure and facial treatments, tennis courts, miniature golf, full fitness center, and 1st class restaurant. Wine tasting, and Casino action is also just minutes away, so bring the whole family a make a small vacation out of it!
Konocti Harbor Spa has set aside a generous number of rooms specifically for Future Pro Tour anglers at a SUBSTANIAL DISCOUNT, which will include a boat slip (with power) and free launch. But you must hurry .as the rooms rates are for a limited time and will be released Monday April 3rd.
The launch site for this event will be at the Konocti Harbor Spa ramp, but you can always launch from other ramps and drive over. Late check-in will be available the morning of the event in the Konocti convention center from 4:00-6:30am. Be sure check in early, as this is sure to be another 150+ team event!
So what are you waiting for!? Come on up to Clearlake....bring your BIG BASS BAITS, and join us for what is sure to be a really fun event!
Can you say 3 bags .?!?
See you all at Clearlake !!!
Vince Harris
Director – Future Pro Tour Tournament Trails
(916) 768-0938 - (WWW.FUTUREPROTOUR.NET)
The Future Pro Tour is sponsored by:
People’s Folsom Lake Chrysler/Jeep/Isuzu, Ranger Boats, Evinrude Outboards, C&C Marine-Modesto/Citrus Heights, West Marine Products, Sawyer Cook Insurance, Minnkota, Humminbird, Lucky Craft, Lamiglas, Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, Gamakatsu U.S.A., Reaction Innovations, Battery Systems, Snagproof Lures, Berkley, DocWaters Lure Co., Fisherman’s Warehouse, Maritech Industries, The Fish Sniffer, Limit Lures, Waltons Pond, Skip’s Music, Valley Rod & Gun, Phil’s Props and Tackle, BassAckwards Jigs, The Law Offices of Anthony Harris, Extreme Outdoors, Sac Pro Tackle, Emanuel Chicken and Ribs, Trucksmart, The Hook Line & Sinker, Okuma Reels, Pro Worms, Pacific Transmissions, GlassTex, True Pitch Props, Outdoor Pro Shops, Jigs Tackle, Pre-paid Legal Services, Put a Sock on it, Pole Pak, Signs on Time, Priority Printing
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