Future Pros get ready for the "Mother Lode Run"

LA GRANGE Ca. - Coming off the heels of what has been a relatively dry winter, Future Pro Tour anglers that subscribe to the philosophy of thinking “outside of the box” may soon discover that abandoning traditional approaches to early spring fishing could be just the ticket to success in the exciting season opener scheduled for Saturday, March 7th on Lake Don Pedro.

Throwing spinnerbaits, pitching jigs, or even “swinging for the fences“ with gnarly swimbaits, might do the job, but according to some in the know – those who have YEARS of experience fishing this huge Sierra foothills impoundment in the early spring for finicky bass, going back to basics may just be the ticket to success.

Don Payne, veteran Ranger pro and FPT pro-support staff member, who started fishing Lake Don Pedro in the mid fifties, knows better that most the moody nature of Pedro bass in the early spring, and suggests that anglers may want to go back to basics and think about employing the not-so-glamorous and all but forgotten ol' school techniques such as split-shottin’ and throwing darterheads to come out ahead of the pack in this opening event.

"Split-shottin' is an absolutely deadly technique that has won lots of money for alot of guys on Don Pedro in the early spring”, noted Don. Soft pour 6” worms in blue, purple or brown colors located behind a split shot rig, can be un-stoppable this time of year, and can STILL produce the quality fish most guys will miss. One reason the technique is so deadly is that it is very subtle and non-invasive, quietly making it's way down to the deep areas were good fish are staging."

Jeff Huth, veteran Ranger pro, and central valley resident, agrees and adds this bit of advice for anglers seeking an edge. “The water will be down, and temps by tournament day could be in the low 60's. I would have my partner throwing a ¼ ounce purple/brown jig in about 30-60 feet, working main lake areas like the mouth of 49er creek, and the "Boneyard" area where fish should be moving toward. And don't forget…the swimbait bite could come on strong…so have those big baits ready to go”.

And for those of you that need further help figuring out how to catch em’ on Don Pedro in the early spring, the evening before the event on Friday, March 6th at C&C Marine in Modesto, we will host a fantastic OPTIONAL pre-registration seminar where you can get the scoop from some of the central valley’s best pro anglers on what's going on at the lake, giving you a better chance at making it to the winner's circle come game day!

There will be FREE food and cold drinks for everyone, as you meet and mingle with C&C Marine's pro-staff members and fellow competitors, while browsing their extensive selection of tackle products and complete line of new Ranger Boats. For those of you that need help setting up the mapping charts in your sonar units, ARRIVE EARLY, as NAVIONICS representative Tshombe Moore will be on hand to help you load, and configure your mapping chips and have Don Pedro “dialed in” for the next day’s competition.

EVERYONE is invited – even if you don't fish Future Pro Tour events, as immediately following the pre-registration/seminar activities, there will be a FREE raffle for premium prizes! PLUS..after Saturday’s event, there will be a HUGE free raffle where you can win a Hummingbird fish finder valued at over $300!

Late signups for the event will be available at the Fleming Meadows launch ramp from 4-6am the morning of the event.

So turn off that TV, go get your gear together, and lets get "ready to rumble" at the FPT's central valley season opener - "The Mother Lode Run"....you KNOW its gonna be a blast!

See you all there!

FPT

For more information, or to sign up for the event, please go to www.futureprotour.net or call (916)768-0938 - ANYTIME.

Vince Harris
President/Director, Future Pro Tour Tournament Trails

3117 Merrywood Dr.
Sacramento Ca, 95825
(916)768)0938
www.futureprotour.net
vince@futureprotour.net