And while some may already have it in their minds, what teams might win this historic event, we have compiled our own “racing form style” list of contenders that we think could win it all based on their strengths, weaknesses, and/or past performances in FPT competition.
Remember, this is only OUR list of “top picks”, and many of the teams listed below may not necessarily match up with the list of teams you feel could win.
But that’s only half the fun.
If you pick the winning team from our Daiwa - "Sweet Sixteen” list of teams – or from your own personal list, you have the chance to win these great prizes!
- A Daiwa Tatula Rod/Reel
- 2 packs of Daiwa J-Braid line
- 5-packs of the Yamamoto baits
You must place your bet on the team you feel will win, on the Future Pro Tour Facebook page no later than 11:59 pm March 5th, to be eligible to win. In the case of any ties, the FPT Competition Committee will place all correct guesses in a raffle bin and randomly draw a winner! You can pick up your winnings at the Fisherman's Warehouse - Sacramento store!
It’s post time….and we’re off to the races….so good luck to everyone!
Daiwa – “Sweet Sixteen” FPT Classic Picks” for 2020
1. Shawn Dassonville/Lloyd Dassonville
2019 Anglers of the Year, these guys ALWAYS perform well on the California delta, winning or scoring high in FPT delta events. If they fish to their abilities, they could run away with the event.
2. Justin Pors/Forrest Brazelton
Extremely solid performers that are consistent, learn from their mistakes and know how to duplicate their successes. Sheer determination could take them to the promised land.
3. Russ Pierson/Mike Beevers
Perhaps the best pound-for-pound team in the central valley. These two have finished high all year long and if they find that “sweet spot” it could be “lights out”.
4. Jim Markham/Mike Harmon
One of the most experienced teams in the field. Jim, a former FPT AOY, coupled with FPT veteran Mike, know how to step up the pace in high-level events. Don’t be surprised if they take this “Royal Rumble”.
5. Brian Hamby/Brandon Lewis
The fact that these two had to swallow being the 2019 AOY “runner’s up”, could fuel a fire that will make them fish even harder for the 2019 Classic crown.
6. John Cunningham/Justin Cunningham
John has fished FPT with his son Justin for the past few years and the two have compiled some impressive performances on the delta system against stiff competition and some very tough bites. Question is, can John corral Justin’s youthful exuberance and come out as the first father and youth to ever win the FPT Classic title. A tough bite may cause the rest of the field to stumble, but could work in their favor.
7. Dan Abella/Matt Abella
“T-Rex”, and “Raptor”, are names that best describe these two “carnivores”, as they have a “power” fishing style that places them at the top of the competitor food chain. These two “young guns” have won or scored high in regular-season competition and could bring in big sacks for the win.
8. Kevin Wallace/Kirby Wallace
Quiet and unassuming on the outside, these two look harmless. But there is a reason this former small boat division AOY team has scored high in past FPT Classics….they walk softly but carry big flippin sticks. This father and son team seem hard wired for survival, and coming off a big win at the FPT’s “Summer Shootout” event on the delta, should give them the confidence to make this their year.
9. Tom Mize/Greg Paminto
WAY overdue for a good showing, these two are made for each other and it shows as they ALWAYS get, or come close to a paycheck.. If Tom can keep his partners nerves under wraps, they have a legitimate shot.
10. Mike Gomez/Victor Gomez
Experienced, studious, and well-rounded, are just a few of the reasons why these two made the 2019 Daiwa Sweet Sixteen list. Mike is quiet, and can be a beast, and if brother Victor is on his game, this dynamic duo could catch a hot hand.
A hot tip…these are good odds.
11. Hung Ho/Mui Luong
Perhaps the best team - that has never won a Classic.
If it takes a TEAM effort to win an FPT event, let alone a Classic, then this husband and wife team has all the tools they need. And don’t get it twisted: Mui (the wife) is not just a “pretty face” going along with the program for a boat ride… this lady can flat out FISH, and If they are on point this weekend…it could be a quiet ride home for the rest of the field.
12. Adam Ochoa/Art Sanchez
An uncanny knack to always place well or in the money, simply means we can’t look past this team and their Classic chances. These guys will not only fish hard, but will fish to win.
13. Todd Ondracek/Frank Ono
“Captain Todd” (his day job is flying Airbus jumbo jets), is a 2010 FPT Classic champion and teamed up with Frank over the last few years. Todd’s aggressive style coupled with Frank’s penchant for meticulous and steady presentations makes them a very good bet to finish high – or grab the gold.
14. Kevin Hooper/Jake Arbuckle
There is no doubt they have the ability. The questions is, can they block-out the pressure that comes from being the Tour’s reigning champions, and trying to prove to everyone that last year’s Classic win was not a fluke. We’ll find out on March 8th.
15. Mike Caddick/Tyson Rappleye
Fresh off a 1-year hiatus, Mike and Tyson are letting everyone know that the “band is back together” and Mike is looking to parlay his recent 2019 TOC victory at Best Bass Tournaments, into finally winning the prestigious FPT Classic crown. Bottom line: don’t let their “bottom of the pack” finish in the AOY standings keep you from thinking they can’t capture FPT Classic gold.
16. Harvey Schmidgall/Michaela Schmidgall
Some might think that fishing with a youngster creates a handicap, but Harvey has grown fond of this young ladies' youthful energy and has used it, to turn in some solid 2019 performances. Don’t be surprised …..crazier things have happened….just sayin’.
Dark Horse team: Charlie King/Chase Elliott
A: Tournament veterans. B: Delta locals with good team chemistry.. A+B could = W (a win), and a big surprise for doubters.
- The FPT Classic's GUARANTEED 1st place prize is a full-rigged NITRO Z18 powered by a MERCURY 150HP, and valued at over $30,000.
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