This event will feature a maximum field of only 70 qualifying teams competing in a 3-day “elimination style” event, where on the final day only 15 teams will remain to compete for the keys to a new Nitro boat, motor, and trailer package courtesy of Gone Fishin’ Marine of Dixon.
As of late, the bite on Berryessa has been brutal, as indicated by the weights posted at various tournaments that have been held there in the past few weeks.
But this is qualifying championship, and the “Classic” moniker means that every team in this competition, has “earned” the right to participate via a "points accumulation" process, gathered over the 2021 season.
While NOBODY can be absolutely certain who will come out on top, here are just a few teams that we think have a very good shot at bringing home Classic gold…
APOutdoors' - Top 7 picks:
1 - John and Justin Cunningham – This father-and-son team are tough to beat and have always done well on expansive deep-water lakes where they can “spread out” and get away from other boats. Wins on Oroville, high finishes on massive waterways such as the California delta, coupled with stellar performances in circuits such as BBT, make them a good bet.
2 - Tanner Austin/Arlando Abella – Tanner (aka “T” Man), is as solid as it gets, and KNOWS HOW TO WIN, as proven by his command performance at the FPT’s 2017 Classic Championship with then partner “Big Joe” Cunningham. But now…” Enter the Dragon”….and his new partner Arlando Abella, who simply put, is a “beast” when he gets into competition mode. If these two get a rhythm going…it could be "lights out" for the rest of the field.
3- Mike Caddick/Tyson Rappleye – With an AOY title under their belts, and a deep affection (and knowledge) of Lake Berryessa, it would be a complete “shocker” for them not to make it to the final day, and a 1 in 15 chance at winning a new boat. Jus’ sayin…
4 - Russ Pierson/Victor Geis – Look for this team (the 2021 Central Valley AOY’s) to take advantage of Lake Berryessa’s steep canyon areas, and island tops, as they do well at lakes in the central valley (McClure, Pedro), that have similar structure offerings. Keeping the coveted Classic Crown in the central region, could be something for them to rally behind.
5 - Hung Ho/Mui Loung – One of the cruelties of life is that some people don’t have to practice, but are just naturally talented. This husband-and-wife team stay incredibly busy with family, and hardly get time to pre-fish, as they own and run a restaurant. So tell me why they always show up on game day ready to work, and usually take a top-ten finish? Will we see our first husband and wife Classic Champions since Bob and Jenny DeLorenzi won it in all back in 2003? We shall see.
6 - Rafael Ortiz/Bob Flink – These AOY “runners up”, are WAY overdue for a win, and have the combined experience to win this Classic. But only if Rafael can block out the “dock-talk”, keep his eye on the prize, and fish to his potential. Bob is a battle tested veteran of many “fishing wars” with a solid skill set that just might deliver a death blow to the rest of the field on the final day.
7- Jim Markham/Mike Harmon – The word “Ambush” comes to mind when we think of these two “cagey” veterans that have at least 40 years of successful tournament experience between them, as they have competed in all of the NorCal circuits. So yes I say again…”Ambush”…because when they win…NO ONE will see them coming!
Youth Anglers set to go for Sunday
On Sunday nearly 30 qualifying Youth Angler League members (ages 5-18) will compete in their own championship event for a new Tracker Classic XL, boat motor and trailer package courtesy of Gone Fishin’ Marine in Dixon.
The “kid” to watch for, is northern region Angler of the Year Timothy Albrecht, who is having a very consistent year, weighing in good “youth bags” at just about every event. But hot on his heels, and not to be forgotten, is the central region’s Roberto Hernandez Jr. who is always a threat in big events.
This one is too close to call…and is anybody’s event to win, so stay tuned…and look for daily results on the anglerspress.com website!
Angler’s Press Outdoors
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