STOCKTON, Ca – “Crunch Time” is officially here, and you can best believe that Future Pro Tour anglers in the central valley are preparing in earnest for one of the biggest events of the year dubbed the “Delta Summer Shootout - Best of Both Bites", to be held this weekend on the California delta, at Ladd’s Marina, in Stockton.
This is a critical two-day regular season event that will put the skill levels of FPT anglers to the ultimate test as in this event they will have the opportunity to compete at two totally different times of the day: Day one from 1pm-7pm, and on Day two from safelight to noon.
As this is the last event for the FPT’s central valley region, it is a good bet that those teams with even the slightest hopes of making it to the 2014/15 Future Pro Tour Classic championship - to be held the first week of March of 2015 on Clear Lake, are fully aware that NOW is not the time to employ a conservative approach if they wish to make it to the “big show”.
Danny King with a big bass he landed while pre-fishing
“We have to be really aggressive for this event”, noted an anxious Danny and Brandon King who currently sit just outside of the Classic qualifying bubble. “This year has been up and down for us and we know we are better anglers than our current score reflects. We are very comfortable with the California Delta, so this is our chance to make a move on the field and climb up in the standings.”
New comers Cody and Sam Hughes, who live in the Salinas area, are also concerned as they too, hang precariously close to the non-qualifying edge of the FPT Classic bubble, and understand full well what they have to do to secure a qualifying berth in the upcoming championship event. “This is our first full year competing and we are thrilled to even be in the running to make the big show”, they commented. We wanted to fish the Future Pro Tour because the level of competition here is fierce and we know that facing challenges is the only way we will ever become better competitive anglers.”
Timing and Focus
And as warm, are forecast for the upcoming event, most members of the Future Pro Tour’s pro-support staff such as Ranger pro Ken Mah and Navionics/Humminbird pro Travis Huckaby concur with anglers sitting "on the bubble" adapting a more aggressive fishing strategy. “Go for the big bites early, and try to get the big fish – those that feed primarily in the early morning/late evening hours. Try to get them to take your top water offerings before the sun is fully up (or down) as you will need some good “anchor” fish to bring a decent limit to the scales. Remember that this is the “transitional” time of the year for delta bass, so timing and focus is critical”.
New Ranger/Evinrude Package goes with Classic crown
Competitors vying for one of limited coveted berths available in the 2014/15 FPT Classic Championship event - presented by Coors Light, have every reason to be concerned with their qualifying positions, as winners of the prestigious FPT Classic title will not only receive the recognition of being the best amateur team in the west, but will also receive custom crystal trophies, custom championship rings, and keys to a fully-rigged Ranger Z118 with Evinrude/Minn Kota-Humminbird package valued at over $35,000 dollars!
Summer time – “Angler Expo”
FPT anglers are never left without a way to receive the help they need in their quests to become true students of the game. To this end, the annual Angler Expo” will take place on Saturday beginning at 10am, right at Ladd’s Marina in Stockton, where FPT anglers will get every opportunity to learn something about the late spring transitional period on the California delta, as pro anglers will be on hand to share valuable tips on how to pattern summertime fish.
The Expo, which will feature a FREE BBQ provided by Cabral Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Gem of Manteca, begins at 10am, and is open to EVERYONE, even if you are not a member of FPT or do not fish FPT events. There will also be a FREE raffle for premium products for everyone to win, and the first 100 teams will receive a free pack of Gamakatsu hooks!
Been wanting to tryout the FPT?
If you have always wanted to just "try out" a FPT event, or know you will only be able to make this event, remember that limited membership fees of just $5 per angler will be available for this event! And if you have not already pre-signed for this event, you can sign up the morning of the event at Ladd’s Marina beginning at 10:00 am.
So come on out and join us for the “Delta Summer Shootout” and watch the best amateur anglers in the central valley put it all on the line for what is sure to be a spectacular showdown and a very fun event.
See you all there!
Future Pro Tour
(926) 768-0938
http://www.futureprotour.n et
The Future Pro Tour is presented in part by:
Coors Light
Ranger Boats
Evinrude Outboards
RAM Trucks
Cabral Chrylser/Jeep/Dodge/Ram
NAVIONICS
Thunder Valley Casino/Resort
Johnson Outdoors – featuring Humminbird /Minn Kota
River2Sea USA
Gamakatsu USA
Yamamoto Custom Baits
Mustang Survival
Stockton Covention and Visitors Bureau
Top This Truck Accessories of Grass Valley
Sacramento Black Rifle
Lucky Craft
Maxima Line
General Tire
The Fish Sniffer
Bass Angler Magazine
MAACO Auto Painting
Billy Chapman Anglers Inn International at El Salto Mexico
C&C Marine – Citrus Heights/Modesto
Anglers Marine – Anaheim/San Diego
Marine Unlimited - Petaluma
Fisherman’s Warehouse - Sac, Manteca/Fresno/San Jose and now online!
Walton’s Pond – San Leandro
Outdoor Pro Shops – Ronhert Park/Oakland and now online!
Comfort Suites of Oakley
Destiny Wine Tours of Napa Valley
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