STOCKTON, Ca - Anglers who participated in last weekend’s “Summer Shootout” on the California delta, let it be known to everyone that a GOOD late-spring/early-summer bite was alive and well on the river.
91 adult teams and 35 youth league teams were greeted at this annual FPT event dubbed the "Summer Shootout" with a delicious angler breakfast - presented by Lasher Elk Grove Ram, and with great anticipation, looked forward to the "evening bite" and the opportunity to fish as late as 7:30pm.
While good limits were brought in, none was more impressive than that of Jeff Wright and Rick Kraft who rocked the scales with a HUGE two-day 10-fish limit weighing 48.87 pounds!
Whopper Ploppers & Frogs
Their story was a basic one: a “rinse and repeat” with two baits: the River2Sea Whopper Plopper, and the R2Sea Ish's Monroe Phat Frog, the two baits responsible for a whole day of "get the net!" phrases.
Over the years, this team has finished high in FPT competition, placing 2nd in two FPT Classic Championships, but never quite being able to capture coveted FPT gold, so this win was very special to them.
Along with their first FPT title, Rick and Jeff pocketed $4,000 cash, two custom trophies, and some braggin' rights that will last a lifetime.
Congratulations guys on a well-deserved victory!.
Youth Angler League AOY race!
In the FPT's exclusive Youth Anglers League - northern region, 8-year old Riley Hawkins and 17-year old Timothy Albrecht held fast to their respective leads and are showing no signs of slowing down as both have been consistent throughout the year. This will make them hard to catch as the final event on Clearlake - in October, draws near.
Conversely, 7-year old Jaxen Huckaby, and 13-year old Michaela Schmigdall are feeling the heat of a close race within their respective divisions as they both know that in order to hold on to the AOY lead, they MUST to come the the final event at Don Pedro ready to rumble.
$500 R2Sea Big Fish Award!
Winning the $500 River2Sea Big Fish award on the strength of an 8.81 pound monster was Miguel Corral, who with the help of the R2Sea Whopper Plopper landed a fish that would yield him big fish of the event and $500 in cold cash!
Congratulations Miguel!
The summer break is FINALLY here!
FPT competition will resume once again in October for the season's final events in both regions at Clear Lake and Lake Don Pedro.
But for now, we want families to take break, grab a lounge chair, and enjoy a safe and relaxing summer!
See you in October!