STOCKTON, Ca - The California delta joined in on the “tough fishing” craze that seems to be prevalent this year on all lakes in the NorCal region, as most anglers participating in last weekend’s “Summer Shootout” event experienced limits not typical of the California delta in the early summer.
114 adult teams and 20 youth league teams were greeted at this regular season FPT event dubbed the "Summer Shootout", with a delicious angler breakfast - presented by Lasher Elk Grove Ram, before the 11am launch, but were soon dissapointed with how tough the delta bite was on day one.
“We know this waterway pretty well”, noted Justin Pors and Forrest Brazelton, a very experienced team who spent two brutal days on the massive and sprawling river system, frustrated with the lack of bites they received. We went to areas we had every confidence would at least get us a limit, but the fish just would not go”, they added.
Their story was a basic “rinse and repeat” for most teams and was highlighted by the fact that it only took only 11 pounds - each day to get a check, but it was Kevin and Kirby Wallace, veteran Future Pro Tour, anglers, who embraced the challenge and found good fish on a variety of bait offerings in the latter part of day two, to claim their first-ever FPT title, a winner’s check for $3,450 dollars, and two custom designed trophies.
“Day one was really, really tough, and to be honest, we seriously thought about just “calling it a day” and not returning for day two of the competition”, noted Kevin as he addressed a large audience at the awards presentation. But we kept telling ourselves that “it’s tough for everyone”, and then simply committed ourselves to staying focused”.
Congratulations Kevin and Kirby on a well-deserved victory, that was a long time coming!
Logan Dicon shreds the field in the Youth Angler division
8-year old Logan Dicon seems to have “the right stuff” as this up-and coming angler - coming off a 3rdplace finish at Clear lake, literally crushed the field of youth division anglers with a 2-day limit that weighed 16.93 pounds - using Yamamoto Senko baits.
Logan, now leading the Youth Angler League’s Angler of the Year race, is the son of Ron Dicon, a top western pro who decided to enroll his son in the FPT’s Youth Angler League, to help him develop both his skills and sportsmanship in bass fishing competition.
Logan Dicon - aka "LD" with Dad's help, holding up the fish he caught
“A two-day event was tough on my little guy, but it was HILLARIOUS to see him holding his rod, and occasionally nodding off to sleep because he was so tired”, Ron laughed. But when he hooked a fish…he would wake up and be alert for a while. I’m so proud of this young man”.
The Youth Angler League, presented by Gone Fishin Marine, and Daiwa, is an exclusive and separate division within the FPT that allows youth from grade school to high school, to participate in FPT events for NO ENTRY FEE. This divison helps them build their bass fishing skills, develop good sportsmanship, and rewards them with both cash and prizes at each event.
For his victory, Logan received a new Sea Eagle Boat valued at over $400 dollars, as well as a trophy to commemorate his victory.
The summer break is FINALLY here!
And FPT competition will resume again in October for the final events in both regions, at Lake Oroville and Lake McClure. But for now, …we wish everyone a safe and relaxing summer, so that we can come together again in October for our season finales at Lake Oroville and Lake McClure!
See you all in October!