Just as no one expected to see a vintage WWII fighter plane come roaring down from skies above Tower Park Marina and over the heads of FPT Classic qualifiers after the playing of the national anthem, the same could be said about the Future Pro Tour’s 17th pair of newly crowned Classic champions Brad Trimble and Rick Rush of Modesto California.
But please don’t misunderstand.
These newly crowned champions are no strangers to the winner's circle nor to finishing high in Future Pro Tour competition. Simply put, they had a year, that by their own admission, was not quite up to par with their personal standards of performance, thus keeping them off everyone’s radar as strong contenders for the FPT Classic title.
But come on strong they did, as a commanding performance, highlighted by three days of five-fish limits over 17-pounds (59.56 total), did much to earn them the respect of both colleagues and doubters, as they now have on their resumes a Future Pro Tour Classic Championship, and have firmly secured for themselves a place amongst the tour's honored gallery of Hall of Fame anglers.
“We owe everything to good equipment - in particular, the Daiwa Tatula Series rods and reels we use”, noted Rick. The sensitivity, whether it be during a finesse presentation or a power fishing situation, is on another level and allows us to concentrate on patterns when big money is on the line – and not on our equipment”, he added.
For 1st place, Rick and Brad received the keys to a brand-new Nitro Z18/Mercury boat package valued at $32,500 - courtesy of Gone Fishin' Marine of Dixon, two custom crystal trophies, and memories that will last a lifetime for capturing the most coveted title in amateur-level bass fishing.
Congratulations Rick and Brad on a victory well deserved!
BIG FISH honors
Big Fish honors came at the hands of long-time FPT angler Kaven Meyers of Winters, as he "put the steel" to a 9.97-pound monster that earned him $500 and the Mike Coelho Memorial Big Fish award. Congratulations Kaven, we are certain that Mike is looking on, and would be very proud of you!
A star is born
13-year old Michela Schmidgall had a “double down” year of achievement as she not only captured the Gone Fishin’ Marine’s Youth Angler League Angler of the Year title for that division, but also the Youth Classic Championship crown that was held during this Classic event.
“I am so excited about winning this championship and very blessed that my family supports me and my competitive nature". I would also like to thank all of the sponsors that helped me this year as I participated in a sport that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE!”
We would like to congratulate all anglers that participated in this Classic event, and thank our many corporate partners who have supported the Future Pro Tour over the past 17 years, enabling it to remain the premier organization it is today.
If you would like to be part of all of the excitement this tour has to offer, the tour's 2020 season opener will be on March 28th at Lake Berryessa at Pleasure Cove Marina, where the road to the 2020-2021 FPT Classic begins!
See you there!
This vintage WWII fighter plane honored both veterans and the event with a spectacular flyover during the national anthem - courtesy of T&T Trucking