FPT Top-75 Western Tour - McClure Results!

Carson Leber and Brett Nielson win FPT Western Tour with +20 lbs!

The 2025 FPT Top-75 Western Tour season opener was truly a memorable one, as the best amateur-level bass anglers in the west, converged on the central valley’s Lake McClure to try and get their piece of an over $12,000 in cash payout that would be awarded to a limited field of only 75 teams.

Warm temps greeted competitors, followed by what many considered a very good bite, as all but 4 teams weighed in a limit of fish.

The challenge with this event was that it was originally scheduled for New Melones, but due to current waterway restrictions, the venue was moved - at the last moment to McClure, which is a lake less frequented by tournament trails.

But Carson Leber and Brett Nielson - last year’s Top-75 Western Tour Anglers of the Year, who had never been on Lake McClure came out of the gate “swinging for the fences”, seemingly trying to make a statement to the other competitors that last year’s AOY win was no fluke.

They stated that their lack of knowledge regarding the lake only prompted them to put in the “extra” work need locate and catch quality fish, as they reported that they had only had 7 bites all day – but those 7 were the “right” bites.

This dynamic duo rocked the scaled with an impressive 5-fish limit that went 20.33 pounds, which included a mammoth 10.33 pound largemouth! For the win, they receive $4,000 cash, $500 cash for the big fish, plus an additional $8,000 in Nitro Reward money, for a grand total take home cash prize of $12,500. Not too bad for a $200 all-in entry fee!

Congratulations Carson and Brett on a well-deserved victory!

Lucas Diacon and Noah Mulgado capture River2Sea Youth League titles!

On the strength of his back-2-back River2Sea Youth League (Kid’s Division) Angler of the year titles, Lucas Diacon (aka Cool hand Luke), was “moved up” this year to compete leagues Jr’s Division, which host kids from 11- 17. In this event Lucas served notice to all anglers – young and old that he has set his goal to be the absolute best he can be – regardless of age, as he took 1^st place honors in his first try in the Jr. Division, on the strength of a 9.76 pound five-fish limit.

And Noah Mulgado, competing in the “kids” division would not be overshadowed, as he brought in a 5-fish limit that went an amazing 11.78 pounds, using a “Ned-rig” presentation.

Congratulation Lucas and Noah on yours success and for sending a direct message out to the “Old heads“ t hat the “Young Guns” are coming!

Next up?....

FPT Top-75 rolls into the jewel of the Napa Valley – Lake Berryessa – for the Napa Valley Challenge... where the lake is known to produce 30+ pound limits at this time of year!

See you all there!