What happens when you take 79 of the best amateur-level anglers in the west…”coop” them up all fall and winter long…and then turn them loose on the best bass lake in the country in early March?
Answer:
You get EXACTLY what many witnessed at last weekend’s 2013-14 Coors Light Classic Championship held on beautiful Clear Lake, hosted by Robinson Rancheria Resort Casino in Nice, California.
Preceded by many days of harsh rain, during each day of this 3-day elimination style championship event, the weather was absolutely perfect showing only partly cloudy skies, warm temperatures, with hardly a whisper of wind. This simple fact set into motion something most have never seen, nor may ever see again in a team bass fishing tournament – amateur or pro, as weather conditions along with big bass moving up to feed, produced a 3-day, 15-fish team record!
Ryan Harbernich and Robert Thornton defended the Coors Light Future Pro Tour Classic crown they won last year with a bag of fish that weighed an incredible 90.34 pounds, setting a record that may last for some time to come.
“We knew we had a big bag and possibly the win when we started culling 6 pounders at 9:30 in the morning”! Explained Ryan as he faced the large crowd of spectators attending the weigh-in at Library Park in Lakeport Ca. This win means the world to us because we put together a plan, and made it work for us”.
NAVIONICS technology a vital key for success
“The absolute key to this victory and last year’s was using the Navionics mapping chips we have on board”. Bob added.
I have to truly say that were it not for the NAVIONICS technology we could have never located or stayed on productive water nor would we have been able to accurately find our key backup areas. These chips are not “hype” – they really do work”.Swimbaits, big jigs, and A-Rigs were Ryan and Robert’s baits of choice as they targeted both offshore rock piles and shallow banks. For the win they received the keys to a new Ranger/Evinrude package valued at over $35,000, two crystal trophies, and two custom championship rings.
The second place teams weight was equally as impressive as Austin Wilson and Jose Juarez, missed their shot at a Classic crown by the narrow margin of just over a pound bringing to scales 88.58 pounds for their 3 day total. They were awarded $2,000 for 2nd place.
We brought in close to 90 pounds over 3-days (88.58), so we have nothing to be sad or to complain about.” I congratulate the winners as they did an awesome job staying with the fish they had going”.
The central valley region also represented well as Brian Johnson and Steve Hanifin brought in a three day total of 84.66, receiving $1,500 for their part in this hard fought 3-day battle.
Ryan Harbernich and Robert Thornton
2013-14 Coors Light Future Pro Tour Classic champions
This Coors Light Future Pro Tour Classic championship may now be in the books, but a new Coors Light Future Pro Tour season begins on March 22nd at New Melones, and March 29th at beautiful Lake Berryessa!
If you are ready to start building your bass fishing skills, and want to do it in a fun yet competitive environment, then you need to call the FPT offices TODAY so that you can get in on all of the upcoming fun and excitement!
See you on the water!
FPT
