2011 Classic

STOCKTON Ca. – If you even tried to tell central valley anglers Paul Cox and Rudy Linn that they would be at a disadvantage because they new virtually nothing about the one of the venues required to fish in the Thunder Valley Outdoors/Future Pro Tour Classic event they wouldn’t have listened.

For each of these two senior FPT competitors, with plenty of life experience, would humbly tell any of the so-called “young guns” that participate in the tour, that life is about meeting – and dealing with difficult challenges.

And after a great first day start on Folsom Lake (which Paul only visited twice), they forged a solid limit just shy of 9 pounds, followed by a stellar performance, and “game over”  19 pound limit on the California delta during the final day, capturing their first Future Pro Tour classic crown.

“We just can’t believe it!” the duo noted as they hoisted their crystal trophies and custom-made FPT Classic rings to the crowd attending the awards ceremony. “This season has been challenging for us, with ups and downs, but as we got closer to the end, everything started coming together, and our game – and confidence got stronger with each event. After we caught that nice first-day limit on Folsom, we felt confident that if we could keep focused, we had a shot at the title.”

Paul and Rudy cranked a big fish early, then ran to various areas and employing the popular “punching” technique – and even acknowledged that watching the FPT Classic pre-fish show featuring Alan Fong of the Fisherman’s Warehouse, helped them refine their punching techniques and mechanics.

For their win, they received the keys to a new fully-rigged Ranger Z118/Evinrude package, custom crystal trophies, and custom-made champion rings. But most of all, they captured the most coveted title in amateur bass fishing, and can be considered the best amateur-level bass fishing team is the west!

We thank everyone for their support of the FPT this year, and look forward to seeing all of you at our big season openers in March of 2012, as we embark on our 10th straight year of providing a consistent, quality venue where anglers can have fun and build their bass fishing skills.

Happy holidays to all….and we will see you all next year!

FPT

For complete standings from the FPT Classic, please visit www.futureprotour.net (under results)