VOL . 43 • ISS . 11

Wendell Brown and James Ellington , inaugural Top 75 - Western Tour Champtions .

The Cambridge dictionary lists one definition of the term “ Coming of Age ” - as the time when something has become fully developed or successful . And this was certainly the case for two members of the first and second place teams in this weekend ’ s FPT Top-75 Classic Championship event on the Sacramento River . Wendell Brown and James Ellington took home the inaugural FPT Top-75 Western Tour Championship title , and a $ 10,000 cash award ( on a 22-boat field ), with a two-day 30.42-pound limit , dominating the field and overtaking the second-place team - Jerry King and Steve Thurman by a mere 0.20 ounces . Like most qualifiers , Wendell and James ran to the delta proper , visiting the Beaver Slough area and using

October 11 , 2024

the “ Punching ” technique to capture Classic gold .

A Coming of Age While both teams turned in amazing performances , what is most notable is that 20 years ago , both Wendell Brown and Jerry King started out competing in Future Pro Tour competition in small aluminum boats and in family-style pontoon boats – respectively , but their tenacity , competitive drive , and ability to patiently “ stay on the grind ” throughout the years , has significantly increased their skills and transformed them into very successful anglers . Their dedication and commitment clearly underscore and represent the charter philosophy of the Future Pro Tour - since its inception , along with its on-going mantra of “ Developing Champions ”.

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PRESENTS

• FEB 3 rd …. San Pablo

• MAR 16 th …. Amador

• APRIL 13 th …. Collins

• MAY 4 th …. Pardee

• NOV 2-3 rd …. Collins Lake

( Tournament of Champions event )

WIN A NEW BOAT PACKAGE !

Tournament of Champions GRAND PRIZE !

Dixon , Ca

A SERIES FOR BANK AND BOAT ANGLERS !

- Derby Hours : 7am - 2pm - Adult Entry Fee : $ 30 - Kids under 15 are FREE ! - $ 10 ” High Roller ” side pot available - Free Raffle after Weigh-In - Fishing license required and Calif DFW rules apply

UP TODAY @ WWW . ANGLERSPRESS . COM

Lucas Diacon took the River2Sea Youth Angler League crown and $ 350 dollars cash , with an 8.37-pound limit , and topping a field of 10 qualifying youth anglers ranging for 9 to 17 years old . Lucas has the distinction of being a 2-time Kid ’ s division Angler of the Year - and youngest every Youth Angler League Classic champion , and next year will be moved up to the “ Jr ’ s ” division competition within River2Sea ’ s Youth Angler League competition . Congratulations Luke , on an outstanding year !

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Sunny ’ s Electric Marine