Amateur bass fishing action comes to Folsom Lake

For bass anglers, spring has definitely sprung. And for those fishing the second stop on this season's Thunder Valley Outdoors/Future Pro Tour schedule - the Thunder Valley Outdoors - High Rollers Open, which will take place Saturday, April 17 on Folsom Lake, it's about to get even better. Gleaning information from top pro anglers, who consistently fish Folsom Lake, their prognosis calls for big limits of fish. "Areas in and around the south arm are on fire right now" noted top pro angler Russ Graves, who favors fishing the New York creek area. Fish are moving up on beds and with this warming trend; Saturday's bite should be outstanding. Swim baits, large crawfish colored tubebaits, and other big baits will be the key to getting the big females to bite," he added further.FPT graduate and highly successful FLW National Guard/Stren Series co-angler Roy Desmangles, who always placed in the money during the FPT competitions he participated in, concurs but would also recommend that anglers not too familiar with the lake hedge their bets – and chances at getting a good finish, on deeper water techniques such as dropshottin' soft plastics, crawling jigs, and other off-shore techniques. "Some fish will definitely be up, but Folsom right now has some "dawgs" that are staging in the deeper areas off the bank. The anglers that find these fish will be hard to beat."And though this is only the tour's second stop for 2010, this year's field of FPT anglers realize the importance of securing a good finish, as up for grabs are three of the most prestigious titles in amateur level bass competition, and the dream for some teams that they perhaps might capture even one piece of what has become the "triple crown" of amateur level bass fishing – the Future Pro Tour Classic Championship, the Future Pro Tour team Angler's of the Year title, and the Future Pro Tour NAVIONICS Cup crown.For those that don't know, the Future Pro Tour is an amateur bass fishing organization designed to provide, a fun yet competitive environment where the beginning to intermediate angler can build their bass fishing skills. Requiring only a nominal entry fee ($90 per team), we feature two divisions: small boat division - 0-90 hp, and the big boat division – 91hp and up, where anglers fish for separate money purses in each division. Prior to each event, the FPT hosts free informative seminars featuring some of the best professional bass anglers in the west.To help anglers unfamiliar with Folsom Lake gain an edge, a class on Sonar/Fish Finder Basics will be held on Wednesday, April 16 at Fisherman's Warehouse in Sacramento from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The tour will also host an "On the Water" pre-fish support seminar on April 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Folsom Lake, featuring 12 of the best pro anglers that fish the lake. Go to the FPT Web site (futureprotour.net) and print out a map of the lake to find out which spot on the lake each pro angler will be stationed that day to get the information you need. Also on Friday, the FPT will host a FREE "how-to" seminar from 4 to 7p.m. at the Thunder Valley Casino. Top pro Alan Fong – a Folsom Lake swim bait "master" will be on hand to reveal secrets on how to catch bass - in the springtime on Folsom Lake. A huge raffle for premium prize will be held and everyone that signs up for the event will be treated to the all-you-can-eat Thunder Valley Feast Buffet. The FPT's "On the Water" pre-fish support and all seminars are open to everyone – even if you don't fish Future Pro Tour events.Temperatures for this event are forecast to be great which will make for a fun day on the water for everyone. This event will be televised on Comcast Sports Net, with weigh-in activities being held at the main parking lot at Granite Bay starting at 3 p.m., with music, food, and fun for the whole family to enjoy as you watch the excitement unfold. Late registrations will be taken the morning of the event at the Granite Bay launch ramp, from 4 to 7 a.m. with limited memberships available for just $5 per angler. Call and register today at 768-0938. For more information about the Future Pro Tour go to www.futureprotour.net.