Countdown to cut-down

EverStart anglers fish in the distance as a gorgeous sunrise colors the morning sky. Photo by Gary Mortenson.

April 4, 2002 • Gary Mortenson • Archives

Anglers hit the water as top-20 cut looms, frigid temps return for day two

GROVE, Okla. – With only one day left to qualify for the semifinals, 330 anglers found themselves battling unseasonably cool temperatures for the second day in a row as they made their way past Red 11 Port marina toward the open waters of Grand Lake shortly after 6 a.m.

Although the cold water and even cooler weather will make for some difficult fishing conditions again – only 11 limits were caught by the entire field in yesterday’s competition – the majority of anglers still have a legitimate chance at qualifying for the next round. In the Pro Division, a two-day weight of 18 pounds should be enough to make the top-20 cut while co-anglers will probably have to bring in a total catch of 7 pounds.

Also at stake in today’s competition are valuable points for the Central Division year-end standings race. Currently, Jim Tutt of Longview, Texas, leads the pack with 200 points, while Dickey Newberry of Houston, Texas, (second place with 199 points) and David Curtis of Trinity, Texas, (third place with 198 points) round out the top three. Division standings are crucial in determining which anglers qualify for the 2002 EverStart Championship, scheduled to take place on Lake Martin in Alexander City, Ala., this November.

EverStart action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. at Red 11 Port, located at 59801 East 250 Road in Grove, Okla.

Vital statistics:

Sunrise: 6:01 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 30 degrees
Expected high temperature: 52 degrees
Water temperature: 55 degrees
Wind: From the northeast at 7 mph
Relative humidity: 68 percent
Day’s outlook: Partly cloudy