Frigid temperatures greeted RCL tournament competitors this morning at the Lake Erie Metropark boat ramp on the Detroit River. A winter-like feeling was in the air with icy temperatures in the mid-to-upper 20’s. However, the sun was bright and the wind was not blowing, bringing a boost to the morale of most competitors.
“This weather should really be a help today,” said RCL pro Jeff Taege of Rhinelander, Wis. “It is not as warm as it usually is, but there is not supposed to be much wind and the sun will be out for at least part of the day. I only caught three keepers yesterday, but I think I will do better today. The fish are there, I just have to catch them.”
Taege may have only caught three keepers yesterday, but his three fish weighed-in at 21 pounds 15 ounces putting him in fourth place after day one.
“If I catch the same quality fish I caught yesterday and have a limit, I should make it to the next round,” said Taege. “We will see this afternoon.”
Down, but not out, is how you could describe how legendary walleye angler and Lund Boats pro Gary Roach of Merrifield, Minn. was feeling at the boat launch this morning.
“I caught a limit yesterday, but it was not very big,” said Roach. “I am down in the standings right now, but I feel with this stable weather, even though it is cold, that the fish will really turn on. I could stay in the river and cash a check, but I came here to win. I was fishing a spot in practice where I know I can weigh in 30 pounds of fish if the conditions are right. I am going to make a run to that area today and go for it. If I stay put in the river I don’t think I can make the cut.”
Roach will have to make a substantial jump in the standings to qualify for the semifinal round which will be held on Friday April, 5. At this time he is in 48 place and only the top 20 anglers and co-anglers will move into the semifinal round.
Weigh-in today will be at 3 p.m. at the Lake Erie Metropark at 32481 W. Jefferson Ave. Brownstown, Mich.
The weigh-ins for the semifinal and final rounds will be held at the Wal-Mart located at 755 Telegraph Road in Taylor, Mich. On both days the weigh-in will start at 4 p.m.
Today’s stats
Sunrise: 6:03 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 27
Expected high temperature: 40-42
Water temperature: Upper 30’s to lower 40’s
Water clarity: Stained and starting to clear.
Wind: Northwest to 15 mph.
Relative humidity: 57%
Day’s outlook: Partly cloudy skies in the morning with overcast skies developing in the afternoon.