Run for the money

Jacksonville redfishing could prove tougher in second half of competition

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On day one of Wal-Mart FLW Redfish East Division competition at Mayport, anglers were pleasantly surprised by the relatively sizeable catches they pulled from the St. Johns River and its environs. The bite could taper off on day two, however, as 143 boats gun for the tournament’s guaranteed $25,000 top prize.

Scott Guthrie of Jacksonville and Rick Murphy of Homestead, Fla., led the charge Friday with a two-fish limit weighing in at 15 pounds even. Weights tapered off gradually behind them, and more than a few teams are still in position to overtake the leaders. Anglers are saying anything from 28 to 30 pounds in two-day combined weight might be enough to win this event.

But that would take more 15-pound stringers than we saw yesterday, and that might prove to be more difficult today. Many boats are sight-fishing this weekend, and it’s a good bet that a lot of them plucked a bunch of their best reds off the flats yesterday.

Additionally, many anglers reported a split bite Friday, saying they caught their fish either early in the morning or later in the afternoon just before weigh-in. Not a lot of fish seemed to be feeding in between. That could prove frustrating for those who can’t capitalize in the morning and land a limit early today.

On the other hand, today’s low tide – which was yesterday’s best feeding time – is an hour later. So anglers making longer runs will have a little more time to get to their spots before prime fishing runs out.

But anglers waiting for high tide to catch their fish will be pushing it to make it back in time for the 3 p.m. weigh-in. The incoming tide is scheduled to peak around 2:30 p.m.

The first-place team after competition ends Saturday will receive a guaranteed $25,000 plus additional contingency bonuses: $12,500 from Genmar and $12,500 from Yamaha. Total purse for this event is $200,000.

Saturday’s weigh-in begins at 3 p.m. Eastern time at Mayport Marine of Jacksonville, located at 4852 Ocean Street in Mayport.

Saturday’s conditions:

Sunrise: 6:44 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 68 degrees

Expected high temperature: 82 degrees

Water temperature: 68 degrees

Tides (at Mayport): low 8:21 a.m. (0.32 ft.), high 2:38 p.m. (3.88 ft.)

Wind: S at 14 mph

Maximum humidity: 65 percent

Day’s outlook: isolated thunderstorms