Winds of change

Day two under way in FLW Redfish Western competition at Rockport

ROCKPORT, Texas – All eyes are on the wind as the full field of 116 boats took off from Rockport Beach Park Friday morning for day two of Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series competition at Texas’ Coastal Bend.

The anglers practiced under some pretty heavy wind conditions coming into the tournament, but the offshore breeze has lightened as the tournament began. Yesterday, calmer morning conditions eventually gave way to stiffer winds in the afternoon. That tended to dirty up the water many competitors were fishing, but it also seemed to ignite the redfish bite. Many anglers caught their fish later in the day Thursday.

“For springtime in Rockport, this is calm,” said Doug Mowen, who, along with Jay Hakala, placed eighth on day one. “Anything greater than 20 mph is what we call windy.”

The easier conditions – which should prevail Friday, as well – led to some very nice catches at this productive fishery. The leaders, Tommy Ramzinsky and Todd Adams, caught the heaviest limit in the FLW Redfish Series’ short history with a weight of 17 pounds, 6 ounces.

That in mind, don’t be surprised if it takes upwards of 28 or 29 pounds to make the cut. The field will be cut to the top five teams following today’s action and will advance into Saturday’s final round.

Friday’s weigh-in begins at 3 p.m. Central time at Rockport Beach Park located on Sea Breeze Drive in Rockport.

Friday’s conditions

Sunrise: 6:35 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 72 degrees

Expected high temperature: 76 degrees

Water temperature: 71 degrees

Tides (at Port Aransas, Texas): low 11:03 a.m., high 2:36 p.m.

Wind: E at 15 mph

Maximum humidity: 74 percent

Day’s outlook: isolated thunderstorms