COCODRIE, La. – As the top-five finalists departed Coco Marina shortly after 6 a.m., they were greeted with nearly perfect fishing conditions as well as the prospect of participating in one of the most competitive redfish finals in recent memory. With only about 2 pounds separating all top-five teams, Saturday’s final day of Western Division tournament action should provide enough drama for hardcore and casual fishing fans alike.
At the top of the list of boats to watch is the team Andy Mnichowski of Marrero, La., and John McGill of Slidell, La. For two straight days, the duo of Mnichowski-McGill has led the tournament – turning in a string of stellar catches weighing 16 pounds, 8 ounces and 15 pounds, 13 ounces respectively.
However, while Mnichowski and McGill have grabbed most of the headlines this week, don’t count out Team Berkley. Only 5 ounces off the lead and currently in second place, the team of Kris and Jonathan Culpepper are definitely on a roll. Fresh of their first Redfish Series victory ever at last month’s Western Division tourney at Port Aransas, Texas, the brothers believe they have both the momentum and the fish to make a strong run at yet another tournament title.
“The keys today are going to be catching the right type of fish and adjusting to the weather,” said Jon Culpepper. “Unlike a lot of the other boats, we’re not running too far so we’ll have a lot more (fishing) time on the water. I think we really have a good shot at this.”
With three other highly competitive teams not far behind, there are a number of compelling questions that will be answered at today’s weigh-in. Do Mnichowski and McGill have enough prime fishing real estate to lead wire to wire and grab the trophy? Will the Culpeppers win back-to-back titles? Or will some other team leapfrog atop the standings to surprise the leaders and snatch the tournament title away?
Stay tuned.
Big prize money on the line
Per tournament rules, the first-place redfish team will earn approximately $20,000 cash. However, if a member of the winning team is also the original owner of a Ranger, Champion, Wellcraft or Hydra-Sports boat used during the tournament, the team will receive a $12,500 bonus. Additionally, if a member of the winning team is the original owner of a qualifying Yamaha outboard that is used during the tournament, the team receives a $12,500 bonus from Yamaha for total award of $50,000.
Anglers will not only be competing in two-man teams for a top award of as much as $50,000 at Cocodrie, but they will also be vying for valuable points toward a berth into the no-entry-fee, $300,000 Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series Championship in Pensacola, Fla., Oct. 19-21.
Saturday’s weigh-in begins at 5 p.m. Central time at the Wal-Mart store located at 1663 Martin Luther King Boulevard in Houma, La.
Saturday’s conditions
Sunrise: 6:01 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 74 degrees
Expected high temperature: 83 degrees
Water temperature: 86-88 degrees
Tides (at Cocodrie, La.): low 2:35 a.m., high 1:49 p.m.
Wind: South-southeast at 5-10 mph
Maximum humidity: 74 percent
Day’s outlook: Partly cloudy with a chance of showers later in the afternoon