SOUTHPORT, N.C. – The opening round of Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour competition in Southport was difficult by any measure. After a slower-than-expected day one, several boats gambled on day two by traveling 100 miles or more in search of the right fish. A few of them came back successful, and now the question is whether or not to roll the dice again on day three.
One thing working against the gamblers is a shorter fishing day. Throughout the first two days of the opening round, teams had to check in by 5 p.m. On day three, the five finalists must be checked in by 3 p.m.
If the seas remain rough, a 120-mile trip to Morehead City, N.C., would leave a team with less than three hours of fishing time. The weather looks slightly improved compared to what anglers saw earlier in the week. The wind refuses to lie down, but it has changed direction from east to west, which could translate into clearer water.
Team Kellogg’s seems intent on staying close to Southport and targeting smaller fish. Rather than trying to hit a home run, the crew will keep their baits in the water in search of 20-pound fish.
Team Hooligan doesn’t quite know what its game plan is. Last night crewman Alan Ambrose seemed intent on returning to Cape Lookout. However, Capt. Joe Winslow rejoined the team today and may bring some common sense to the table.
“The wind definitely is not going to help us,” said crewman Fred Coyne. “I definitely don’t look forward to getting beat up again today.”
“This is a classical example of needing that second quality fish,” added Winslow. “This is going to be a game plan on the fly. Losing those two hours definitely hurts.”
Heading out in the lead was Team Nailhead, which caught a 42-pound, 9-ounce kingfish on day one. Behind the leaders are Team Fish Meister with 41-5, constituting the biggest fish from day two, Team Hooligan with 35-14, Team Kellogg’s with 35-10 and Team Lured Away with 28-14.
The final weigh-in, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Wal-Mart store located at 1675 N. Howe Road in Southport beginning at approximately 4 p.m. Eastern time.
The winning team is guaranteed a top cash award of $40,000, plus another potential $30,000 in Hydra-Sports or Wellcraft contingency money, and $30,000 in Yamaha or Evinrude money.
Saturday’s conditions
Sunrise: 7:01 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 69 degrees
Expected high temperature: 85 degrees
Seas: 3-5 feet
Wind: SSW at 10 mph
Maximum humidity: 66 percent
Day’s outlook: partly cloudy