KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Day two of the National Guard Western Division event on Clear Lake commenced under a cool, crisp autumn morning. With nearly identical conditions in the forecast, the second day of Wal-Mart FLW Series competition will be all about finding the big bite.
“Where are the big ones?” was a common phrase heard yesterday. Only one fish topped the 10-pound mark Wednesday, which left many anglers scratching their heads. As dozens of pros, clutching bags of 14-pound limits, waited to weigh in on day one, the hot topic of conversation was big fish, or lack thereof. The FLW Series Western finale has seen a ton of limits, but few of the giant catches Clear Lake is famous for.
The big girls are being coy and many, including pro Will Jefferies, feel pressure and low water are the culprits.
“The water is down right now and this lake has been hit really hard lately,” said Jefferies. “There was a tournament here last week, and we’ve got nearly 200 boats here this week. Most of the spots that have traditionally held fish this time of year are really getting hammered. I counted 40 boats yesterday on Henderson Point.”
Jefferies was one of the many anglers to catch a five-bass limit on day one. Without that 8-pound kicker, his five weighed 13 pounds, 4 ounces. Today he’s looking for 16 pounds or better.
“I’m going to try and find my own spots. It’s amazing; there are several little rock piles that you would normally have to yourself but these guys have found most of that stuff.”
The Bountiful, Utah, native plans to start his day by fishing deep and slow to get a limit. From there, he plans to switch to bigger baits in an attempt to coax that all-important kicker.
“I think some of the bigger fish may turn on today. Yesterday the big fish avoided me. I hope to find them today.”
Catch the action
FLW Series Western competition continues at Thursday’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. Pacific time at Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, located at 8727 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville.
On the Web
For those who can’t catch the weigh-in action in person, FLWOutdoors.com offers FLW Live, an online application that brings fans real-time weigh-in results, streaming video and audio.
Thursday’s conditions
Sunrise: 7:31 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 49 degrees
Expected high temperature: 75 degrees
Water temperature: 60-64 degrees
Wind: WNW at 8 mph
Maximum humidity: 53 percent
Day’s outlook: sunny