Muddy waters

If the mud has left the fishing holes, expect bigger weights at today's All-American weigh-in
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The sun shines brightly on the Ohio River. Photo by Jennifer Simmons.
June 10, 2005 • Jennifer Simmons • Archives

PADUCAH, Ky. – The sun shone brightly on the Ohio River Friday morning at the day-two launch of the BFL All-American, a marked change from yesterday’s clouds left over from hard rains Wednesday night. Though more clouds are expected to roll in with even a possible thunderstorm this afternoon, the fishing outlook should be better today as the mud starts to roll out of several anglers’ fishing holes.

The heaviest stringer brought in yesterday weighed 11 pounds, 11 ounces, and No. 4 boater Rick Byrnes of Tamaroa, Ill., expects those numbers to improve today.

Boats and trailers fill up the Paducah City Ramp for the All-American day-two launch.

“We had those heavy rains, and the creeks had really muddied up,” said Byrnes, who caught 10-8 yesterday. “I think the fish will bite better today, because those creeks should start clearing up.”

Byrnes said limits weighing 12 to 14 pounds could cross the scales today if the bite indeed improves. “This river is capable of producing 20-pound stringers, but I don’t think we’ll see that,” he said.

Anglers have their run of the river this week, with many choosing to lock through to the Smithland Pool, a typically bass-rich area of the Ohio. Current leader Brent Crow of Hartselle, Ala., said he stayed closer yesterday, fishing within 15 minutes of the launch ramp in downtown Paducah.

Co-angler competition concludes today, with the winner taking home a top prize of $50,000 cash. Currently, Aaron McManaway of Altamont, Ill., leads the Co-angler Division with 11 pounds. McManaway was last year’s No. 2 co-angler at the All-American.

The top 10 anglers in the Boater Division based on two-day accumulated weights will advance to Saturday’s competition for a chance at the $100,000 top boater prize.

Anglers will weigh in their catches today beginning at 3 p.m. at J.R.’s Executive Inn, located on the riverfront in downtown Paducah.

Friday’s conditions:

The flag waves in the wind before the All-American day-two takeoff.Sunrise: 5:35 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 75 degrees

Expected high temperature: 86 degrees

Wind: SSE at 8 mph

Maximum humidity: 70 percent

Day’s outlook: some clouds with possible afternoon thunderstorms