Cut-down day

FLW field has one last opportunity to make the top-10 cut in today’s competition or risk an early exit

MORGAN CITY, La. – Although 350 anglers began the FLW Atchafalaya battle on Wednesday morning, rules dictate that 330 of those will be going home after today’s weigh-in. That’s just the harsh reality of tournament bass action on the FLW Tour. If you do well, you stay. If you don’t, it’s time to start thinking about the FLW Lake Murray tournament in March.

However, while the competition will be intense, there is a huge carrot waiting on the other end of today’s weigh-in for those who succeed in qualifying for the top-10 semifinal field. With a total purse of $500,000 up for grabs, anglers are keenly aware that over $100,000 in cash and prizes awaits the winner of the Pro Division. In the Co-angler Division, anglers will battle for a first-place prize of $15,000.

Currently, J.T. Kenney of Frostburg, Md., leads all pros after the first day of competition with a catch of 17 pounds, 2 ounces. In the Co-angler Division, Alton Lackie of Germantown, Tenn., is atop the leaderboard after registering a 9-pound, 6-ounce catch.

With the two-day cut expected to come in around 27 pounds in the Pro Division and 12 pounds in the Co-angler Division, at least half the field still has a realistic chance to make a strong enough move up the standings to fish another day.

FLW action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. at the Belle River Boat Launch, located at Highway 70 N. in Belle River, La.

Vital statistics:

Sunrise: 6:46 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 50 degrees
Expected high temperature: 67 degrees
Water temperature: 58 degrees
Wind: from the northeast at 7 mph
Relative humidity: 66 percent
Day’s outlook: mostly cloudy

Related links:
Photos
Day-two pairings
Day-one results