Wal-Mart Open coming to a close
FLW field puts it all on the line in today’s final day of competition on Beaver Lake
ROGERS, Ark. – One day. One mission. One grand prize. That was the reality for the top-10 pro finalists as they departed Prairie Creek Marina shortly after 6:30 a.m. in search of the elusive tournament title on Beaver Lake. With clear skies, seasonable temperatures and calm winds dominating the morning’s action, finalists were rewarded with nearly perfect fishing conditions as they embarked on their final quest to capture the top prize of $200,000 and claim victory at the Wal-Mart Open – one of the most prestigious and lucrative bass-fishing tournaments of the year.
In many respects, the final tournament field has it all. As usual, the heavyweights of the sport are well represented with the likes of Rick Clunn, Dan Morehead and Aaron Martens. Then there are the young guns of the bass-fishing world such as Scott Martin and Wesley Burnett. There is even a rookie in Russ Moran who is making his first-ever appearance in an FLW final. Throw in solid veterans such as Jim Eakins, Rock Monteith and Jim Moynagh and you have one of the more compelling final day fields in recent memory.
Currently, Morehead is in the driver’s seat literally and figuratively after turning in a 13 pound, 13-ounce catch in yesterday’s semifinals. However, Hutson is only 9 ounces off the lead while three more anglers are less than 6 pounds away from the top spot.
Yesterday’s weights will be combined with today’s stringers to determine the champion.
FLW action concludes at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at 2110 W. Walnut St. in Rogers, Ark.
Vital statistics:
Sunrise: 6:47 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 43 degrees
Expected high temperature: 78 degrees
Water temperature: 53 degrees
Wind: From the west at 4 mph
Relative humidity: 43 percent
Day’s outlook: Sunny
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