2004 FLW Tour season finally under way

Anglers vying for a total purse of $500,000 over four days of competition at Lake Okeechobee

CLEWISTON, Fla. – With the largest field in the history of the FLW Tour on hand, 400 anglers hit the open waters of the “Big O” shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday to kick off the start of the 2004 season.

And for many, it was about time.

After using a four-month hiatus to reflect on both their accomplishments and failures of the 2003 season, anglers appeared more than anxious to finally get back to doing what they do best – catching fish under pressure situations with big money on the line.

“I’m excited,” said FLW Tour pro and Team Kellogg’s member Jim Tutt. “I had a good practice and I think there are going to be some big stringers caught this week. The cold front might slow us down a little bit, but I think the fishing should pick up as it warms up throughout the day. We have a north wind today, so that might muddy up the southern part of the lake. But I think the guys who are versatile should do well. I’m ready to go.”

And what better place to get the year started than Lake Okeechobee – one of the most productive fisheries in the nation where, at any moment, an angler can produce a 10-pound largemouth with just one well-timed cast.

As usual, the key to fishing Lake Okeechobee will be the weather. While cooler-than-normal temperatures descended upon Clewiston earlier this week, they paled in comparison to the biting cold and frigid temps that anglers were forced to endure in last year’s season opener. And while temperatures were in the mid-40s at this morning’s takeoff, anglers were greeted with a beautiful sunrise and relatively clear skies as they departed Roland Martin’s Marina.

Not surprisingly, there is plenty at stake for all the anglers during this week’s competition. For the pros, a first-place prize of $100,000 should provide enough incentive to brave any ill-timed weather that Mother Nature decides to throw at the field over the next four days. Co-anglers, who will crown a champion on Friday, also will have their work cut for them as they attempt to take home the top prize of $15,000.

But no matter how the week plays out, there should be plenty of action for both pros and fans alike. After all, Lake Okeechobee wouldn’t have it any other way.

FLW action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. at Roland Martin’s Marina located at 920 E. Del Monte Ave. in Clewiston, Fla.

Wednesday’s conditions:

Sunrise: 7:13 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 45 degrees

Expected high temperature: 70 degrees

Water temperature: 58-62 degrees

Wind: from the northeast at 8 mph

Maximum humidity: 67 percent

Day’s outlook: mostly sunny