The EverStart Series Central Division tour commenced the 2001 season at Sam Rayburn Reservoir amidst much fanfare and plenty of humidity
JASPER, Texas – With overcast conditions and a steady mist filtering down from the skies above, approximately 350 anglers took off shortly after 7 a.m. to kick off the start of the first EverStart Series Central Division tour event of 2001. As the boats departed the public boat launch near Twin Dykes Park on the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, anglers geared up to battle the fish as well as the sweeping humidity and higher-than-expected water levels.
“It could be a little tough out there today,” said EverStart angler Ricky Casey. “The water level is really high and it’s going to be difficult trying to fish some of the areas of the reservoir. But hopefully, it will all work out.”
The high water levels have already caused a few logistical challenges. Instead of taking off as scheduled from the main boat launch at Twin Dykes Park, which was flooded due to the high water elevation, anglers were forced to put in at the public marina approximately 1 mile west of the original takeoff site. However, because the public boat launch is only able to support four lanes of boat traffic, as opposed to the 12 lanes maintained by the primary marina at Twin Dykes Park, many anglers opted to arrive more than an hour and a half before takeoff in an effort to stave off the expected boater congestion.
But in the end, the extra planning appeared to pay off as the takeoff procession proved to be both orderly and on schedule.
Anglers will be competing for a total purse of $185,000, including the top prize in the Pro Division of $15,000 and a new Ranger boat.
Today’s weigh-in is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. at Twin Dykes Park marina located just off Hwy 255.
Vital statistics
Sunrise: 7:06 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 69 degrees
Expected high temperature: 86 degrees
Water temperature: 64 degrees
Wind: From the south at 8 mph
Relative humidity: 94 percent
Day’s outlook: Mostly cloudy
For a look at all of the day’s photos, click here.