Cold start to EverStart

Anglers brave near-freezing conditions on first day of Eastern Division tourney on Lake Okeechobee

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. – With temperatures hovering around 33 degrees and a heavy layer of frost covering everything from boats to trailers to equipment, more than 330 anglers from more than 30 states made their way past Okee-Tantie Marina shortly after 7 p.m. to kick of the start of the 2002 EverStart season.

Although the day’s forecast called for mostly sunny skies and high temperatures in the low 60s, anglers were forced to bundle from head to toe as they made their way onto the open waters of Lake Okeechobee, the largest lake in the state of Florida. However, the bitter cold wasn’t the only issue. Due to the dense fog and rising columns of mist that formed a nearly impenetrable shield on the lake in the early morning hours, boaters were forced to proceed with extra caution.

However, despite the poor visibility and frigid temperature, anglers appeared anxious to start the season off with a bang. And who could blame them? With a total purse of $210,000 on the line during the four-day event, including $50,000 in cash and prizes for the winner of the Pro Division and another $6,000 for the eventual co-angler champion, there is plenty on the line.

Action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. at Okee-Tantie Marina located at 10430 Highway 78 West in Okeechobee.

Vital statistics

Sunrise: 7:15 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 33 degrees
Expected high temperature: 63 degrees
Water temperature: 57 degrees
Wind: From the northwest at 5 mph
Relative humidity: 76 percent
Day’s outlook: Sunny

For a look at all of the day’s photos, click here.