Pro Wesley Strader (left) and co-angler David Geeter prepare to head out onto the open waters of Lake Okeechobee. Strader and Geeter were in sixth place before the start of today's contest. Photo by Gary Mortenson. Anglers: David Geeter, Wesley Strader.

January 12, 2002 • Gary Mortenson • Archives

With a championship on the line, Lake Okeechobee represents final battleground for remaining 20 anglers in today’s competition

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. – Under partly cloudy skies and a brisk, early morning air, the remaining 10 anglers in each division shipped out onto the open waters of Lake Okeechobee shortly after 7 a.m. With 310 anglers already eliminated, the final field will have their eye on the top prize – $15,000 and a brand new, fully equipped Ranger boat for the winner of the Pro Division and a check for $6,000 for the co-angler champion.

Although the week began with a massive cold front blowing through the Okeechobee area, temperatures have warmed steadily throughout the four-day contest. Consequently, anglers should have a very good chance of hauling in some of the largest catches to date. And that can only mean one thing – an exciting conclusion to the first EverStart Eastern Division tournament of 2002.

Today’s championship weigh-in is scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter located at 2101 South Parrott Ave. in Okeechobee.

Vital statistics

Sunrise: 7:15 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 43 degrees
Expected high temperature: 75 degrees
Water temperature: 58 degrees
Wind: From the west at 2 mph
Relative humidity: 85 percent
Day’s outlook: Partly cloudy

Photos
Day-four pairings