Anglers take off at Sam Rayb-r-r-r-n
JASPER, Texas – Even though Sam Rayburn Reservoir – the site of the first EverStart Series Central Division event of the year – sits only 90 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, tournament anglers bundled up like they were heading out onto the Bering Sea this morning as temperatures plummeted to near freezing. While the East Texas lake didn’t see any of the snow that tangled up traffic in the northern parts of the state, a constant drizzle and biting wind are making things equally miserable for the 330 anglers running on the open water for the first day of competition.
Anglers and fans hoping to see some big bass come out of Sam Rayburn this week might have to be patient. The cold, cloudy conditions may have a dampening effect on the bass bite during the opening round.
“It’s going to be tough the first two days,” EverStart Tournament Director Jerry Stakely said this morning. “We’re going to need the sun to come out to see lots of fish.”
Fortunately, the forecast calls for clearing skies and rising temperatures as the week wears on. If that happens, the bass should be biting relatively well by Friday.
Weigh-in begins today at 3 p.m. at Twin Dikes Marina in Brookefield. The four-day tournament has 330 anglers competing for a total purse worth $210,000. It lasts through Saturday, when the winning pro will receive $15,000 and a Ranger boat. The winning co-angler will receive $6,000.
Vital statistics
Sunrise: 7:04 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 34 degrees
Expected high temperature: 44 degrees
Wind: From the northwest 10 to 15 mph
Relative humidity: 100 percent
Day’s outlook: Rain showers ending this morning with overcast skies during the afternoon hours
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