Grand adventure

EverStart anglers brave cold, kick off Central Division tournament on Grand Lake

GROVE, Okla. – With a bitter chill in the air and dreams of a tournament title dancing in their heads, 330 anglers hit the open waters of Grand Lake shortly after 6 a.m. to commence the opening act of the second EverStart Central Division tour stop of the 2002 season.

However, if the start of the today’s competition is any indicator, winning the tournament will not be easy. Already battling near freezing temperatures, which hovered around 33 degrees at takeoff, anglers will also be competing against some of the nation’s top pros and co-anglers throughout the April 3-6 event. But there is plenty of incentive to compete as well. With a total tournament payout of $210,000, pros will be battling for the top prize of $15,000 and a new Ranger boat while co-anglers will be shooting for a first-place prize of $6,000.

Overall, 165 pros and 165 co-anglers will compete for two days in the opening round after which the field will be cut to the top 20 pros and top 20 co-anglers. After Friday’s competition, the field will be narrowed to the top 10 anglers in each division. Saturday, anglers will set out to capture the tournament title in a one-day shootout.

EverStart action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. at Red 11 Port, located at 59801 East 250 Road in Grove, Okla.

Vital statistics

Sunrise: 6:02 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 33 degrees
Expected high temperature: 47 degrees
Water temperature: 55 degrees
Wind: From the north at 13 mph
Relative humidity: 46 percent
Day’s outlook: Mostly sunny

Related links:
Photos
Day-one pairings
Day-two pairings