Final launch

EverStart anglers seek tournament title on Mississippi

RED WING, Minn. – With a bright blue sky, calm winds and a gorgeous sunrise serving as backdrop, the top 10 EverStart finalists made their way past Treasure Island Resort Marina shortly after 6 a.m. in a bid to capture a tournament title in the Northern Division season opener on the Mississippi River.

However, securing victory will not be easy. Although 310 anglers have already been eliminated from competition, finalists will have to battle a fickle bass bite as well as scorching temperatures that could rise into the mid-90s by early afternoon. But those who persevere will be rewarded. The angler who finishes in first place in the Pro Division will walk away with $15,000 cash as well as a brand new Ranger boat valued at $35,000. The winner of the Co-angler Division will net a first-place prize of $6,000.

Currently, Tom Monsoor of Lacrosse, Wisc., stands atop the leaderboard in the Pro Division after recording an 11-pound, 11-ounce catch in yesterday’s semifinals. In the Co-angler Division, Robert Oines of Beaver Dam, Wisc., is in first place after landing a catch of 11 pounds, 1 ounce.

EverStart action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. at Treasure Island Casino, located at 5734 Sturgeon Lake Road in Welch, Minn.

Vital statistics:

Sunrise: 5:29 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 72 degrees
Expected high temperature: 93 degrees
Water temperature: 71 degrees
Wind: From the south at 3 mph
Relative humidity: 73 percent
Day’s outlook: mostly sunny

Related links:
Photos
Day-four pairings
Day-three results