Final showdown

Day-three leaders pro Dave Lefebre (left) and co-angler Chris Wade of Preston, Conn., hope to come out on top once again during today?s competition. Photo by Gary Mortenson. Anglers: Dave Lefebre, Chris Wade.

August 23, 2002 • Gary Mortenson • Archives

EverStart anglers expected to go for broke on fourth and final day of Thousand Islands tournament action

CLAYTON, N.Y. – With 310 anglers already eliminated after three days of intense competition, the remaining top 10 pro and co-angler finalists made their way past French Creek Marina shortly after 6 a.m. with one very specific goal in mind: to win the prestigious EverStart tournament title at Thousand Islands.

However, it won’t be an easy task.

In order to prove victorious and garner the lion’s share of the $210,000 total purse, competitors will have to defeat some of the nation’s best anglers in the process. The weather, as usual, will pose some additional headaches as well. Although the winds should remain calm throughout today’s action, anglers are almost certainly looking at another day of heavy rains and generally inclement weather, according to the National Weather Service.

Nonetheless, the sacrifice should be worth the effort. Not only is $50,000 in cash and prizes awaiting the top pro winner in today’s competition ($6,000 is also earmarked for the winner of the Co-angler Division), but anglers will also receive valuable year-end standings points, which are critical for the qualifying process for November’s $325,000 EverStart Championship.

Currently, Dave Lefebre of Erie, Pa., heads into the finals as the top pro qualifier after posting a 20-pound, 7-ounce stringer in yesterday’s competition. Chris Wade of Preston, Conn., maintains a similar position in the Co-angler Division after recording a 14-pound, 14-ounce catch in Friday’s semifinals.

EverStart action continues at today’s final weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at 20823 State Route 3 in Watertown, N.Y.

Vital statistics:

Sunrise: 6:18 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 60 degrees
Expected high temperature: 73 degrees
Water temperature: 73 degrees
Wind: from the southeast at 8 mph
Relative humidity: 82 percent
Day’s outlook: mostly cloudy with a chance of rain

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