Don’t mess with Sam Rayburn
Tough fishing conditions greet anglers as season-opening EverStart Central event commences
JASPER, Texas – With a nip in the air, overcast skies and an intermittent drizzle setting the stage, 400 anglers departed Twin Dikes Marina shortly after 7 a.m. to kick off the start of the 2004 season in the EverStart Central Division. But while a total purse of more than $250,000 is there for the taking over the four-day event on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, difficult fishing conditions early in the week as well as some stiff competition throughout the event will likely make the winners earn every penny.
With grass in abundance at Sam Rayburn, anglers almost assuredly will target bass with a variety of crankbait techniques – the Rat-L-Trap being the most likely lure of choice. And while stringer weights might be down earlier in the week due to the unseasonably cool temperatures, the National Weather Service is calling for much warmer conditions and plenty of sunshine as the week progresses – a fact which should boost catch rates as the tournament goes along.
The full field – 200 pros and 200 co-anglers – is slated to compete for two days to determine the top-20 cut in each division. Weights will then be cleared for the semifinal round. On Friday, anglers will once again hit the water to determine who advances to Saturday’s final round. Only the top 10 pros and top 10 co-anglers will advance to the finals – the winner being determined by the heaviest two-day weight over the course of the semifinals and final day of competition.
The winning pro is guaranteed to receive a cash award of at least $10,000 as well as a fully rigged Ranger boat. The top co-angler will be awarded $5,000 and, if various incentives are met, receive a Ranger boat package valued at another $35,000.
EverStart action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. Central time at the Twin Dikes Marina, located at Highway 255 in Brookeland, Texas.
Wednesday’s conditions:
Sunrise: 6:47 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 50 degrees
Expected high temperature: 51 degrees
Water temperature: 50-55 degrees
Wind: from the north at 12 mph
Relative humidity: 87 percent
Day’s outlook: rain