Making the cut Texas style
Anglers have one more day to position themselves for run at top-20
JASPER, Texas – The overcast skies have disappeared, the rains have stopped and the sun is shining. But while the full field left Twin Dikes Marina shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday morning, anglers were forced to bundle from head to toe as a new cold front emerged onto the scene. With takeoff temperatures dipping to 43 degrees, anglers made their way toward the open waters of Sam Rayburn Reservoir with one goal in mind – to qualify for today’s all-important top-20 cut.
With a total purse of more than $250,000 at stake, anglers will be forced to battle frigid conditions as well as an ever-changing bass bite in order to fish another day. And, as usual, it won’t be easy. Pro anglers will likely need a two-day total of 25 pounds in order to advance. For the co-anglers, the mark should be around 14 pounds.
Currently, Joe Gundel of Seligman, Mo., leads all pros with a 19-pound, 9-ounce catch in yesterday’s competition. The co-angler field is led by Frank Divis Sr. who brought a whopping 23 pounds, 4 ounces to the scales at Wednesday’s weigh-in.
Not surprisingly, grass-fishing techniques will likely be the presentation of choice on Sam Rayburn today. So far, anglers have found success using Rat-L-Traps, crankbaits, jigs, worms and various other assorted plastic baits.
After today’s competition, the top 20 anglers in each division will have their weights zeroed out before competing again on Friday. First place in the Pro Division – which goes to the angler who records the largest two-day stringer during the semifinals and finals combined – is worth 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.
Thursday’s conditions:
Sunrise: 6:46 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 43 degrees
Expected high temperature: 57 degrees
Water temperature: 50-55 degrees
Wind: from the north at 9 mph
Maximum humidity: 57 percent
Day’s outlook: partly sunny