Sam Rayburn semifinals under way

Anglers battle it out to qualify for Friday’s top-10 cut, berth in finals

JASPER, Texas – With mist pouring off the lake, anglers were greeted by frigid temperatures in the mid-30s as well as a brilliant sunrise as the field departed Twin Dikes Marina shortly after 7 a.m. Friday morning. But while cool conditions dominated the landscape in the early morning hours, anglers should see a significant warming trend – and plenty of lively bass action – as the semifinals progress throughout the day.

In order to qualify for the finals, pro anglers will most likely need a catch in the range of 12 to 14 pounds in order to advance. For the co-anglers, the mark should fall between 7 and 9 pounds.

Currently, local favorite Bradley Stringer of Huntington, Texas, leads all pro qualifiers after recording an amazing two-day catch of 38 pounds, 3 ounces in the opening round of competition. The co-angler field continues to be led by Frank Divis Sr. of Fayetteville, Ark., who used a healthy 35-pound stringer over the first two days of tournament action to gain the top qualifying position heading into the semifinals.

Pro anglers are battling for a first-place prize of $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.

After today’s weigh-in, the top 10 anglers in both divisions will advance to Saturday’s finals. Ultimately, first place in each division will be awarded to the angler who records the best overall combined stringer over the next two days of competition.

EverStart action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. Central time at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at 800 W. Gibson Road in Jasper, Texas.

Friday’s conditions:

Sunrise: 6:45 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 36 degrees

Expected high temperature: 67 degrees

Water temperature: 50-55 degrees

Wind: from the east at 3 mph

Maximum humidity: 53 percent

Day’s outlook: sunny