All the marbles

EverStart Central Division anglers battle for first-place title on Sam Rayburn Reservoir

JASPER, Texas – With conditions almost identical to yesterday morning, the top-10 finalists departed Twin Dikes Marina shortly after 6:30 a.m. amidst thick mist, a brilliant sunrise and frosty temperatures. However, unlike yesterday, there is no tomorrow for the remaining field. Today, everything is on the line, including a tournament title as well as the lion’s share of the $250,000 EverStart purse.

Currently, Lloyd Pickett Jr., of Bartlett, Tenn., leads all pro qualifiers after recording a solid catch of 17 pounds, 9 ounces in the semifinals. The co-angler field is led by Darren Roberts of Nacogdoches, Texas, who used a 13-pound, 11-ounce stringer in yesterday’s action to grab frontrunner status heading into Saturday’s finals.

Ultimately, the tournament title in both the pro and co-angler divisions will be awarded to the angler who turns in the best combined weight during the semifinals and finals.

Pro anglers are battling for a first-place prize of $10,000 as well as a fully rigged Ranger boat valued at approximately $40,000. 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 4 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at 800 W. Gibson Road in Jasper, Texas.

Vital statistics

Sunrise: 6:44 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 37 degrees

Expected high temperature: 68 degrees

Water temperature: 50-55 degrees

Wind: From the southeast at 12 mph

Maximum humidity: 60 percent

Day’s outlook: Partly sunny