FLORENCE, Ala. – With 356 competitors already eliminated from competition, the remaining 20 pros and 20 co-anglers made their way past McFarland Park Marina shortly after 6 a.m. Friday toward the open waters of Pickwick Lake in search of a berth in tomorrow’s finals.
Although it was a bit more brisk than previous mornings, anglers were still greeted by relatively benign conditions for the third day in a row – a welcome respite from the generally cold and miserable conditions EverStart Series Central Division anglers faced at the season-opening event at Sam Rayburn. But while weather probably won’t be much of a factor for the remainder of the tournament, anglers will still have to battle some stiff competition en route to qualifying for the finals.
Currently, FLW Tour pro Mark Pack of Mineola, Texas, holds the top qualifying spot in the Pro Division after landing a healthy two-day catch of 26 pounds, 5 ounces. The Co-angler Division is led by John Capitani of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, who turned in a total catch of 17 pounds, 6 ounces.
Per tournament rules, all weights were zeroed out before the start of today’s action. After the conclusion of Friday’s competition, only the pros and co-anglers with the 10 largest stringers will advance and continue to battle for the lion’s share of the $250,000 total purse available for the four-day event.
Ultimately, the winner in both divisions will be determined by the heaviest two-day weight over the course of the semifinals and final day of competition.
The winning pro is guaranteed a cash award of at least $10,000 as well as a fully rigged Ranger boat, valued at another $40,000. The top co-angler will be awarded $5,000 and, if various incentives are met, receive a Ranger boat package valued at an additional $35,000.
EverStart action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. Central at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at 3100 Hough Road in Florence, Ala.
Friday’s conditions:
Sunrise: 5:46 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 51 degrees
Expected high temperature: 80 degrees
Water temperature: 58 degrees
Wind: from the southeast at 8 mph
Relative humidity: 75 percent
Day’s outlook: mostly sunny