Fog delays EverStart competition on Columbus Pool

Anglers lose 40 crucial minutes of fishing time

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Although EverStart Series Central Division competitors saw the sun for the first time this morning, they still had to endure a 40-minute fog delay and air temperatures that registered below freezing at takeoff time.

The 30-degree air did not seem to bother them as much as the idea of a shorter fishing day due to the fog. Most anglers, including opening-round leader Ramie Colson Jr., are making long runs through at least one lock, if not two.

The lockmasters were aware that the anglers were in the midst of a fog delay, however, and were not expected to hold up the lock-throughs.

Once anglers finally do make it to their spots, they should enjoy a better fishing day than they did yesterday, now that the sun is out and the cold front is leaving. Temperatures are expected to hit 60 degrees today, which will almost certainly warm up the falling water temperatures.

Before the cold front hit, water temperatures were nearing the 60-degree mark, but have steadily fallen over the course of the week. Water-temperature readings at this morning’s takeoff registered 52 degrees. The cooling water has clammed up the fish and made the bite more challenging, a situation that may reverse itself today if the sun does its job.

The original field of 191 pros and 191 co-anglers was cut to the top 10 in each division following the conclusion of the two-day opening round. Today, the top 10 start over at zero and compete for two days, with the winners determined by the heaviest two-day catch.

Anglers will weigh in their fish today at 4 p.m. at the Wal-Mart store located at 1913 Highway 45 N. in Columbus.

Friday’s conditions:

Sunrise: 6 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 30 degrees

Expected high temperature: 60 degrees

Wind: from the south-southeast at 6 mph

Maximum humidity: 53 percent

Day’s outlook: partly cloudy