DEFCON Delta

EverStart Western Division anglers have one day left to maneuver for tournament title on California Delta

BETHEL ISLAND, Calif. – Today, it’s for all the marbles. As the top 10 pros and 10 co-anglers departed Russo’s Marina shortly after 6:30 a.m., their thoughts undoubtedly centered on one goal and one goal only – to return to Saturday’s final weigh-in with a large enough four-fish limit to walk away with the prestigious tournament title on the California Delta.

And, for once, it appears that the weather will be cooperating. As the anglers commenced final takeoff, they were greeted with a beautiful sunrise and clear skies – two sights that had grown to be distant memories over the past three days.

However, the nice weather conditions don’t necessarily mean that the fish will be cooperating. After witnessing yesterday’s stingy catches across the board, the field was nearly unanimous in their conclusion that the changing weather patterns had greatly affected the bass’ appetites. Whether or not the fish return to their aggressive behavior today remains to be seen.

Currently, Bobby Barrack of Oakley, Calif., is the leader in the Pro Division after hauling in a very respectable catch of 19 pounds, 3 ounces in Friday’s competition. Meanwhile, EverStart Series rookie Tom Schutz of Foster City, Calif., holds onto first place in the Co-angler Division after netting a 10-pound, 7-ounce catch.

Per tournament rules, the full field gets to combine Friday and Saturday’s catches. First place in each division will be awarded to the angler who has the largest two-day stringer.

EverStart action continues at today’s final weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at 4893 Lone Tree Way in Antioch, Calif.

Saturday’s conditions:

Sunrise: 6:03 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 49 degrees

Expected high temperature: 71 degrees

Water temperature: 66 degrees

Wind: from the SW at 4 mph

Maximum humidity: 62 percent

Day’s outlook: mostly sunny