Getting down and dirty in Detroit - Major League Fishing

Getting down and dirty in Detroit

Anglers won't hold back Friday as they vie for final-round spots
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A semifinalist makes his way out of Elizabeth Park toward Lake Erie on the morning of day three. Photo by Jennifer Simmons.
September 8, 2006 • Jennifer Simmons • Archives

TRENTON, Mich. – With good weather conditions expected for a third consecutive day, the top-20 semifinalists at the Stren Series Midwest Division event on the Detroit River will likely continue to bring in hefty sacks topping the 20-pound mark.

Day one gave new meaning to the term slugfest, and day two was solid as well, though some competitors called the bite a bit tough the second day. But according to No. 6 pro David Hayward, the bite was indeed slower yesterday, but the main reason some of the leaders didn’t match or exceed their day-one weight was simply sandbagging.

With all but 20 pros eliminated, David Hayward expects the sandbagging to come to an end.“I think we’re going to see weights like we did the first day, with top weights of 24 pounds,” Hayward said. “Guys didn’t fish as hard yesterday because they figured they were going to be safe.”

Hayward brought in an even 20 pounds yesterday despite quitting at noon, opting to save the rest of his good stuff for the final rounds while letting his co-angler fish the rest of the day. As for the tougher conditions espoused by so many yesterday, Hayward confirmed it, but says the bites were still there to be had.

“I think it was a little tougher, but if I’d have kept fishing, I’d have brought in more weight,” Hayward said. “I think the guys that are up in the top are going to bring in big weights today.”

If Hayward’s prediction holds true, expect another intense weigh-in, as semifinalists will be going for broke today in an attempt to be one of the 10 pros and 10 co-anglers who will advance to tomorrow’s final round.

The top 20 semifinalists in each division will weigh in their day-three catches beginning at 4 p.m. CDT at the Wal-Mart store located at 23800 Allen Road in Woodhaven. Following today’s weigh-in, the field will be cut to the top 10 in both divisions based on today’s catch.

On the Web

For fishing fans unable to attend the Stren Midwest tournament taking place this week in Michigan, FLWOutdoors.com offers FLW Live, a real-time video look at the daily weigh-ins. Just access the online application during weigh-in hours to keep tabs on your favorite anglers.

Friday’s conditions

For the third day in a row, the anglers point their boats toward Lake Erie.Sunrise: 7:05 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 65 degrees

Expected high temperature: 83 degrees

Wind: SW at 11 mph

Maximum humidity: 68 percent

Day’s outlook: sunny