Slow and steady

Will luck or consistency be the key the final day of the Stren Series Championship?

DECATUR, Ala. – With pro Ricky Scott taking such a commanding lead on day three of the Stren Series Championship, one would assume the rest of the top-10 field could take off for the final day of competition and just go for broke. But for No. 2 J.T. Kenney, consistency is the name of the game.

Wheeler Lake has given forth a typical fall tournament this week, basically meaning it’s been tough. Hardly anyone has consistently caught them day after day, and in the semifinal round, the top-10 pro weights ranged from zero to more than 16 pounds. Scott may have a 6-pound-plus lead over his nearest competitor right now, but that doesn’t mean this tournament is all wrapped up.

“Obviously it’s going to be really tough, but (Scott) admitted on stage he pretty much lucked into them,” Kenney said. “Like my mom used to tell me, if it’s meant to be, it’ll be. I’m just going to be Mr. Steady and bring in 10 pounds today. Hopefully consistency wins the game.”

Indeed, Kenney’s 10-pound day-three catch put him more than 2 pounds in front of his nearest competition, and with Scott indicating he may not follow up his day-three haul with another heavy stringer, Kenney just might be the man to beat. No matter what, though, it isn’t likely anyone is going to have an easy go of it out there today.

“You’ve got falling water and a major cold front,” Kenney said, explaining this week’s stingy bite. “Fishing in the fall is not that great anyway. There are more fish in this lake than the weigh-in is letting on.”

At today’s weigh-in, the Stren Series champion will be crowned, and the winner could take home as much as $140,000. Will consistency indeed win the game? Find out at today’s weigh-in, which begins at 4 p.m. Central time at the Wal-Mart store located at 2800 Spring Ave. SW in Decatur or right here on FLW Live.

Saturday’s conditions:

Sunrise: 6:11 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 30 degrees

Expected high temperature: 61 degrees

Wind: from the SE at 8 mph

Maximum humidity: 42 percent

Day’s outlook: mostly sunny