And they’re off!

Anglers head out onto the open waters of Lake Champlain shortly after takeoff. Photo by Gary Mortenson.

June 19, 2002 • Gary Mortenson • Archives

FLW anglers battle it out for share of $1 million in cash and prizes on Lake Champlain

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – With a gorgeous sunrise, crisp temperatures and calm winds serving as backdrop, 350 of the world’s top anglers representing more than 30 states and three countries jetted past Mooney Bay Marina shortly after 6 a.m. to kick off the start of the Forrest Wood Open – the final FLW Tour event of the 2002 regular season.

Not surprisingly, there is a lot at stake during the June 19-22 event. For starters, pro anglers will be competing to secure the top prize of $210,000 while co-anglers will be looking to lock up a first-place award of $40,000. In addition, a select few anglers will be battling for a chance to have their names permanently etched in the record books by winning the 2002 FLW Angler-of-the-Year award. Currently, Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., winner of last year’s Angler-of-the-Year competition, leads the pro field with 914 points. Right behind VanDam in second place is Yamaha pro Jay Yelas of Tyler, Texas, with 886 points and Bernie Schultz (third) of Gainesville, Fla., with 857 points. If VanDam ultimately wins the competition, he would be the first angler to win the award in consecutive years in FLW Tour history.

The Lake Champlain tournament also represents the last chance for anglers to qualify for the 2002 FLW Championship – scheduled to take place Sept. 11-14 on Cross Lake in Shreveport, La. The championship, which boasts a total purse of $800,000, offers a top prize in the Pro Division of $260,000. However, only the top 48 anglers in each field – based on year-end point standings – will be invited to the championship.

FLW action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. at Mooney Bay Marina, located at 15 Mooney Bay, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Vital statistics:

Sunrise: 5:08 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 56 degrees
Expected high temperature: 74 degrees
Water temperature: 57 degrees
Wind: calm
Relative humidity: 84 percent
Day’s outlook: partly cloudy

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Photos
Day-one pairings