A cut above the rest

EverStart anglers attempt to qualify for top-20 cut on Kentucky Lake

GILBERTSVILLE, Ky. – Although a brilliant red sunrise served as a picturesque backdrop for today’s takeoff, the sun will be setting on the title aspirations of nearly 360 Kentucky Lake competitors when the day is done. Per tournament rules, at the conclusion of Thursday’s weigh-in, only the top 20 anglers in each of the Pro and Co-angler divisions will be permitted to advance to tomorrow’s semifinal round.

To make matters more pressing for the field – which is vying for $250,000 in cash and prizes throughout the four-day event – is the fact that the National Weather Service is calling for scattered thunderstorms throughout today’s competition. In addition, it appears as though the top-20 cutoff weights are going to be a lot heavier than pre-tournament predictions.

In all likelihood, pros will need a two-day total somewhere in the vicinity of 26 to 28 pounds to qualify for Friday’s semifinals, while co-anglers will probably need to produce 17 to 19 pounds to advance.

Currently, Greg Hackney of Oak Ridge, La., is leading all pros heading into today’s competition with a total catch of 18 pounds, 8 ounces. Meanwhile, Daniel Cramer of Van Wert, Ohio, has built up more than a 3-pound lead over his nearest competitor in the Co-angler Division after registering a five-fish catch of 15 pounds, 5 ounces.

EverStart action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. at Moors Resort, located at 570 Moors Road in Gilbertsville, Ky.

Vital statistics:

Sunrise: 6 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 67 degrees
Expected high temperature: 85 degrees
Water temperature: 67 degrees
Wind: from the southwest at 6 mph
Relative humidity: 62 percent
Day’s outlook: scattered storms