Wheeler of fortune

Pros begin two-day title quest; co-angler champion to be decided in Friday’s finals

FLORENCE, Ala. – After a few days of rain and somewhat fickle weather, anglers were greeted Friday morning by a brilliant sunrise, calm winds and near-perfect fishing conditions as they made their way past Joe Wheeler State Park Marina to kick off the third day of FLW tournament action. Focused and determined, the remaining top 10 pros and co-anglers hit the open waters of Wheeler Lake shortly after 7 a.m., keenly aware of the fact that 330 of their fellow competitors have already been sent packing.

Not surprisingly, there is little room for error in today’s competition. For the pros, the goal is to take advantage of the good weather and position themselves for Saturday’s finals where a $200,000 first-place prize is at stake. Pros will have two days to accumulate as much weight as possible within the constructs of a daily five-fish limit.

For the co-anglers, Friday’s competition is even more important as a tournament champion will be crowned after today’s weigh-in. Co-anglers will battle for a top prize of $40,000.

Currently, Tommy Biffle of Wagoner, Okla., holds the top qualifying spot in the Pro Division after turning in a staggering 38 pounds, 1 ounce over the first two days of tournament action. Meanwhile, Brantley Peoples of Raleigh, N.C., leads all co-anglers into today’s finals after procuring a two-day catch of 26 pounds, 12 ounces.

FLW action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 5 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at 3100 Hough Road in Florence, Ala.

Vital statistics:

Sunrise: 5:38 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 69 degrees
Expected high temperature: 83 degrees
Water temperature: 77-84 degrees
Wind: from the northeast at 3 mph
Relative humidity: 60 percent
Day’s outlook: partly sunny, hazy conditions

Related links:
Photos
Day-three pairings
Day-two results