Maneuvering toward victory on Old Hickory
FLW pros prepare to do battle in Friday’s semifinals while co-anglers gun for tournament title
GALLATIN, Tenn. – With 380 anglers sent packing after yesterday’s weigh-in, the remaining top 10 competitors in both the Pro and Co-angler divisions departed Bull Creek Marina shortly after 7 a.m. amidst an abundance of sunshine and some of the chilliest temperatures of the tournament to date. With some frigid winds blowing in from the northwest and an ambient air temperature in the mid-30s, it is unclear how the latest cold front will affect the already stingy waters of Old Hickory Lake.
However, with a total purse of $500,000 at stake, including $100,000 for the top pro and another $15,000 for the winning co-angler, anglers will have plenty incentive to battle the elements. For the pros, their goal is to bring in as huge of a sack as possible as the best combined stringer over the next two days of competition will determine the eventual winner. For the co-anglers, their task is even more to the point – whoever returns with the largest stringer at the end of today’s competition will be declared champion.
Currently, Glenn Browne of Ocala, Fla., holds the top qualifying spot in the Pro Division after netting a total two-day stringer of 33 pounds, 2 ounces over the opening rounds of tournament action. Meanwhile, Keith Pace of Monticello, Ark., holds the top qualifying position in the Co-angler Division after recording a total catch of 15 pounds, 1 ounce.
Per tournament rules, all anglers’ weights were zeroed out before the start of today’s competition, meaning that everyone is starting over with a level playing field.
FLW action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 5 p.m. Central time at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at 1112 Nashville Pike in Gallatin, Tenn. The community is also encouraged to attend the Family Fun Zone – which features interactive displays, games and free samples – at the same location beginning at 3 p.m. Both the Family Fun Zone and today’s weigh-in are free of charge and open to the general public.
For bass-fishing fans unable to attend the festivities in person, you can catch all the weigh-in action live at FLWOutdoors.com with FLW Live. Showtime starts at 5 p.m. Central.
Friday’s conditions:
Sunrise: 6 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 36 degrees
Expected high temperature: 48 degrees
Water temperature: 49-52 degrees
Wind: from the northwest at 8 mph
Humidity: 52 percent
Day’s outlook: sunny