Winds of change

Clouds, wind, rain could shake up leaderboard on day two at Lake Toho

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Day-two takeoff of the Wal-Mart FLW Tour stop on Lake Toho went off without a hitch, but many competitors left the launch ramp unsure of what Mother Nature was going to bring them today – and how that could affect their patterns.

With warm weather and bright skies gracing the Kissimmee area for several days, bass have begun moving up to spawn and are mainly found in Toho’s shallow areas. Today’s forecast, however, calls for more clouds and a stronger wind, which will likely force a change in many pros’ techniques.

During yesterday’s competition, the Yamamoto Senko was easily the bait of choice, but according to pro angler Mark Hardin of Canton, Ga., the shallow-water Senko pattern is probably going to die out if the wind picks up.

“It’s going to change how a lot of guys fish,” said Hardin, who is hoping for a turnaround as he sits in the No. 178 spot heading into day two. “It’s going to be hard to fish the (shallow-water Senkos) in the wind. They’re probably going to change to something that will move a little quicker, like a spinnerbait.”

Hardin says anglers will still be fishing shallow, however. If the Senko pattern indeed falls by the wayside, a change at the top of the leaderboard could be in the works. J.T. Kenney of Frostburg, Md., currently leads the Pro Division with 23 pounds, 10 ounces, followed closely by Warren Wyman of Calera, Ala. With a lucrative top-10 berth on the line, expect anglers to do whatever it takes to haul in the big bass.

Thursday’s weigh-in will begin at 3 p.m. at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, located at 101 Lakeshore Blvd. in Kissimmee.

Thursday’s conditions:

Sunrise: 7:07 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 60 degrees

Expected high temperature: 71 degrees

Water temperature: 57-58 degrees in the morning, rising up to 70 degrees during the day

Wind: from the west-northwest at 17 mph

Maximum humidity: 60 percent

Day’s outlook: cloudy with a few showers