Leaders Tim Peek of Sharpsburg, Ga., and Bryan Thrift of Shelby, N.C., head out for final day action. Photo by Rob Newell. Anglers: Tim Peek, Bryan Thrift.

April 30, 2005 • Rob Newell • Archives

EUFAULA, Ala. – Dark, stormy skies are brewing over Lake Eufaula this morning at the EverStart Series Eastern Division as an intense line of thundershowers moves into the area.

It’s the kind of weather the top-10 pros have been waiting on. While it’s no fun to fish in wind-driven rain, the rewards can be phenomenal, especially on Eufaula.

For some reason, inclement weather in the post-spawn drives bass wild and anglers are hoping to take advantage of that today.

Nine pros and nine co-anglers have their work cut out for them. Tim Peek of Sharpsburg, Ga., leads the Pro-Division with a 6-pound, 11-ounce margin and the red-hot Bryan Thrift of Shelby, N.C., leads the Co-angler Division by 10 pounds, 2 ounces.

The two anglers have been paired together again today and are anxious to get back to Peek’s Lake Eufaula hotspot that has been loaded with hefty bass.

“I’m going to hammer that place for all it’s worth today,” Peek said. “Over the last few days I’ve been getting my limit there and then leaving. But today I’m not going to run around near as much. I’m going to stay put and we’re going to catch all we can.”

The final weigh-in begins at 4 p.m. at the Eufaula Wal-Mart.

Saturday’s conditions

Sunrise: 5:52 a.m.

Water temperature: 66 degrees

Air temperature: 70 degrees

Expected high: 75 degrees

Wind: forecasted from the SW 10 to 15 mph

Day’s outlook: Cloudy, chance of strong thunderstorms