California dreary
EverStart Western Division anglers facing steady rain, soggy conditions in bid to qualify for top-10 cut
BETHEL ISLAND, Calif. – Bundled in rain gear from head to toe, the full field of 318 pros and co-anglers departed Russo’s Marina shortly after 6:30 a.m. Thursday in search of a ray of sunshine – literally and figuratively. With steady rains descending upon the California Delta and no real forecast change in sight, anglers made their way toward their favorite fishing locations, hoping for both a break in the weather and in the standings.
Anglers know full well that today represents the final day of maneuvering before the top-10 cut in both the Pro and Co-angler divisions are announced. However, while many anglers find themselves well behind and chasing the leaderboard, the California Delta should prove to be the great equalizer, as always. For only on the Delta – and perhaps a few other select locations in the nation – can anglers overcome double-digit deficits in a single day. Nationally known for its lunker largemouth bass, the Delta provides anglers with the knowledge – and reassurance – that any single cast can produce a whopping 10-pound-plus largemouth.
With up to $60,000 at stake for first place in the Pro Division, up to $35,000 earmarked for the winner of the Co-angler Division and a total purse of nearly $260,000 on the line, anglers have plenty of incentive to ignore today’s dismal conditions and concentrate solely on fishing.
But will they?
Currently, Dewayne Bonham of Brentwood, Calif., holds the top spot in the Pro Division after hauling in a total catch of 24 pounds, 6 ounces in yesterday’s competition. Meanwhile, Leroy Bertolero of El Macero, Calif., wears the top sombrero in the Co-angler Division after recording a four-fish catch of 22 pounds, 10 ounces.
EverStart Series action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. at Russo’s Marina, located at 3995 Willow Road in Bethel Island, Calif.
Thursday’s conditions:
Sunrise: 6:05 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 58 degrees
Expected high temperature: 66 degrees
Water temperature: 66 degrees
Wind: from the SW at 7 mph
Humidity: 90 percent
Day’s outlook: rain