Third place pro Lisa Opel of Hernando, Fla., gives a big smile and wave as she heads out for a sunny day of sight-fishing on Santee Cooper. Photo by Rob Newell. Angler: Lisa Opel.

April 20, 2006 • Rob Newell • Archives

MANNING, S.C. – “If the sun would just come out…” It was perhaps the most stated phrase at yesterday’s weigh-in of the Stren Series event on Santee Cooper.

This morning, as beaming rays of sun cut through yesterday’s residual mist, beaming smiles crossed the faces of tournament leader Koby Kreiger of Okeechobee, Fla., Lisa Opel of Hernando, Fla. (3rd) and Scott Hamlin of Clermont, Fla., (8th).

These Floridians know that sunshine means premium sight-fishing conditions. Not only does the light penetration help to see fish better, but it also helps big female bass lock onto the beds better.

Yesterday’s weigh-in featured some impressive strings, with five bags topping the 20-pound mark and the top-20 mark settling at 16 pounds, 7 ounces.

But those who think they can rest on their day one laurels and coast into the top-20 with just 10 or 12 pounds today might want to rethink their strategy. With plentiful sunshine and winds in the “light and variable” category, this afternoon’s weigh-in is likely to be parade of big bass from Santee Cooper.

Thursday’s conditions

Sunrise: 6:44

Temperature at takeoff: 53 degrees

Water temperature: 72 degrees

Expected high temperature: 86 degrees

Wind: light and variable

Day’s Outlook: sunny, 20 percent chance on thunderstorms

The day two weigh-in will begin at 3 p.m. at the John C. Land III Sportfishing Facility on Lake Marion