Heading for number four
Nixon looking to win his fourth FLW event
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – As a heavy mist settled over Lake Dardanelle State Park this morning, Larry Nixon eyed the conditions.
The thick overcast and breeze did not bother him. What did worry him was the number of bass boats from a local tournament already blazing down the lake.
“It’s not that I’m worried they’re going to fish my spot,” Nixon confessed. “I’m worried they’re going to run over it.”
The Chevy pro’s best spot – the one that has been producing his largest fish during the morning hours – is located right on the edge of a marked channel that boats use as a thoroughfare.
“If a wad of boats go running up through there first thing this morning, it could muddy my spot up pretty bad, and it could be a while before it settles down,” he said. “Boat traffic has had a lot to do with when these fish bite on my morning spot, so we’ll see.”
In order to win today, Nixon says he would feel “OK” with 15 pounds, “a lot better” about 17 pounds and “darn good” with 19 pounds.
If he should win, this would be his fourth major win with FLW Outdoors and his second in
a row this year.
Looking to foil Nixon’s roll is BP pro David Walker, who trails the leader by 2 pounds, 5 ounces. Walker has yet to post a “W” on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour or in the Wal-Mart FLW Series, and he is more than ready to ignite his own hot streak with a win today.
Walker’s weights have been consistent, between 15 and 17 pounds per day, and the one thing that could benefit him the most is having a majority of the FLW Series boats off the pond.
“I’m looking forward to fishing in there by myself,” Walker said. “I’m sure there will be some local boats in there, but it can’t be as bad as it has been the last three days. I’ve really been boxed in by boats each day. Having the freedom to move around a little more in there should help.”
The final-day weigh-in will take place at the Russellville, Ark., Wal-Mart. The Family Fun Zone opens at noon and the weigh begins a 4 p.m. Central time.
Saturday’s conditions
Sunrise: 6:11 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 65 degrees
Expected high temperature: 85 degrees
Water temperature: 70-73 degrees
Forecasted winds: ENE at 5 to 10 mph
Day’s outlook: sunny and warm