Windy but dry

Long runs to Morehead City will prove difficult

WRIGHTSVILLE, N.C. – The opening round of Walmart FLW Kingfish Tour competition in Wrightsville Beach was a struggle. After a slower-than-expected day one, a cold front came ripping through the region and made the bite even worse. The front has passed, the skies are clear, but the wind is still howling.

With a northerly wind blowing at 18 mph, it could take nearly three hours to reach the prime fishing areas near Morehead City, N.C. The wind was tough on day two, but Logan’s Run completed the journey. They took a physical pounding, but it was worth it. Now the question is whether or not to roll the dice again on day three.

“The seas are 7-9 feet right now,” said Capt. D Logan. “It’s going to be rough, but we’re crazy; we’re going up there. We can take the waterway for most of the trip. That only leaves us 10 miles of hell.

“There’s a good bite down here in the channel but they are mostly small. I believe if we get a 25-pound fish we’ll be in good shape.”

Logan’s Run isn’t the only team with lengthy travel plans. Currently in second place, OBX Girl/Team Calcutta is planning to travel at least to Morehead City, if not farther. OBX Girl is a veteran team with plenty of experience in rough weather. They have several local victories but badly want to add an FLW Kingfish Tour title to their resume

“We took second in SKA Nationals in 2002,” said Capt. Jim Dupree Jr. “This would be our biggest win to date.”

One thing working against the gamblers is a shorter fishing day. Throughout the first two days of the opening round, teams had to check in by 5 p.m. On day three, the five finalists must be checked in by 4:15 p.m.

Team Barbara Ann seems intent on staying close and targeting medium-sized fish. Rather than trying to hit a home run, the crew will keep their baits in the Cape Fear shipping channel in search of 20-pound fish.

“I think its going to be lean again today,” said Capt. John Adcox. “If we get something in the 20s that would be great. A 30-pound fish would be even better.”

Sunday’s final weigh-in will take place at approximately 4:45 p.m. at the Seapath Yacht Club. Winners are determined based upon the heaviest kingfish from Friday or Saturday plus the heaviest kingfish from Sunday.

Sunday’s conditions

Sunrise: 7:21 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 45 degrees

Expected high temperature: 64 degrees

Seas: 7-9 feet

Wind: N 18 mph

Maximum humidity: 57 percent

Day’s outlook: sunny