Ducks, seals and bass pros

Impending raw weather fires up anglers at Clarks Hill

APPLING, Ga. – There are just a few creatures on the planet that would enjoy the weather forecast for day three of the Walmart FLW Series BP Eastern on Clarks Hill: ducks, seals and pro bass anglers.

With a chilly wind, dark clouds, rain and air temps not leaving the 50-degree range on tap for Friday, the bass pros fishing the Clarks Hill FLW Series event this week could only rub their hands together with great anticipation during a discussion of such nasty weather.

For some reason, strong impending fall fronts really kick the bass bite into high gear on clear lakes in Georgia and South Carolina – and experienced pros know it.

During the practice round late last week, there was a day similar to this one in terms of weather, and several pros reported big catches that day. Now the anglers are hoping for a repeat performance.

“This weather should really get them going,” said second-place pro Scott Martin this morning. “I can’t wait to get out there.”

Tournament leader David Fritts eyeballed the thick layer of cloud cover above.

“Yeah, this should only help things,” he mumbled from beneath a rain hood pulled down tight.

Fritts enjoys an 11-pound lead going into day three – one that is seemingly insurmountable. But with premium weather conditions on the way, a 20-pound limit from another top-10 competitor could cut Fritts’ lead in a hurry.

One pro who thinks it can be done is the ever-optimistic Martin.

“There are 20-pound bags to be had out here, especially on days like this,” Martin added. “There’s been several 7-pound bass weighed in this week. Just think, you get one of those big bass with a limit and you’re looking at 18 or 19 pounds. That would help make up some ground.”

As for Fritts, he knows if he can just secure 10 pounds a day over the next two days, his lead is safe.

“I’ve got a couple of places that have been producing a fish every time I drop a lure down there,” the Chevy pro added. “They’re not big fish, but they would be enough to get 10 or 11 pounds.”

The day-three weigh-in of the FLW Series Eastern on Clarks Hill will begin Friday at 3 p.m. at Wildwood Park located at 6212 Holloway Road in Appling. Bring your umbrella.

Friday’s conditions

Sunrise: 7:42 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 53 degrees

Expected high temperature: 55 degrees

Water temperature: 64 degrees

Wind: ENE at 10 to 15 mph

Day’s outlook: rain