MANNING, S.C. – Semifinal-round action began today for the EverStart Series Eastern Division tournament on Lake Santee Cooper with milder temperatures and high hopes for a big day of fishing. Thirty boats carrying 60 pros and co-anglers took off at 6:30 a.m. from John C. Land III Sportfishing Facility on calm dawn waters.

The warm-up predicted this week for central South Carolina arrived this morning. Today’s expected high temperatures should reach the mid-60s this afternoon. Periodic rain throughout the day is scheduled, but the cloud cover should only make the shallow-water fishing better.

The bass should be lively today, with competitors continuing to bring in 20-pound-plus stringers. Estimates for the weight to beat to make the cut into tomorrow’s final round hovered around 16 to 17 pounds for the Pro Division and 7 to 8 pounds for the Co-Angler Division.

After today’s competition, both the pro and co-angler fields will be trimmed to 10 anglers apiece for tomorrow’s final round. Weigh-in begins today at 2:30 p.m. at John C. Land III Boating and Sportfishing Facility near Summerton. The four-day tournament ends tomorrow, when the winning pro will receive $15,000 and a Ranger boat. The winning co-angler will receive $6,000.

Day-three vital statistics

Sunrise: 6:11 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 45 degrees
Expected high temperature: 66 degrees
Water temperature: 56 degrees
Wind: Variable at 6 mph
Relative humidity: 93 percent
Day’s outlook: Cloudy with showers

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