And then there were five
Howell, Strader, Wendlandt, Swindle and Pack vie for $200,000 top prize
ROGERS, Ark. – With the beautiful backdrop of Ozark country behind them and clear skies above, the five remaining FLW anglers headed out onto Beaver Lake shortly after 6:30 a.m. with dreams of a tournament championship occupying their every thought. While strategies varied between the anglers – some will head to specific spots to concentrate on catching one bass in the elusive 5-pound range while others will freelance throughout the day – all five finalists will be trying to land a limit as early as possible.
“I’m going to go out, fish hard and try to catch a limit as early as I can,” said Randy Howell, the tournament leader heading into the final round of competition. “I’m going to spend a lot of time looking for fish, probably more time than I’ll actually spend fishing.”
Clark Wendlandt, who is rumored to be sharing much of the same water as Howell, said that he would undergo an aquatic search and reconnaissance mission as well.
“When you’re doing what I’m doing, you’re really just running around looking for fish,” said Wendlandt, an expert in the technique of sight fishing. “I’ve been going to a different place every time and today I’ll probably do more of the same.”
Although Swindle is also looking to grab a limit early, he said he is primarily focusing on a 5-pound fish that he’s been saving for the last day.
“You can bet I’m going to spend the majority of the day sitting on that one big fish,” said Swindle.
Pack, on the other hand, said he is concentrating on grabbing a five-fish limit as soon as possible.
“I’m just thinking about the five fish I’m going to catch today,” said Pack.
Today’s final weigh-in is scheduled to take place at 3:30 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter located at 2110 West Walnut in Rogers, Ark. The Wal-Mart FLW Tour Family Fun Zone will be open today in the Wal-Mart parking from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Click here for a look at all of the day’s photos.
Vital statistics
Sunrise: 6:27 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 54 degrees
Expected high temperature: 80 degrees
Water temperature: 60 degrees
Wind: From the southeast at 5-10 mph
Relative humidity: 88 percent
Day’s outlook: Hazy sunshine