Anglers predict big smallies in Sandusky
EverStart Northern Division tourney begins on Lake Erie
SANDUSKY, Ohio – The third event of the EverStart Series Northern Division’s inaugural season kicked off this morning to the tune of “Oh Canada!”
Well, maybe no one was actually singing it, but they were thinking it, eh. The buzz around the dock at takeoff early this morning was that many of the competitors were heading north towards Canadian waters on Lake Erie to capitalize on an active smallmouth bite during the tournament.
“(The bite) has been off and on like it tends to be with the smallmouth here,” said pro Dave Hayward of Sylvania, Ohio, who plans to target fish at a depth of anywhere from 15 to 25 feet today. Hayward and others indicated that tube baits have been working well on the Canadian smallies in practice.
That is, if the anglers can get out there and back in time – and in one piece. The run to Canadian waters represents over a 30-mile trip one way across big Lake Erie to reach some of the key smallmouth locations. While the weather was relatively calm at 6 o’clock this morning, clouds were rolling in from the west as the last boat left Sandusky City Boat Ramp. The forecast has indicated a front moving through the area, which could bring heavy rain, hail and damaging winds to northern Ohio. The inclement weather is scheduled to hit the area this afternoon.
But those who can cope with today’s possible thunderstorms and bring in full stringers should be happy with the results. Said Operation Bass staffer Gary Peck, “Word is we could see some of the biggest sacks so far this year (in the Northern Division).”
Weigh-in begins today at 3 p.m. at Sandusky City Boat Ramp. The four-day tournament has 330 anglers competing for a total purse worth $185,000. It lasts through Saturday, when the winning pro will receive $15,000 and a Ranger boat plus a $1,000 bonus from Garmin if he or she was using a fixed-mount Garmin sonar product. The winning co-angler will receive $6,000.
Vital statistics
Sunrise: 6:47 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 57 degrees
Expected high temperature: 74 degrees
Wind: S to SW 10 to 15 mph
Relative humidity: 83 percent
Day’s outlook: Variably cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms
Day-one related links: