Old Hickory odyssey under way
FLW anglers battle it out for share of $550,000 in cash and prizes
GALLATIN, Tenn. – With a brilliant sunrise and calm conditions serving as backdrop for the start of today’s FLW competition, 350 anglers from more than 30 states and Japan made their way past Bull Creek Marina towards the open waters of Old Hickory Lake – a fantastic 22,500-acre fishery boasting healthy populations of largemouth and smallmouth bass.
However, the big story of the day seemed to be the fact that weather finally wasn’t a factor during the opening-round takeoff. Unlike the majority of FLW Tour events during the 2002 season, today’s takeoff was noteworthy for its absence of below-freezing conditions, rain, wind and dense cloud cover. In fact, it could be argued that today’s weather couldn’t be more perfect for a day of fishing.
However, that doesn’t mean that anglers won’t have other obstacles to overcome. With some of the nation’s top anglers in attendance, the competition undoubtedly will be intense. For starters, anglers only have two tournaments remaining to qualify for the 2002 FLW Championship and make a run at the prestigious Angler-of-the-Year title. Currently, FLW Tour rookie Sam Newby of Pocola, Okla., leads all pros in the Angler-of-the-Year competition with 724 points. Jay Yelas of Tyler, Texas, is right behind Newby with 723 points, while 2001 Angler-of-the-Year champion Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., is in third place with 716 points.
Only the top 48 pros in the year-end standings race will qualify for the championship.
Anglers will also be battling it out for a share of the lucrative prize money. At stake in the Pro Division is a first-place prize of $110,000 while $15,000 is earmarked for the winner of the Co-angler Division.
FLW action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. at Bull Creek Boat Dock, located at 200 Odoms Bend Road in Gallatin, Tenn.
Vital statistics
Sunrise: 5:39 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 51 degrees
Expected high temperature: 78 degrees
Water temperature: 58 degrees
Wind: From the southeast at 3 mph
Relative humidity: 73 percent
Day’s outlook: Partly cloudy
Related links: