They’re startin’ at Lake Martin
2002 EverStart Series Championship under way
ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. – The constant November rain that made for a soggy Lake Martin practice session earlier in the week petered out Wednesday morning as the top 300 pros and co-anglers took off at daybreak for the four-day, $325,000 EverStart Series Championship. The wet conditions have cooled off temperatures in central Alabama, but some anglers hope it will turn on the bass bite this week.
“It’s typical Lake Martin,” said Osceola, Ind., pro Koby Kreiger, adding that about 8 pounds of fish per day should be enough to push a pro into the next round. “The water temperature was around 70 degrees, but it’s dropped several degrees. I think that’s going to help the bite.”
The Lake Martin bass are in a somewhat unpredictable transitional pattern as summer gives way to fall in Alabama. Many anglers will focus on spotted bass, which due to their abundance in this lake might provide an easier route to a full livewell. Others will be gunning for the less predictable largemouths, which could produce a weight advantage. Anglers reported catching fish in water anywhere from 40 to 2 feet deep in practice.
Due to the variable conditions, competitors were gearing up with a variety of baits Wednesday morning. Pros could be seen tying on spinner baits, crankbaits and jigs as well as biting off the ends of soft plastics in preparation for a day of high-stakes tournament fishing.
But, as is often the case at Lake Martin, it will boil down to who can find the fish. Some anglers reported having trouble locking into a solid pattern here this week, and that could make all the difference.
“If they catch 10 pounds (a day), I’m in trouble,” laughed pro Craig Powers of Rockwood, Tenn.
The two-day opening round lasts through Thursday, after which the fields will be cut to the top 20 anglers apiece for Friday’s semifinal round. The co-angler champion will be crowned following Friday’s action, while the pro field will be cut again to the top 10 for Saturday’s final round. The pros are competing for a top prize of $25,000 plus a Ranger boat and the co-anglers are fishing for $10,000 and a Ranger boat.
Day-one weigh-in begins at 2:30 p.m. at Wind Creek State Park near Alexander City. The public is welcome.
Today’s conditions
Sunrise: 6:06 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 50 degrees
Expected high temperature: 59 degrees
Water temperature: 66 degrees
Wind: from the northwest at 12 gusting to 18 mph
Relative humidity: 76 percent
Day’s outlook: partly cloudy
Day-one links: