PEORIA, Ariz. – As temperatures continued to rise in southern Arizona over each day of EverStart competition, so too have the stakes. As the full field of 155 anglers in both divisions prepared to battle it out for a spot in the semifinals, everyone was keenly aware that by the end of the day, 270 anglers will be packing their bags and regrouping for the next tournament.

However, because catch weights have been relatively modest so far, every angler knows that they are one good stringer away from qualifying for tomorrow’s competition. In fact, with the two-cut expected to come in at 13 pounds in the Pro Division and 8 pounds in the Co-angler Division, nearly everyone is still alive.

Currently, Art Berry of Ramona, Calif., leads all pros with a total catch of 13 pounds, 15 ounces while Dean Kreuzer of Mesa, Ariz., leads the co-angler field with an identical catch.

And with a top prize of $60,000 in the Pro Division and more than $35,000 in the Co-angler Division up for grabs, competition should be as intense as the boiling Arizona sun.

EverStart action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. at Pleasant Harbor Marina, located at 8708 West Harbor Boulevard in Peoria, Ariz.

Vital statistics

Sunrise: 7:27 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 50 degrees
Expected high temperature: 81 degrees
Water temperature: 55 degrees
Wind: Calm
Relative humidity: 41 percent
Day’s outlook: Sunny

Related links:
Photos
Day-two pairings
Day-one results