Semifinals commence on Detroit River

Top 20 EverStart Northern Division anglers attempt to qualify for finals

TRENTON, Mich. – With 360 anglers sent packing at the conclusion of yesterday’s weigh-in, the remaining top 20 anglers prepared Friday morning for an intense day of semifinal action on the Detroit River. As a beautiful crescent moon hung over the waterway, anglers departed Elizabeth Park Marina shortly after 6 a.m. with comfortable temperatures and near-perfect weather conditions predicted for the remainder of the day.

As a result of yesterday’s difficult cut – which saw the pros needing a two-day stringer of 30 pounds, 11 ounces and the co-anglers needing an equally daunting catch of 26 pounds to advance – the semifinalists clearly earned their place in today’s competition.

To be sure, there is a lot at stake at today’s weigh-in. Not only will the field be fighting for a place in the top 10 in order to ensure a berth in Saturday’s finals, but anglers will also attempt to keep their dreams alive for the bountiful first-place prize money. An award of up to $61,900 awaits the eventual winner of the Pro Division, while co-anglers will be shooting for a top prize of $27,800.

Currently, Aaron Talmage of LaGrange, Ind., leads all pro qualifiers into the semifinals after netting a two-day catch of 35 pounds, 14 ounces. Meanwhile, Joel Hazelbaker of Columbus, Ohio, tops all co-angler qualifiers after recording a total catch of 31 pounds, 7 ounces over the first two days of competition.

EverStart action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at 7555 Telegraph Road in Taylor, Mich.

Vital statistics:

Sunrise: 6:18 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 64 degrees
Expected high temperature: 85 degrees
Water temperature: 61 degrees
Wind: from the southwest at 11 mph
Relative humidity: 77 percent
Day’s outlook: mostly sunny

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