Texas Tournament Trail Championship under way
TTT anglers vie for share of $195,000 purse on Lake Ray Hubbard during final event of season
ROCKWALL, Texas – The third annual Texas Tournament Trail Championship kicked off early Saturday morning with clear skies, extremely calm winds and modest temperatures – as well as some jittery nerves. As the full field departed Chandler’s Landing Marina shortly after 7:15 a.m., many anglers were keenly aware that they had just embarked on the biggest and most lucrative professional bass-fishing tournament of their careers.
To be sure, winning the lion’s share of the nearly $200,000 total purse won’t be easy. With water temperatures dropping significantly over the past week, the bite could be extremely challenging. In addition, anglers will not only have to battle stiff competition, but also contend with Lake Ray Hubbard – a 22,000-acre lake that will become particularly unforgiving if the winds pick up over the course of the two-day event.
Although there are many obstacles to overcome, the potential rewards for the anglers are bountiful. First place in the Pro Division could be worth as much as $70,000 in cash and prizes, assuming all contingency awards are met. For the co-anglers, a top prize of $40,000 is in the offing.
In total, 51 anglers in each division will fish both Saturday and Sunday. And per tournament rules, the pro and co-angler who record the biggest two-day stringers over the entire tournament will be crowned champions.
Texas Tournament Trail Championship action continues at today’s opening-round weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located at 782 Interstate 30 in Rockwall, Texas.
Vital statistics:
Sunrise: 7:32 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 50 degrees
Expected high temperature: 78 degrees
Water temperature: 70 degrees
Wind: from the southeast at 4 mph
Relative humidity: 53 percent
Day’s outlook: sunny
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