Waiting game: Anglers in RCL Tour evernt on Erie bide time at Catawba State Park until the second day is canceled at 8 a.m. Eastern time by tournament directors. Photo by Dave Scroppo.

April 29, 2004 • Dave Scroppo • Archives

PORT CLINTON, Ohio – And then there were 20. Without even fishing due to a canceled second day prompted by building winds, the cut is decided and the checks for the top 60 resolved in the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Tour event on Lake Erie.

“It’s a blow,” says Tournament Director Sonny Reynolds. “It’s a safety issue, and we’re not going to put anyone in a position of danger.”

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, morning winds in the 20-mph range are expected to build into the mid-30s by afternoon, gusts that would result in hazardous 6- to 8-foot waves.

Now, leading the 20 into the semifinals Friday is Lund pro Mark Christianson of Walker, Minn., who weighed a five-fish limit Wednesday that totaled 36 pounds, 1 ounce. Rounding out the top 20 is Gerrick McComsey of Fort Pierre, S.D., who tallied a limit of 27 pounds, 11 ounces, good for the final spot in the semis.

To cash a check it took 22 pounds, 8 ounces to squeak into 60th.

If weather permits – which it should after winds decrease though with advancing rains – the top 20 will launch at 7 a.m. Eastern on Friday from Catawba State Park.