Quite a sight

FLW turns its eyes to Lake Toho

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Wal-Mart FLW Tour opened its second event of the year at Lake Toho Wednesday morning under balmy, calm conditions. The sight of the lazy Florida sun creeping up over the morning fog had more than a few tour pros drooling at the prospect of a big day of bed-fishing.

A warm spell the last few days arrived just in time for the sight-fishermen this week. Water temperatures are climbing and the big Toho bass are, indeed, moving up to spawn.

At takeoff this morning, California pro Art Berry – no stranger to catching big fish – said he hooked a monster in practice Tuesday.

“Dude, you should see the photo of it,” he said, wide-eyed. “It was bigger than the one I caught at Clear Lake (in EverStart Western competition last year, which weighed 12 pounds).”

So, most indications are that Toho could produce some seriously large fish this week. While a good crop of anglers headed south towards Kissimmee Lake this morning, a whole bunch of pros cuddled up along the bank on Toho’s north end looking for those big ones on bed shortly after takeoff.

“I think somebody will bring in 30 pounds,” said Arkansas pro Ray Scheide. “At least that’s what I hope to bring in.”

For the record, 30 pounds would set an FLW Tour record for a one-day, five-bass limit. If it happens, Wednesday looks to be the day to do it since the weather forecast is calling for cooler temperatures and windier conditions tomorrow.

Wednesday’s weigh-in begins at 3 p.m. Eastern time at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, located at 101 Lakeshore Blvd. in Kissimmee.

Wednesday’s conditions:

Sunrise: 7:08 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 69 degrees

Expected high temperature: 80 degrees

Water temperature: 61-64 degrees

Wind: from SSW at 8 mph

Maximum humidity: 58 percent

Day’s outlook: sunny