I can see clearly now
The rain is gone and the sun is out on Sam Rayburn, but the cold front may give the fish a case of lockjaw
JASPER, Texas – After two days of miserable weather, the sun finally came out today on Sam Rayburn Reservoir for day three of the EverStart Series Central Division season opener. Even though none of the top 10 pros and co-anglers will have to worry today about getting struck by lightning, some of them are none too thrilled with the current turn of events.
Over the course of the two-day opening round, current leader William Davis of Russellville, Ala., set a new EverStart Series two-day weight record with a 51-pound catch of bass. He did so in the midst of rain and storms and rapidly falling temperatures. Though air temperatures remain cool today – it was a chilly 38 degrees at takeoff – Davis did say that he hoped the weather would remain as it was. Will the sunshine hurt him or help him?
Behind Davis in second is Jay, Okla., pro Darrel Robertson, who predicted the fish would not be biting as well today now that the cold front has officially set in. He reported that the water temperature had dropped to 58 or 59 degrees in the main lake; water temperatures had been as warm as the mid-60s on day one of the tournament.
“I think the fish will be a little off today,” Robertson said. “They’re not going to be as active. I think they’ll bite, though.”
Robertson does have confidence in his fishing ability throughout the many changes this week, however. “If I didn’t I’d just go on home right now,” he said.
Weights started over at zero for today and tomorrow’s competition, meaning Davis’ memorable 51-pound opening-round catch is now just a part of the past. The winner Saturday will be determined by the heaviest catch over the next two days.
Weigh-in begins today at 4 p.m. from the Wal-Mart store located at 800 W. Gibson in Jasper.
Friday’s conditions:
Sunrise: 6:47 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 38 degrees
Expected high temperature: 58 degrees
Water temperature: 58 degrees
Wind: from the northeast at 8 mph
Maximum humidity: 67 percent
Day’s outlook: Sunshine along with a few clouds