Storming the ocean

Day two of kingfish action succumbs to nasty weather

FORT PIERCE, Fla. – With the palm trees lining the beach bent over from the wind, the 107 boats competing in Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour action exited the inlet at Fort Pierce into an inhospitable sea Saturday morning.

Following the wind were the clouds and rain, which could severely dampen spirits on the ocean for day two. After being buffeted by 4-foot swells on day one, anglers are expecting even rougher seas on day two.

“This tournament will be won on day one,” Team Turkey Captain Rick Smith said after examining the weather forecast in practice.

That bodes well for 17-year-old Captain Dan Gourley, who established a dominating, 10-pound lead yesterday with a king weighing more than 51 pounds. Gourley’s team is also reportedly fishing relatively close to shore, which could even further his advantage conditions-wise.

However, in light of Team Captain Dan’s catch yesterday and the today’s weather, more boats might try to move in closer today, as well. And this is fishing, so anything can happen.

Saturday’s weigh-in begins as the scales open at 3 p.m. at the Fort Pierce Marina located at 1 Avenue A in Fort Pierce.

This week’s guaranteed payout goes down to 21st place. Teams are competing for a possible first-place prize of $100,000. The winners are guaranteed $40,000, and there are additional $30,000 incentive bonuses from both Genmar and Yamaha.

Saturday’s conditions

Sunrise: 6:11 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 68 degrees

Expected high temperature: 79 degrees

Water temperature: around 72 degrees

Seas: 5- to 7-foot swells

Wind: WSW at 20-30 mph

Maximum humidity: 61 percent

Day’s outlook: morning thunderstorms, wind