Decisions, decisions
EverStart Northern competitors forced to decide if the long and rocky trip to Erie is worth it on day four
TRENTON, Mich. – Weather-wise, today should be a repeat of yesterday’s competition in the EverStart Series Northern Division event on the Detroit River. Air temperatures should top out in the mid-70s, and the wind will probably blow hard enough to make life difficult for those heading out to the big water. What could make a difference today, though, is whether or not the fish are still there.
Such is a typical day four, says No. 4 pro Kevin Vida. With fishing pressure that started in practice and continued for three days of intense competition, there’s always the chance on the final day that the fishing holes are going to run dry.
“I think today’s going to stay about the same,” Vida said. “Guys should be able to get to their fish if they did yesterday.”
Vida brought in 18 pounds, 5 ounces yesterday and said he can do it again as long as he can get the bass to open up.
“If I get the bites, it’ll be 18 pounds, but (my spot) has been beaten up pretty bad,” he said. “There aren’t many fish left.”
Vida said yesterday that he preferred river fishing over the big waters of Lake Erie, and some of the Erie anglers didn’t fare as well yesterday, leaving a few with a decision to make today whether they want to make the painful long run through the wind and waves, or stay close and try to find new fish.
According to Vida, the wind will probably blow at a rate of 5 to 10 mph today – not excessive, but bad enough to create rollers on Erie that make for a long and rough ride.
“It’s bad for the guys going all the way to the big lake,” Vida said.
Currently leading the pack is Elkhart, Ind., pro Thomas Moleski with 22 pounds, 4 ounces. On the co-angler side, James Richardson Sr. of Harrison, Ohio, leads with 21 pounds, 15 ounces.
Competitors will weigh in their final catches today beginning at 4 p.m. at the Wal-Mart store located 7555 Telegraph Road in Taylor. Winners are determined by the heaviest two-day catch.
Saturday’s conditions:
Sunrise: 7:23 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 61 degrees
Expected high temperature: 74 degrees
Wind: from the east-southeast at 10 mph
Maximum humidity: 74 percent
Day’s outlook: a mix of clouds and sun