Hog hunters depart
Wal-Mart FLW Series National Guard Western anglers hit California Delta in search of mother lode of behemoth bass
BETHEL ISLAND, Calif. – After witnessing more than 9,146 pounds of largemouth bass being paraded across the weigh-in stage after the first two days of tournament action on the California Delta, anglers are all too aware that one big bite is no longer enough to propel them to the next level. In fact, these days on the Delta, two big bites might not get you much of anywhere.
As pro leader Bobby Barrack of Oakley, Calif., so eloquently stated after yesterday’s weigh-in: “Now it’s no longer who gets the big bite, it’s who gets the biggest three bites.”
As the full field departed Russo’s Marina shortly after 7:30 a.m. Friday with the third day of identical – and nearly perfect – weather and fishing conditions, anglers have begrudgingly come to realize that any stringer short of 20 to 25 pounds is merely going to be regarded as a footnote.
And with so much at stake during today’s competition, anglers are going to need a whole lot more than just an asterisk after their name if they hope to remain in contention for a tournament title. Because as it stands right now, it’s really starting to look like pro anglers will have to break the century mark in total weight to even have a shot at hoisting the first-place trophy. For the co-anglers, a three-day total of 50 pounds probably only guarantees a spot in the top 10.
Quite simply, the fishing has been that good.
Not surprisingly, Friday’s competition is crucial for the entire field. Not only will the co-angler title be awarded after today’s third day of tournament action, but the all-important top-10 cut will be announced in the Pro Division as well.
Currently, Barrack leads all pros with a two-day catch of 51 pounds, 6 ounces. However, pro Ken Mah of Elk Grove, Calif., is hot on Barrack’s heels, heading into today’s action a mere 9 ounces behind. Day-one leader Jim Opalecky is in third, less than 2 pounds out of first place.
Meanwhile, Pat Wilson of Penngrove, Calif., holds the top spot in the Co-angler Division with a two-day total weighing 39 pounds, 2 ounces. Co-anglers Mike Iloski of Escondido, Calif., and Wade Headrick of Middleton, Idaho, are within striking distance in second and third place, respectively.
However, while the eventual outcome of today’s competition remains up in the air, one thing is certain: 10-pound largemouth bass will certainly have the final say in who gets to stay and who gets to pack up their bags and head home.
FLW Series Western Division action at the California Delta continues at Friday’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. Pacific time at Russo’s Marina, located at 3995 Willow Road in Bethel Island, Calif.
On the Web
For those who can’t catch the weigh-in action in person, FLWOutdoors.com offers FLW Live, an online application that brings fans real-time weigh-in results, streaming video and audio.
Friday’s conditions
Sunrise: 7:17 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 50 degrees
Expected high temperature: 81 degrees
Water temperature: 50-55 degrees
Wind: W at 7 mph
Maximum humidity: 53 percent
Day’s outlook: sunny