Cloud cover at last
TBF Central Divisional contenders rejoice to see clouds in the sky for the final day
COLUMBUS, Miss. – A refreshing breeze cooled competitors on the morning of the final day of The Bass Federation Central Division Championship, as welcome clouds overhead signaled perhaps some relief from the stifling heat that has plagued them all week.
Exciting competitors more than a slight break in the heat is the fact that the cloud cover should help spur the bite. While anglers have been catching fish, the disparity in weights is telling, and there does appear to be something of a local advantage. Clouds, even if they don’t stick around very long, might help even out the playing field.
“If the cloud cover stays, the weights are definitely going to pick up,” said Jimmy Ford, currently fourth in Mississippi state competition. “Somebody’s going to come in with a 12-pound sack, probably one of the local guys.”
Current forecasts are calling for a few showers early with a chance of isolated thunderstorms. And while the clouds and rain aren’t predicted to do much for temperatures – the high is still supposed to reach up to the 90s – the relief is still very much welcome in more ways than one.
“I think the clouds are supposed to stay,” Ford said. “They make the fish come up on top, and they like that top bite really well.”
There’s a lot on the line for the 84-man field today, as several races will wrap up this afternoon. For starters, the top two finishers from every state represented in this divisional – Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas – will earn a berth in the 2008 TBF National Championship.
The state catching the most weight of the three-day event will earn the top cash award, and the overall individual weight winner will receive a $500 Wal-Mart gift card as the Castrol Maximum Performer at the conclusion of today’s weigh-in.
Competitors will weigh in their final catches today at 2:30 p.m. at Columbus Marina, located at 295 Marina Drive in Columbus.