Decision day in the desert
Co-angler champion to be crowned during day three of Wal-Mart FLW Series National Guard Western Division event
HENDERSON, Nev. – With another day of gorgeous weather conditions in the forecast, the full field departed the Lake Mead National Recreation Area shortly after 6:30 a.m. with the knowledge that for many, there will be no tomorrow.
By the conclusion of today’s weigh-in, the co-angler champion will be decided and the pro field will be whittled down to the top-10 contestants. The big question is: Who will be hoisting those trophies?
In the Co-angler Division, the tournament title is there for the taking as the top 10 leaderboard is separated by all of 2 1/2 pounds or thereabouts. Currently, local angler Aaron Leon of Henderson, Nev., is in first place with a total catch of 16 pounds, 5 ounces. Closely behind Leon is Boris Antolos (second) of Torrance, Calif., who boasts a two-day catch of 15 pounds, 10 ounces and John Browning (third) of Payson, Ariz., with a total catch of 15 pounds, 1 ounce. At stake for co-anglers is the top prize of $25,000.
In the Pro Division, however, the tournament terrain is a little different. Currently, Sean Minderman of Spokane, Wash., has a hammerlock on the rest of the field – boasting an impressive 4-pound, 3-ounce lead over his nearest competitor. Given the shortage of big bites on Lake Mead, Minderman’s rivals are going to have a difficult time challenging the Washington native unless he stumbles badly both today and tomorrow.
While the pros hope to keep Minderman in their sights, they also have to keep one eye on the current mission at hand – qualifying for today’s top-10 cut. Because by the end of today’s competition, 95 pros will be sent packing.
The pros who do survive Friday’s cut will be granted a berth in the finals and will be able to continue their quest for a tournament title as well as the first-place prize of $125,000.
Lake Mead competition
Per FLW Series rules, the entire field competes each of the first three days of the event. On Saturday, the pro champion will be determined by the angler who brings in the heaviest accumulated weight from all four days of competition. The co-angler title will be awarded today to the amateur who has the heaviest combined weight over the first three days of competition.
In FLW Series competition, pros and co-anglers are randomly paired each day, with pros supplying the boat, controlling boat movement and competing against other pros. Co-anglers fish from the back deck against other co-anglers.
Ultimately, all anglers in the tournament will also be competing for valuable points in the hope of qualifying for the BP East-National Guard West Fish-Off and a shot at advancing to the $2 million, 2009 Forrest Wood Cup, where the winning pro will earn as much as $1 million – the sport’s biggest award.
Anglers will take off from Callville Bay-Forever Resorts in Lake Mead National Recreation Area at 6:30 each morning. Thursday and Friday’s weigh-ins will also be held at the marina beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday’s final weigh-in will be held at the Wal-Mart store located at 300 E. Lake Mead Drive in Henderson beginning at 4 p.m. Children will also be treated to a Family Fun Zone prior to Saturday’s weigh-in from noon to 4 p.m. at Wal-Mart. Activities in the Family Fun Zone include the Kellogg’s trout pond, a Ranger boat simulator and assorted fishing-themed games. All activities are free and open to the public.
FLW Series Western Division action continues at today’s weigh-in, scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. Pacific Time at Callville Bay Resort and Marina, located at the Lake Mead National Recreational Area in Las Vegas, Nev.
Can`t make the weigh-in in person, then watch it on FLW Live on FLWOutdoors.com beginning at 3 p.m. Pacific Time.
Vital statistics:
Sunrise: 5:39 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 64 degrees
Expected high temperature: 88 degrees
Water temperature: 62-67 degrees
Wind: From SSW at 15-25 mph
Maximum humidity: 13 percent
Day’s outlook: Sunny