Too close to call

Final day commences with no frontrunner in sight

ROGERS, Ark. – The 2008 Wal-Mart Open on Beaver Lake will go down as a tournament to remember. For starters, the lake is fishing “old school” with muddy water allowing for flipping and old-fashioned tactics like burning a spinnerbait. Moreover, with weights tightly jumbled, any one of the 10 pro finalists could make a move and claim victory.

Mike Hawkes, the current leader, has a slim 6-ounce lead over Sam Newby. Throughout his career, Newby has been known as a closer. Both of his two major victories have come by 1 ounce – so he’s not afraid of tight tournaments.

“It’s whoever gets the big bite and lands it,” said Newby. “Yesterday I had a big bite and lost it. I could have separated myself from the pack by about 3 pounds. You get two big bites today and it’s a done deal.”

Shortly before takeoff, Newby had an air of confidence around him that was unmistakable.

“Lady Luck is smiling on me big time. I like my chances. I’m fishing the way I like to fish best.”

Hawkes too has a tour-level victory to his name – his coming at the 2006 FLW Series event on Lake Cumberland.

“I think it’s anybody’s ball game,” said Hawkes.

Fifth-place pro George Cochran thought he had blown his opportunity yesterday. Despite catching 12 keepers, he only weighed 8 pounds. But his deficit is only a 1 pound, 5 ounces.

“A pound and five ounces – that’s nothing on this lake,” said the Wal-Mart pro. “Today I’m going to fish deeper banks. They’re dropping water and I didn’t notice it until yesterday afternoon. I think if somebody catches 11 pounds, that will win it. Its very possible. Believe it or not, I caught the biggest fish of my life here in practice – an 8-4. They’re out there.”

Even eighth place Dan Morehead has a legitimate crack at the $200,000 first-place purse. Despite not catching a limit yesterday, the Paducah, Ky., pro sits only 2 pounds, 8 ounces off the lead. Morehead said he thinks his primary area is nearly out of fish. Rather than beat a dead horse, he plans to fish entirely new water. When anglers of Morehead’s talent fish freely, crazy things can happen.

Final weigh-in

The final weigh-in of the Wal-Mart Open will begin at 4:00 p.m. Central time at the John Q. Hammons Center, located at 3303 Pinnacle Hills Parkway in Rogers.

Prior to the weigh-in, FLW Outdoors will host a free Family Fun Zone and outdoor show at the John Q. Hammons Center from noon to 6 p.m.



The Family Fun Zone offers fans a chance to meet their Fantasy Fishing team anglers face-to-face and review the latest products from Berkley, Lowrance, Ranger, Evinrude, Yamaha and other sponsors while children are treated to giveaways, fishing themed games and rides like the Ranger Boat simulator.

Children 14 and under visiting the Family Fun Zone on Sunday will receive a free rod and reel combo while supplies last. One lucky member of the audience will even win a new Ranger boat during the final weigh-in. Admission is free, and you must be present to win.

Sunday’s conditions

Sunrise: 6:07 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 59 degrees

Expected high temperature: 79 degrees

Water temperature: 64-68 degrees

Wind: NW at 13 mph

Maximum humidity: 48 percent

Day’s outlook: mostly sunny