So, here’s the upside: Anglers fishing day one of Costa FLW Series Southwestern event presented by Lowrance on Fort Gibson Lake might dodge this Grand River impoundment’s reputation for turning stingy on a tournament’s second day. As those with local history describe, the lake may turn in a good showing in the opening round, but fail to sustain the momentum after a lot of fish have been sore-mouthed.
The downside? At midday, we haven’t seen a lot of fish caught. So, while that’s a tough way to start, it could change the formula and keep this derby an anyone’s-game deal well into the second round.
The lake is in transition from summer to fall patterns and that always leaves the fish scattered and uncooperative. But this week’s cold front brought high, bright skies and steadily increasing wind that was blowing a steady 15-20 mph by noon.
This could bode well for those flipping cover for shade-seeking bass. For example, Walmart FLW Tour pro Zack Birge struck early with a couple of key bites while flipping docks. Around 8:30 a.m., Birge said he had a 5 1/2- and a 2 1/2-pounder in the boat.
FLW photographer D.W. Reed II reports that T.R Andreas had four fish for about 11 pounds — mostly from flipping laydowns. Elsewhere, we saw everything from buzzbaits, to crankbaits, to Carolina rigs.
Weights will likely be low today, but everyone knows this lake holds lots of quality fish. That being said, we’re likely to see a few anglers with heavy bags distance themselves from the pack.
To see how things shake out, be sure to tune in at 3:30 p.m. CT for the live day one weigh-in.
Tournament Details
Format: All 112 boaters and co-anglers will compete for two days. The top 10 boaters and co-anglers based on cumulative weight after two days of competition will advance to the third and final round, with the winner determined by the heaviest cumulative three-day weight.
Takeoff Time: 7:30 a.m. CT
Takeoff Location: Taylor's Ferry North, Dock Road, Wagoner, OK 74467
Weigh-In Time: Days one and two at 3:30 p.m. CT, 4:30 p.m. CT on day three
Weigh-In Location: Days one and two at Taylor's Ferry North, Dock Road, Wagoner OK 74467, day three at Walmart, 410 S. Dewey Ave., Wagoner, OK 74467