Traveling fishermen
It's a two-day tournament for most of the anglers at the Walmart FLW Tour bass tournament on Beaver Lake. Co-angler competition ended Friday, and the pro division was cut to the top 20 who will fish today. The top 10 will fish the final day on Sunday.
When the sun comes up today, some of the fishermen will have driven hundreds of miles overnight to be at another tournament this morning. Some anglers at Friday's weigh-in said they will be on Kentucky Lake at 6:30 a.m. today for a Walmart Bass Fishing League tournament. It's another tour run by FLW Outdoors with a lower entry fee and less prize money.
Catch and release
All of the hundreds of black bass caught during the Walmart FLW Tour bass tournament are released with a special release boat operated by FLW Outdoors.
The boat has three compartments that hold hundreds of bass in water treated with salt and an additive to keep fish alive, said Dave Maxfield with FLW Outdoors. About 1,900 pounds of bass were released Thursday and a similar amount on Friday. Fish are transported several hundred yards from the weigh-in site at Prairie Creek park and released through doors in each compartment. Live release rate is 98.9 percent, Maxfield said.
"Fish release is our biggest concern, other than taking care of the safety of the anglers," he added.
Sucker punch
Thursday's leader, JT Kenney of Florida, had half the weight Friday that he had Thursday. Weigh-in emcee Daniel Fennel teased it could be because Kenney talked some trash Thursday about how he'd punched Beaver Lake in the face. Kenney laughed but said if he made the top 20 he'd throw another punch at the lake. He'll get his chance today. Kenney is in eighth place and easily made the top 20.
Last fish a charm
Matt Arey of Shelby, N.C., is poised to make another run at victory. He is in fourth place going into today's semifinal round. He had 12 pounds, 6 ounces Thursday and weighed 17-8 on Friday. If he wins, it will be Arey's third consecutive FLW Tour win at Beaver Lake.
"I had some things start clicking at the end of today," Arey said at Friday's weigh-in. "I caught a big one at 2:55, and I was due in at 3:15," Arey said.
Productive practice
Larry Nixon of Bee Branch fell from ninth to 40th after a tough day Friday. He weighed in 15-2 on Thursday and 9-2 Friday.
"I caught a bunch of fish in practice and thought I had a good chance to win. I don't know what happened today. I guess I should have just started practicing again."
Grill masters
The aroma of grilled hot dogs and barbecue drifted over the audience at Friday's weigh-in. The Rogers Noon Kiwanis had the coals smoking to feed hungry fishermen and spectators as a fundraiser for their many community projects. They offer a varied menu that also includes popcorn, soft drinks and water.
"We were asked to do it last year. We enjoyed it so much, and they asked us back again this year," said Sue Storey, club president.
The Kiwanis club awards a scholarship, has a picnic for youth in the area and other benefit events. Storey said the club is rebuilding and welcomes new members.
The group will fire up the grill at today's weigh-in at the Rogers Walmart store on West Walnut Street. Weigh-in is at 4 p.m. The FLW Outdoors expo opens at noon with product giveaways, exhibits and games for kids.
Sports on 04/16/2016