The Women's Professional Bass Fishing Association Classic World Championship has completed it's first day of competition on Lake Eufaula, Alabama. Because of a severe cold front and rising lake waters, the lady professional anglers have faced a difficult challenge is establishing a fish-catching pattern. Larry Colombo, communications director for Techsonic Industries and home of Hummingbird Electronics in Eufaula, Alabama, defined the ladies challenge. He said, "Right now, the fish are scattered and moving with the weather. The fishing is tough."
Wong stepped to the stage carrying the only 5 fish limit brought to the scales on the first day. Her catch tilted the scales to 16.41 pounds. He big bass weighed 4.93 pounds.
Lonnie Walsh, Havana, Florida and 2002 Rookie of the Year also demonstrated she was ready to compete when she brought the lunker bass of the day to the scales. Her 5.56-pounder set the mark for the other lady angers during the next two days competition.
Twenty-three of the lady anglers brought fish to the scales. Because there are two more days of competition, none would reveal fishing patterns or lure selections.
Weigh-ins for the 2002 Classic World Championship are being held at the Lake Point Marina. On Saturday, the final weigh-in festivities will commence at 2:00pm with a concert by the Worlds Greatest Fishing Band. Additionally, the first 80 kids to arrive at the weigh-in site will receive a free Shakespeare or Zebco fishing rod combination.
The competitors will enter the weigh-in site in a new Triton bass boat. The program and weigh-in will be emceed by Sammy Lee, host of Tight Lines radio show. Tournament Director Willie Cook said, "If you are anyway interested in bass fishing, you need to be at Saturday's weigh-in. The band is the same that featured at the Bassmaster Classic. Triton has placed their full support truck at the site. It will be an exciting show."
The winner will be named after the final weigh-in. She will not only capture the title, 2002 World Champion, but will also be the owner of a 2003 Triton TR19 bass boat, equipped with a Mercury 150HP outboard, Hummingbird Electronics, Minn Kota trolling motor, and Deka Marine batteries.
FIRST DAY STANDINGS:
1. Judy Wong Sugarland, TX 16.41 2. Ann Hood Statesboro, GA 7.24 3. Pam Martin-Wells Bainbridge, GA 6.51 4. Lonnie Walsh Havana, FL 5.66 5. Sheri Glasgow Muskogee, OK 5.51