Chilly fishing conditions greeted the professional lady anglers of the Women' Professional Bass Fishing Association when they launched for the second day of competition on Lake Eufaula, Alabama. The ladies had used the first part of the week to establish a championship-winning pattern. Rising waters and unpredictable weather made the task almost impossible.
Wong's 16.41 pound first-day total put her nearly 7 pounds over second place professional angler Ann Hood, Statesboro, Georgia. When Wong walked to the scales on the second day, she carried 4 bass that tilted the scales at 8.32 pounds giving her a total of 24.73 pounds.
Debra Petrowski, Arlington, Texas, and 2002 Co-Amateur of the Year, walked to the stage carrying a 5-fish limit. After the first day's competition, she was in 11th place. Her 14.42 pound total jumped her to second place with a total of 18.23 pounds.
Two other lady professionals, Jan Hudson, Harrison, Arkansas, and Marty Barnes, Norco, Louisiana, demonstrated they had also located bass under difficult fishing conditions on Lake Eufaula. Along with Petrowski, they brought in the only 5-fish limits to the scales on the second day of competition. They captured third and fourth place on the leaderboard.
Even with the tough fishing conditions, 29 of the 34 professional anglers brought 73 bass to the scales on the second day. All 160 pounds of bass were released alive.
Saturday's final weigh-in program will begin at 2:00pm at the Lake Point Marina. Hosted by radio personality Sammy Lee, it will include a concert by the World's Greatest Fishing Band. They will repeat their performance presented at the Bassmasters Classic. Additionally, the first 80 kids to arrive at the weigh-in site will be presented with a free rod and reel combination.
The Triton Bass Competition Trailer will be parked on site offering full boat and motor maintenance support to all the lady anglers.
At 3:00pm, the lady professional anglers will start weighing their fish. Immediately after weigh-in, the 2002 World Champions of Women's Bass Fishing will be announced. Along with the title, she will claim a 2003 TR19 bass boat equipped with a 150HP Mercury outboard, Minn Kota trolling motor, Hummingbird Electronics, and Deka Marine batteries.
Second Day Leaderboard
1. Judy Wong Sugarland, TX 24.73 2. Debra Petrowski Arlington, TX 18.23 3. Jan Hudson Harrison, AR 17.30 4. Marty Barnes Norco, LA 14.53 5. Lonnie Walsh Havana, FL 13.34