The flags at Blythe Landing were rippling a bit at the 7 a.m. takeoff for Day 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open presented by Allstate. That breeze is an improvement on the limp flags marking yesterday's start. Lake Norman needs a weather change to improve the bass fishing, according to many of the 146 pros and co-anglers in this event.
And one might be coming, around noon today when scattered thunderstorms and 10 mph south/southwest winds are forecast. But for now, it's clear and calm, just like on Day 1.
David Williams of nearby Maiden, S.C., was the only angler to top 14 pounds yesterday (14-1), and he'll be trying to build on that lead today.
Richard Howes of Oviedo, Fla., is second with 13-11. He's the prime example of how important a big fish is in this event. Howes took big bass honors on Day 1 with a 4-5.
It won't take much to make a big move up the standings. Thirty-one pros have 8 pounds and change. Forty-seven are crammed between 8 and 10 pounds, from 32nd place to 79th place. This tournament pays the top 40 finishers in both the pro and co-angler standings after the weigh-in today.
Only the top 12 will fish in Saturday's finale, when a berth in the Bassmaster Classic will be decided.
