FLW Walleye Tour: Bay de Noc Day Two

[Wild4Outdoors]

Day two should on Bay de Noc should be very interesting. As stated yesterday, this fishery is very reactive to the wind, meaning no wind isn't a good thing for most anglers. However, as it always happens someone somewhere will be on them. The forecast today is calling for light winds out of the east, which traditionally is a very unproductive fishing wind. Clear skies and high temps into the lower 80s will set the stage to determine who the top ten anglers will be for tomorrow's final day showdown.

Grothe started out in 8th place today and looks to remain consistent on his fish or even build on his overall weight. He is in position to do some damage and likely fish the final day of the Escanaba event. The W4O team and their families are excited and anxiously awaiting the weigh-in this afternoon.

If Jimmy Bell can locate the right fish again today and fill a heavy bag, he could stand a very good chance at making the cut. He said he is on the right fish, but the weather today will likely play a primary role in how his fish bite.

The murmur around take off this morning was there will be a lot of flip-flopping on weights this afternoon. The guys who were fishing a pattern that required little to no wind probably didn't do as well on the first day of competition, yet they will likely do better today as the conditions are more conducive to their plan of attack. The opposite also applies, but one thing is for sure. There are a few guys in the field who are fishing a gold mine where the weather won't impact their catch rates as much. But that fact is just standard in any kind of fishing competition.

Tommy Skarlis didn't do as well as he would have liked, which puts him in a dramatic position. He has to catch two overs today or making the championship in the Quad Cities will become unlikely. However, if anyone can come from behind and shock the crowd, its Mr. April himself. Look for Tommy to bring in the bacon this afternoon.

Weigh-in will begin at 3 PM (EST)

[Wild4Outdoors]

Morning Interviews

Tommy Skarlis
Ross Grothe
Jimmy Bell

[Wild4Outdoors]

The weather certainly played a roll today. Interestingly though, only a couple anglers in contention to either win or make the final day top ten increased their bag weight from day one to day two. The Yamaha Outboards pro, Ross Grothe was among those couple anglers. "This is the first top ten I have fished in a couple years, so you can bet I'll be out there leaving it all on the water looking for the winning bite, and I believe I am on those fish. I am very excited!"

The bite was tough across the board, but the flip-flopping we talked about this morning was indeed the case. Grothe weighed an outstanding, yet very consistent 25-15, which was just over a pound from tomorrow's weights. If he can improve on that bag victory might be in the forecast.

Jimmy Bell brought in four fish again today, but after a humble decision to leave the fish Grothe was depending on to fish another spot. "I knew that if I picked up a 29-incher, I would feel horrible knowing that that fish very well could have been a winning fish for Ross on the final day. After talking with my Co-Angler, we both agreed and went back to where we started and managed to put a couple more fish in the boat."

Even with eight total fish over the two days, the Crystal Farm's pro still managed to lock down 29th place with a two day weight of 41-4. If you want to do the math, if he had those other two fish at an average weight of 5 or so pounds he would not only be fishing tomorrow, but likely in contention to win.

"I had a much better day today," says Navionics pro, Tommy Skarlis. "I managed to put together just over 18 pounds that did wonders for my ability to make the season ending championship. I am very happy with today's results, but even more thrilled for my team mate, Ross Grothe on his amazing showing here on Bay de Noc."

Tomorrow only the top ten anglers will be fishing and its a very tight race. Grothe feels confident in his bite and believes he can improve on today putting him on the fast track to a very successful tournament.

Blast off will be at the same time, same place tomorrow, but weigh-in will take place at Walmart in Escanaba beginning at 4 PM.

[Wild4Outdoors]

Day Two PM Interviews

Tommy Skarlis
Ross Grothe
Jimmy Bell