KELSEYVILLE? As the sky broke from black to burnt orange over the hills, Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa marina exposed the forms of 196 bass fishing boats filled with anxious anglers and co-anglers. The FLW Series Western Division is closing out its 2007 season at Clear Lake.
The morning opened with a prayer announced by a member of the National Guard, followed by a serene singing of the National Anthem. The lake was silent as all participants stood in their boats, most had hands over hearts.
Contestants come from all over the nation, as well as around the world.
“There are four or five boats here from Japan,” Guide Kevin Hacken, said. Unseasonably warm weather blanketed the lake. Large concentrations of anglers swarmed Henderson Point, while the world famous Shag Rock hosted a sparse smattering.
The event promises to drop $125,000 cash in to the palm of the pro division winner and $25,000 for the co-angler division winner. The final winner for a series of tournaments is named angler of the year
Randy McAbee of Bakersfield weighed in at the end of Wednesday with 27 pounds and 11 ounces to stake his claim on first place, while a Lake County man, Seig Taylor, proudly snagged second place with a weigh-in of 26 pounds and 11 ounces, a mere pound away from first for the day. For the top ten listing please see page A11 in the sports section of the Record-Bee.
