Eve of competition

With a long day, it's a short story from Hicks on the eve of the Northern Open.

Today’s diary will be short. It’s the day before the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open at Oneida Lake.

With practice fishing today, the pre-tournament meeting this evening and hours of boat and tackle preparation, I need to hit the sack pronto to get 6 hours of sleep.

An east wind pushed 3-foot waves across Oneida again today. Valerie and I got a few bass, but it was tough going.

I know where some bass are and feel confident about catching a limit. However, I’ll need a bushel of luck to sack a heavy bag.

Valerie is anxious. I hope she has a good day tomorrow. If she manages to bring one bass to the scales, I’ll be happy. If she lands a three-bass non-boater limit, I’ll be thrilled.

I’m boat 36. Val is in a late flight. I’ll be a wreck waiting for her to come in.