The 110-angler field will be cut to the top 50 after today’s weigh-in. The formula for figuring the Day 2 cut based on Day 1 results has changed over the course of the Elite Series’ previous 10 seasons. It used to be double 50th place from Day 1 and subtract 2 pounds. Then it became more like double 50th place on Day 1 and add 2 pounds. But it’s just a guesstimate no matter when or where.
Fiftieth place yesterday was 15-7, Gerald Swindle’s total. Double that and you’ve got nearly 31 pounds. Right now, based on BASSTrakk, Dean Rojas is in 50th place with a two-day total of 24-6. But there’s some prime fishing time left today, and several anglers caught key fish late yesterday. So I’d expect the top 50 cut weight to be closer to 31 pounds.
As always, there will be an agonizing wait during the weigh-in for many of these guys. An extra ounce or two almost always separates 50th place, a $10,000 check and a chance to fish on Day 3 from 51st place, no check and a long ride home.
There were 27 anglers within 2 pounds of 50th place after Day 1 at the St. Johns River.