As both a history buff and a numbers freak, I enjoy compiling comparisons like the one below, which contrasts the Winyah Bay Elite Series tournament in 2016 with the one here this week. Friday’s results provided further evidence that this unique tidal fishery has changed little over the past three years. For example, in 20th place after two days in 2016 was Matt Herren with a total of 20 pounds, 8 ounces. In 20th place after two days this year it’s Tyler Rivet with 20 pounds, 7 ounces. (Herren, by the way, is consistent here too. He’s in 12th place with 21-11 after two days this year.)
There are some differences that catch the eye. Day 2 in ’16 was a monster of a day for Winyah Bay. Kelly Jordon weighed a five-bass limit of 24-7, Britt Myers had 21-7 and Brett Hite came close to making it three 20-pound bags that day with 19-11. But those were the only three anglers after two days in ’16 that had more than Bill Lowen’s Day 2 total of 27-3 this year.
Remember, there were 109 anglers on the Elite Series in 2016, and the Day 2 cut was to the top 50 then. There are 75 Elite Series anglers now and the Day 2 cut is to the top 35. So these comparisons will be harder to make over the next two days.
| 4/12/19 | 4/8/16 | |
|
1st place |
27-3 | 37-15 |
|
10th place |
22-12 | 21-14 |
|
20th place |
20-7 | 20-8 |
|
35th place |
17-5 | 18-11 |
|
50th place |
15-15 | 17-1 |
|
Anglers/limits |
80.0% |
68.8% |
|
Ave. wt./bass |
1.94 lbs. | 2.08 lbs. |
|
Big bass |
6-8 | 7-10 |
|
Big bag |
17-3 | 24-7 |
| 4/11/19 | 4/7/16 | |
|
1st place |
15-11 | 19-11 |
|
10th place |
11-3 | 11-6 |
|
20th place |
10-7 | 9-13 |
|
35th place |
8-10 | 8-12 |
|
50th place |
7-5 | 8-2 |
|
Anglers/limit |
82.6% | 53.2% |
|
Ave. wt./bass |
1.85 lbs | 1.95 lbs. |
|
Big bass |
6-10 | 8-9 |