In the first hours anyway, it's obvious that many of the 107 anglers in this field are going to work close to home. Home this week is North East, Md., pop. 3,572. The city limits of North East encompass just over two square miles – a small fraction of the Chesapeake Bay tournament waters. But a bunch of anglers, including local favorite Jacob Powroznik, didn't leave town before putting their trolling motors down. Powroznik had two bass in the boat, including a 4-pounder, shortly after 7 o'clock today.
Being from this town must include some explanations similar to Bud Abbott and Lou Costello's "Who's on first?" routine.
Q: Where are you from? A: North East, Maryland. Q: Yeah, but what town? A: North East, Maryland.
Q: Were you born in a barn out in the sticks somewhere, or was there a town nearby? A: Yeah, I was born in North East, Maryland. Q: Huh?