Could takeoff and check-in times factor?

Under normal conditions here in January an angler can set up on a transitional prespawn area and intercept bass inbound for the spawning sites: You remain stationary and let the winning catch come to you. 

The conditions are anything but normal on the Kissimmee Chain. There has been no sustained “winter” in Central Florida. It’s like fall turned to summer. That has the bass off when it comes to committing to a full-on assault to the spawning areas. Some have spawned, most have not. 

There is indeed no betting on the come like there was for the winner at this very tournament two years ago. Instead, the bass are on the move and so are the anglers. 

More time searching and less time fishing. With that reality, what I think is worth watching is takeoff times. Reports indicate an early morning feeding period is in play. 

Here’s the gist of it all. Flight #1 is due back at 3 p.m., while check-in time for Flight #10 is not until 5:15 pm. ET. That is an over two-hour difference between the first and last boats/anglers to weigh in. 

Will the early flights prevail? Or will the longer day pay off? Getting an accurate answer will take two days to find out. But if the weights swing heavy in the opposite directions we’ll have an idea of what is to come this afternoon.