Friday was moving day at the Challenge on the Coast.
Four of the top seven after Thursday’s round of the Elite Redfish Series stop at Pleasure Island fell out of contention for today’s final round. Kevin Akin, who began the day in fifth place, moved into the lead with a total weight of 42 pounds through two days, taking a slight lead over Charlie Barton (41.83). Jimmy Lloyd moved from ninth to third at 41.5 with Dwayne Eschete ticking up from sixth to fourth at 39.22.
Only the top seven after Friday’s round will fish today for the $50,000 prize package including a Yellowfin boat with a Honda engine and Ameratrail trailer. Chad Billiot (37.49), Jeff Steckler (35.5) and Bo Favre (22.31) round out the finalists.
Shane Dubose, Freddy Frederick and Ray Malone were the top three Thursday after recording impressive weights, but all three fell out of contention. Jamie Hough went from seventh to 10th.
The final weigh-in is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. today at the Pleasure Island Marina. A festival at the pier will be held from noon to 5 p.m. including crawfish, food trucks and music by The Right Place with Kevin Sport and J.A.G.
— I.C. Murrell