ESPN Saltwater

ISLAMORADA, Fla. — With winds gusting up to 30 mph Saturday, competitors at the Built Ford Tough ESPN Outdoors Saltwater Series presented by Takemefishing.org weren't overly optimistic about their chances of landing the two scored species, bonefish and redfish.

If Friday was any indication — only three bonefish were caught by 15 competitors in the Superfly event — things could be difficult. Alas, competitors are in lovely Islamorada, the sportfishing capital of the world, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see someone land a load of reds.

"With the wind blowing like this, you just have to try to find a protected area," said Chris Lane, a Bassmaster Elite Series pro who is competing with brother, Bobby, this week.

The Lanes are part of the 41-angler field which pairs anglers with local guides. The event, part of the Redbone series, is the final event of the ESPN Outdoors Saltwater Series in 2009.

Redbone founder and tournament organizer Gary Ellis wasn't surprised by the windy conditions.

"It wouldn't be a Redbone without weather like this," Ellis said. "It seems every year we bring in the bad weather."

The most obvious affect of the weather will be on competitors who are working flyrods. Points are distributed based on the method — artificial or fly — of catching either of the two species and the windy conditions will alter some of the flyrod's effectiveness.

Aside from the less-than-ideal weather, all involved in the tournament are here for the charity component. The Redbone Series, started to help eradicate cystic fibrosis, continues to make great strides in "catching a cure."