With grass more scarce than normal and the Potomac fishing small, they said anglers would share turf on the water and on the leader board. They were right. There are numerous ties in the standings at the season’s 4th FLW Tour Major. How about a 7-way tie for 65th place. A couple of 5-way ties, for 51st and 60th.

Scott Martin stands apart. With 22 pounds, 10 ounces today he enjoys a lead of 4 pounds, 6 ounces over Chris Baumgardner of Gastonia, NC and Strike King pro Mark Rose of West Memphis, AR who are – you guessed it – tied with 18-04 apiece.

The rest of the 145 boat field is separated by mere ounces. And, as mentioned, many aren’t separated at all, but lumped in with others who share the same weight total.

Martin created a gap in the standings by boating 3 fish that weighed better than 5 pounds. Sounds like he is running the tides. He caught the big girls in 3 different areas.

Most of the top anglers today also had company on the water, though not too much. Crowding will be a factor this week. If a guy can make it through tomorrow he’ll have more room once cuts are made.

It’s still anybody’s game at this point. Less than 3 pounds separate 2nd place from 32nd. And 3-pounders are prevalent on the Potomac.