Brandon Palaniuk is not having a super productive morning (with five fish for 11- pounds, 2- ounces currently) but it could be a whole lot worse… weight-wise at least.
Palaniuk started the day with a 20- point lead in the Progressive Angler of the Year race over John Cox. But whether or not Palaniuk would ever make a cast on Pickwick has been up in the air all week.
Palaniuk’s wife Tiffanie was due to have their first child three days ago, on Memorial Day. Palaniuk had pledged that no matter what, he planned to be there if she went into labor, meaning that he likely wouldn’t be competing on Pickwick this week. But so far, the call hasn’t come in yet, and Palaniuk is grinding away on Pickwick trying to maintain his AOY lead.
Though I’m sure his phone is on and the ringer is turned all the way up, as he awaits the only call that would send him hustling off the water and toward the closest airport. Tiffanie is, “Hoping for another 6 days,” so that Brandon can finish the week out strong on the water and get his rig back home to Rathdrum, Idaho where wife Tiffanie awaits.
An interesting storyline no doubt, adding some extra drama this week. But with all sincerity we are hoping and praying for a smooth delivery above all else, and let the cards fall where they may with the fishing.
