PLATTSBURGH -- A nice payday was in the wind for Plattsburgh fisherman Jason Perry Friday.

When high winds forced cancellation of Day 3 of the Wal-Mart FLW Series BP Eastern Division bass tournament on Lake Champlain, it left Perry third in the Co-Angler Division -- and $8,698 richer.

"I had a feeling when the FLW put the delay on that we weren't going out," Perry said. "A lot of guys were disappointed, but I'm sitting there in third place and to tell you the truth, I was hoping we wouldn't go."

Still, the 24-year-old rookie angler was ready.

"I had a mind set that we were going. I was messing with my tackle when they made the announcement," he related.

Perry was paired with pro Jay McCormack, of Aurora, Ont., Friday. McCormack was out of contention, but was well aware of Perry's position.

"He wanted to make a run south, but he said he wouldn't do it to me. He knew I needed to finish up strong, if we went out," Perry added. "He wasn't on much of a pattern. I was on the fish and had a few spots and he asked me where to go. That's rare for a pro to ask (the co-angler). But I was fortunate to get a guy who is that considerate."

The next tournament for Perry will be the BFL Empire Division tournament Sept. 22-23 on Lake Champlain. Perry, who is in 69th place, needs to move up to the top 40 to advance to the regional tournament later this fall.

"It's a double points tournament. I missed one of the five tournaments earlier this season so I need to have two good days," Perry said.