2009 Central Opens: Sam Rayburn Day One launch

In this photo gallery you will see images of the 2009 Central open at Sam Rayburn in Texas. you will see the first day launch of the tournament.

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A full hour before launch, many of the boats are in the water and making their way to the bank or out into the cove depending on their launch number.
A full hour before launch, many of the boats are in the water and making their way to the bank or out into the cove depending on their launch number.
Co-Angler Steve Strawn gathers his gear and makes his way to the water to join up with his pro angler for the day.
Co-Angler Steve Strawn gathers his gear and makes his way to the water to join up with his pro angler for the day.
The Umphrey's Pavilion, where the launch and weigh-in will be held, is lit up like a light house on a hill early on Day One.
The Umphrey’s Pavilion, where the launch and weigh-in will be held, is lit up like a light house on a hill early on Day One.
Danny Owens straps down his rods in preparation for the Day One launch of the second stop of the Central Opens.
Danny Owens straps down his rods in preparation for the Day One launch of the second stop of the Central Opens.
Bassmaster Elite pro Kurt Dove readies his gear as he waits for time to launch.
Bassmaster Elite pro Kurt Dove readies his gear as he waits for time to launch.
Pro Jeff Jordan adjusts a stock trade from his phone prior to the Day One launch. His co-angler for the day is Cody Reed.
Pro Jeff Jordan adjusts a stock trade from his phone prior to the Day One launch. His co-angler for the day is Cody Reed.
Pro Chris Burnham looks up the hill for his co-angler as he makes his way to the dock.
Pro Chris Burnham looks up the hill for his co-angler as he makes his way to the dock.
A co-angler's tools of the trade lay resting upon a small tree as other competitors make final adjustments prior to launch.
A co-angler’s tools of the trade lay resting upon a small tree as other competitors make final adjustments prior to launch.
Many of the pros launched elsewhere on the lake to avoid traffic and then boated to the launch site.
Many of the pros launched elsewhere on the lake to avoid traffic and then boated to the launch site.
The cove at Umphrey's Pavilion start to fill as both banks and most of the cove is littered with boats.
The cove at Umphrey’s Pavilion start to fill as both banks and most of the cove is littered with boats.
Boats jockey for position in the cove as the time for launch grows closer.
Boats jockey for position in the cove as the time for launch grows closer.
Pro Danny Owens and his co-angler Richard Earle are the first boat to leave the cove as Day One gets underway.
Pro Danny Owens and his co-angler Richard Earle are the first boat to leave the cove as Day One gets underway.
Boat numbers are assigned to each pro when they leave the dock. They must return them before their weigh-in time to avoid hefty penalties.
Boat numbers are assigned to each pro when they leave the dock. They must return them before their weigh-in time to avoid hefty penalties.
Keeping with long-standing BASS tradition, the National Anthem is played as all those gathered honor the flag of the United States of America.
Keeping with long-standing BASS tradition, the National Anthem is played as all those gathered honor the flag of the United States of America.
Promptly at 6:45 a.m., the first boat is away from the dock and the official Day One launch is underway. There are 193 boats registered for the second BASS Central Open tournament on Sam Rayburn.
Promptly at 6:45 a.m., the first boat is away from the dock and the official Day One launch is underway. There are 193 boats registered for the second BASS Central Open tournament on Sam Rayburn.
Flight two makes its way to the inspection dock as other boats in the background get in numerical launch order.
Flight two makes its way to the inspection dock as other boats in the background get in numerical launch order.
Tournament Director Chris Bowes calls out pros and gets them in their proper places before allowing them to pass through the inspection line.
Tournament Director Chris Bowes calls out pros and gets them in their proper places before allowing them to pass through the inspection line.
Fans crowd the dock as 193 boats parade through the inspection line and out onto Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
Fans crowd the dock as 193 boats parade through the inspection line and out onto Sam Rayburn Reservoir.