2010 Southern Open #2 – Day One – Launch

Peer into the life of a B.A.S.S. professional angler during the day one launch of the 2010 Bassmaster Southern Open #2. The tournament was held on Smith Lake, Alabama.

Pam Martin-Wells wipes down her dash as she waits near the launch ramp at the Smith Lake Dam launch area on Day One of the Southern Open No. 2.
Pam Martin-Wells wipes down her dash as she waits near the launch ramp at the Smith Lake Dam launch area on Day One of the Southern Open No. 2.
Anglers wait in the mist for their shot at one of three ramps at the official launch site.
Anglers wait in the mist for their shot at one of three ramps at the official launch site.
Boats begin to gather at the docks as fog from the lake spills over the rock dam at Smith Lake near Jasper, Ala.
Boats begin to gather at the docks as fog from the lake spills over the rock dam at Smith Lake near Jasper, Ala.
Elite Series pro Aaron Martens launches his boat on Day One of the Southern Open on Smith Lake. This clear deep water impoundment should fit his fishing style.
Elite Series pro Aaron Martens launches his boat on Day One of the Southern Open on Smith Lake. This clear deep water impoundment should fit his fishing style.
Boats float aimlessly as their pros make final gear adjustments and talk with other anglers, some will take the opportunity to get to know their co-angling partners for Day One.
Boats float aimlessly as their pros make final gear adjustments and talk with other anglers, some will take the opportunity to get to know their co-angling partners for Day One.
Almost 200 boats signed up for this tournament.
Almost 200 boats signed up for this tournament.
Fans and volunteers watch from the edge of the parking lot as the 5:45 a.m. (CT) launch time draws near.
Fans and volunteers watch from the edge of the parking lot as the 5:45 a.m. (CT) launch time draws near.
Boats in flight one make their way out onto Smith Lake after passing through the inspection line.
Boats in flight one make their way out onto Smith Lake after passing through the inspection line.
BASS Officials work to ready the inspection dock on Smith Lake in preparation for Day One of the second Bassmaster Southern Open of the year.
BASS Officials work to ready the inspection dock on Smith Lake in preparation for Day One of the second Bassmaster Southern Open of the year.
Elite Series pro Jason Williamson puts on his life preserver as his co-angler pulls into position on the ramp.
Elite Series pro Jason Williamson puts on his life preserver as his co-angler pulls into position on the ramp.
An angler makes adjustments to gear early on Day One.
An angler makes adjustments to gear early on Day One.
As the launch time grows closer, preparations change from a somewhat relaxed to a very feverish pace.
As the launch time grows closer, preparations change from a somewhat relaxed to a very feverish pace.
BASS Opens Tournament Director Chris Bowes makes final announcements prior to launch.
BASS Opens Tournament Director Chris Bowes makes final announcements prior to launch.
Anglers honor the flag as the traditional playing of the national anthem is carries out on Day One.
Anglers honor the flag as the traditional playing of the national anthem is carries out on Day One.
The first boat takes to Smith Lake as Day One officially gets underway.
The first boat takes to Smith Lake as Day One officially gets underway.