2011 Diamond Drive: Day Three Launch

Images from the Day Three launch of the 2011 Diamond Drive on the Arkansas River.

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<p> The first fans arrive for Day Three of the Diamond Drive on the Arkansas River.</p>
The first fans arrive for Day Three of the Diamond Drive on the Arkansas River.
<p> B.A.S.S. veteran Denny Brauer talks with Elite Series rookie Brandon Palaniuk. </p>
B.A.S.S. veteran Denny Brauer talks with Elite Series rookie Brandon Palaniuk. 
<p> Gary Klein has only made two cuts this season.</p>
Gary Klein has only made two cuts this season.
<p> A look at the Arkansas River with the William Jefferson Clinton library in the background.</p>
A look at the Arkansas River with the William Jefferson Clinton library in the background.
<p> Edwin Evers is one of only a few Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year contenders who made the cut on the Arkansas River. </p>
Edwin Evers is one of only a few Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year contenders who made the cut on the Arkansas River. 
<p> Arkansas native Billy McCaghren comes into Day Three in third place, but 10 pounds behind leader Denny Brauer.</p>
Arkansas native Billy McCaghren comes into Day Three in third place, but 10 pounds behind leader Denny Brauer.
<p> Skeet Reese laughs at Kevin VanDam, who had an unfortunate morning (next photo).</p>
Skeet Reese laughs at Kevin VanDam, who had an unfortunate morning (next photo).
<p> At some point on his 10-mile trip to the ramp Saturday morning, VanDam lost his tires. </p>
At some point on his 10-mile trip to the ramp Saturday morning, VanDam lost his tires. 
<p> This day is too important for VanDam’s run at AOY for him to worry about tires, so he finished the trip on his rims.</p>
This day is too important for VanDam’s run at AOY for him to worry about tires, so he finished the trip on his rims.
<p> Arkansas River expert Kevin Short made the cut but has been disappointed in his weights.</p>
Arkansas River expert Kevin Short made the cut but has been disappointed in his weights.
<p> Greg Vinson is happy to be fishing Saturday. </p>
Greg Vinson is happy to be fishing Saturday. 
<p> Steve Kennedy backs his boat into the Arkansas River.</p>
Steve Kennedy backs his boat into the Arkansas River.
<p> B.A.S.S. emcee Dave Mercer talks with Kevin VanDam before takeoff. </p>
B.A.S.S. emcee Dave Mercer talks with Kevin VanDam before takeoff. 
<p> Rick Clunn trolls out onto the Arkansas River.</p>
Rick Clunn trolls out onto the Arkansas River.
<p> Californians Jared Lintner and John Murray talk before takeoff.</p>
Californians Jared Lintner and John Murray talk before takeoff.
<p> John Murray’s family wishes him luck.</p>
John Murray’s family wishes him luck.
<p> Gerald Swindle continues his success on the Arkansas River. He had a shot to win the Major here in 2006.</p>
Gerald Swindle continues his success on the Arkansas River. He had a shot to win the Major here in 2006.
<p> Fans stand for the national anthem.</p>
Fans stand for the national anthem.
<p> Leader Denny Brauer was the first boat out on Saturday.</p>
Leader Denny Brauer was the first boat out on Saturday.
<p> Brauer has a huge lead on the field, but it’s on a body of water where anything can happen.</p>
Brauer has a huge lead on the field, but it’s on a body of water where anything can happen.
<p> As he did the first two days, Brauer heads south on the Arkansas River.</p>
As he did the first two days, Brauer heads south on the Arkansas River.