From the air: Day 1 begins at Cherokee

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A unique look from above the launch ramp at Cherokee Lake as Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite at Cherokee Lake begins
A unique look from above the launch ramp at Cherokee Lake as Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite at Cherokee Lake begins
The gravel bank served as a parking lot and a launch area.
The gravel bank served as a parking lot and a launch area.
Cloud cover and light snow showers pegged anglers with chilly conditions this morning.
Cloud cover and light snow showers pegged anglers with chilly conditions this morning.
Anglers crowded the launch site as the National Anthem played before sunrise.
Anglers crowded the launch site as the National Anthem played before sunrise.
The 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series is officially underway.
The 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series is officially underway.
Boats continue to take off from the first flight.
Boats continue to take off from the first flight.
B.A.S.S. begins its season in the Great Smoky Mountains, for the first time since 1981.
B.A.S.S. begins its season in the Great Smoky Mountains, for the first time since 1981.
Former Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Greg Hackney, begins the 2017 season.
Former Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Greg Hackney, begins the 2017 season.
While some anglers wait patiently in the mild February breeze.
While some anglers wait patiently in the mild February breeze.
Justin Lucas starts the season with momentum after a solid 2016 showing, including a win on the Potomac River.
Justin Lucas starts the season with momentum after a solid 2016 showing, including a win on the Potomac River.
The Elites cover the parking lot unveiling their 2017 rigs.
The Elites cover the parking lot unveiling their 2017 rigs.
Cliff Prince and Andy Montgomery follow each other out.
Cliff Prince and Andy Montgomery follow each other out.
Anglers continue to take off in sharp fashion as Bassmaster Elite Series Emcee Dave Mercer calls out their order.
Anglers continue to take off in sharp fashion as Bassmaster Elite Series Emcee Dave Mercer calls out their order.
Brandon Palaniuk fires up his signature red lights as he takes on Cherokee.
Brandon Palaniuk fires up his signature red lights as he takes on Cherokee.
An armada of boats waits for blastoff.
An armada of boats waits for blastoff.
And they are off! Your 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series has begun.
And they are off! Your 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series has begun.