2008 Elite Series: Citrus Slam Day One Launch

Anglers crowd into the launch area at Mack's River Resort on the Kissimmee River for Day One of the Citrus Slam.

Elite Series pros keep a look out for their Day One co-anglers.

Kevin VanDam admits he often struggles on Florida waters, and was disappointed with his 31st place finish in the first tournament of the year, on the Harris Chain of Lakes.

Elite Series rookie Cory Waldrop looks at his watch while waiting for his co-angler to arrive before launch time.

Spectators started to gather at dawn to watch the launch of Day One of the Citrus Slam on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.

Bobby Lane was picked as a favorite by many of the pundits and his fellow Elite Series contenders. Lane has a long tournament history on Lake Toho, and an intimate knowledge of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.

Anglers stand for the national anthem before launch time.

Matt Sphar gets the Citrus Slam launch going by passing through the livewell check at exactly 8:00 a.m.

Bassmaster Elite Series tour rookie Jay Fuller begins Day One of the Citrus Slam surrounded by the smell of outboard motor oil burning, and Florida sunshine.

Timmy Horton and Kevin Wirth idle towards their designated launch time.

Kelly Jordon and his co-angler were all smiles at the start of the Citrus Slam.

Dave Wolak is coming off a 19th place finish at the Harris Chain of Lakes.

Local favorite, Terry "Big Show" Scroggins is always a threat to win a tournament on Florida waters.

Takahiro Omori leads his flight of boats toward launch time on Day One on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.

Daily launches and weigh-ins will take place at Mack's River Resort on the Kissimmee River.

Professional nutrition consultant Ken Hoover tosses a lunch to one of his Elite Series clients, Mark Tucker.

One of the best seats in the house for viewing the take-off of the 2008 Citrus Slam.

The Camp Mack Store was a popular place before the Day One launch of the Citrus Slam.

The bait shop at Mack's River Resort was open early for the Day One launch.

Elite Series pros to begin to arrive at dawn for the beginning of Day One on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.

Waiting under the canopy of huge live oak trees surrounding Mack's River Resort, a co-angler looks for the Elite Series pro he will fish with on Day One.