Classic Bracket Round 1 begins

College anglers begin their quest for the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic.

Posted on
Tyler Rivet from Nicholls State University said he was a little chilly this morning. With how hot Louisiana is right now, he isn't used to the cool mornings yet.
Tyler Rivet from Nicholls State University said he was a little chilly this morning. With how hot Louisiana is right now, he isn’t used to the cool mornings yet.
Anglers begin funneling in to Bukolt Park.
Anglers begin funneling in to Bukolt Park.
All have Nitro Z-7 boats...
All have Nitro Z-7 boats…
With Mercury ProXS outboards...
With Mercury ProXS outboards…
And Humminbird Helix 7 electronics.
And Humminbird Helix 7 electronics.
Matthew Mcardle launches his boat. Mcardle was a member of the winning team from Texas A&M.
Matthew Mcardle launches his boat. Mcardle was a member of the winning team from Texas A&M.
Trevor Lo of Minnesota backs down the ramp.
Trevor Lo of Minnesota backs down the ramp.
While his teammate Chris Burgan does some last minute rigging.
While his teammate Chris Burgan does some last minute rigging.
Andrew Helms arrives...
Andrew Helms arrives…
The Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Bracket brings an intense format not seen anywhere else.
The Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Bracket brings an intense format not seen anywhere else.
Families gather to support their anglers.
Families gather to support their anglers.
Allyson Marcel of Nicholls State is representing the ladies this week and doing it quite well.
Allyson Marcel of Nicholls State is representing the ladies this week and doing it quite well.
Jake Whitaker of UNC Charlotte gets mic'd up.
Jake Whitaker of UNC Charlotte gets mic’d up.
So does Trevor Lo.
So does Trevor Lo.
The defending champions finished 4th as a team this year, but are back in the bracket again.
The defending champions finished 4th as a team this year, but are back in the bracket again.
Parents take photos.
Parents take photos.
Josh Bensema stretches to reach his boat...
Josh Bensema stretches to reach his boat…
Livewell check.
Livewell check.
Mcardle and family...
Mcardle and family…
Rivet of Nicholls State.
Rivet of Nicholls State.
Crowded dock this morning.
Crowded dock this morning.
...
…
Last second adjustments for Lo.
Last second adjustments for Lo.
Bessemer talks to ESPN cameraman Wes Miller.
Bessemer talks to ESPN cameraman Wes Miller.
Whitaker has been in this position before.
Whitaker has been in this position before.
Bensema shoots a BASScam with Ronnie Moore.
Bensema shoots a BASScam with Ronnie Moore.
Helms and Mcardle hang out.
Helms and Mcardle hang out.
National Anthem time.
National Anthem time.
Bensema stands at attention.
Bensema stands at attention.
The Nicholls State cheering section.
The Nicholls State cheering section.
Almost go time.
Almost go time.
One last photo.
One last photo.
Time to back out.
Time to back out.
I see you...
I see you…
Minnesota fans hang out.
Minnesota fans hang out.
About ready..
About ready..
One last interview.
One last interview.
Bensema is all smiles...
Bensema is all smiles…
Because he is starting very close to the ramp to maximize his day.
Because he is starting very close to the ramp to maximize his day.
First cast before the second boat heads out...
First cast before the second boat heads out…
...
…
There they go.
There they go.
Rivet with a wave...
Rivet with a wave…
Marcel as well.
Marcel as well.
See ya.
See ya.
Whitaker says see ya later.
Whitaker says see ya later.
...
…
Helms is gone.
Helms is gone.
...
…
The only angler left at the dock is a future college angler, up early fishing on a Sunday morning.
The only angler left at the dock is a future college angler, up early fishing on a Sunday morning.