College: Southern Regional Registration

The 2013 Carhartt College Series opens on the Harris Chain of Lakes this week. 

The spread. College anglers are allowed to drool over the spoils of their potential victory. 

The Southern B.A.S.S. Conference Regional Championship trophies sit alongside the granddaddy of the college trail, the 2012 National Champion trophy. 

The 2012 National Championship Trophies take center stage. These two symbolize a year’s worth of hard work and will be delivered to Oklahoma State University’s Zack Birge and Blake Flurry later this year. 

Let the registration begin. 

Anglers start to pile in. 

Tournament director Hank Weldon goes over a few last minute details with University of Alabama student Jake Gipson.

Auburn University’s Jordan Lee dots his i’s and crosses his t’s as soon as he makes it through the door. 

The line is out the door as anglers anxiously await the start of the 2013 season. 

A lot of “dock talk” is passed back and forth during registration. Though the common theme is tough fishing, a few anglers tell tales of giants prowling the shallows.

The line dwindles as the pre-tournament meeting draws near.

Elite Series pro Cliff Prince welcomes anglers as they enter the door. 

New faces sport familiar jerseys as a field of college anglers look to make a name for their schools.

The early birds find a seat near the front as the 79-boat field continues to file in. 

Jordan Lee and Matt Lee of Auburn University look down the long road to the National Championship and the possibility of another shot at a Classic berth. 

Free gear is handed out to anglers as they work through registration. 

As the room starts to fill, collegiate anglers watch Matt Lee claim his spot in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic. 

And groans go up for Jordan Lee as all remember the un-scriptable drama which played out during the 2012 Classic Bracket, pitting brother against brother. 

The 2013 Classic representative himself sits on the front row during registration, hoping to gain every opportunity to secure a repeat. 

Tournament director Hank Weldon addresses the masses. 

Anglers look on as the briefing gets underway. 

Hank Weldon wraps up and sends the anglers out to make last-minute preparations before tomorrow’s event.

The team spirit isn’t hard to spot in Tavares, Fla., this week.