Day 1 takeoff from Escanaba

Anglers take to the chilly Michigan waters in search of glory.

Points leader Greg Hackney is mobbed by the media on Day 1 of the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship.
Points leader Greg Hackney is mobbed by the media on Day 1 of the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship.
Todd Faircloth is in third, but always a threat.
Todd Faircloth is in third, but always a threat.
Photographer Seigo Saito talks to Keith Combs about the day ahead.
Photographer Seigo Saito talks to Keith Combs about the day ahead.
Randall Tharp visits with his wife before the day begins.
Randall Tharp visits with his wife before the day begins.
Brandon Palaniuk gets ready.
Brandon Palaniuk gets ready.
Jason Christie is here.
Jason Christie is here.
Someone asked Cliff Crochet if he was going hunting or fishing today. He said he doesn't care as long as he stays warm.
Someone asked Cliff Crochet if he was going hunting or fishing today. He said he doesn’t care as long as he stays warm.
Skeet Reese is feeling the 40 degree morning.
Skeet Reese is feeling the 40 degree morning.
Aaron Martens is in a better position this year than last year. Could he win two consecutive AOYs?
Aaron Martens is in a better position this year than last year. Could he win two consecutive AOYs?
Not if this guy has anything to say about it. Greg Hackney talks to the tv cameras about how he's feeling going into this event.
Not if this guy has anything to say about it. Greg Hackney talks to the tv cameras about how he’s feeling going into this event.
Aaron Martens talks to Dave Mercer. You'll notice everyone involved has their gloves on.
Aaron Martens talks to Dave Mercer. You’ll notice everyone involved has their gloves on.
Bundling up was critical on the dock...
Bundling up was critical on the dock…
...and even more important for getting out on the water.
…and even more important for getting out on the water.
Skeet Reese is ready to go.
Skeet Reese is ready to go.
A little drone maintenance, and it's back in the air.
A little drone maintenance, and it’s back in the air.
Keith Combs...
Keith Combs…
Mark Davis...
Mark Davis…
Casey Ashley...
Casey Ashley…
The flag flies atop a fire truck's ladder.
The flag flies atop a fire truck’s ladder.
All pause for the national anthem.
All pause for the national anthem.
Everyone bundles back up...
Everyone bundles back up…
...and suits up.
…and suits up.
It's time to go fishing.
It’s time to go fishing.
The first flight begins to leave the docks...
The first flight begins to leave the docks…
The leaders are the first to go...
The leaders are the first to go…
...with the others not far behind.
…with the others not far behind.
Chris Lane...
Chris Lane…
Morizo Shimizu...
Morizo Shimizu…
David Walker...
David Walker…
Randy Howell...
Randy Howell…
Ott DeFoe...
Ott DeFoe…
Kevin Short...
Kevin Short…
Alton Jones...
Alton Jones…
Cliff Prince...
Cliff Prince…
Jeff Kriet...
Jeff Kriet…
Timmy Horton...
Timmy Horton…
Some are so bundled up it's hard to tell who they are...
Some are so bundled up it’s hard to tell who they are…
...and some like Chris Zaldain have less warm gear covering them up.
…and some like Chris Zaldain have less warm gear covering them up.