Day 1: Behind the scenes

Go behind the scenes Day 1 of the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship.

The Elite Series finishes it season here in Escanaba, Mi. If you're showing up, grab one of these exclusive t-shirts.
The Elite Series finishes it season here in Escanaba, Mi. If you’re showing up, grab one of these exclusive t-shirts.
If Gerald and LeAnn Swindle are around, you'll definitely find Myrick.
If Gerald and LeAnn Swindle are around, you’ll definitely find Myrick.
Swindle shows off his work.
Swindle shows off his work.
Greg Hackney bags his catch.
Greg Hackney bags his catch.
Not Aaron Marten's best fish.
Not Aaron Marten’s best fish.
Keith Combs loads his weigh-in bag.
Keith Combs loads his weigh-in bag.
Todd Faircloth looks like he's picking a fight with Chris Lane, but I promise, they are just talking.
Todd Faircloth looks like he’s picking a fight with Chris Lane, but I promise, they are just talking.
A picture of some heavy hitters: Greg Hackney, Gerald Swindle, Jason Christie and Skeet Reese (left to right).
A picture of some heavy hitters: Greg Hackney, Gerald Swindle, Jason Christie and Skeet Reese (left to right).
Todd Faircloth waits with Mark Davis and Casey Ashley behind him.
Todd Faircloth waits with Mark Davis and Casey Ashley behind him.
Brandon Lester had a monster bag today.
Brandon Lester had a monster bag today.
Randy Howell locks down his trolling motor.
Randy Howell locks down his trolling motor.
Bernie Schultz looks mad in this picture, but he isn't. That seems to be a theme today.
Bernie Schultz looks mad in this picture, but he isn’t. That seems to be a theme today.
B.A.S.S. writer Don Barone and Kerry Short watch Kevin Short bag his fish.
B.A.S.S. writer Don Barone and Kerry Short watch Kevin Short bag his fish.
It's a good one.
It’s a good one.
Jason Christie and Gerald Swindle continue their conversation right up to the point they need to go on stage.
Jason Christie and Gerald Swindle continue their conversation right up to the point they need to go on stage.
Greg Hackney walks up to weigh in.
Greg Hackney walks up to weigh in.
Takahiro Omori was second to last to weigh-in.
Takahiro Omori was second to last to weigh-in.
Bobby Lane backstage.
Bobby Lane backstage.
Jason Christie reacts to a story from Gerald Swindle in the holding tank area.
Jason Christie reacts to a story from Gerald Swindle in the holding tank area.
Bill Lowen shakes the water from his bag before checking in at the holding tanks.
Bill Lowen shakes the water from his bag before checking in at the holding tanks.
Steve Wright (left) interviews Todd Faircloth after the angler weighed in 20 pounds, 15 ounces and moved into second in the AOY race.
Steve Wright (left) interviews Todd Faircloth after the angler weighed in 20 pounds, 15 ounces and moved into second in the AOY race.
Kevin Short scratches his chin while waiting to weigh. Short fell a couple of places in the Classic standings, but currently is still in.
Kevin Short scratches his chin while waiting to weigh. Short fell a couple of places in the Classic standings, but currently is still in.
Mike McClelland ponders his day while waiting to weigh in.
Mike McClelland ponders his day while waiting to weigh in.
Jeff Kriet wipes his face while waiting to weigh, his 16-pound stringer put him within striking distance of a Classic berth.
Jeff Kriet wipes his face while waiting to weigh, his 16-pound stringer put him within striking distance of a Classic berth.
Kriet’s sunglasses reflect those standing in front of him.
Kriet’s sunglasses reflect those standing in front of him.
Chris Zaldain relays a story of a big catch.
Chris Zaldain relays a story of a big catch.
Casey Scanlon scratches his head, waiting to weigh.
Casey Scanlon scratches his head, waiting to weigh.
Scanlon tells a story to Marty Robinson and James Niggemeyer while the trio wait to move up the weigh-in line.
Scanlon tells a story to Marty Robinson and James Niggemeyer while the trio wait to move up the weigh-in line.
Michael Iaconelli gets a lift to the weigh in.
Michael Iaconelli gets a lift to the weigh in.
After weighing in, David Walker, Jason Christie and Matt Herren visit on the way back to their boat.
After weighing in, David Walker, Jason Christie and Matt Herren visit on the way back to their boat.
Bill Lowen, Scott Rook and Brett Hite check out the anglers who are coming to the line.
Bill Lowen, Scott Rook and Brett Hite check out the anglers who are coming to the line.
Kerry Short reacts to her husband, Kevin Short, weighing in.
Kerry Short reacts to her husband, Kevin Short, weighing in.
Zaldain shows off a 6-pound class smallmouth caught on Day 1.
Zaldain shows off a 6-pound class smallmouth caught on Day 1.