Day 1: Marshals on Okeechobee

As Day 1 comes to a close,  Greg Hackney was able to show off a great catch.
As Day 1 comes to a close, Greg Hackney was able to show off a great catch.
Another early keeper for Hackney
Another early keeper for Hackney
Adrian Avena working his plan.
Adrian Avena working his plan.
Ehrler is still culling ounces at a time. Looking for the game-changer.
Ehrler is still culling ounces at a time. Looking for the game-changer.
Josh Bertrand with a late cull, and a big bag in the making
Josh Bertrand with a late cull, and a big bag in the making
Consistency and endurance, a small improvement. The big one has to be here somewhere ...
Consistency and endurance, a small improvement. The big one has to be here somewhere …
Which song? It's a Beautiful Day or Smoke on the Water?
Which song? It’s a Beautiful Day or Smoke on the Water?
Mark Davis putting a solid 5-pounder in the boat.
Mark Davis putting a solid 5-pounder in the boat.
Jacob has a limit, but still looking for a big 'un
Jacob has a limit, but still looking for a big ‘un
Zaldain just boated his limit. Stay tuned for an upgrade.
Zaldain just boated his limit. Stay tuned for an upgrade.
Doesn't help the cause. Connell still looking.
Doesn’t help the cause. Connell still looking.
This is a better upgrade for Kelley Jaye.
This is a better upgrade for Kelley Jaye.
David Williams is finally starting to get into better fish. He just needs that one big cull or four more like this one, he said.
David Williams is finally starting to get into better fish. He just needs that one big cull or four more like this one, he said.
Jason Christie's new area has some active fish...
Jason Christie’s new area has some active fish…
...which enabled him to have another upgrade.
…which enabled him to have another upgrade.
The water temperature has the fish actively feeding, which Jason is trying to capitalize on.
The water temperature has the fish actively feeding, which Jason is trying to capitalize on.
Jason Christie has moved half a mile, and the move paid off with an upgrade. He had to retrieve the 2-pounder from the reeds, but he's all smiles for the 1-pound upgrade.
Jason Christie has moved half a mile, and the move paid off with an upgrade. He had to retrieve the 2-pounder from the reeds, but he’s all smiles for the 1-pound upgrade.
With 2 1/2 hours left on Day 1, Ehrler knows he has a decent bag.  Now, he is flipping more intently looking for that one big bite that can be the difference maker.
With 2 1/2 hours left on Day 1, Ehrler knows he has a decent bag. Now, he is flipping more intently looking for that one big bite that can be the difference maker.
Biggest so far for Wiggins
Biggest so far for Wiggins
Another 3-pounder. Howell is culling.
Another 3-pounder. Howell is culling.
After a quiet period Jason Christie has finally been able to upgrade. Fishing the same area, Jason was able to cull out a 14-ounce fish for a 2 1/2-pounder.
After a quiet period Jason Christie has finally been able to upgrade. Fishing the same area, Jason was able to cull out a 14-ounce fish for a 2 1/2-pounder.
After a long lull in action, Ehrler catches a nice keeper.
After a long lull in action, Ehrler catches a nice keeper.
Things have slowed down a little bit in the past hour. Ashley has caught several small fish but nothing that will help his cause. The lake definitely seems like it is fishing small this week, and the locals are out today in full force.
Things have slowed down a little bit in the past hour. Ashley has caught several small fish but nothing that will help his cause. The lake definitely seems like it is fishing small this week, and the locals are out today in full force.
Wow, after an exciting fish and an epic battle, Brandon Lester lands a GIANT! A subtle tackle change and now the giants aren't getting off.
Wow, after an exciting fish and an epic battle, Brandon Lester lands a GIANT! A subtle tackle change and now the giants aren’t getting off.
Matt Lee added this one to the livewell for a 1/2-pound cull.
Matt Lee added this one to the livewell for a 1/2-pound cull.
David Walker lands a nice 4-pounder.
David Walker lands a nice 4-pounder.
What should Jesse Wiggins do? They are dead even.
What should Jesse Wiggins do? They are dead even.
This is what Dustin Connell came for.
This is what Dustin Connell came for.
Brandon Card with another Okeechobee largemouth
Brandon Card with another Okeechobee largemouth
Jared Lintner just boated No. 4. As he did, he asked,
Jared Lintner just boated No. 4. As he did, he asked, “Where are the big ones?”
Jared Lintner is trying something new. After five minutes, it seems to be working. No. 3  is better than the first two combined.
Jared Lintner is trying something new. After five minutes, it seems to be working. No. 3 is better than the first two combined.
Paul Mueller continues to cull up in his second area.
Paul Mueller continues to cull up in his second area.
Jason Williamson culling with this nice 5-pounder
Jason Williamson culling with this nice 5-pounder
Howell is culling. Every bit counts.
Howell is culling. Every bit counts.
It has been a long time since the last bite. Anything is better than nothing, but they need to be a lot bigger if it's this far in between. Jared Lintner is not giving up.
It has been a long time since the last bite. Anything is better than nothing, but they need to be a lot bigger if it’s this far in between. Jared Lintner is not giving up.
Matt Lee adds a pound to his well.
Matt Lee adds a pound to his well.
Adrian Avena with an upgrade
Adrian Avena with an upgrade
Flying fish on Okeechobee?
Flying fish on Okeechobee?
Adrian Avena misses a good one then puts this one in the boat on the next cast. It's a start.
Adrian Avena misses a good one then puts this one in the boat on the next cast. It’s a start.
6 pounds made a good cull for Matt Lee.
6 pounds made a good cull for Matt Lee.
Jason Christie has continued to methodically pick apart his area and has been rewarded for his persistence. This 5-pound fish hit his bait hard. Jason thinks it will continue to improve as the water warms up today.
Jason Christie has continued to methodically pick apart his area and has been rewarded for his persistence. This 5-pound fish hit his bait hard. Jason thinks it will continue to improve as the water warms up today.
Casey Ashley on a little bit of a roll. He made an upgrade and hooked into his best fish of the day. He is up around 13 pounds for the day.
Casey Ashley on a little bit of a roll. He made an upgrade and hooked into his best fish of the day. He is up around 13 pounds for the day.
A 6-plus-pounder for Cliff Prince.
A 6-plus-pounder for Cliff Prince.
Micah moves back out to casting ChatterBait and catches a 1-pound fish on it. There are a lot of boats on this flat.
Micah moves back out to casting ChatterBait and catches a 1-pound fish on it. There are a lot of boats on this flat.
As David Williams is trying to decide which fish to cull, one of them offers himself up.
As David Williams is trying to decide which fish to cull, one of them offers himself up.
Nice 3-pounder for Cliff Crochet. The move south paid off with a big confidence booster. Now he's pitching into the thick grass, trying to cull all five of his original limit.
Nice 3-pounder for Cliff Crochet. The move south paid off with a big confidence booster. Now he’s pitching into the thick grass, trying to cull all five of his original limit.
Ehrler is slowly but surely upgrading his catch with this cull.
Ehrler is slowly but surely upgrading his catch with this cull.
Mueller is picked his secondary area apart and made another big cull with a 6.4-pounder.
Mueller is picked his secondary area apart and made another big cull with a 6.4-pounder.
Jason Williamson with his fifth fish
Jason Williamson with his fifth fish
Paul Mueller continues to cull up in his second area. Another just under 4 pounds.
Paul Mueller continues to cull up in his second area. Another just under 4 pounds.
Justin Lucas fishing close by. Howell is actually surrounded by Elites in this area.
Justin Lucas fishing close by. Howell is actually surrounded by Elites in this area.
Brandon Card with a Big O monster.
Brandon Card with a Big O monster.
Everyone seems to be fishing in this area with Micah Frazier.
Everyone seems to be fishing in this area with Micah Frazier.
Shaw Grigsby lands No. 3. He hopes to cull this one later.
Shaw Grigsby lands No. 3. He hopes to cull this one later.
Brian Snowden started Day 1 with a nice 5-pounder.
Brian Snowden started Day 1 with a nice 5-pounder.
Combs in action on Okeechobee.
Combs in action on Okeechobee.
After a short move to new water, Brent gets his second cull fish in quick order.
After a short move to new water, Brent gets his second cull fish in quick order.
Ashley filled out his limit for close to 12 pounds. He started working on finding a kicker bite.
Ashley filled out his limit for close to 12 pounds. He started working on finding a kicker bite.
He is working on finding a kicker bite now.
He is working on finding a kicker bite now.
Uninvited guests
Uninvited guests
James Elam's second bass of the day
James Elam’s second bass of the day
Paul Mueller pulled into his second area and caught a quick limit, including this 3.8-pounder.
Paul Mueller pulled into his second area and caught a quick limit, including this 3.8-pounder.
Lefebre & VanDam sharing water
Lefebre & VanDam sharing water
Howell is covering some water and just boated No. 3.
Howell is covering some water and just boated No. 3.
No success yet for Jason Christie. He has caught a mudfish and a couple of swings and misses. Jason has observed that the water temperature has dropped by 7 degrees overnight, which has slowed down his bite and the fish are no longer chasing his bait.  As a consequence he has slowed down his presentation.
No success yet for Jason Christie. He has caught a mudfish and a couple of swings and misses. Jason has observed that the water temperature has dropped by 7 degrees overnight, which has slowed down his bite and the fish are no longer chasing his bait. As a consequence he has slowed down his presentation.
Chris Zaldain landed his fourth bass of the day. Soon he'll be culling the small ones.
Chris Zaldain landed his fourth bass of the day. Soon he’ll be culling the small ones.
Ehrler got keeper No. 5 a few casts after No. 4. Nice quick little flurry to fill out his limit. He has the rest of the day to upgrade, and on this lake, chances are it could happen big time.
Ehrler got keeper No. 5 a few casts after No. 4. Nice quick little flurry to fill out his limit. He has the rest of the day to upgrade, and on this lake, chances are it could happen big time.
Brandon Lester just boated his limit fish and continues to get bites even with a bunch of local boats fishing in his area. He just lost a big one, over 6 pounds, but kept working and keeps getting bit. There are big fish in his area; he just needs to land them!
Brandon Lester just boated his limit fish and continues to get bites even with a bunch of local boats fishing in his area. He just lost a big one, over 6 pounds, but kept working and keeps getting bit. There are big fish in his area; he just needs to land them!
Things are starting to heat up for Casey Ashley...
Things are starting to heat up for Casey Ashley…
....two fish within minutes of each other.
….two fish within minutes of each other.
Fish No. 3 for Dustin Connell. They're getting slightly bigger.
Fish No. 3 for Dustin Connell. They’re getting slightly bigger.
David Walker drags a nice toad out of the grass!
David Walker drags a nice toad out of the grass!
Dave Lefebre adding weight to the boat
Dave Lefebre adding weight to the boat
This one along with the previous pound and a halfer will be walking the plank after a limit is secured.
This one along with the previous pound and a halfer will be walking the plank after a limit is secured.
Brock Mosley is on the board with his first keeper this morning, after missing one a little earlier.
Brock Mosley is on the board with his first keeper this morning, after missing one a little earlier.
Chris Zaldain just lands a sweet 4-pounder, after discouraging some locals from trying to fish in his livewell.
Chris Zaldain just lands a sweet 4-pounder, after discouraging some locals from trying to fish in his livewell.
First two in the box for Brandon Card
First two in the box for Brandon Card
Matt Lee with a flurry of fish, putting No. 3 in the livewell
Matt Lee with a flurry of fish, putting No. 3 in the livewell
Matt Lee adds another 2.5 pounds.
Matt Lee adds another 2.5 pounds.
Luke Clausen looking for love from some big Okeechobee bass. Hoping for a valentine of his own.
Luke Clausen looking for love from some big Okeechobee bass. Hoping for a valentine of his own.
First one for Matt Lee is a 3-pounder.
First one for Matt Lee is a 3-pounder.
Jay Brainard with his first of the day
Jay Brainard with his first of the day
Keith Combs pulls the trigger and lands one.
Keith Combs pulls the trigger and lands one.
David Williams gets a quality bite to ease the nerves on a beautiful morning in Florida.
David Williams gets a quality bite to ease the nerves on a beautiful morning in Florida.
Good morning beautiful! Brent Ehrler making quick work this morning. Just landed keeper No. 2.
Good morning beautiful! Brent Ehrler making quick work this morning. Just landed keeper No. 2.
After an ominous takeoff with the fog and cold, it's already heating up with Brandon Lester. Three keepers in the boat in less than 5 minutes.
After an ominous takeoff with the fog and cold, it’s already heating up with Brandon Lester. Three keepers in the boat in less than 5 minutes.
David Walker on the board
David Walker on the board
Chris Zaldain just smacks another keeper bass. The bite is getting better and bigger.
Chris Zaldain just smacks another keeper bass. The bite is getting better and bigger.
After a brief fog delay, the Elites are getting started. First cast of the day for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic champion Casey Ashley.
After a brief fog delay, the Elites are getting started. First cast of the day for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic champion Casey Ashley.
Jared Lintner idles by the bank as we start off slowly on this first day.
Jared Lintner idles by the bank as we start off slowly on this first day.
Day 1 of the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee began with a fog delay.
Day 1 of the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee began with a fog delay.
Randy Howell says it looks like heaven opening up.
Randy Howell says it looks like heaven opening up.
Ready to blast off with Randy Howell
Ready to blast off with Randy Howell
Proud American anglers standing for our national anthem. About to blast off after short fog delay.
Proud American anglers standing for our national anthem. About to blast off after short fog delay.
Launching in the fog at Okeechobee
Launching in the fog at Okeechobee
More waiting
More waiting
Safety first! Waiting for the fog to lift.
Safety first! Waiting for the fog to lift.
Jay Brainard using the delay to work on tackle.
Jay Brainard using the delay to work on tackle.
There are plenty of people bundled up this morning, waiting on the fog to clear.
There are plenty of people bundled up this morning, waiting on the fog to clear.
Fog delay at Okeechobee but anglers remain in great spirits.
Fog delay at Okeechobee but anglers remain in great spirits.
Waiting in anticipation for the fog to lift with Jason Christie
Waiting in anticipation for the fog to lift with Jason Christie
Chad Pipkens waiting his turn to unload
Chad Pipkens waiting his turn to unload
The Elites continue to unload at the ramp.
The Elites continue to unload at the ramp.
Jacob Wheeler watching the early morning fog
Jacob Wheeler watching the early morning fog
A little foggy at the ramp on the first day of the Bassmaster Elite series at Lake Okeechobee
A little foggy at the ramp on the first day of the Bassmaster Elite series at Lake Okeechobee
Loading in for the first day on Lake Okeechobee
Loading in for the first day on Lake Okeechobee