Day One launch on the James

Anglers eagerly assemble for the Day One launch of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open #1 on Virginia's James River.

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<p> Ron Hanke talks shop with Dakota Brown prior to launch on Day One of the first Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open of 2012.</p>
Ron Hanke talks shop with Dakota Brown prior to launch on Day One of the first Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open of 2012.
<p> Chris Dillow searches for the right crankbait to tackle the James River.</p>
Chris Dillow searches for the right crankbait to tackle the James River.
<p> Co-angler Ron Chambers seeks his partner, Elite Series angler Kyle Fox, at launch on Day One of the Bass Pro Shops Northern Open #1.</p>
Co-angler Ron Chambers seeks his partner, Elite Series angler Kyle Fox, at launch on Day One of the Bass Pro Shops Northern Open #1.
<p> Anglers gather around the dock eagerly awaiting launch on the James River.</p>
Anglers gather around the dock eagerly awaiting launch on the James River.
The boat ramp at Osborne Park is bustling this morning.
The boat ramp at Osborne Park is bustling this morning.
Anglers line up to put in, as co-angler John Jones makes the long walk to the ramp with his tools.
Anglers line up to put in, as co-angler John Jones makes the long walk to the ramp with his tools.
<p> Elite Series angler Stephen Browning awaits his turn to blast off on the James River.</p>
Elite Series angler Stephen Browning awaits his turn to blast off on the James River.
<p> B.A.S.S. staff, friends and family gather on the dock at the official launch checkpoint.</p>
B.A.S.S. staff, friends and family gather on the dock at the official launch checkpoint.
<p> Browning and co-angler Robert Pelletier ready the Triton for today’s competition.</p>
Browning and co-angler Robert Pelletier ready the Triton for today’s competition.
<p> Tournament Director Chris Bowes summons the first flight of the first Northern Open of 2012.</p>
Tournament Director Chris Bowes summons the first flight of the first Northern Open of 2012.
The BoatUS tow boat is ready to help out, if needed.
The BoatUS tow boat is ready to help out, if needed.
Browning waits for his number to be called.
Browning waits for his number to be called.
The official tournament time reads 6:04 a.m. ET.
The official tournament time reads 6:04 a.m. ET.
The boats line up for livewell check.
The boats line up for livewell check.
Kevin Hawk is ready at the wheel.
Kevin Hawk is ready at the wheel.
Mike Elsea in Boat 34 moves toward launch with co-angler Kennon Ball at his side.
Mike Elsea in Boat 34 moves toward launch with co-angler Kennon Ball at his side.
BoatUS Angler, the Official Towing Service of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens, hoists the American flag for the playing of the national anthem.
BoatUS Angler, the Official Towing Service of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens, hoists the American flag for the playing of the national anthem.
Jimmy Mason and Ronnie Daugh move up to the check-in line.
Jimmy Mason and Ronnie Daugh move up to the check-in line.
B.A.S.S. writer Mark Hicks and co-angler Ron Pegoli in Hicks’ Phoenix boat loaner.
B.A.S.S. writer Mark Hicks and co-angler Ron Pegoli in Hicks’ Phoenix boat loaner.
Greg Dipalma and David Nunnally prepare to run the river.
Greg Dipalma and David Nunnally prepare to run the river.
Long-time B.A.S.S. angler Woo Daves and co-angler John Hutton move through launch in Daves’ Nitro.
Long-time B.A.S.S. angler Woo Daves and co-angler John Hutton move through launch in Daves’ Nitro.
Minn Kota pro Jamey Caldwell is ready with co-angler Ian Miller who is sporting his B.A.S.S. hat.
Minn Kota pro Jamey Caldwell is ready with co-angler Ian Miller who is sporting his B.A.S.S. hat.
Janet Parker with Tommy Bolt at take-off.
Janet Parker with Tommy Bolt at take-off.
Elite Series pro Kyle Fox and co-angler Ron Chambers roll out in a Skeeter FX on Day One on the James River.
Elite Series pro Kyle Fox and co-angler Ron Chambers roll out in a Skeeter FX on Day One on the James River.
Christina Bradley and Stewart Bowles pass the check-out dock.
Christina Bradley and Stewart Bowles pass the check-out dock.
<p> Elite Series pro Fred Roumbanis talks with co-angler Jeremy Thompson on Day One.</p>
Elite Series pro Fred Roumbanis talks with co-angler Jeremy Thompson on Day One.
Kelly Pratt secures his float as co-angler Kyle Owen looks on.
Kelly Pratt secures his float as co-angler Kyle Owen looks on.
Avery Roumbanis with mom watching dad (Fred Roumbanis) head out to work.
Avery Roumbanis with mom watching dad (Fred Roumbanis) head out to work.