Day One Launch on the Mighty Mississippi

Spectators as well as family and friends join the Elite Series anglers as they tie up to the docks on the Mississippi River on an early Wisconsin morning.

Crowds of spectators line the shore and watch as anglers go through their morning routines on Day One of the Mississippi River Rumble.

Even the bridge overhead gets crowded prior to take-off at the 2012 Elite Series Mississippi River Rumble.

Elite pros gather under the bridge before competition begins on Day One.

A mother mallard corrals her group of newborns away from the idling boats.

Cliff Pace cruises past the official release boat as his boat number is being called.

Todd Faircloth idles through boat check and heads towards the river.

Scott Ashmore motors out to the main river channel on Day One.

Shaw Grigsby follows the line of boats and smiles for the camera.

2012 Bassmaster Classic champion Chris Lane is focused as Day One gets underway.

Skeet Reese and his Marshal slip through boat check and make their way out onto to the river.

Kelly Jordon is amped up as he starts the morning at the Mississippi River Rumble.

A fan favorite in this event, Dean Rojas, is all business during take-off.

Chris Zaldain sits next to Fred Roumbanis as they prepare tackle for the day.

Boats stagger throughout the cove as the Day One launch continues.

Skeet Reese speaks with Dave Mercer about the Mississippi River near La Crosse, Wis.

Fans flood the bridge as Elite pros pass underneath.

River technician Bill Lowen smiles as he drives by the dock.

Rick Clunn makes his way past the boat check.

Randy Howell waves to the crowd as he looks to regain his lead in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year race.