Day One launch on Norman

Anglers eagerly assemble for Day One Launch of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open #2 on Lake Norman.

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<p> Steve Priest gets ready to hit the water on Day One of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #2 on North Carolina’s Lake Norman.</p>
Steve Priest gets ready to hit the water on Day One of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #2 on North Carolina’s Lake Norman.
<p> Casey Ashley loads his boat into Lake Norman in North Carolina.</p>
Casey Ashley loads his boat into Lake Norman in North Carolina.
<p> Heath Scott directs his driver as he backs into the water. </p>
Heath Scott directs his driver as he backs into the water. 
<p> Clouds and rain are in store for Day One of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #2.</p>
Clouds and rain are in store for Day One of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #2.
<p> Steve Jenkins waits to hit the water. </p>
Steve Jenkins waits to hit the water. 
<p> James Watson gets ready to load his boat into Lake Norman.</p>
James Watson gets ready to load his boat into Lake Norman.
<p> Kelley Jaye waits his turn in line to launch.</p>
Kelley Jaye waits his turn in line to launch.
<p> Anglers hit the boat ramp at 6:00 a.m. </p>
Anglers hit the boat ramp at 6:00 a.m. 
<p> Trucks and boats line the road entering Blythe Landing in Cornelius, N.C.</p>
Trucks and boats line the road entering Blythe Landing in Cornelius, N.C.
<p> Boats fill the waters of Blythe Landing. </p>
Boats fill the waters of Blythe Landing. 
<p> The day starts with the national anthem.</p>
The day starts with the national anthem.
<p> 2012 Bassmaster Classic champ Chris Lane salutes the flag. </p>
2012 Bassmaster Classic champ Chris Lane salutes the flag. 
<p> Typically, bananas are considered bad luck amongst anglers, but Brandon Card doesn’t mind. </p>
Typically, bananas are considered bad luck amongst anglers, but Brandon Card doesn’t mind. 
<p> Chris Lane preps his gear. </p>
Chris Lane preps his gear. 
<p> Keith Poche gets ready for Day One of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #2.</p>
Keith Poche gets ready for Day One of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #2.
<p> Jimmy Kennedy waits for his turn to take off. </p>
Jimmy Kennedy waits for his turn to take off. 
<p> B.A.S.S. tournament officials help keep the anglers in line during take-off.</p>
B.A.S.S. tournament officials help keep the anglers in line during take-off.
<p> Take-off begins at 7:00 am ET at Blythe Landing.</p>
Take-off begins at 7:00 am ET at Blythe Landing.
<p> Jonathan VanDam waits amongst other anglers.</p>
Jonathan VanDam waits amongst other anglers.
<p> Scott Ashmore gets ready to get in line.</p>
Scott Ashmore gets ready to get in line.
<p> Rain is expected for the first two days of the tournament.</p>
Rain is expected for the first two days of the tournament.
<p> Keith Poche gets his tackle ready for the day. </p>
Keith Poche gets his tackle ready for the day. 
<p> Elite Series pro Gerald Swindle preps his gear for Day One. </p>
Elite Series pro Gerald Swindle preps his gear for Day One. 
<p> Swindle talks with his co-angler. </p>
Swindle talks with his co-angler.