Day One Launch on the Sabine

Brent Chapman, the reigning Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year, drops his boat in the Sabine River on the first official tournament day of the new season.

Cliff Pace heads down the ramp for his first competition day since winning the 2013 Classic.

Kevin "K-Pink" Short of Mayflower, Ark.,  visits with his Marshal before the launch.

Gerald Swindle makes certain his sonar and GPS systems are working properly.

Terry "Big Show" Scroggins prepares to launch at the Orange Public Boat Ramp where there were many interested spectators before 7 a.m.

Lights, camera, action! A television crew sets up to tape the take-off.

Billy McCaghren will be one of the 100-angler field that figures to burn lots of fuel this week while running the vast Sabine River.

Terry Scroggins reaches in a rod locker to prepare a few choice weapons to put on the boat deck.

Early morning darkness and 40-degree temperatures didn't dissuade spectators from gathering for Thursday's take-off.

As the start time grew closer, the crowd grew larger.

Brandon Palaniuk (foreground) is one of several Elite Series anglers who were busy preparing tackle before the take-off.

Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer interviews 2013 Classic champion Cliff Pace.

There was almost one camera for every pair of eyes in the take-off gallery.

Take-off time Thursday was delayed a few minutes from the 7 a.m. scheduled start, as B.A.S.S. officials waited until safe daylight reached Orange.

Delaying the start for 10 minutes gave the crowd more time to shoot photos and video.

Hats were removed and voices grew quiet for the playing of the national anthem.

B.A.S.S. official Jon Stewart directs anglers for their numbered launch order.

Gerald Swindle files past the official take-off point.

One by one, the 100-boat field idles past the observation dock.

Rick Clunn is bundled up for the early take-off, but it is expected to warm into the 70s today.

John Murray is all smiles as he leaves the launch site.

Fletcher Shryock leaves Orange Marina. The weigh-in begins in Riverfront Park at 3:15 p.m. CT.