Day 3 takeoff at the St. Johns River

Fifty Elite Series anglers blast off into the St. Johns River in hopes of earning a Top 12 spot.

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Julie Roumbanis is all smiles as they cheer on husband Fred at launch.
Julie Roumbanis is all smiles as they cheer on husband Fred at launch.
Marshals gather to get the BASSTrakk phones for the day.
Marshals gather to get the BASSTrakk phones for the day.
Justin Lucas gets ready for Day 3.
Justin Lucas gets ready for Day 3.
FIsh and Wildlife Commission are at the launch.
FIsh and Wildlife Commission are at the launch.
Fred Roumbanis checks out his GoPro before Day 3.
Fred Roumbanis checks out his GoPro before Day 3.
Jeff Kriet readies his rods.
Jeff Kriet readies his rods.
The sun begins peeking on the horizon.
The sun begins peeking on the horizon.
Jared Miller ties on last minute tackle.
Jared Miller ties on last minute tackle.
Takahiro Omori is a happy camper on Day 3, he sits in 12th.
Takahiro Omori is a happy camper on Day 3, he sits in 12th.
Shaye Baker sets up a GoPro on Bobby Lane’s boat as he watches intently.
Shaye Baker sets up a GoPro on Bobby Lane’s boat as he watches intently.
Randall Tharp is ready to go on cut day.
Randall Tharp is ready to go on cut day.
Mark Davis is all smiles with his sons before blast off.
Mark Davis is all smiles with his sons before blast off.
John Murray is enjoying the morning.
John Murray is enjoying the morning.
Cliff Crochet applies some chapstick before launch.
Cliff Crochet applies some chapstick before launch.
Dave Mercer talks with Justin Lucas before blast off.
Dave Mercer talks with Justin Lucas before blast off.
Pete Ponds has his game face on Day 3.
Pete Ponds has his game face on Day 3.
Chris Lane takes a moment for the national anthem.
Chris Lane takes a moment for the national anthem.
Justin Lucas does the same.
Justin Lucas does the same.
Bird's eye view from the trailer.
Bird’s eye view from the trailer.
Chris Lane heads out as boat No. 1 because he is the leader after Day 2.
Chris Lane heads out as boat No. 1 because he is the leader after Day 2.
Justin Lucas is amped to go fishing.
Justin Lucas is amped to go fishing.
Chris Lane says some final words to the cameraman before takeoff.
Chris Lane says some final words to the cameraman before takeoff.
Justin Lucas is off!
Justin Lucas is off!
Spectators watched as the anglers left this morning.
Spectators watched as the anglers left this morning.
Bobby Lane is ready for takeoff.
Bobby Lane is ready for takeoff.
Randall Tharp with his game face.
Randall Tharp with his game face.
Gerald Swindle moves into takeoff position.
Gerald Swindle moves into takeoff position.
David Mullins is ready to fish for the Day 3 cut.
David Mullins is ready to fish for the Day 3 cut.
Casey Ashley chatting away before second flight takes off.
Casey Ashley chatting away before second flight takes off.
Steve Kennedy happy to be fishing on the St. Johns River.
Steve Kennedy happy to be fishing on the St. Johns River.
Terry Scroggins plays the waiting game as he is boat 50 today.
Terry Scroggins plays the waiting game as he is boat 50 today.
Steve Kennedy waves to the crowd.
Steve Kennedy waves to the crowd.
Aaron Martens acknowledges the crowd.
Aaron Martens acknowledges the crowd.
Local favorite Terry Scroggins waves to friends, family and fans.
Local favorite Terry Scroggins waves to friends, family and fans.