Elites take off on St. Johns River for Day 1

After a fog delay, the Elite pros take off on St. Johns River for Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite in Palatka, Fla.

After a fog delay, B.A.S.S. officials determine that it is safe to launch.
After a fog delay, B.A.S.S. officials determine that it is safe to launch.
Steve Kennedy took the extra 50 minutes to check his tackle.
Steve Kennedy took the extra 50 minutes to check his tackle.
Kevin VanDam, Terry Scroggins, Cliff Prince, Dave Mercer and Gerald Swindle engage in a little dock talk. The main topic of conversation in this group was what's for dinner at Terry Scroggins' place. Look in BassCam for a video of it.
Kevin VanDam, Terry Scroggins, Cliff Prince, Dave Mercer and Gerald Swindle engage in a little dock talk. The main topic of conversation in this group was what’s for dinner at Terry Scroggins’ place. Look in BassCam for a video of it.
Everyone is ready to get this started (and drink some more coffee).
Everyone is ready to get this started (and drink some more coffee).
Activity comes to a halt as the national anthem is sung. Elite rookie Justin Lucas...
Activity comes to a halt as the national anthem is sung. Elite rookie Justin Lucas…
Cliff Crochet...
Cliff Crochet…
Brian Snowden...
Brian Snowden…
Terry Scroggins...
Terry Scroggins…
Tommy Biffle and Ott DeFoe...
Tommy Biffle and Ott DeFoe…
Now it's time to get started. Scott Ashmore leads a long line of boats out.
Now it’s time to get started. Scott Ashmore leads a long line of boats out.
B.A.S.S. officials wrangle all 108 boats into line.
B.A.S.S. officials wrangle all 108 boats into line.
After all the jovial talk, Terry
After all the jovial talk, Terry “Big Show” Scroggins gets his game face on.
Dean Rojas is ready to catch some St. Johns bass.
Dean Rojas is ready to catch some St. Johns bass.
Anglers idle past.
Anglers idle past.
Ott DeFoe shows his livewell.
Ott DeFoe shows his livewell.
A Marshal offers some steering assistance.
A Marshal offers some steering assistance.
Morizo Shimizu had a strong performance on Lake Seminole and is looking to back it up on St. Johns.
Morizo Shimizu had a strong performance on Lake Seminole and is looking to back it up on St. Johns.
Jason Williamson is ready to put the hammer down.
Jason Williamson is ready to put the hammer down.
B.A.S.S. staffers Max Leatherwood and Lisa Talmadge watch the anglers leave.
B.A.S.S. staffers Max Leatherwood and Lisa Talmadge watch the anglers leave.
Fans and family watch as the Elites begin Day 1.
Fans and family watch as the Elites begin Day 1.
David Walker is all smiles this morning.
David Walker is all smiles this morning.
James Elam is bundled up for the cold run ahead.
James Elam is bundled up for the cold run ahead.
Jeff Kriet is one of the last to leave.
Jeff Kriet is one of the last to leave.
Britt Myers is ready to fish.
Britt Myers is ready to fish.