Federation Nation practice

The B.A.S.S. staff and service crews line the dock to prepare the anglers for launch after their initial safety checks.

Angler Skip Sjobeck is all bundled up as the temps were in the 30's at launch time.

The boats are launched just as dawn begins to break on the horizon.

The national anthem was played and our flag honored as daylight broke.

The boats line up single file to idle past the dock for safety checks prior to take-off.

The faithful service crews are on hand to render help if there are any equipment problems.

The boatyard is filled with empty trailers as the anglers get in their first day of practice.

All contenders fish from identical Skeeter-Yamaha packaged boats.

All the boats are pulled by Toyota vehicles.

Later, the boats all wait neatly in line for the second day of practice.