Havasu launch

Though the winds are wild, Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Havasu presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels went off without a hitch.

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Todd Faircloth prepares as the flags blow in the strong winds.
Todd Faircloth prepares as the flags blow in the strong winds.
Bassmaster Marshals wait in their Elite anglers to arrive.
Bassmaster Marshals wait in their Elite anglers to arrive.
Bassmaster fans gather to watch the best in bass fishing head out for Day 1.
Bassmaster fans gather to watch the best in bass fishing head out for Day 1.
Sand and rocks line the shores here on Lake Havasu.
Sand and rocks line the shores here on Lake Havasu.
Though some may say the trees are missing, it is still a beautiful backdrop for fishing.
Though some may say the trees are missing, it is still a beautiful backdrop for fishing.
Arizona's mountains are visible in the distance.
Arizona’s mountains are visible in the distance.
But the Elites aren't here for sightseeing...
But the Elites aren’t here for sightseeing…
...it's time to gear up for an important day of bass fishing.
…it’s time to gear up for an important day of bass fishing.
Josh Bertrand is ready to launch.
Josh Bertrand is ready to launch.
He joins the crowd of anglers waiting on takeoff.
He joins the crowd of anglers waiting on takeoff.
Fresh off a win on the Sacramento River, Justin Lucas will have to focus just a few days later on Lake Havasu.
Fresh off a win on the Sacramento River, Justin Lucas will have to focus just a few days later on Lake Havasu.
David Walker is always ready to fish.
David Walker is always ready to fish.
The Bassmaster Elite Series always keeps the boat ramps busy.
The Bassmaster Elite Series always keeps the boat ramps busy.
Aaron Martens is the next angler to arrive.
Aaron Martens is the next angler to arrive.
The Lake Havasu State park is the host of the Day 1 launch.
The Lake Havasu State park is the host of the Day 1 launch.
Beautiful boats and majestic mountains as far as the eye can see.
Beautiful boats and majestic mountains as far as the eye can see.
Enjoy the palm trees fellas, we're heading north after BASSfest.
Enjoy the palm trees fellas, we’re heading north after BASSfest.
Let's line them up...
Let’s line them up…
...and get in order.
…and get in order.
It's getting crowded.
It’s getting crowded.
Chris Lane bends Dave Mercer's ear.
Chris Lane bends Dave Mercer’s ear.
The gang's all here.
The gang’s all here.
Lake Havasu City resident Dean Rojas is tickled pink about this location.
Lake Havasu City resident Dean Rojas is tickled pink about this location.
Almost there...
Almost there…
Dave Mercer is on the mic.
Dave Mercer is on the mic.
...
…
Just five minutes until go time.
Just five minutes until go time.
Let's start Day 1 with the national anthem.
Let’s start Day 1 with the national anthem.
And there they go.
And there they go.
Rolling out towards rolling hills...
Rolling out towards rolling hills…
With the strong wind, covered faces seem to be the trend of Day 1.
With the strong wind, covered faces seem to be the trend of Day 1.
That is some definite purple mountains majesty.
That is some definite purple mountains majesty.
Group two is ready to go.
Group two is ready to go.
It looks like everyone has a camera.
It looks like everyone has a camera.
It's hard to miss what the strong wind is doing to the flags and trees.
It’s hard to miss what the strong wind is doing to the flags and trees.
Another group of anglers heads out on Lake Havasu.
Another group of anglers heads out on Lake Havasu.
A great group of bass fishermen assemble.
A great group of bass fishermen assemble.
Chad Morgenthaler is ready for business.
Chad Morgenthaler is ready for business.
...
…
Let's see what happens on Havasu.
Let’s see what happens on Havasu.