Launching hopes

Fifty-four Fed Nation anglers set off on the Ouachita River this morning with dreams of winning a Classic berth.

<p>
	All boats idle past the dock for inspection before going out on the water.</p>
All boats idle past the dock for inspection before going out on the water.
<p>
	Boat 37 is ready to get under way on Day One of competition.</p>
Boat 37 is ready to get under way on Day One of competition.
<p>
	Boats line the dock and bank before launch.</p>
Boats line the dock and bank before launch.
<p>
	Friends and family cheered on their favorite anglers.</p>
Friends and family cheered on their favorite anglers.
<p>
	Game faces on... today is for real.</p>
Game faces on… today is for real.
<p>
	Many of the Federation Presidents were on hand to help with the launch process. </p>
Many of the Federation Presidents were on hand to help with the launch process. 
<p>
	Miss Louise is all smiles as her son Skip idles by !</p>
Miss Louise is all smiles as her son Skip idles by !
<p>
	Official time is displayed as boats idle past.</p>
Official time is displayed as boats idle past.
<p>
	Several photographers were on hand to capture the moment.</p>
Several photographers were on hand to capture the moment.
<p>
	Spectators lined the bank to watch the Launch festivities.</p>
Spectators lined the bank to watch the Launch festivities.
<p>
	The colors fly as dawn breaks.</p>
The colors fly as dawn breaks.
<p>
	The contenders all rise for the National Anthem.</p>
The contenders all rise for the National Anthem.
<p>
	The last angler out today will be first tomorrow!</p>
The last angler out today will be first tomorrow!
<p>
	Tournament director Jon Stewart and emcee Dave Mercer remove their hats for the National Anthem.</p>
Tournament director Jon Stewart and emcee Dave Mercer remove their hats for the National Anthem.