Nation: Day 2 launch

Anglers head out to fish the Ouachita River in Monroe, La., on Day 2 of B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.

Posted on
Competitors stage their boats at the Forsythe Park Boat Launch before takeoff on Day 2 of the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on the Ouachita River.
Competitors stage their boats at the Forsythe Park Boat Launch before takeoff on Day 2 of the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on the Ouachita River.
Fans and families gather to watch the anglers take off.
Fans and families gather to watch the anglers take off.
Day 1 leader Coby Carden, representing the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, prepares for an even better Day 2.
Day 1 leader Coby Carden, representing the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, prepares for an even better Day 2. “I made some decisions about today,” Carden said. “I hope they pay off.”
Portugal angler Ricardo Mira prepares his electronics for Day 2.
Portugal angler Ricardo Mira prepares his electronics for Day 2.
Jason Hickey, representing Idaho, speaks to other competitors before launch.
Jason Hickey, representing Idaho, speaks to other competitors before launch.
California angler Ron Welch stays bundled up against the cold.
California angler Ron Welch stays bundled up against the cold.
The B.A.S.S. Nation Championship contenders pause in recognition of the national anthem.
The B.A.S.S. Nation Championship contenders pause in recognition of the national anthem.
Competitors line up in preparation for the takeoff.
Competitors line up in preparation for the takeoff.
The moon is still making an appearance above the Ouachita River Friday morning.
The moon is still making an appearance above the Ouachita River Friday morning.
The B.A.S.S. Nation competitors take their place in line.
The B.A.S.S. Nation competitors take their place in line.
And they're off!
And they’re off!
Supporters take photos from the bank.
Supporters take photos from the bank.
Tony Choe, representing the PVA, heads out on Day 2.
Tony Choe, representing the PVA, heads out on Day 2.
Ken Golub of New York makes his way to the takeoff location.
Ken Golub of New York makes his way to the takeoff location.
Fans take photos of their favorite competitors as they head out on the Ouachita River.
Fans take photos of their favorite competitors as they head out on the Ouachita River.
Anglers head out to catch 'em on Day 2.
Anglers head out to catch ’em on Day 2.
The Japanese support team watches as their representative, Koji Kuroda, takes off.
The Japanese support team watches as their representative, Koji Kuroda, takes off.
Lee Wubbels answers the tournament crew as he moves through the check line.
Lee Wubbels answers the tournament crew as he moves through the check line.
Rob Messenger of New Hampshire is ready for Day 2.
Rob Messenger of New Hampshire is ready for Day 2.
Colorado angler Scott Sheldon has his Day 2 game face on.
Colorado angler Scott Sheldon has his Day 2 game face on.
Home state angler David Cavell is bundled and ready to go.
Home state angler David Cavell is bundled and ready to go.
South African angler Japie Botha gives a wave as he heads out.
South African angler Japie Botha gives a wave as he heads out.
Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer announces the final anglers.
Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer announces the final anglers.
And, Bassmaster crew member Tony Quick is happy for a successful launch.
And, Bassmaster crew member Tony Quick is happy for a successful launch.