59 anglers register for championship

Anglers from across the United States and 10 other countries arrive in Monroe, La., for the 2014 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.

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The first of the 59 competitors in the 2014 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship line up for registration at Warehouse #1 in Monroe, La.
The first of the 59 competitors in the 2014 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship line up for registration at Warehouse #1 in Monroe, La.
Anglers show their fishing licenses, pick up their state plaques and choose a Carhartt T-shirt and hat as part of registration.
Anglers show their fishing licenses, pick up their state plaques and choose a Carhartt T-shirt and hat as part of registration.
If you're happy and you know it, you're Ron Welch. Welch, the contender from California, has a perpetual smile on his face.
If you’re happy and you know it, you’re Ron Welch. Welch, the contender from California, has a perpetual smile on his face.
It's been 20 years since these two fished a Western Divisional together -- representing Washington state and Japan -- but the two recognized each other when they were both in the Dallas airport yesterday headed toward this championship.
It’s been 20 years since these two fished a Western Divisional together — representing Washington state and Japan — but the two recognized each other when they were both in the Dallas airport yesterday headed toward this championship.
Competitors have a good time catching up with each other in line.
Competitors have a good time catching up with each other in line.
Portugal is sending its first ever competitor for the championship. Ricardo Mira, right, will represent his country this week. Jose Moreira, left, is the president of the new B.A.S.S. Nation chapter.
Portugal is sending its first ever competitor for the championship. Ricardo Mira, right, will represent his country this week. Jose Moreira, left, is the president of the new B.A.S.S. Nation chapter.
Mexico is well-represented at the championship. Edgar Romero, center, is competing as Mexico's champion for the third time. The chapter's president, Manuel Trevino, is at left, and friend Javier accompanied the two to Louisiana.
Mexico is well-represented at the championship. Edgar Romero, center, is competing as Mexico’s champion for the third time. The chapter’s president, Manuel Trevino, is at left, and friend Javier accompanied the two to Louisiana.
The championship is a place for friendships. Xavier Gonzalez-Mestre, left, also known as Haaby, is happy to see his friend Don Barone, Bassmaster.com staff writer.
The championship is a place for friendships. Xavier Gonzalez-Mestre, left, also known as Haaby, is happy to see his friend Don Barone, Bassmaster.com staff writer.
Competitors take their seats after they register ...
Competitors take their seats after they register …
.. and pass the time until the tournament briefing.
.. and pass the time until the tournament briefing.
One group of anglers heads to the balcony overlooking this week's fishery ...
One group of anglers heads to the balcony overlooking this week’s fishery …
... and smack talk has already commenced, before the first part of the event is even underway.
… and smack talk has already commenced, before the first part of the event is even underway.
Troy Danes, right, is the first angler ever to represent Australia in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. The Australia B.A.S.S. Nation president, Drew McGrath, traveled with Danes to support him this week.
Troy Danes, right, is the first angler ever to represent Australia in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. The Australia B.A.S.S. Nation president, Drew McGrath, traveled with Danes to support him this week.
The contenders continue to talk on the balcony of Warehouse #1 ...
The contenders continue to talk on the balcony of Warehouse #1 …
... as well as inside the restaurant.
… as well as inside the restaurant.
This table seats the three African countries represented -- Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa -- and Oklahoma, obviously. Clockwise from left: Strati Orphanides, Max Pieper, Japie Botha, Elandi Botha, John Soukup and son, and Kerry Orphanides.
This table seats the three African countries represented — Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa — and Oklahoma, obviously. Clockwise from left: Strati Orphanides, Max Pieper, Japie Botha, Elandi Botha, John Soukup and son, and Kerry Orphanides.
Randy and Sheila Huffman came from West Virginia. This is Randy's first championship after only competing in the Nation for two years.
Randy and Sheila Huffman came from West Virginia. This is Randy’s first championship after only competing in the Nation for two years.
Jon Stewart, director of the B.A.S.S. Nation, welcomes the contenders and begins the briefing.
Jon Stewart, director of the B.A.S.S. Nation, welcomes the contenders and begins the briefing.
And teams Italy and Louisiana are all ears as the rules briefing begins.
And teams Italy and Louisiana are all ears as the rules briefing begins.