Lake Norman registration

Michael Waltrip Racing was the host location for the final registration event of the Southern Open season.

A lot is at stake for anglers on the verge of Elite Series qualification, as well as the angler who wins the event.

Along with some cool hardware.

Anglers begin to file through the registration line.

Visit Lake Norman was also on-site.

The host lake provided information about tourist opportunities around town.

Matt Leeâs Carhartt rig was parked out front.

Rick Morris, Shaw Grigsby, Darrell Pons and Terry Scroggins talk before the meeting.

Matt Lee and Shane Lehew hung out during the festivities. These two anglers are great examples of college anglers taking it to the next level. Lee went to the Classic in Tulsa, Okla. and Lehew won the last college event on Lake Norman in 2013. Lehew and Lee were both decorated college anglers.

Chad Morgenthaler is all smiles as he gets a free Mountain Dew.

Do the Dew.

Co-angler Darien Craig and Gerald Swindle get their fishing licenses ready.

Cliff Prince shows off his game face and extreme focus. He has a lot to fish for as he is the first man out of the Classic. If an angler wins and didnât fish all three Open events, then he is inâ¦and if an Elite Series angler double qualifies with a win, he is in.

Andy Montgomery pulls up his fishing license on his phone.

Carl Jocumsen has had his share of ups and downs this season. Last event he punched his ticket to fish the Elite Series, then his truck was broken into on prior to this event. He now has a lot of work ahead of him to regain his stolen items.