Open: Day 2 begins on Kissimmee

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This scene looks remarkably different from yesterday. That’s because we are in Florida, where nasty low-pressure systems quickly give way to sunny skies and warmer temperatures.
This scene looks remarkably different from yesterday. That’s because we are in Florida, where nasty low-pressure systems quickly give way to sunny skies and warmer temperatures.
It’s Day 2 at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open. The anglers are preparing for another day of fishing at the season opener.
It’s Day 2 at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open. The anglers are preparing for another day of fishing at the season opener.
This is the levee wall at Big Toho Marina. Two hundred boats will idle past here before taking off for lakes Toho and Kissimmee.
This is the levee wall at Big Toho Marina. Two hundred boats will idle past here before taking off for lakes Toho and Kissimmee.
The forecast calls for clearing skies and winds from the north at 10-15 mph. With daytime highs in the mid-60s no one in those boats will complain.
The forecast calls for clearing skies and winds from the north at 10-15 mph. With daytime highs in the mid-60s no one in those boats will complain.
Back at the takeoff line every boat is checked for functioning safety equipment. That includes both anglers wearing PFDs.
Back at the takeoff line every boat is checked for functioning safety equipment. That includes both anglers wearing PFDs.
The entrance to the lake is like any busy intersections during a morning rush hour commute. Boats come and go in route to their final destination. That is the lake and a good day of fishing.
The entrance to the lake is like any busy intersections during a morning rush hour commute. Boats come and go in route to their final destination. That is the lake and a good day of fishing.
Chad Morgenthaler, the defending champion of this event, is currently in 4th place. He’s always a threat to win here and anywhere else in Florida during January.
Chad Morgenthaler, the defending champion of this event, is currently in 4th place. He’s always a threat to win here and anywhere else in Florida during January.
Joey Nania is dressed like many anglers and for good reason. It’s currently 54 chilly degrees in Florida.
Joey Nania is dressed like many anglers and for good reason. It’s currently 54 chilly degrees in Florida.
Jamey Caldwell gets called out to line up for the takeoff. The North Carolina pro will compete in all nine of the Opens events this season.
Jamey Caldwell gets called out to line up for the takeoff. The North Carolina pro will compete in all nine of the Opens events this season.
The anglers have the option of fishing two lakes. Those are Toho and Kissimmee. Accessing that lake requires locking through Toho.
The anglers have the option of fishing two lakes. Those are Toho and Kissimmee. Accessing that lake requires locking through Toho.
Wildlife is abundant on the lakes of Central Florida. These egrets are perched on the trees near Big Toho Marina.
Wildlife is abundant on the lakes of Central Florida. These egrets are perched on the trees near Big Toho Marina.
Anglers from 26 states, Japan and South Africa are competing this week. That is 200 anglers in all and every one of them wants to win.
Anglers from 26 states, Japan and South Africa are competing this week. That is 200 anglers in all and every one of them wants to win.
Gary Clouse of Phoenix Boats idles out of the Lakefront Park and on to a day of fishing.
Gary Clouse of Phoenix Boats idles out of the Lakefront Park and on to a day of fishing.
Trait Crist is bundled up for a hard-hitting day of power fishing. She only has three rods on the front deck, a sign that big bass fishing is the plan.
Trait Crist is bundled up for a hard-hitting day of power fishing. She only has three rods on the front deck, a sign that big bass fishing is the plan.
Kendall Newson says that yesterday he connected with good bass but had trouble getting them into the livewell. Hope hopes to change that today with better luck.
Kendall Newson says that yesterday he connected with good bass but had trouble getting them into the livewell. Hope hopes to change that today with better luck.
Alan Pierce of the B.A.S.S. staff checks off another boat leaving the dock. Today the crew sends off 200 boats in 42 minutes, a remarkable feat.
Alan Pierce of the B.A.S.S. staff checks off another boat leaving the dock. Today the crew sends off 200 boats in 42 minutes, a remarkable feat.
Another boat number is called and the anglers acknowledge their place in line.
Another boat number is called and the anglers acknowledge their place in line.
The last boat leaves the dock and another day is underway.
The last boat leaves the dock and another day is underway.
Here’s a view from the back of the line. In just a few minutes all boats will have departed from the dock.
Here’s a view from the back of the line. In just a few minutes all boats will have departed from the dock.