Guntersville registration

Lake Guntersville plays host to the 2015 Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship, where a Bassmaster Classic berth will be awarded at the end of the week. Lake Guntersville Lodge hosts the anglers and B.A.S.S. staff for the tournament briefing and registration.

The Lodge, which sits above the shores of Lake Guntersville, features a couple hundred rooms for anglers to stay while they fish the famed Alabama Lake.

The Lodge is on the bluff overlooking the takeoff ramp in Lake Guntersville State Park.

The Lodge workers are excited to host a big-time bass tournament with a Classic on the line. Guntersville has provided many marquee moments throughout Bassmaster history.

A couple of anglers arrive early and spend some time on the balcony overlooking this week’s playing field.

Other anglers prepare tackle before the registration begins. Shane Lineberger, who will be a 2016 Bassmater Elite Series rookie, finetunes his equipment.

Alabama angler Jimmy Mason arrives early.

Others finish their preparation and they head inside.

The lobby of the Lodge is amazing, with sites an outdoorsman would enjoy. Birds, bass and bucks hang on almost every wall.

This room will be flooded with anglers shortly.

And over 190 teams will be fighting for a Team Championship title and the opportunity to fish in the six-man event Friday and Saturday to decide the Classic berth.

Anglers begin to file in.

Numerous states are represented this week.

Anglers show B.A.S.S. officials their fishing licenses and other necessary paper work.

Tournament Director Jon Stewart chats with anglers as they come through the line. There are some familiar faces who competed in the event last year.

Some anglers take the time to envision themselves holding the trophy.

Toyota had a table setup with hats to give away.

Hank Weldon speaks with anglers, answering any questions they might have.

The line of anglers grows as briefing time approaches.

With a short ride from Alabama, Randall Carter brought his family for support.

The sun begins to set on the the balcony of the Lake Guntersville Lodge.

Historic Lake Guntersville will be prepared to make some more history.

Just below the Lodge is the takeoff ramp where 194 boats will launch on Wednesday.

The back of the Lodge features some amazing rock work as well as rooms on either side of the main lodge building with spectacular views.

Here are some of the rooms where anglers are staying this week.

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A picturesque sunset ends the final day of practice.

With heavy fog Tuesday morning, anglers were left factoring in the possibility of a delay this week. Otherwise, forecasted mild temperatures should make it a fantastic for a mid-December tournament.

As the light disappears outside, the briefing gets under way inside.

Only two of these anglers will be crowned Team Champion after Thursday’s weigh-in, while only one will become a Bassmaster Classic representative after Saturday’s weigh-in.

Jon Stewart addresses the anglers about the rules and regulations. Day 1 of the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship starts Wednesday.