2011 Diamond Drive Day One Launch

<p>
	Kevin VanDam comes into the Diamond Drive tied for second in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings.</p>
Kevin VanDam comes into the Diamond Drive tied for second in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings.
<p>
	Anglers crowd the dock around the launch area, which is a few yards from I-30.</p>
Anglers crowd the dock around the launch area, which is a few yards from I-30.
<p>
	The launch is within view of downtown Little Rock.</p>
The launch is within view of downtown Little Rock.
<p>
	Jason Quinn contemplates his move before takeoff. With 5 pools and the danger of locks, decision making will play a key role in this event.</p>
Jason Quinn contemplates his move before takeoff. With 5 pools and the danger of locks, decision making will play a key role in this event.
<p>
	Two legends of the sport, Jerry McKinnis and Rick Clunn, stand on the dock before takeoff.</p>
Two legends of the sport, Jerry McKinnis and Rick Clunn, stand on the dock before takeoff.
<p>
	Fans watch the anglers launch their boat from a rock jetty with the Little Rock skyline behind them.</p>
Fans watch the anglers launch their boat from a rock jetty with the Little Rock skyline behind them.
<p>
	Arkansas River expert Greg Hackney pulls his boat into familiar water.</p>
Arkansas River expert Greg Hackney pulls his boat into familiar water.
<p>
	Pat Golden makes a few last-minute adjustments.</p>
Pat Golden makes a few last-minute adjustments.
<p>
	Tommy Biffle and Jeff Kriet talk before takeoff.</p>
Tommy Biffle and Jeff Kriet talk before takeoff.
<p>
	Paul Elias moves his rods from his locker to the deck of his boat.</p>
Paul Elias moves his rods from his locker to the deck of his boat.
<p>
	An old train bridge served as the east background for the takeoff.</p>
An old train bridge served as the east background for the takeoff.
<p>
	Anglers prepare for Day One of the Diamond Drive on the Arkansas River, launching out of Little Rock, Ark.</p>
Anglers prepare for Day One of the Diamond Drive on the Arkansas River, launching out of Little Rock, Ark.
<p>
	A look at downtown Little Rock under the I-30 bridge.</p>
A look at downtown Little Rock under the I-30 bridge.
<p>
	Edwin Evers, who still has a good shot at winning his first Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, adjusts his electronics.</p>
Edwin Evers, who still has a good shot at winning his first Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, adjusts his electronics.
<p>
	It’s supposed to get as high as 95 degrees in Little Rock on Thursday.</p>
It’s supposed to get as high as 95 degrees in Little Rock on Thursday.
<p>
	Boats pack the docks as they wait to take off.</p>
Boats pack the docks as they wait to take off.