High School Open: Day 2 takeoff

The high school anglers takeoff on Douglas Lake for the final day of the 2014 Bassmaster High School Open presented by Carhartt.

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The B.A.S.S. staff begins safety checks before daylight. It’s a necessary part of the day to insure safety and compliance to the rules.
The B.A.S.S. staff begins safety checks before daylight. It’s a necessary part of the day to insure safety and compliance to the rules.
Coach Eric Silverstrim is at the helm with son Hunter and teammate Elmer Smith. The team is just 4 ounces out of first place.
Coach Eric Silverstrim is at the helm with son Hunter and teammate Elmer Smith. The team is just 4 ounces out of first place.
This section of dock is about to get crowded. A parent stopped at Bojangle’s and is about to leave a sack of biscuits for the taking.
This section of dock is about to get crowded. A parent stopped at Bojangle’s and is about to leave a sack of biscuits for the taking.
The first two boats are lined up in position for takeoff.
The first two boats are lined up in position for takeoff.
A team from Bloomington High School South prepares for the day. The school is a rival with the team from across town at Bloomington High School North.
A team from Bloomington High School South prepares for the day. The school is a rival with the team from across town at Bloomington High School North.
The final safety checks are made prior to the 6:30 a.m. start of the final day on Douglas Lake.
The final safety checks are made prior to the 6:30 a.m. start of the final day on Douglas Lake.
Some of the Bojangle’s biscuits ended up in boat No. 2, where it’s time for breakfast on the go.
Some of the Bojangle’s biscuits ended up in boat No. 2, where it’s time for breakfast on the go.
You know that takeoff is near when the box of floating boat number fobs appears on the dock.
You know that takeoff is near when the box of floating boat number fobs appears on the dock.
It’s minutes before takeoff. The biscuits are gone and it’s time to go fishing.
It’s minutes before takeoff. The biscuits are gone and it’s time to go fishing.
Tournament Manager Hank Weldon counts down the clock.
Tournament Manager Hank Weldon counts down the clock.
It’s 6:30 a.m. EDT and the first boats leave the dock.
It’s 6:30 a.m. EDT and the first boats leave the dock.
A boat with the logo of Outdoor Channel is boat No. 50, the last to leave the dock.
A boat with the logo of Outdoor Channel is boat No. 50, the last to leave the dock.
The boats begin to line up in order prior to the start of the final day on Douglas Lake.
The boats begin to line up in order prior to the start of the final day on Douglas Lake.
Each boat has a coach and two anglers. The coach is only allowed to provide advice during an official time out. Each boat gets four time outs each day.
Each boat has a coach and two anglers. The coach is only allowed to provide advice during an official time out. Each boat gets four time outs each day.
The teams are required to take a half-time break at 10:30 a.m.
The teams are required to take a half-time break at 10:30 a.m.
The tournament leaders are all fired up. Here’s Westin Sachs, Coach Steve Pescitelli and his son Noah.
The tournament leaders are all fired up. Here’s Westin Sachs, Coach Steve Pescitelli and his son Noah.
The boat of the tournament leaders from Mill Creek High School is all lit up as the day begins.
The boat of the tournament leaders from Mill Creek High School is all lit up as the day begins.
It’s nearly time for the 6:30 a.m. takeoff as the sun begins to rise over Douglas Lake.
It’s nearly time for the 6:30 a.m. takeoff as the sun begins to rise over Douglas Lake.
The boats in the background are in the later flight. They’ll fall into place along this dock as the takeoff proceeds until boat No. 50 brings up the rear.
The boats in the background are in the later flight. They’ll fall into place along this dock as the takeoff proceeds until boat No. 50 brings up the rear.
Parents of the teams record the moment on their portable electronic devices, everything from iPads and GoPros to smartphones and cameras.
Parents of the teams record the moment on their portable electronic devices, everything from iPads and GoPros to smartphones and cameras.
B.A.S.S. Nation Director Jon Stewart sings the Star-Spangled Banner to get the day going.
B.A.S.S. Nation Director Jon Stewart sings the Star-Spangled Banner to get the day going.
The floating boat number key fobs are tossed to the anglers.
The floating boat number key fobs are tossed to the anglers.
Parents and family record the takeoff.
Parents and family record the takeoff.