Always a popular venue, more than 175 boats wait to begin fishing this year's Open at Santee Cooper.
Photo: Steven Price
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An angler makes last minute tackle adjustments prior to the start of competition.
Photo: Steven Price
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Charlie Hartley is another Elite angler fishing Santee Cooper before going to nearby Lake Murray for next week's Elite event.
Photo: Steven Price
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Peter Thliveros scrapped everything he learned in practice and boated 20 pounds Thursday to hold third place. Thliveros won the season-opening Southern Open on the St. Johns River.
Photo: Steven Price
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Elite pro Terry Scroggins also fishes the Southern Opens; in 2007 he won two events.
Photo: Steven Price
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Florida angler Raymond Derrick is using his saltwater boat to fish the Open.
Photo: Steven Price
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John Gray holds second place, just 18 ounces behind leader Matt Herren.
Photo: Steven Price
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Officials check boats prior to releasing them for the day of fishing.
Photo: Steven Price
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Randy Alexander's 7-pound, 11-ounce bass took Purolator Big Bass of the day honors.
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Spectators watch as anglers bring their fish across the stage for weighing.
Photo: Steven Price
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Tournament director Chris Bowes talks to Virginia angler Jelani Hennessee, 17, who is the youngest angler in the tournament.
Photo: Steven Price
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Tournament director Chris Bowes calls contestants to the check-out line as the tournament begins.
Photo: Steven Price
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Troy Gibson holds a 6-pound, 3-ounce bass that hit early in the morning. He only caught one other fish the entire day after the wind began blowing hard.
Photo: Steven Price
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WBT angler Lisa Johnson gets her fish checked and bagged en route to the scales on Thursday. She is one of several women fishing the tournament.
Photo: Steven Price
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WBT contestant Pam Martin-Wells is one of several lady anglers entered in the Open at Santee-Cooper.
Photo: Steven Price
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