2008 Elite Series Empire Chase: Registration

In this photo gallery, you'll find images of the anglers as they go through the registration process, eat and renew friendships prior to the 2008 Elite Series Empire Chase on Lake Erie/Niagara River Tributaries, near Buffalo, New York.

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Anglers line up for some local barbecue before the anglers meeting begins.
Anglers line up for some local barbecue before the anglers meeting begins.
Co-anglers begin to line up to register for the Empire Chase on New York's Lake Erie.
Co-anglers begin to line up to register for the Empire Chase on New York’s Lake Erie.
Ralph Warriner was in charge of cooking the sixteen pork shoulders and several whole chickens that fed the anglers that had registered to fish in the Empire Chase.
Ralph Warriner was in charge of cooking the sixteen pork shoulders and several whole chickens that fed the anglers that had registered to fish in the Empire Chase.
VFW Post 1419 Memorial Park and Museum was the host location for the anglers meeting and registration.
VFW Post 1419 Memorial Park and Museum was the host location for the anglers meeting and registration.
A sign in front of VFW Post 1419 in the Township of Hamburg, N.Y., welcomed competitors to the Empire Chase on Lake Erie.
A sign in front of VFW Post 1419 in the Township of Hamburg, N.Y., welcomed competitors to the Empire Chase on Lake Erie.
Bobby and Chris Lane signed autographs before registration.
Bobby and Chris Lane signed autographs before registration.
Harry Potts and Rick Clunn share a laugh and good conversation while waiting for the anglers meeting to begin.
Harry Potts and Rick Clunn share a laugh and good conversation while waiting for the anglers meeting to begin.
Don Barone, writer for Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com visits with 2008 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Skeet Reese.
Don Barone, writer for Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com visits with 2008 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Skeet Reese.
Elton Luce Jr. reads over special rules and regulations for Lake Erie.
Elton Luce Jr. reads over special rules and regulations for Lake Erie.
Many of the Elite Series pros picked Edwin Evers for a repeat win on Lake Erie.
Many of the Elite Series pros picked Edwin Evers for a repeat win on Lake Erie.
Pete Ponds reads special instructions on
Pete Ponds reads special instructions on “fizzing” bass. This is a process in which bass that are caught in deep water have the extra air expelled from the swim bladder so they can survive in less pressure present in the live wells.
Steve Kennedy glances over the announcement board and Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings.
Steve Kennedy glances over the announcement board and Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings.
Betty Newell, President of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce gives a
Betty Newell, President of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce gives a “welcome package” to each of the competitors after they register. Here she is explaining the contents to pro Cliff Pace as Jim Murray Jr. looks on.
Anglers line up for barbeque before the anglers meeting inside the VFW Post 1419 Memorial Park and Museum building.
Anglers line up for barbeque before the anglers meeting inside the VFW Post 1419 Memorial Park and Museum building.
With only one tournament scheduled in July, many of the pros took time to catch up with one another before the anglers meeting.
With only one tournament scheduled in July, many of the pros took time to catch up with one another before the anglers meeting.
Keith Alan and John Murray visit inside the pavilion at the VFW. Murray was picked by many of his peers to do well in this tournament after a strong finish here last year.
Keith Alan and John Murray visit inside the pavilion at the VFW. Murray was picked by many of his peers to do well in this tournament after a strong finish here last year.
Some pros opted to eat on the picnic tables inside the pavilion instead of in the dining hall of the VFW Post 1419.
Some pros opted to eat on the picnic tables inside the pavilion instead of in the dining hall of the VFW Post 1419.
Jason Williamson and Boyd Duckett listen intently to a fish story told by Kevin VanDam.
Jason Williamson and Boyd Duckett listen intently to a fish story told by Kevin VanDam.
The Hamburg Chamber of Commerce displayed the BASS banner on the side of their building in downtown Hamburg, N.Y.
The Hamburg Chamber of Commerce displayed the BASS banner on the side of their building in downtown Hamburg, N.Y.