2009 Bassmaster Classic: Day One, Launch Part 1

In this photo gallery, you'll find images of the anglers as they prepare to launch on Day One of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic on the Red River, near Shreveport, Louisiana.

Posted on
Terry Scroggins buttons up as he waits in the boat yard to be launched into the Red River for Day One of the Bassmater Classic.
Terry Scroggins buttons up as he waits in the boat yard to be launched into the Red River for Day One of the Bassmater Classic.
Toyota Tundra tow vehicles are hooked up to the competitors boats.
Toyota Tundra tow vehicles are hooked up to the competitors boats.
Fans peer through the fence at the boat yard in the parking lot at the Red River Marina.
Fans peer through the fence at the boat yard in the parking lot at the Red River Marina.
Dave Wolak drinks some hot fluids as the temps were in the lower 30s for the first launch of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic.
Dave Wolak drinks some hot fluids as the temps were in the lower 30s for the first launch of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic.
Bill Lowen makes final gear adjustments at the dock as he waits for the official 7:15 a.m. launch time.
Bill Lowen makes final gear adjustments at the dock as he waits for the official 7:15 a.m. launch time.
Byron Velvick sits in his boat in line as the Toyota Tundra's make their way to the ramp at the Red River Marina.
Byron Velvick sits in his boat in line as the Toyota Tundra’s make their way to the ramp at the Red River Marina.
Fans look on as Casey Ashley digs into one of his compartments as his boat is pulled in front of the Red River Marina store.
Fans look on as Casey Ashley digs into one of his compartments as his boat is pulled in front of the Red River Marina store.
Fans line both sides of the ramp cheering each of the anglers on as they are launched into the Red River.
Fans line both sides of the ramp cheering each of the anglers on as they are launched into the Red River.
Sir Bass-a-Lot, one of the biggest BASS fans out there, not only has a truck that looks like a largemouth bass, he has a full sleeve tattoo of a bass scene and Bass-On tattooed on his fingers.
Sir Bass-a-Lot, one of the biggest BASS fans out there, not only has a truck that looks like a largemouth bass, he has a full sleeve tattoo of a bass scene and Bass-On tattooed on his fingers.
Security was tight to ensure the safety of the fans in the launch area.
Security was tight to ensure the safety of the fans in the launch area.
Some of the Texas fans were easy to spot as they came out to support Alton Jones, the reigning Classic Champ.
Some of the Texas fans were easy to spot as they came out to support Alton Jones, the reigning Classic Champ.
ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike in the Morning were broadcasting live from the biggest event in BASS, the Bassmaster Classic.
ESPN Radio’s Mike and Mike in the Morning were broadcasting live from the biggest event in BASS, the Bassmaster Classic.
Fans brought signs of all types hoping to get on ESPN, and it worked.
Fans brought signs of all types hoping to get on ESPN, and it worked.
Edwin Evers, who announced late last year that he may not be able to make the Classic this year due to a child birth, made it to the Classic as a new father. His wife and child will be here later today.
Edwin Evers, who announced late last year that he may not be able to make the Classic this year due to a child birth, made it to the Classic as a new father. His wife and child will be here later today.
Rick Clunn is making his 32nd Bassmaster Classic appearance. The veteran angler is widely considered the professor of bass, for his intimate knowledge on the species.
Rick Clunn is making his 32nd Bassmaster Classic appearance. The veteran angler is widely considered the professor of bass, for his intimate knowledge on the species.
Kevin Wirth fans line the north side of the ramp, holding signs in support of the Elite Series angler.
Kevin Wirth fans line the north side of the ramp, holding signs in support of the Elite Series angler.
Todd Faircloth, who gave KVD a run for his money in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standingst, signs a hat for a fan.
Todd Faircloth, who gave KVD a run for his money in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standingst, signs a hat for a fan.
The boat yard that was full less than an hour ago now stands empty until the anglers return in the afternoon. The first flight arrives at 3:30 pm at the Red River Marina.
The boat yard that was full less than an hour ago now stands empty until the anglers return in the afternoon. The first flight arrives at 3:30 pm at the Red River Marina.
The Bossier City Police Department helped with security at the event. Even the motorcycle brigade came out despite the cold temperatures.
The Bossier City Police Department helped with security at the event. Even the motorcycle brigade came out despite the cold temperatures.
Fans that were standing on the north side of the ramp immediately went to the waters edge after the last boat was dropped into the Red RIver.
Fans that were standing on the north side of the ramp immediately went to the waters edge after the last boat was dropped into the Red RIver.
Fans filled the whole launch area on Day One of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic.
Fans filled the whole launch area on Day One of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic.
The colder temperatures did little to damper the enthusiasm of this weekend's event.
The colder temperatures did little to damper the enthusiasm of this weekend’s event.
It was hard not to notice the ESPN helicopter as it buzzed overhead shooting footage for the show.
It was hard not to notice the ESPN helicopter as it buzzed overhead shooting footage for the show.
Anticipation grew as time for the official launch of Day One of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic neared.
Anticipation grew as time for the official launch of Day One of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic neared.
Bassmaster Tournament Manager Chuck Harbin shows the official clock to the anglers, letting them know the launch was only five minutes away.
Bassmaster Tournament Manager Chuck Harbin shows the official clock to the anglers, letting them know the launch was only five minutes away.
The ESPN helicopter follows the competitors as they idle out to the no wake buoy's at the Red River Marina.
The ESPN helicopter follows the competitors as they idle out to the no wake buoy’s at the Red River Marina.
Bryan Hudgins waves to fans on the dock as he makes his way out of the harbor and out onto the Red River.
Bryan Hudgins waves to fans on the dock as he makes his way out of the harbor and out onto the Red River.
After the launch, hundreds of fans walked almost a mile to one of the parking spots on the highway at the entrance to the Marina.
After the launch, hundreds of fans walked almost a mile to one of the parking spots on the highway at the entrance to the Marina.
Fans braved the cold temperatures to watch their favorite anglers kick off the 200 Bassmaster Classic.
Fans braved the cold temperatures to watch their favorite anglers kick off the 200 Bassmaster Classic.
Kevin VanDam, who had just completed an interview with Mike and Mike, stands on the deck of his boat ready to launch onto the Red River.
Kevin VanDam, who had just completed an interview with Mike and Mike, stands on the deck of his boat ready to launch onto the Red River.
Aaron Martens honors the flag as the national anthem rings through the marina.
Aaron Martens honors the flag as the national anthem rings through the marina.
Kevin VanDam was the first boat to launch as the points leader and Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year. He leads the rest of the field through the fog and out to the main channel of the Red River.
Kevin VanDam was the first boat to launch as the points leader and Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year. He leads the rest of the field through the fog and out to the main channel of the Red River.