2009 Bassmaster Classic: Practice Day, Matt Herren

In this photo gallery, you'll find on-the-water images of Matt Herren as he practices for the 2009 Bassmaster Classic on the Red River, near Shreveport, Louisiana.

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Just before dawn breaks, Matt Herren readies his equipment in preparation for the final day of practice for the 2009 Bassmaster Classic.
Just before dawn breaks, Matt Herren readies his equipment in preparation for the final day of practice for the 2009 Bassmaster Classic.
Herren pulls up to his first spot looking to find a sweet spot that will carry him to a Classic victory on the Red River.
Herren pulls up to his first spot looking to find a sweet spot that will carry him to a Classic victory on the Red River.
After a short time surveying the water, Herren makes a move, idling through the stump-filled Red River backwaters.
After a short time surveying the water, Herren makes a move, idling through the stump-filled Red River backwaters.
Herren covers waters under overcast skies on the final day of practice.
Herren covers waters under overcast skies on the final day of practice.
A brisk wind quickly picked up and temperatures would rise into the 70s early in the day.
A brisk wind quickly picked up and temperatures would rise into the 70s early in the day.
The one bait that Herren didn't mind being photographed with was the Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver, which he said everyone in the field would have tied on.
The one bait that Herren didn’t mind being photographed with was the Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver, which he said everyone in the field would have tied on.
Herren fishes cover on the Red River on the final day of practice.
Herren fishes cover on the Red River on the final day of practice.
After working his way into a backwater pond, Herren found four other boats working the area and quickly turned the boat around and left.
After working his way into a backwater pond, Herren found four other boats working the area and quickly turned the boat around and left.
Herren drops the trolling motor and picks up a rod to go to work.
Herren drops the trolling motor and picks up a rod to go to work.
The cloudy morning gave way to sunnier skies and warm temperatures for the final day of practice.
The cloudy morning gave way to sunnier skies and warm temperatures for the final day of practice.
Herren fishes the abundant wood cover that the Red River has to offer.
Herren fishes the abundant wood cover that the Red River has to offer.
After a warm day of practice, anglers have to keep in mind that two cold fronts are going to be pushing through Shreveport over the next few days.
After a warm day of practice, anglers have to keep in mind that two cold fronts are going to be pushing through Shreveport over the next few days.
Matt Herren is fishing in his first Bassmaster Classic after qualifying by winning the 2008 Southern Open point race.
Matt Herren is fishing in his first Bassmaster Classic after qualifying by winning the 2008 Southern Open point race.
Despite many fishable miles of river, competitors will find themselves under crowded conditions this weekend.
Despite many fishable miles of river, competitors will find themselves under crowded conditions this weekend.
With the warm, sunny day, Herren takes a minute while idling to refresh himself with a bottle of water.
With the warm, sunny day, Herren takes a minute while idling to refresh himself with a bottle of water.
Herren's final day of practice consisted of trying to expand already productive areas and locate spots that might produce at the start of competition.
Herren’s final day of practice consisted of trying to expand already productive areas and locate spots that might produce at the start of competition.
Herren spent 10 days in December marking waypoints to help navigate the treacherous backwaters of the Red River.
Herren spent 10 days in December marking waypoints to help navigate the treacherous backwaters of the Red River.
Late in the day, Herren makes one more stop to try to finalize his gameplan for the tournament.
Late in the day, Herren makes one more stop to try to finalize his gameplan for the tournament.
The final day of practice is over and Herren stows his rods from the prying eyes of competitors.
The final day of practice is over and Herren stows his rods from the prying eyes of competitors.