2009 Central Open: Atchafalaya Basin Fishoff Launch

In this photo gallery you will seee images of the Atchafalaya Fishoff Launch

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Bassmaster Elite Series pro Edwin Evers is ready to launch for the one of the rarest events in tournament bass fishing: a complete day fishoff. He and Mark Smith tied after three days.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Edwin Evers is ready to launch for the one of the rarest events in tournament bass fishing: a complete day fishoff. He and Mark Smith tied after three days.
Elite pro Edwin Evers takes a final look at his electronics as he is backed down the ramp.
Elite pro Edwin Evers takes a final look at his electronics as he is backed down the ramp.
Pro Mark Smith preps his boat for launch. No one is sure how many years it had been since their had been a
Pro Mark Smith preps his boat for launch. No one is sure how many years it had been since their had been a “fishoff” to determine a champion. It has now happened twice this year in the Central Opens.
Bassmaster Elite pro Edwin Evers looks back at his engine as he lowers it for launch. Due to the length of run time to get to their respective fishing spots, this
Bassmaster Elite pro Edwin Evers looks back at his engine as he lowers it for launch. Due to the length of run time to get to their respective fishing spots, this “fishoff” will be an all-day event.
Pro Mark Smith is backed into the water. Yesterday on the water he said he was nervous as he had ever been in his life. Fishing head to head against one of the best anglers in the world should top that.
Pro Mark Smith is backed into the water. Yesterday on the water he said he was nervous as he had ever been in his life. Fishing head to head against one of the best anglers in the world should top that.
Bassmaster Elite pro Edwin Evers notices the sound of water coming from the fuel and battery compartment in the rear. His concern is heightened when he sees what has happened.
Bassmaster Elite pro Edwin Evers notices the sound of water coming from the fuel and battery compartment in the rear. His concern is heightened when he sees what has happened.
Evers battery tray had broken loose and smashed a valve to one side of his livewells. He plugs the leak and his wife Tuesday Evers backs him back into the water with four minutes to go.
Evers battery tray had broken loose and smashed a valve to one side of his livewells. He plugs the leak and his wife Tuesday Evers backs him back into the water with four minutes to go.
Pro Mark Smith sits at the dock as Elite Series pro Edwin Evers pulls dockside behind him. Smith led the first two days of the even before Evers caught him Saturday.
Pro Mark Smith sits at the dock as Elite Series pro Edwin Evers pulls dockside behind him. Smith led the first two days of the even before Evers caught him Saturday.
With all of the inspections out of the way, it is only seconds until launch of the second
With all of the inspections out of the way, it is only seconds until launch of the second “fishoff” for the Bassmaster Central Opens. The first came down to a local and Elite Series pro James Niggemeyer, who won it on Toledo Bend.
As pro Mark Smith idles past the trophy for launch, he can't help but take one last look at the hardware that will go home with the angler with the highest weight today.
As pro Mark Smith idles past the trophy for launch, he can’t help but take one last look at the hardware that will go home with the angler with the highest weight today.
Both pros idle out into the middle of the river to start a day that will be talked about for years.
Both pros idle out into the middle of the river to start a day that will be talked about for years.
The pros take their hole-shots and are out of sight in less than a minute. The next time these boats see this section of the basin, one will become the Champion of the Central Open #3.
The pros take their hole-shots and are out of sight in less than a minute. The next time these boats see this section of the basin, one will become the Champion of the Central Open #3.