2009 Southern Open #3: Day One, Launch

In this photo gallery, you'll find images of anglers as they prepare to launch on Day One of the 2009 Southern Open #3, held on Santee Cooper Reservoir near Manning, South Carolina.

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Elite Series pros Jason Williamson (left) and Wade Grooms (right) talk about how much Santee Cooper had changed in the last two weeks. Grooms said the weather and rainfall had affected the fishery and shut down the bite.
Elite Series pros Jason Williamson (left) and Wade Grooms (right) talk about how much Santee Cooper had changed in the last two weeks. Grooms said the weather and rainfall had affected the fishery and shut down the bite.
The John C. Land III Boating and Sportfishing facility where the launch and weigh in will be held can accommodate up to six tow vehicles and boats at a time at the ramp with overflow parking for more than 200 units.
The John C. Land III Boating and Sportfishing facility where the launch and weigh in will be held can accommodate up to six tow vehicles and boats at a time at the ramp with overflow parking for more than 200 units.
Co-angler Edward Fye awaits his pro at the dock on the first day of the last Bassmaster Southern Open of the year.
Co-angler Edward Fye awaits his pro at the dock on the first day of the last Bassmaster Southern Open of the year.
The cove near the landing was starting to get crowded an hour before the official launch time of 7:15 a.m. ET.
The cove near the landing was starting to get crowded an hour before the official launch time of 7:15 a.m. ET.
Pro Preston Henson looks to be in total concentration as he is backed into Santee Cooper Reservoir.
Pro Preston Henson looks to be in total concentration as he is backed into Santee Cooper Reservoir.
Elite Series rookie Luke Gritter is fishing the final Bassmaster Southern Open along with a few other of his Bassmaster Elite Series peers.
Elite Series rookie Luke Gritter is fishing the final Bassmaster Southern Open along with a few other of his Bassmaster Elite Series peers.
Pro Tommy Murphy helps his co-angler Pat Nettles get settled into his boat prior to launching on Day One.
Pro Tommy Murphy helps his co-angler Pat Nettles get settled into his boat prior to launching on Day One.
Competitors boats are tied to every foot of the dock as time to launch gets closer.
Competitors boats are tied to every foot of the dock as time to launch gets closer.
The national anthem is a BASS time-honored tradition at all levels and venues.
The national anthem is a BASS time-honored tradition at all levels and venues.
The first competitors make their way through the inspection line and out onto the Santee Cooper Reservoir.
The first competitors make their way through the inspection line and out onto the Santee Cooper Reservoir.
Over a 120 boats will compete in the final Bassmaster Southern Open of the year.
Over a 120 boats will compete in the final Bassmaster Southern Open of the year.