In this photo gallery, you'll find behind-the-scenes images from Day 1 of the 2010 Central Open #1 on Lake Amistad, near Del Rio, Texas.
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Photo: Larry Towell - The crowd stands to honor the flag for the traditional playing of the national anthem on the final day of the first Central Open on Lake Amistad.Photo: Larry Towell - There was a good crowd on hand on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to see how the Top 30 would play out on the final day in near perfect conditions.
Photo: Larry Towell - The anglers line up at the tanks to the side of the stage as they wait their chance to get their final official weight.Photo: Larry Towell - A tournament employee sports a handful of bass, while co-angler Mark Powers poses in the background for a personal photo.Photo: Larry Towell - Sam Koebcke takes the "hot seat" early in the going, representing the heaviest three-day weight for a co-angler.
Photo: Larry Towell - After all of the co-anglers weigh in, Koebcke simply tips his hat to the crowd as they congratulate him on the non-boater win.Photo: Larry Towell - Koebcke takes a moment to get photos, both media and personal, with his new mantle piece. He will also have a new Triton bass boat in the garage to go with it.Photo: Larry Towell - After exiting the stage, Koebcke talks with Senior BASS Writer Steve Price about his tournament.
Photo: Larry Towell - And then there were five. Five pros were left to weigh in to determine the champion of the Bassmaster Central Open 1 on Lake Amistad.Photo: Larry Towell - Pro Craig Schuff watches closely as Clark Reehm comes to the stage with his limit. There were only two pros standing between Schuff and over $50,000.Photo: Larry Towell - Schuff lets out a sigh of relief as Clark Reehm misses the mark by just under three pounds.
Photo: Larry Towell - Tournament Director Chris Bowes builds suspense by talking to Day Two leader Dean Alexander before weighing his fish, leaving Schuff to sweat it out.Photo: Larry Towell - Director Bowes turns to a stunned Schuff who has just sealed the win after Alexander misses the mark by more than two pounds.Photo: Larry Towell - Chris Bowes pulls a still stunned Craig Schuff to his feat and to the podium to talk about his win as the crowd congratulates him with whistles, yells, and applause.
Photo: Larry Towell - Pro Craig Schuff starts the Bassmaster Central Open Series with a win on Lake Amistad. He talks about consistency as the trophy waits at the edge of the stage for him, along with a check for over 50 grand.Photo: Larry Towell - It is finally starting to sink in to Craig Schuff that he is the champion as he lifts the trophy high for all to see.