2010 Elite Series Blue Ridge Brawl – Day 1 – Launch

In this photo gallery, you'll see images of numerous anglers as they prepare to launch on day one of the 2010 Elite Series Blue Ridge Brawl near Moneta, Virginia.

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Fred Roumbanis deals with the morning traffic at the boat ramp.
Fred Roumbanis deals with the morning traffic at the boat ramp.
Brent Chapman uses a headlamp to make a few last-minute tackle adjustments.
Brent Chapman uses a headlamp to make a few last-minute tackle adjustments.
The first boats begin to arrive on the dock for the Day One launch of the Blue Ridge Brawl.
The first boats begin to arrive on the dock for the Day One launch of the Blue Ridge Brawl.
Anglers wait for the morning launch time after a fog delay was announced.
Anglers wait for the morning launch time after a fog delay was announced.
After a quick boat ride to check out lake conditions, BASS Tournament Director Trip Weldon announces the morning launch would begin in five minutes.
After a quick boat ride to check out lake conditions, BASS Tournament Director Trip Weldon announces the morning launch would begin in five minutes.
Mike Iaconelli straps his rods on the front deck of his boat.
Mike Iaconelli straps his rods on the front deck of his boat.
The morning launch was expected to take place at 6:20 ET, but fog delayed the launch a few minutes.
The morning launch was expected to take place at 6:20 ET, but fog delayed the launch a few minutes.
Wade Grooms idles past the morning live well and safety inspection.
Wade Grooms idles past the morning live well and safety inspection.
Senior Tournament Director, Chuck Harbin orchestrates the morning takeoff on Smith Mountain Lake.
Senior Tournament Director, Chuck Harbin orchestrates the morning takeoff on Smith Mountain Lake.
Randy Howell leads a flight of boats past the launch dock on Day One.
Randy Howell leads a flight of boats past the launch dock on Day One.
An angler begins to pull his rods from the rod locker in the dark before starting Day One of the Blue Ridge Brawl.
An angler begins to pull his rods from the rod locker in the dark before starting Day One of the Blue Ridge Brawl.
Clark Rheem fished the BASS Central Open this past weekend on Lake Amistad, then made the long drive from Texas to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.
Clark Rheem fished the BASS Central Open this past weekend on Lake Amistad, then made the long drive from Texas to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.
Fog on parts of Smith Mountain Lake caused a slight delay in the Day One launch time.
Fog on parts of Smith Mountain Lake caused a slight delay in the Day One launch time.
Byron Velvick makes a quick check of his GPS coordinates before the takeoff.
Byron Velvick makes a quick check of his GPS coordinates before the takeoff.
Scott Rook patiently waits out the fog delay on Day One of the Blue Ridge Brawl.
Scott Rook patiently waits out the fog delay on Day One of the Blue Ridge Brawl.
As the fog begin to lift, anglers and their Marshals stood for the national anthem.
As the fog begin to lift, anglers and their Marshals stood for the national anthem.
The Blue Ridge Brawl is expected to be a tournament favoring sight fishermen, which puts a smile on Shaw Grigby's face.
The Blue Ridge Brawl is expected to be a tournament favoring sight fishermen, which puts a smile on Shaw Grigby’s face.
Longtime BASS employee James 'Pooley' Dawson was on the dock to greet anglers as they moved past the morning boat inspection.
Longtime BASS employee James ‘Pooley’ Dawson was on the dock to greet anglers as they moved past the morning boat inspection.
Greg Hackney takes his hole shot and speeds to his first fishing location.
Greg Hackney takes his hole shot and speeds to his first fishing location.
Dustin Wilks plows a wave as he leaves the launch area.
Dustin Wilks plows a wave as he leaves the launch area.
Elite Series rookie Keith Poche hammers the throttle forward to begin his Day One on Smith Mountain Lake.
Elite Series rookie Keith Poche hammers the throttle forward to begin his Day One on Smith Mountain Lake.
Smith Mountain Lake is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Smith Mountain Lake is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Family members and spectators gathered on the shores of Smith Mountain Lake to observe the morning takeoff.
Family members and spectators gathered on the shores of Smith Mountain Lake to observe the morning takeoff.