Backstage at the Red River

Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open #2 at the Red River was wrapping up as anglers checked in and bagged their fish to see how they stacked up against the field of anglers.

BASS tournament officials were waiting with Berkley weigh-in bags for anglers to grab and put their fish in.

Co-anglers move their tackle in and out of their pros boats after they weigh their fish.

So BASS officials know every angler is accounted for, they hand out floating key fobs at takeoff and collect them in the evenings. This ensures everyone is accounted for.

More boats begin to check in as the first and second flight make their way back.

Nicholls State college angler Tyler Rivet checks in after boating three bass on Day 1.

Phoenix boats owner Gary Clouse bags up his fish after Day 1.

Meanwhile a fan gets a couple casts in at the takeoff marina.

We are in LSU territory when we enter Louisiana, one fan decides to watch the weigh-in comfortably and in the shade.

Tournament Director Chris Bowes weighs each and every fish for all three days of the Bassmaster Open.

Co-anglers in the back of the boat have to come prepared every day for whatever type of structure and depths they are fishing that given day. This fishermen was prepared as you can possibly be.

An airplane begins to decelerate to land at the Shreveport airport.

Billy McCaghren brought 10 pounds to the scales, which was a good day on the Red River.

All the fish weighed on Day 1 were taken back to the Red River via the Shimano Live Release boat.

There were many types of boats in use at the Red River. Due to the shallow, stumpy nature of the fishery some areas are too shallow and dangerous for bass boats.

Mike McClelland’s wife, Stacey, backs down her son Justin McClelland’s boat.

Signs help guide the anglers about how far they should back down the ramp without damaging their equipment.

Bassmaster Elite Series angler Keith Poche brought an aluminum boat to navigate the Red River this week.

Co-angler Matthew McCardle notched a Top 12 at the Arkansas River and was looking to do the same at the Red River.

Defending Opens champion at the Red River, Stephen Browning, takes his fish to the scales.

Bassmaster writer Steve Wright talks with Browning after he weighed his fish.

Louisiana angler Gerald Spohrer heads to the stage. Spohrer caught them pretty good on Day 1 and is certainly in contention this week.

Most of the floats are back safely as only a couple flights are left to check in.

Co-angler Justin Cooper talks on the phone after crossing the stage on Day 1.

Day 2 on the Red River is just around the corner and kicker fish will be crucial this week as the weights have been predictably low.