Behind the scenes at BASSfest Day 1

It’s time to weigh fish at Day 1 of the Zippo BASSfest presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps.

Greg Hackney shows off one of his finest.

Current AOY leader Dean Rojas bags his catches.

Before the weigh-in, everyone pauses for the national anthem. Dave Mercer and Matt Reed (and Don Barone in the background) wait behind the stage.

Greg Hackney is thirsty after a long day on Kentucky Lake. It’s not scorching hot, but it is definitely starting to feel like summer in Western Tennessee.

Andy Montgomery had a good day on Kentucky Lake.

Anglers walk up some steps to get their bags checked.

Cliff Crochet notices someone is putting a camera in his face.

Brandon Lester had a great Day 1. Before he can go on stage, first volunteers remove the outer bag designed to keep his catches in water.

Then he gets directions on which tank to park himself before his time on stage.

Time to get this bag weighed.

Brandon Palaniuk walks behind stage.

Terry “Big Show” Scroggins says he didn’t find ’em today.

When you are the 2014 Toyota Angler of the Year, nobody can tell you how to ride in a golf cart. Greg Hackney shows us how it’s done.

Boats line both sides of the beautiful weigh-in location at Paris Landing State Park.

Andy Montgomery has to face the press after an excellent Day 1.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is on hand to make sure all these fish go right back into Kentucky Lake safely.

Marty Robinson waits his turn.

Billy McCaghren takes his day’s work to a holding tank.

Kurt Dove goes upstairs.

Mark Menendez is up next.

Skeet Reese reflects on his day.

Randy Howell is not only the 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion, he’s also an excellent traffic cop. If you look closely you can see his wife Robin in the side mirror