Classic: Day 1 launch

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One of the B.A.S.S. Nation qualifiers, Albert Collins, rolls in to launch before dawn.
One of the B.A.S.S. Nation qualifiers, Albert Collins, rolls in to launch before dawn.
Boyd Duckett talks with fans near the ramp.
Boyd Duckett talks with fans near the ramp.
There's Brandon Palaniuk bundled up for the cold morning weather.
There’s Brandon Palaniuk bundled up for the cold morning weather.
Oklahoma Classic angler Jason Christie is sure to be a crowd favorite this weekend.
Oklahoma Classic angler Jason Christie is sure to be a crowd favorite this weekend.
James Watson's boat lets everyone know about his previous military service.
James Watson’s boat lets everyone know about his previous military service.
The other Martens in the Classic, Dr. Thomas Martens, dons his life jacket for launch.
The other Martens in the Classic, Dr. Thomas Martens, dons his life jacket for launch.
Brett Hite is all smiles for Day 1 of the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic.
Brett Hite is all smiles for Day 1 of the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic.
Look out! Skeet Reese's monster truck rumbles by.
Look out! Skeet Reese’s monster truck rumbles by.
The 2015 Bassmaster Classic champion Casey Ashley gives the launch crowd a thumbs up.
The 2015 Bassmaster Classic champion Casey Ashley gives the launch crowd a thumbs up.
As usual, Kevin VanDam draws a crowd. He waves at photographer Seigo Saito.
As usual, Kevin VanDam draws a crowd. He waves at photographer Seigo Saito.
Here comes the Day 1 sun!
Here comes the Day 1 sun!
Uh, surely Charles Sim isn't confused. The Canadian B.A.S.S. Nation qualifier is representing his homeland during the Day 1 launch. Can he pull off a three-day hat trick on Grand Lake?
Uh, surely Charles Sim isn’t confused. The Canadian B.A.S.S. Nation qualifier is representing his homeland during the Day 1 launch. Can he pull off a three-day hat trick on Grand Lake?
Dean Rojas gives a thumbs up for Day 1 fishing.
Dean Rojas gives a thumbs up for Day 1 fishing.
I appears Edwin Evers and Aaron Martens made their morning commute together. There's only a few minutes left for coffee talk.
I appears Edwin Evers and Aaron Martens made their morning commute together. There’s only a few minutes left for coffee talk.
Mike Iaconelli keeps an eye on his boat from the passenger seat of his Toyota.
Mike Iaconelli keeps an eye on his boat from the passenger seat of his Toyota.
Bobby Lane blurs by...
Bobby Lane blurs by…
There were plenty of launch photo ops for fans and media alike.
There were plenty of launch photo ops for fans and media alike.
Day 1 of the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic begins with the national anthem.
Day 1 of the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic begins with the national anthem.
Dave Mercer digs for a few last-minute nuggets from Kevin VanDam.
Dave Mercer digs for a few last-minute nuggets from Kevin VanDam.
KVD is always ready for another interview. Here he talks with a Bassmaster LIVE cameraman.
KVD is always ready for another interview. Here he talks with a Bassmaster LIVE cameraman.
Only 20 seconds until the 2016 Bassmaster Classic begins!
Only 20 seconds until the 2016 Bassmaster Classic begins!
The pier is abuzz with activity.
The pier is abuzz with activity.
The boats roll by...Justin Lucas has to be ready to go after finishing second in the 2015 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year race.
The boats roll by…Justin Lucas has to be ready to go after finishing second in the 2015 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year race.
Two Pirch fans show off their pick for Classic weekend.
Two Pirch fans show off their pick for Classic weekend.
Line 'em up...head 'em out.
Line ’em up…head ’em out.
Chris Lane makes the move.
Chris Lane makes the move.
Next up is Skeet Reese.
Next up is Skeet Reese.
Reese gives the fans a wave as he heads out.
Reese gives the fans a wave as he heads out.
Brandon Palaniuk is up next.
Brandon Palaniuk is up next.
A wave from the waves.
A wave from the waves.
Brandon Card floats past.
Brandon Card floats past.
This lineup of the world's best anglers head out for the ultimate bass fishing tournament.
This lineup of the world’s best anglers head out for the ultimate bass fishing tournament.
Fabian Rodriguez begins what is sure to be an exciting 2016. Two weeks after the Classic, he'll fish his first tournament as an Elite Series angler.
Fabian Rodriguez begins what is sure to be an exciting 2016. Two weeks after the Classic, he’ll fish his first tournament as an Elite Series angler.
The line gets shorter.
The line gets shorter.
The gathered fans cheer for their favorite Bassmaster Classic competitors.
The gathered fans cheer for their favorite Bassmaster Classic competitors.