Classic registration

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Before the angler’s meeting and official registration began, Chris Lane and all the Classic competitors had photos taken for Bassmaster television.
Before the angler’s meeting and official registration began, Chris Lane and all the Classic competitors had photos taken for Bassmaster television.
They all arrived early and visited while waiting their turn.
They all arrived early and visited while waiting their turn.
David Walker signed Classic memorabilia while waiting to do his session for Bassmaster television.
David Walker signed Classic memorabilia while waiting to do his session for Bassmaster television.
Pictured in the center, Chad Morgenthaler is in good company. Both the angler’s to his right, Casey Ashley and Randy Howell have won Classic championships.
Pictured in the center, Chad Morgenthaler is in good company. Both the angler’s to his right, Casey Ashley and Randy Howell have won Classic championships.
B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon checked everybody’s license when they came through the door.
B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon checked everybody’s license when they came through the door.
Greg Vinson and all the Classic contenders received their commemorative plaques during registration.
Greg Vinson and all the Classic contenders received their commemorative plaques during registration.
But lurking nearby was the big prize that will be handed over on Sunday.
But lurking nearby was the big prize that will be handed over on Sunday.
Competitors went through a line and made several stops. They picked up merchandise from sponsors and signed dozens of pieces of Classic memorabilia.
Competitors went through a line and made several stops. They picked up merchandise from sponsors and signed dozens of pieces of Classic memorabilia.
Tulsa, Oklahoma’s James Elam had a lot of Mercury hats to autograph today.
Tulsa, Oklahoma’s James Elam had a lot of Mercury hats to autograph today.
The Oklahoma native didn’t need to buy a new fishing license; he was signed up to fish a lifetime in his home state.
The Oklahoma native didn’t need to buy a new fishing license; he was signed up to fish a lifetime in his home state.
Last year’s Classic champion Casey Ashley stopped by to visit all his sponsors.
Last year’s Classic champion Casey Ashley stopped by to visit all his sponsors.
Josh Bertrand picks out the right sized Mercury jacket.
Josh Bertrand picks out the right sized Mercury jacket.
Classic rookie Charles Sims had heard it is bad luck to touch the Classic trophy. But he came close.
Classic rookie Charles Sims had heard it is bad luck to touch the Classic trophy. But he came close.
Every contender, including Chad Morgenthaler, left registration loaded down with gifts from B.A.S.S. sponsors.
Every contender, including Chad Morgenthaler, left registration loaded down with gifts from B.A.S.S. sponsors.
Chris Dillow qualified to fish his first Bassmaster Classic after winning a B.A.S.S. Northern Open on the James River.
Chris Dillow qualified to fish his first Bassmaster Classic after winning a B.A.S.S. Northern Open on the James River.
Casey Ashley more than touched last year’s Classic trophy, he earned it forever. But he knows the protocol and won’t touch this one until he has the winning weight after Sunday.
Casey Ashley more than touched last year’s Classic trophy, he earned it forever. But he knows the protocol and won’t touch this one until he has the winning weight after Sunday.
College Classic Bracket champion Trevor Lo made sure he would leave registration with multiple photos and video of himself with the Classic trophy.
College Classic Bracket champion Trevor Lo made sure he would leave registration with multiple photos and video of himself with the Classic trophy.
After officially registering for the Classic, the anglers and the trophy were moved to a meeting room.
After officially registering for the Classic, the anglers and the trophy were moved to a meeting room.
B.A.S.S. Chief Executive Officer Bruce Akin welcomes the contenders to the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic, presented by GoPro.
B.A.S.S. Chief Executive Officer Bruce Akin welcomes the contenders to the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic, presented by GoPro.
Few would argue that Aaron Martens and Edwin Evers are two of the best B.A.S.S. competitors to have never won a Bassmaster Classic.
Few would argue that Aaron Martens and Edwin Evers are two of the best B.A.S.S. competitors to have never won a Bassmaster Classic.
As the final Classic briefing began to get underway, the faces of the anglers turned to all business.
As the final Classic briefing began to get underway, the faces of the anglers turned to all business.
Brent Erhler is no rookie when it comes to big time bass fishing events, but this is his first Bassmaster Classic.
Brent Erhler is no rookie when it comes to big time bass fishing events, but this is his first Bassmaster Classic.
James Elam and Edwin Evers have the weight of their home state - Oklahoma - on their shoulders this week.
James Elam and Edwin Evers have the weight of their home state – Oklahoma – on their shoulders this week.
The anglers respectfully listened during the briefing, but they were chomping at the bit to get on the lake tomorrow for the final official day of practice.
The anglers respectfully listened during the briefing, but they were chomping at the bit to get on the lake tomorrow for the final official day of practice.