Cold, rainy start on Norman

Competitors in the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open on Lake Norman faced chilly conditions at the Day Two launch.

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<p> B.A.S.S. staff members gather near the PA booth at the start of Day Two of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open #2 on Lake Norman.</p>
B.A.S.S. staff members gather near the PA booth at the start of Day Two of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open #2 on Lake Norman.
<p> Keith Poche preps and sorts his baits on Day Two while waiting for take-off.</p>
Keith Poche preps and sorts his baits on Day Two while waiting for take-off.
<p> Steam rises into the starlit sky as Pete Ponds backs his boat into Lake Norman.</p>
Steam rises into the starlit sky as Pete Ponds backs his boat into Lake Norman.
<p> With temperatures in the 40s and rain pouring down, the proper wet weather gear was essential to having a good start on Day Two of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open #2 on Lake Norman.</p>
With temperatures in the 40s and rain pouring down, the proper wet weather gear was essential to having a good start on Day Two of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open #2 on Lake Norman.
<p> The parking lot at Blythe Park was completely full, supporting a field of over 180 competitors.</p>
The parking lot at Blythe Park was completely full, supporting a field of over 180 competitors.
<p> Greg Vinson starts Day Two in 19th place with 10 pounds, 6 ounces.</p>
Greg Vinson starts Day Two in 19th place with 10 pounds, 6 ounces.
<p> Anglers remove their head gear and pay respect to the national anthem.</p>
Anglers remove their head gear and pay respect to the national anthem.
<p> Charlie Hartley prepares for the wet conditions while awaiting take-off.</p>
Charlie Hartley prepares for the wet conditions while awaiting take-off.
<p> A BoatUS Angler towboat, official towing service of Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens, is on hand to offer towing services if needed.</p>
A BoatUS Angler towboat, official towing service of Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens, is on hand to offer towing services if needed.
<p> Pat Golden idles his boat toward take-off.</p>
Pat Golden idles his boat toward take-off.
<p> Anglers anxiously wait for the sun to rise and rain to stop.</p>
Anglers anxiously wait for the sun to rise and rain to stop.
<p> Trolling motors are stowed as the official launch time for Day Two gets close.</p>
Trolling motors are stowed as the official launch time for Day Two gets close.
<p> Tournament Director Chris Bowes announces the launch order as anglers line up to start Day Two on Lake Norman.</p>
Tournament Director Chris Bowes announces the launch order as anglers line up to start Day Two on Lake Norman.
<p> Jason Pittman and Bart Roberts pose for the camera.</p>
Jason Pittman and Bart Roberts pose for the camera.
<p> Local television crew interview anglers from the dock.</p>
Local television crew interview anglers from the dock.
<p> Starting Day Two in 8th place, Andy Montgomery answers questions for an interview.</p>
Starting Day Two in 8th place, Andy Montgomery answers questions for an interview.
<p> Kyle Fox had a rough Day One finish but looks to improve in the standings on Day Two.</p>
Kyle Fox had a rough Day One finish but looks to improve in the standings on Day Two.
<p> David Walker awaits his take-off time for Day Two of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open #2 on Lake Norman.</p>
David Walker awaits his take-off time for Day Two of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open #2 on Lake Norman.
<p> Jeff Jennings inspects his rods and looks to improve in the standings on Day Two.</p>
Jeff Jennings inspects his rods and looks to improve in the standings on Day Two.
<p> Larry Draughn takes it all in as he prepares for another day on beautiful Lake Norman.</p>
Larry Draughn takes it all in as he prepares for another day on beautiful Lake Norman.