College Central begins on Rayburn

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Day 1 of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Season is upon us as 115 teams compete on Sam Rayburn Lake in the Central Regional.
Day 1 of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Season is upon us as 115 teams compete on Sam Rayburn Lake in the Central Regional.
Boats arrived early and lined the shoreline.
Boats arrived early and lined the shoreline.
As some boats pulled on the shoreline, others floated out in the takeoff cove.
As some boats pulled on the shoreline, others floated out in the takeoff cove.
The 115-boat field is a record for the Central Regional schools.
The 115-boat field is a record for the Central Regional schools.
Boat #1 was docked up as B.A.S.S. staff checked their kill switch, livewells and running lights.
Boat #1 was docked up as B.A.S.S. staff checked their kill switch, livewells and running lights.
Boats 2 through 4 also docked up and were ready to go once the clocks hit 7 a.m.
Boats 2 through 4 also docked up and were ready to go once the clocks hit 7 a.m.
Jose Palma and Andrew Madison do some last-minute tackle before blastoff.
Jose Palma and Andrew Madison do some last-minute tackle before blastoff.
The clock strikes 7 a.m. and the boats begin to file out of Cassell Boykin Park.
The clock strikes 7 a.m. and the boats begin to file out of Cassell Boykin Park.
Boats came through the line and conducted their safety checks.
Boats came through the line and conducted their safety checks.
Emily Hand shoots a Facebook Live video that fans can check out on the <a href=
Emily Hand shoots a Facebook Live video that fans can check out on the College Bass Facebook page.
The defending champions of this regional, Tyler Stewart and Nick Joiner, are hoping to defend their title and double-up.
The defending champions of this regional, Tyler Stewart and Nick Joiner, are hoping to defend their title and double-up.
This team came prepared for the early takeoff, which was colder and windier than Texas is used to.
This team came prepared for the early takeoff, which was colder and windier than Texas is used to.
Once the first dozen teams came through the line, everyone formed a straight line and hopped in the correct order.
Once the first dozen teams came through the line, everyone formed a straight line and hopped in the correct order.
One of the home teams from Stephen F. Austin come through the takeoff.
One of the home teams from Stephen F. Austin come through the takeoff.
East Texas Baptist College comes through the line.
East Texas Baptist College comes through the line.
Every team received a numbered float to help with the check-in process later this afternoon. This also ensures every team makes it off the water as B.A.S.S. officials keep track if any are missing.
Every team received a numbered float to help with the check-in process later this afternoon. This also ensures every team makes it off the water as B.A.S.S. officials keep track if any are missing.
One angler had a camera ready to record his day on the water.
One angler had a camera ready to record his day on the water.
Tyler Rivet and teammate Cameron Naquin of Nicholls State roll through as boat 57.
Tyler Rivet and teammate Cameron Naquin of Nicholls State roll through as boat 57.
Another team records the process so they can relive takeoff later.
Another team records the process so they can relive takeoff later.
Tyler Craig and Spencer Lambert of Louisiana-Monroe head out.
Tyler Craig and Spencer Lambert of Louisiana-Monroe head out.
Stetson Overton and Cason Kelley of Tarleton State head out as boat 77.
Stetson Overton and Cason Kelley of Tarleton State head out as boat 77.
Half of the 2015 National Championship team rolls through. Josh Bensema (left) is fishing with Bradley Fleming.
Half of the 2015 National Championship team rolls through. Josh Bensema (left) is fishing with Bradley Fleming.
The last few boats head though boat check as they venture out on Sam Rayburn, hoping to bring back a great five-fish limit.
The last few boats head though boat check as they venture out on Sam Rayburn, hoping to bring back a great five-fish limit.
The Bassmaster stage is setup and ready to go for weigh-in this afternoon. If you are in the Sam Rayburn area come check out weigh-in at 3:15 p.m. at Cassell Boykin Park.
The Bassmaster stage is setup and ready to go for weigh-in this afternoon. If you are in the Sam Rayburn area come check out weigh-in at 3:15 p.m. at Cassell Boykin Park.
The American Flag and Texas State flag blow in the wind. The morning weather conditions were in the low 40’s with a brisk wind.
The American Flag and Texas State flag blow in the wind. The morning weather conditions were in the low 40’s with a brisk wind.