College: Day 2 takeoff

Day 2 begins and college teams are searching for some championship fish.

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Randall Morris of Bethel University gets his tackle ready before takeoff on Day 2 of the 2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship. He and his partner, Dalton Wilson, begin the day in seventh place; they’ll have to move up to fifth to make the cut.
Randall Morris of Bethel University gets his tackle ready before takeoff on Day 2 of the 2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship. He and his partner, Dalton Wilson, begin the day in seventh place; they’ll have to move up to fifth to make the cut.
Mississippi State anglers Justin Atkins and Joe Marty understand the importance of support, which is why they brought along Team Girlfriend: Deanna and Tessa.
Mississippi State anglers Justin Atkins and Joe Marty understand the importance of support, which is why they brought along Team Girlfriend: Deanna and Tessa.
Louisiana Tech and Arkansas Tech anglers comingle while waiting for the takeoff to begin.
Louisiana Tech and Arkansas Tech anglers comingle while waiting for the takeoff to begin.
It was a beautiful morning on Chatuge Reservoir.
It was a beautiful morning on Chatuge Reservoir.
Even at pre-dawn, fans lined the dock waiting to see their loved ones.
Even at pre-dawn, fans lined the dock waiting to see their loved ones.
Lance Geren and Robbie Moore of UT Chattanooga caught only short fish on Day 1. They’re looking for a big comeback today.
Lance Geren and Robbie Moore of UT Chattanooga caught only short fish on Day 1. They’re looking for a big comeback today.
Boats begin heading toward the docks to await their boat number being called.
Boats begin heading toward the docks to await their boat number being called.
Right before takeoff, the first three boats in the lineup sit at the dock, talking to friends and media.
Right before takeoff, the first three boats in the lineup sit at the dock, talking to friends and media.
It’s almost go time!
It’s almost go time!
Takeoff has now begun for the guys in the front of the line. Note the rooster tails in the distance at the top right.
Takeoff has now begun for the guys in the front of the line. Note the rooster tails in the distance at the top right.
For others far back in the boat numbers, staying beached and hanging out with family and friends is the way to go.
For others far back in the boat numbers, staying beached and hanging out with family and friends is the way to go.
Boats pull away from the docks and head out for the day. Although 83 teams set out today, only the Top 5 will qualify to compete tomorrow.
Boats pull away from the docks and head out for the day. Although 83 teams set out today, only the Top 5 will qualify to compete tomorrow.
Fans watch in a crowd on the floating dock and wish good luck to their favorite competitors.
Fans watch in a crowd on the floating dock and wish good luck to their favorite competitors.
Emily Hand and Hank Weldon in the College B.A.S.S. department verify the lineup and call the boats.
Emily Hand and Hank Weldon in the College B.A.S.S. department verify the lineup and call the boats.
Contenders idle up to the dock. It’s about their time to go.
Contenders idle up to the dock. It’s about their time to go.
The anglers get lots of hoots and hollers as they pass by.
The anglers get lots of hoots and hollers as they pass by.
It looks like a mad dash to get to the fishing, but it’s really quite orderly.
It looks like a mad dash to get to the fishing, but it’s really quite orderly.
Trey Clayton and Timothy Ward of Auburn University are looking for good numbers today. They were one of 12 teams that zeroed yesterday.
Trey Clayton and Timothy Ward of Auburn University are looking for good numbers today. They were one of 12 teams that zeroed yesterday.
It’s a flurry of takeoff activity for nearly half an hour.
It’s a flurry of takeoff activity for nearly half an hour.
Meanwhile, the Humminbird boat floats right to the side of the takeoff line.
Meanwhile, the Humminbird boat floats right to the side of the takeoff line.
Creatures of the canine persuasion love B.A.S.S. events. They show up everywhere.
Creatures of the canine persuasion love B.A.S.S. events. They show up everywhere.
It’s the final stretch …
It’s the final stretch …
… and spirits are high.
… and spirits are high.
Fourth-place Nick LaDart and Brian Eaton of University of Louisiana Monroe have ESPN camera man Cary Barrett in the boat with them today. No pressure.
Fourth-place Nick LaDart and Brian Eaton of University of Louisiana Monroe have ESPN camera man Cary Barrett in the boat with them today. No pressure.
The last of the boats wave goodbye to the land-bound.
The last of the boats wave goodbye to the land-bound.
And they’re all outta here. Day 2 has begun.
And they’re all outta here. Day 2 has begun.
It’s a mass exodus when the last boat leaves. The bacon and eggs provided by The Ridges Resort and Marina were calling their name.
It’s a mass exodus when the last boat leaves. The bacon and eggs provided by The Ridges Resort and Marina were calling their name.