The stage was set for the arrival of the 2012 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship winners at the JM Associates office in Little Rock, Ark.
Photo: Tyler Reed
B.A.S.S. co-owner Jerry McKinnis surprised Zack Birge of Oklahoma State University with a mock-up of the September issue of the B.A.S.S. Times cover. Birge and his teammate did not know they would be on the cover.
Photo: Tyler Reed
Blake Flurry looks at the mock-up of the cover and enjoys knowing it will hit mailboxes everywhere in about a week.
Photo: Tyler Reed
The pair get microphones added for the Livewell segment.
Photo: Tyler Reed
The camera man gets in position as emcee Tommy Sanders prepares to start the show.
Photo: Tyler Reed
Birge and Flurry got a special cake with OSU's mascot, Pistol Pete, on it.
Photo: Tyler Reed
Jerry McKinnis entertains staff members as he prepares to introduce the national champs for a meet-and-greet.
Photo: Tyler Reed
McKinnis talks to Birge and Flurry in front of the group.
Photo: Tyler Reed
Birge and Flurry chat with McKinnis while enjoying their cake.
Photo: Tyler Reed
JM Associates staff members dressed in their favorite college gear to welcome the OSU team. Some, like Gena Hatley Cole, sported spiffy Razorbacks shoes.
Photo: Tyler Reed
JM staff members spend time with Birge and Flurry.
Photo: Tyler Reed
Flurry and Birge pose on the Livewell stage with Carey Barrett, Brian Mason and Jake Kelso of JM Associates.
Photo: Tyler Reed
Several JM staff members participated in the meet-and-greet and wore their favorite college colors.
Photo: Tyler Reed
In the heart of Little Rock, it's hard to find football lovers who aren't Arkansas Razorbacks fans.
Photo: Tyler Reed
After the Livewell taping and meet-and-greet, Flurry and Birge participated in a Twitter chat. B.A.S.S. social media editor Tyler Reed moderated. You can read the full transcript here.
Photo: Hank Weldon
Flurry plans his answer to a Twitter question.
Photo: Hank Weldon
Birge contemplates which lures he was using to win the championship so he can answer a Twitter follower.
Photo: Hank Weldon
A "B.A.S.S. Studios" signs greets visitors on the third floor of the JM offices, where countless hours of Bassmaster Elite Series footage is edited. Birge and Flurry got a full, personalized tour by Mike McKinnis, vice president of television and video.
Photo: Tyler Reed
The back of Flurry's jersey shows off this college fishing team's logo, with mascot Pistol Pete lipping a bass.
Photo: Tyler Reed
Flurry talks with Tommy Sanders while the two eat pizza.
Photo: Hank Weldon
The JM staff, Tommy Sanders and the college champs all gathered for lunch.
Photo: Tyler Reed
Blake Flurry signed autographs for staff members.
Photo: Tyler Reed
Zack Birge stayed busy signing photos of himself and Flurry on the water.
Photo: Hank Weldon
Flurry signs his autograph for Christie Kratz, a graphic designer at JM.
Photo: Tyler Reed
As Flurry and Birge finish signing autographs, Jerry McKinnis joins them to deliver some words of wisdom.
Photo: Tyler Reed
The Oklahoma State anglers gather in the lobby with McKinnis just before they leave.
Photo: Tyler Reed
McKinnis gives Birge a hearty handshake before his departure.
Photo: Tyler Reed
Flurry and Birge spend time with Hank Weldon, director of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series.
Photo: Tyler Reed
