Day 1 begins

Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on the Potomac River is here. Anglers launch their boats at Smallwood State Park in Marbury, MD.
Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on the Potomac River is here. Anglers launch their boats at Smallwood State Park in Marbury, MD.
This tournament will be a challenging one with the anglers sitting on the Bassmaster Classic bubble looking to move up in the AOY standings and qualify for the 2017 Classic.
This tournament will be a challenging one with the anglers sitting on the Bassmaster Classic bubble looking to move up in the AOY standings and qualify for the 2017 Classic.
Cliff Crochet grabs a few last-minute baits.
Cliff Crochet grabs a few last-minute baits.
Alton Jones launches next while marshals wait to meet up with their pros.
Alton Jones launches next while marshals wait to meet up with their pros.
Crochet loads some drinks into his cooler for the hot day ahead.
Crochet loads some drinks into his cooler for the hot day ahead.
Jason Williamson and J-Pow chat while one of the marshals backs them down the ramp.
Jason Williamson and J-Pow chat while one of the marshals backs them down the ramp.
James Niggemeyer warms up his electronics as he launches his boat.
James Niggemeyer warms up his electronics as he launches his boat.
Ish Monroe was able to fish the Potomac last year on the FLW Tour and will certainly be one to watch on this tidal fishery.
Ish Monroe was able to fish the Potomac last year on the FLW Tour and will certainly be one to watch on this tidal fishery.
Shane Lineberger backs down the ramp just before the sun begins to peek over the trees.
Shane Lineberger backs down the ramp just before the sun begins to peek over the trees.
Brandon Palaniuk follows Linebergerdown the ramp…
Brandon Palaniuk follows Linebergerdown the ramp…
…then makes his way to the staging docks.
…then makes his way to the staging docks.
Matt Lee rigs up a Strike King Ocho while he waits for take off to begin.
Matt Lee rigs up a Strike King Ocho while he waits for take off to begin.
At 6:15 a.m. Bassmaster EmCee Dave Mercer begins to call anglers to take off.
At 6:15 a.m. Bassmaster EmCee Dave Mercer begins to call anglers to take off.
Shaw Grigsby puts the hammer down.
Shaw Grigsby puts the hammer down.
Tommy Biffle heads out to his first fishing location.
Tommy Biffle heads out to his first fishing location.
Todd Faircloth typically does well when conditions are tough. Can he make it until Championship Sunday?
Todd Faircloth typically does well when conditions are tough. Can he make it until Championship Sunday?
2015 AOY winner Aaron Martens could be a major player throughout this event.
2015 AOY winner Aaron Martens could be a major player throughout this event.
Ish heads out just ahead of Virginia angler John Crews.
Ish heads out just ahead of Virginia angler John Crews.
Palaniuk steps on the gas as the sun begins to shine on the Potomac River.
Palaniuk steps on the gas as the sun begins to shine on the Potomac River.
Powroznik looks like he knows exactly where he is headed and could be close to the top after Day 1.
Powroznik looks like he knows exactly where he is headed and could be close to the top after Day 1.
Ike blasts off shortly after Crews and takes the shortest route out of the take off area. Time to go catch em!
Ike blasts off shortly after Crews and takes the shortest route out of the take off area. Time to go catch em!