Day 1 begins on Atchafalaya

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Day 1 of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Central Regional on the Atchafalaya Basin starts early on Thursday as teams launch their boats at Bayou Black Marina. Dallas Baptist dumps it in the water.
Day 1 of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Central Regional on the Atchafalaya Basin starts early on Thursday as teams launch their boats at Bayou Black Marina. Dallas Baptist dumps it in the water.
A lot of Louisiana teams were at the ramp early and were sitting around talking before takeoff.
A lot of Louisiana teams were at the ramp early and were sitting around talking before takeoff.
Teams funnel out of the marina canal and head to the main canal to prepare for takeoff.
Teams funnel out of the marina canal and head to the main canal to prepare for takeoff.
The sun comes up just behind the boats as they get in line.
The sun comes up just behind the boats as they get in line.
Time for the National Anthem and also a moment of silence for Dylan Poche who was killed just a few weeks ago. Poche would have competed in this event.
Time for the National Anthem and also a moment of silence for Dylan Poche who was killed just a few weeks ago. Poche would have competed in this event.
Anglers stand to attention to honor this great nation and the ones who protect it everyday.
Anglers stand to attention to honor this great nation and the ones who protect it everyday.
Time for takeoff on Day 1 of the Atchafalaya Basin College Central Regional.
Time for takeoff on Day 1 of the Atchafalaya Basin College Central Regional.
Boat number one leads the pack.
Boat number one leads the pack.
Justin Cooper and Johnny Ledet head out as boat three. They won this event last year and look to defend their title and clinch another berth for the National Championship.
Justin Cooper and Johnny Ledet head out as boat three. They won this event last year and look to defend their title and clinch another berth for the National Championship.
Tarleton State follows closely behind as they head out. This field is dominated by Louisiana and Texas schools.
Tarleton State follows closely behind as they head out. This field is dominated by Louisiana and Texas schools.
Allyson Marcel heads out. She finished fourth in the National Championship last year as she competed with her boyfriend Tyler Rivet. This year she competes with Tori LeBeau.
Allyson Marcel heads out. She finished fourth in the National Championship last year as she competed with her boyfriend Tyler Rivet. This year she competes with Tori LeBeau.
Many different types of boats are in this field as the backwaters can be tricky to navigate in some parts.
Many different types of boats are in this field as the backwaters can be tricky to navigate in some parts.
The aforementioned Tyler Rivet heads out with teammate Jess Robertson.
The aforementioned Tyler Rivet heads out with teammate Jess Robertson.
Defending National Champion Josh Bensema and teammate Tyler Anderson head out.
Defending National Champion Josh Bensema and teammate Tyler Anderson head out.
The sun rises just above the trees and produces a beautiful backdrop.
The sun rises just above the trees and produces a beautiful backdrop.
Clayton Godfrey and John-Michael Brattlof of Stephen F. Austin head out to the mouth of the Atchafalaya.
Clayton Godfrey and John-Michael Brattlof of Stephen F. Austin head out to the mouth of the Atchafalaya.
Darrell Henson and Brent Rome Jr. from LSU are poised to return to the National Championship. A total of 13 teams will punch their ticket this week.
Darrell Henson and Brent Rome Jr. from LSU are poised to return to the National Championship. A total of 13 teams will punch their ticket this week.
The final boat heads out and all 79 teams of the Central Regional are gone from takeoff. A sunny and breezy day will greet the anglers. Numerous strategies are at work here this week. Some are maximizing their time by staying close while others are looking for just five quality bites and are driving a long ways to get them.
The final boat heads out and all 79 teams of the Central Regional are gone from takeoff. A sunny and breezy day will greet the anglers. Numerous strategies are at work here this week. Some are maximizing their time by staying close while others are looking for just five quality bites and are driving a long ways to get them.