Day 1 begins on Cherokee

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110 hopeful anglers embark on Cherokee Lake in the Tennessee Mountains to begin the 2017 Elite Series season.
110 hopeful anglers embark on Cherokee Lake in the Tennessee Mountains to begin the 2017 Elite Series season.
Elite Series Pro Chad Pipkens requalified through the Northern Opens last year, known as a smallmouth specialist, Pipkens could be a factor in this tournament.
Elite Series Pro Chad Pipkens requalified through the Northern Opens last year, known as a smallmouth specialist, Pipkens could be a factor in this tournament.
Bobby Lane backs in from the bank with the American flag flying from his light.
Bobby Lane backs in from the bank with the American flag flying from his light.
A quick launch and the Florida Pro is sure to be ready for the warmer weather that Lake Okeechobee should bring later this month.
A quick launch and the Florida Pro is sure to be ready for the warmer weather that Lake Okeechobee should bring later this month.
Cherokee Lake is a draw-down lake, meaning the TVA pulls down the water each winter, with this each of the ramps are constructed longer than most ramps in the country.
Cherokee Lake is a draw-down lake, meaning the TVA pulls down the water each winter, with this each of the ramps are constructed longer than most ramps in the country.
GEICO Bassmaster Classic Champions Cliff Pace and Skeet Reese line up beside the ramp awaiting takeoff.
GEICO Bassmaster Classic Champions Cliff Pace and Skeet Reese line up beside the ramp awaiting takeoff.
Local favorite David Mullins is all smiles before takeoff.
Local favorite David Mullins is all smiles before takeoff.
An onlooker records a quick video during launch.
An onlooker records a quick video during launch.
All the Elite anglers are bundled up for the cold.
All the Elite anglers are bundled up for the cold.
A marshal looks on as most of the pros are poled-down before the Bassmaster Elite Series season opens.
A marshal looks on as most of the pros are poled-down before the Bassmaster Elite Series season opens.
Mullins checks his rear view mirror for any oncoming traffic, as the ramp was crammed.
Mullins checks his rear view mirror for any oncoming traffic, as the ramp was crammed.
Early GEICO Bassmaster Classic favorite Keith Combs looks to start the season with momentum going into the March event in his home state of Texas.
Early GEICO Bassmaster Classic favorite Keith Combs looks to start the season with momentum going into the March event in his home state of Texas.
2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic champion continued the streak of home state anglers to win the sport’s most prestigious title last year on Grand Lake in Oklahoma. Typically, the Elites have begun the season with the Classic.
2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic champion continued the streak of home state anglers to win the sport’s most prestigious title last year on Grand Lake in Oklahoma. Typically, the Elites have begun the season with the Classic.
Bassmaster Photojournalist Seigo Sato checks his screen before shooting another picture.
Bassmaster Photojournalist Seigo Sato checks his screen before shooting another picture.
The Bassmaster tournament staff are being sure to stay warm in their Carhartt gear.
The Bassmaster tournament staff are being sure to stay warm in their Carhartt gear.
Clent Davis is equipped, like many with a helmet or mask, to take on the snow showers that dawned on Cherokee this morning.
Clent Davis is equipped, like many with a helmet or mask, to take on the snow showers that dawned on Cherokee this morning.
Bobby Lane heads out.
Bobby Lane heads out.
Takahiro Omori leads out his flight.
Takahiro Omori leads out his flight.
Stephen Browning and Keith Poche pass the rocky terrain that may play a factor this week.
Stephen Browning and Keith Poche pass the rocky terrain that may play a factor this week.
Brandon Palaniuk waves as he heads out on Cherokee.
Brandon Palaniuk waves as he heads out on Cherokee.
Dollar Bill Lowen checks out to start the 2017 season.
Dollar Bill Lowen checks out to start the 2017 season.
Locals are covered for the frigid weather.
Locals are covered for the frigid weather.
Spectators were welcoming of the first B.A.S.S. event since 1981.
Spectators were welcoming of the first B.A.S.S. event since 1981.
Bassmaster.com digital staffer Gettys Brannon latches on to the drone for a safe landing.
Bassmaster.com digital staffer Gettys Brannon latches on to the drone for a safe landing.
Bassmaster “Legend” qualifier David Fritts is the first of the “Legends” to qualify for the Elites.
Bassmaster “Legend” qualifier David Fritts is the first of the “Legends” to qualify for the Elites.
Evers idles through livewell check.
Evers idles through livewell check.
Two boats make their way out in the last flight.
Two boats make their way out in the last flight.
Shaw Grigsby is one of the last anglers to idle out.
Shaw Grigsby is one of the last anglers to idle out.
Skeet Reese is getting in touch with his electronics to navigate the low water.
Skeet Reese is getting in touch with his electronics to navigate the low water.
Electronics will be key to locating some of the deep Tennessee smallmouth that are prone to come into competition.
Electronics will be key to locating some of the deep Tennessee smallmouth that are prone to come into competition.
Dean “The Machine” Rojas idles out covered in cold weather gear.
Dean “The Machine” Rojas idles out covered in cold weather gear.
Elite Series Rookie Skylar Hamilton takes on his home state waters in an aluminum boat...
Elite Series Rookie Skylar Hamilton takes on his home state waters in an aluminum boat…
…the only one out of the 110 boat field.
…the only one out of the 110 boat field.
Aaron Martens and his marshal share a laugh before the day begins.
Aaron Martens and his marshal share a laugh before the day begins.
The Elites take-off to uncover this Tennessee gem, just outside of Knoxville.
The Elites take-off to uncover this Tennessee gem, just outside of Knoxville.