Day 1 begins on St. Johns

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LEDs light the predawn as the Elite Series begins on the St. Johns River.
LEDs light the predawn as the Elite Series begins on the St. Johns River.
Brett Hite is ready to begin the season.
Brett Hite is ready to begin the season.
So is Shaw Grigsby.
So is Shaw Grigsby.
Adrian Avena is a new face on the Elite Series this year. You can't miss his boat and truck.
Adrian Avena is a new face on the Elite Series this year. You can’t miss his boat and truck.
The dock is full of colorful boats and lights. The Bassmaster Elite Series has arrived in Palatka, Fla.
The dock is full of colorful boats and lights. The Bassmaster Elite Series has arrived in Palatka, Fla.
Avena, and everyone else, pauses for the national anthem.
Avena, and everyone else, pauses for the national anthem.
After that, it's time to get started. Paul Elias is ready.
After that, it’s time to get started. Paul Elias is ready.
The first flight heads out.
The first flight heads out.
After a strong Classic, Bill Lowen is eager to get into the regular Elite season.
After a strong Classic, Bill Lowen is eager to get into the regular Elite season.
Brent Chapman is looking to get back into the Classic.
Brent Chapman is looking to get back into the Classic.
Davy Hite did well here two years ago and is hoping that helps him this week.
Davy Hite did well here two years ago and is hoping that helps him this week.
The dock is packed with spectators.
The dock is packed with spectators.
Matt Reed heads out.
Matt Reed heads out.
Classic champion Edwin Evers didn't have too long to celebrate before going back to work.
Classic champion Edwin Evers didn’t have too long to celebrate before going back to work.
Reigning Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Aaron Martens waits his turn.
Reigning Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Aaron Martens waits his turn.
Drones hover over the field while Chuck Harbin calls the boats in order.
Drones hover over the field while Chuck Harbin calls the boats in order.
J Todd Tucker keeps his sunglasses ready.
J Todd Tucker keeps his sunglasses ready.
Dave Lefebre is new to the Elite Series, but not a rookie.
Dave Lefebre is new to the Elite Series, but not a rookie.
Jason Williamson heads out.
Jason Williamson heads out.
The field heads out.
The field heads out.
As the sun rises over Central Florida.
As the sun rises over Central Florida.
Fans gather as the Elites line up.
Fans gather as the Elites line up.
The pros are ready for Day 1 of the 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series.
The pros are ready for Day 1 of the 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series.
Some, like defending AOY Aaron Martens, seem more relaxed than others.
Some, like defending AOY Aaron Martens, seem more relaxed than others.
Boyd Duckett floats by...
Boyd Duckett floats by…
The Putnam County Sheriff is on hand to keep everyone safe.
The Putnam County Sheriff is on hand to keep everyone safe.
Kelly Jordon has sunglasses just in case the sun decides to come out.
Kelly Jordon has sunglasses just in case the sun decides to come out.
There's G-Man, Gerald Swindle!
There’s G-Man, Gerald Swindle!
Mark Menendez
Mark Menendez
Mike McClelland
Mike McClelland
A drone floats in the cloudy sky.
A drone floats in the cloudy sky.
Jordan Lee says 'thumbs up' to a new Elite season.
Jordan Lee says ‘thumbs up’ to a new Elite season.
Ott DeFoe
Ott DeFoe
Carl Jocumsen
Carl Jocumsen
Dean Rojas
Dean Rojas
Skeet Reese
Skeet Reese
Aaron Martens
Aaron Martens
Greg Vinson
Greg Vinson
Dave Lefebre
Dave Lefebre
Randall Tharp
Randall Tharp
Matt Lee
Matt Lee
Jason Christie
Jason Christie
Cliff Crochet
Cliff Crochet
Emcee Dave Mercer is always ready to entertain Elite Series fans.
Emcee Dave Mercer is always ready to entertain Elite Series fans.
Time for one last photo op as the last few anglers head out.
Time for one last photo op as the last few anglers head out.