Day 1 begins on Pee Dee River

Competitors take off from Georgetown to begin Day 1 of the Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Southern Divisional on the Pee Dee River.

Posted on
It’s 5:30 a.m. and the first boats are launching into the Little Pee Dee River to prepare for the launch of the Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Southern Divisional.
It’s 5:30 a.m. and the first boats are launching into the Little Pee Dee River to prepare for the launch of the Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Southern Divisional.
Seven states are competing in the tournament to determine qualifiers for the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.
Seven states are competing in the tournament to determine qualifiers for the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.
South Carolina is the host state. In the background is the massive facility operated by International Paper in Georgetown.
South Carolina is the host state. In the background is the massive facility operated by International Paper in Georgetown.
Georgetown County is giving first class treatment to the anglers. Not even the pros in the Bassmaster Elite Series are provided with complementary Chick fil-A breakfast sandwiches.
Georgetown County is giving first class treatment to the anglers. Not even the pros in the Bassmaster Elite Series are provided with complementary Chick fil-A breakfast sandwiches.
Officials from the Georgetown Parks & Recreation Dept. surprised the anglers with the same flags flown yesterday at the official registration, meeting and delicious dinner.
Officials from the Georgetown Parks & Recreation Dept. surprised the anglers with the same flags flown yesterday at the official registration, meeting and delicious dinner.
Travel on the U.S. Hwy. 17 bridge and it takes you from Georgetown to Myrtle Beach or Charleston.
Travel on the U.S. Hwy. 17 bridge and it takes you from Georgetown to Myrtle Beach or Charleston.
The Carroll Ashmore Campbell Marine Complex is a tournament organizer’s dream. The facility features a 6-lane ramp with 200 parking spaces on 20 acres.
The Carroll Ashmore Campbell Marine Complex is a tournament organizer’s dream. The facility features a 6-lane ramp with 200 parking spaces on 20 acres.
Tennessee is one of the seven states competing in the tournament. In the background is the International Paper Co. facility.
Tennessee is one of the seven states competing in the tournament. In the background is the International Paper Co. facility.
Final preparations are being wrapped up for the 6:30 a.m. takeoff time.
Final preparations are being wrapped up for the 6:30 a.m. takeoff time.
The takeoff always begins with the playing of the National Anthem.
The takeoff always begins with the playing of the National Anthem.
The anglers pay tribute to the nation as the boats float across the Little Pee Dee River.
The anglers pay tribute to the nation as the boats float across the Little Pee Dee River.
It’s takeoff time and that means casting off the dock and getting tackle organized for boat runs into a maze of five rivers open to fishing in the tournament.
It’s takeoff time and that means casting off the dock and getting tackle organized for boat runs into a maze of five rivers open to fishing in the tournament.
Two minutes until takeoff and there’s now enough light for fans and spouses to take pictures of their husbands.
Two minutes until takeoff and there’s now enough light for fans and spouses to take pictures of their husbands.
B.A.S.S. official Alan Roberts raises both hands to signal that it’s 10 seconds until takeoff time.
B.A.S.S. official Alan Roberts raises both hands to signal that it’s 10 seconds until takeoff time.
Florida B.A.S.S. Nation President David Driggers snaps a picture of a team member.
Florida B.A.S.S. Nation President David Driggers snaps a picture of a team member.
The first flight is lining up into place for the start of the day.
The first flight is lining up into place for the start of the day.
Anglers pick up a floating key fob with their boat number as they pass through the line.
Anglers pick up a floating key fob with their boat number as they pass through the line.
You are looking at the playlist used by Jon Stewart, B.A.S.S. Nation Director. His leadoff song for the day is “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne.
You are looking at the playlist used by Jon Stewart, B.A.S.S. Nation Director. His leadoff song for the day is “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne.
Stewart calls out the names of anglers over the sounds of “Crazy Train.”
Stewart calls out the names of anglers over the sounds of “Crazy Train.”
Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation Eddie Plemmons captures a beautiful sunrise across the river.
Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation Eddie Plemmons captures a beautiful sunrise across the river.
The final flight of boats passes through the safety check line. The anglers can fish the Santee, Black, Pee Dee, Little Pee Dee and Waccamaw rivers.
The final flight of boats passes through the safety check line. The anglers can fish the Santee, Black, Pee Dee, Little Pee Dee and Waccamaw rivers.
Functioning aerators are required and checked as all boats pass through this line.
Functioning aerators are required and checked as all boats pass through this line.
The dock is lined with spouses, fans and presidents of the seven states represented in the tournament.
The dock is lined with spouses, fans and presidents of the seven states represented in the tournament.
Radios from the Georgetown County Emergency Management Agency. The county is going all out in every way for the safety and enjoyment of the anglers and guests.
Radios from the Georgetown County Emergency Management Agency. The county is going all out in every way for the safety and enjoyment of the anglers and guests.