Day 1 begins on Winyah

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The second stop of the Bassmaster Elite Series brings us to Winyah Bay, SC. Carhartt pro Jordan Lee launches his boat in the early darkness while keeping his fingers crossed the rain will hold off.
The second stop of the Bassmaster Elite Series brings us to Winyah Bay, SC. Carhartt pro Jordan Lee launches his boat in the early darkness while keeping his fingers crossed the rain will hold off.
Brent Chapman launches shortly after Lee and quickly pulls out his life jacket as his marshal backs the boat down the ramp.
Brent Chapman launches shortly after Lee and quickly pulls out his life jacket as his marshal backs the boat down the ramp.
Gary Klein follows Chapman…
Gary Klein follows Chapman…
…then Kevin VanDam.
…then Kevin VanDam.
After leaving the St. Johns River Elite a bit early to rush home and welcome his new baby to the world, pro Paul Mueller says he’s ready to chase down a good bag and make a few dollars for diapers!
After leaving the St. Johns River Elite a bit early to rush home and welcome his new baby to the world, pro Paul Mueller says he’s ready to chase down a good bag and make a few dollars for diapers!
Dollar Bill Lowen launches his boat next while rumbles of thunder fill the dark sky overhead.
Dollar Bill Lowen launches his boat next while rumbles of thunder fill the dark sky overhead.
John Crews checks the radar on his phone shortly after hearing that the weather was going to delay take off by at least an hour.
John Crews checks the radar on his phone shortly after hearing that the weather was going to delay take off by at least an hour.
Brett Hite and Brent Ehrler also check the radar while making sure all their rods are rigged and ready.
Brett Hite and Brent Ehrler also check the radar while making sure all their rods are rigged and ready.
Hite and Hite swap a few secret new baits while the rain begins to fall.
Hite and Hite swap a few secret new baits while the rain begins to fall.
After hearing about the delay anglers stayed in their trucks and waited for the all clear.
After hearing about the delay anglers stayed in their trucks and waited for the all clear.
Sheets of rain poured down while thunder and lightning crashed all around…
Sheets of rain poured down while thunder and lightning crashed all around…
…and then as quickly as it came in, the storm moved on and the sun began to shine. Keith Combs finishes up a last minute video before getting in his boat for take off.
…and then as quickly as it came in, the storm moved on and the sun began to shine. Keith Combs finishes up a last minute video before getting in his boat for take off.
“Some day that’ll be me in that boat.”
“Some day that’ll be me in that boat.”
A.R.E . pro Justin Lucas pulls his rods out of his locker as his marshal drops the boat into the water.
A.R.E . pro Justin Lucas pulls his rods out of his locker as his marshal drops the boat into the water.
David Walker backs his boat down the ramp with the bridge in the background, and could it be? Is that a little sunshine!?
David Walker backs his boat down the ramp with the bridge in the background, and could it be? Is that a little sunshine!?
Brandon Palaniuk unhooks his rig and hops in to start Day 1.
Brandon Palaniuk unhooks his rig and hops in to start Day 1.
Hackney says he’s got a secret bait figured out, bait for him that is…
Hackney says he’s got a secret bait figured out, bait for him that is…
2016 Bassmaster Classic champion Edwin Evers answers a few questions from Bassmaster MC Dave Mercer.
2016 Bassmaster Classic champion Edwin Evers answers a few questions from Bassmaster MC Dave Mercer.
And they’re off! Finally!
And they’re off! Finally!
Coming off his recent win on the St. John’s Rick Clunn looks ready for action at Winyah Bay.
Coming off his recent win on the St. John’s Rick Clunn looks ready for action at Winyah Bay.
Luke Clausen puts the throttle down as he heads out on Day 1.
Luke Clausen puts the throttle down as he heads out on Day 1.
Brandon Lester points to the crowd as he glides by the dock.
Brandon Lester points to the crowd as he glides by the dock.
Mark Davis reaches out for a good luck handshake.
Mark Davis reaches out for a good luck handshake.
A.R.E. pro and Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Adrian Avena looks focused and determined. Can he find the fish he is looking for? We will soon find out.
A.R.E. pro and Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Adrian Avena looks focused and determined. Can he find the fish he is looking for? We will soon find out.
More scenes from the Day 1 launch.
More scenes from the Day 1 launch.