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It’s a calm, peaceful morning at Red River South Marina. The setting is about to change when all these boats line up for the take-off.
Photo: James Overstreet
Traffic at the ramp flows smoothly with the assistance of volunteers who help make launching an easier task.
Photo: James Overstreet
The BoatUS Towboat idles into position for the national anthem.
Photo: James Overstreet
As always, Opens pro Debra Hengst is all smiles.
Photo: James Overstreet
Hats come off for the playing of the national anthem and to salute the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Photo: James Overstreet
It’s countdown time. The official start is one minute away.
Photo: James Overstreet
It’s 6:30 a.m. A B.A.S.S. official gives the BoatUS Towboat the go-ahead sign.
Photo: James Overstreet
And boat No. 1 follows behind.
Photo: James Overstreet
Back at the ramp, Australian Carl Jocumsen is preparing for what he hopes continues as a hot streak this season.
Photo: James Overstreet
The first flight of boats lines up in place to begin a day of fishing on the Red River.
Photo: James Overstreet
Jeff Kriet’s choice of shorts indicates the kind of weather expected today.
Photo: James Overstreet
Chris Jones idles into place for his first day of competition on the Red River.
Photo: James Overstreet
At the final checkpoint, it’s business as usual. Livewells, running lights and kill switches are checked. And boats are released to go fishing.
Photo: James Overstreet
Gary Clouse isn’t ready for spring just yet.
Photo: James Overstreet
Is Edwin Evers break dancing? No, he’s just running behind as one of the last boats to launch.
Photo: James Overstreet
Jordan Lee arrives with his breakfast. He hopes the energy drink will give his mind a boost to find lots of fish on the Red River.
Photo: James Overstreet
You might find some of these pictures in the Opens Blog page of Bassmaster.com. It’s also a sure bet the pics will be in family photo albums.
Photo: James Overstreet
