Day 1 takeoff at Delaware River

Elite Series pros eagerly launch their boats on Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite on the Delaware River.

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Kevin VanDam pulls into the launch ramp.
Kevin VanDam pulls into the launch ramp.
He launches his boat into the Delaware River.
He launches his boat into the Delaware River.
The sky begins to brighten up just before takeoff.
The sky begins to brighten up just before takeoff.
Keith Combs launches his boat as well.
Keith Combs launches his boat as well.
B.A.S.S. officials get the anglers in the correct launch order.
B.A.S.S. officials get the anglers in the correct launch order.
More anglers file into the launch site.
More anglers file into the launch site.
Who is that angler with all the Rigid LED lights?
Who is that angler with all the Rigid LED lights?
That’s Brandon Palaniuk. He’s ready.
That’s Brandon Palaniuk. He’s ready.
He has enough lights to see no matter how dark it is outside.
He has enough lights to see no matter how dark it is outside.
Jacob Powroznik waits to launch his boat.
Jacob Powroznik waits to launch his boat.
He’s focused.
He’s focused.
Local favorite Mike Iaconelli gets his tackle ready in the parking lot as he waits to launch.
Local favorite Mike Iaconelli gets his tackle ready in the parking lot as he waits to launch.
Serious Ike…
Serious Ike…
Happy Ike.
Happy Ike.
Jacob Powroznik autographs a sign for a young fan.
Jacob Powroznik autographs a sign for a young fan.
Palaniuk shares a laugh with his Marshal.
Palaniuk shares a laugh with his Marshal.
Takahiro Omori prepares his tackle before takeoff
Takahiro Omori prepares his tackle before takeoff
Anglers float around after launching their boats.
Anglers float around after launching their boats.
Ike checks for traffic as he backs up.
Ike checks for traffic as he backs up.
Spectators gathered to watch the Day 1 takeoff.
Spectators gathered to watch the Day 1 takeoff.
More boats float around.
More boats float around.
Morizo Shimizu ties on tackle as his Marshal backs down his tow vehicle.
Morizo Shimizu ties on tackle as his Marshal backs down his tow vehicle.
Bobby Lane follows suit.
Bobby Lane follows suit.
Spectators take pictures of their favorite anglers.
Spectators take pictures of their favorite anglers.
Rick Clunn docks up. He was the first boat to take off today
Rick Clunn docks up. He was the first boat to take off today
The sun begins to come up by the bridge.
The sun begins to come up by the bridge.
It's a beautiful backdrop for the Day 1 launch.
It’s a beautiful backdrop for the Day 1 launch.
The sun illuminates the water.
The sun illuminates the water.
Gerald Swindle waits for his Marshal.
Gerald Swindle waits for his Marshal.
Rise and remove your hats for the national anthem.
Rise and remove your hats for the national anthem.
Every takeoff starts with the national anthem.
Every takeoff starts with the national anthem.
Ike is ready.
Ike is ready.
The sunrise is the perfect backdrop.
The sunrise is the perfect backdrop.
Anglers do last second adjustments before takeoff.
Anglers do last second adjustments before takeoff.
There goes boat number 1 Rick Clunn.
There goes boat number 1 Rick Clunn.
And they’re off!
And they’re off!
Casey Ashley heads out, too.
Casey Ashley heads out, too.
The favorite for this week, Mike Iaconelli, heads out.
The favorite for this week, Mike Iaconelli, heads out.
Anglers head off into the sun.
Anglers head off into the sun.
Aaron Martens gets confirmation that he is good to go.
Aaron Martens gets confirmation that he is good to go.
There goes Justin Lucas.
There goes Justin Lucas.
Pros let their rooster tails fly as they head to spot number one.
Pros let their rooster tails fly as they head to spot number one.
Brett Hite heads out.
Brett Hite heads out.
This collegiate angler from Penn State University shoots GoPro footage as angler’s takeoff.
This collegiate angler from Penn State University shoots GoPro footage as angler’s takeoff.
Anglers are chomping at the bit to head out on the Delaware River.
Anglers are chomping at the bit to head out on the Delaware River.
Chris Lane heads out as his American flag hangs from his light pole.
Chris Lane heads out as his American flag hangs from his light pole.
Kelly Jordon waves to spectators as he heads out.
Kelly Jordon waves to spectators as he heads out.
Kevin “K-Pink” Short heads out.
Kevin “K-Pink” Short heads out.
Kevin VanDam was in the last flight for the Day 1 launch.
Kevin VanDam was in the last flight for the Day 1 launch.