At 6 a.m. the first boats begin pulling up to Dandridge Dock for the Day 2 start of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
1 / 26
John Garrett, a champion in the 2016 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, prepares for his day on Douglas Lake.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
2 / 26
This is the final Northern Open of the season, which began in late June at Oneida Lake in New York.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
3 / 26
Charlie Hartley fished in that season opener, plus all other Opens in the series.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
4 / 26
Here is a common scene. Carl Jocumsen, the pro boater, is on the phone with his co-angler. Coordinating meeting times and locations is a morning ritual.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
5 / 26
Another angler is excited for Day 2 of fishing.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
6 / 26
Capturing the moment is a given for the social media platforms of the anglers.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
7 / 26
The time is near for the official takeoff time of 7 a.m.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
8 / 26
Before that happens the anglers pay respect to the nation, first responders, and military with the playing of the Star Spangled Banner.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
9 / 26
Once the flag comes down the boats leave the dock.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
10 / 26
Last minute takeoff shots are taken as the sun rises over Douglas Lake.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
11 / 26
And Senior Tournament Manager Chris Bowes begins lining up the boats in order.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
12 / 26
The first boats of the morning are ready to leave the dock.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
13 / 26
Some head west, toward Douglas Dam.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
14 / 26
Shrouded in fog are the Great Smoky Mountains.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
15 / 26
The boats are staged according to flight.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
16 / 26
Ken Iyobi falls into his place in line.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
17 / 26
The first flights return here at 3 p.m. with the final flight due back at 4:45 p.m.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
18 / 26
Trait Zaldain is all bundled up for good reason. Dandridge had record low temperatures in the high 40s.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
19 / 26
Her husband, Chris, records the moment for social media.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
20 / 26
Wearing a motorcycle helmet for a long run across the lake is a good idea.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
21 / 26
John Murray, a Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Tennessee, will leave from here for the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship next week in Minnesota.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
22 / 26
Jocumsen has his co-angler on board and the day is set to begin.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
23 / 26
Leader Ott DeFoe passes through the line in his Tracker/Grizzly tunnel hull aluminum rig.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
24 / 26
DeFoe’s rig is powered by a 60 h.p. Mercury outboard. The going is slow but he can go farther up the French Broad River than just about anyone else.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
25 / 26
Bowes calls out the final boats and the day is underway.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
26 / 26
Page views
1
