Click here to continue
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
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
This is the final Northern Open of the season, which began in late June at Oneida Lake in New York.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Charlie Hartley fished in that season opener, plus all other Opens in the series.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
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
Another angler is excited for Day 2 of fishing.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Capturing the moment is a given for the social media platforms of the anglers.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
The time is near for the official takeoff time of 7 a.m.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
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
Once the flag comes down the boats leave the dock.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Last minute takeoff shots are taken as the sun rises over Douglas Lake.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
And Senior Tournament Manager Chris Bowes begins lining up the boats in order.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
The first boats of the morning are ready to leave the dock.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Some head west, toward Douglas Dam.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Shrouded in fog are the Great Smoky Mountains.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
The boats are staged according to flight.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Ken Iyobi falls into his place in line.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
The first flights return here at 3 p.m. with the final flight due back at 4:45 p.m.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Trait Zaldain is all bundled up for good reason. Dandridge had record low temperatures in the high 40s.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Her husband, Chris, records the moment for social media.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Wearing a motorcycle helmet for a long run across the lake is a good idea.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
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
Jocumsen has his co-angler on board and the day is set to begin.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
Leader Ott DeFoe passes through the line in his Tracker/Grizzly tunnel hull aluminum rig.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
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
Bowes calls out the final boats and the day is underway.
Photo: Ronnie Moore
