Day Four behind the scenes

Go backstage at the final weigh-in on the St. Lawrence River!

Posted on
<p>A huge crowd assembles in Waddington, N.Y., to watch the final weigh-in.</p>
A huge crowd assembles in Waddington, N.Y., to watch the final weigh-in.
<p style=
Steve Kennedy is next to weigh in.
<p style=
Ott DeFoe pulls in.
<p style=
Fans came out in record number to see who would be crowned champion.
<p>Not only were there lots of wonderful fans, they were loaded with enthusiasm, too!</p>
Not only were there lots of wonderful fans, they were loaded with enthusiasm, too!
<p>And even more enthusiasm!</p>
And even more enthusiasm!
<p>A Shimano rig is on display at the venue.</p>
A Shimano rig is on display at the venue.
<p style=
Ironically – or maybe not? – Rigid Industries LED Lighting spokesman Brandon Palaniuk has been leading the event.
<p>Chad Pipken shows his weapon of the week.</p>
Chad Pipken shows his weapon of the week.
<p style=
John Murray shows what he caught his large mouth bass on.
<p>Kevin Hawk waits as his boat is checked.</p>
Kevin Hawk waits as his boat is checked.
<p style=
Jonathon VanDam bags his catches
<p>Bernie Schultz had another great New York tournament.</p>
Bernie Schultz had another great New York tournament.
<p>Gulp was th4 main bait for Ott DeFoe this week.</p>
Gulp was th4 main bait for Ott DeFoe this week.
<p> Josh Bertrand enjoys his Sunday afternoon.</p>
 Josh Bertrand enjoys his Sunday afternoon.
<p style=
Gerald Swindle is next to the stage.
<p>Swindle's Toyota drives slowly by fans.</p>
Swindle’s Toyota drives slowly by fans.
<p>Toyota is B.A.S.S.' official vehicle.</p>
Toyota is B.A.S.S.’ official vehicle.
<p style=
Emcee Dave Mercer and tournament director Chris Bowes.
<p style=
Steve Kennedy shows his nice fish to the fans.
<p>Anglers' families, fans, and volunteers are backstage as well.</p>
Anglers’ families, fans, and volunteers are backstage as well.
<p style=
Dave Mercer brings Gerald Swindle onstage.
<p>The field is filled with fans.</p>
The field is filled with fans.
<p>Josh Bertrand shows his best catches of the final day.</p>
Josh Bertrand shows his best catches of the final day.
<p style=
 Toyota trucks pull anglers’ boats to the stage.
<p>Ott DeFoe is up next to the stage.</p>
Ott DeFoe is up next to the stage.
<p>All the action is taped for the Bassmaster TV show.</p>
All the action is taped for the Bassmaster TV show.
<p>Brandon Palaniuk's sister Brianna drove 8 hours last night to see her brother's big win.</p>
Brandon Palaniuk’s sister Brianna drove 8 hours last night to see her brother’s big win.
<p style=
Aaron Martens is next to visit the weigh-in stage.
<p>The fans seem to be enjoying their Sunday afternoon.</p>
The fans seem to be enjoying their Sunday afternoon.
<p style=
Cliff Pirch also enjoys his Sunday afternoon.
<p>Pirch shows his best fish to the fans.</p>
Pirch shows his best fish to the fans.
<p>Jonathon VanDam is up next to the stage.</p>
Jonathon VanDam is up next to the stage.
<p>Brandon Palaniuk rolls by the fans.</p>
Brandon Palaniuk rolls by the fans.
<p style=
Palaniuk is welcomed by lots of fans.
<p style=
Palaniuk received a standing ovation.
.
<p style=
Palaniuk shows his best catches.
<p style=
Palaniuk talks about the week.
<p style=
Brandon’s sister Brianna came up onstage.
<p style=
Fans listen to what Palaniuk has to say.
<p style=
Palaniuk is interviewed by the media.
<p style=
Palaniuk is the newest 2014 Bassmaster Classic contender.