Elite: Day 1 launch on Norfork

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Day 1 of the third Bassmaster Elite Series tournament of the season kicked off in some heavy fog. Winyah bay Elite winner Britt Myers launched his boat and was in great spirits despite the damp, dark and foggy conditions.
Day 1 of the third Bassmaster Elite Series tournament of the season kicked off in some heavy fog. Winyah bay Elite winner Britt Myers launched his boat and was in great spirits despite the damp, dark and foggy conditions.
GoPro pro Brent Ehrler waits for his turn to line up and launch his boat.
GoPro pro Brent Ehrler waits for his turn to line up and launch his boat.
ARE pro Adrian Avena had his lights on full blast to help cut through the thick fog.
ARE pro Adrian Avena had his lights on full blast to help cut through the thick fog.
While waiting to launch Adrian does a little last minute rigging.
While waiting to launch Adrian does a little last minute rigging.
Todd Faircloth waited patiently behind Adrian and was also working on some last minute rigging.
Todd Faircloth waited patiently behind Adrian and was also working on some last minute rigging.
Cliff Crochet pulls a few rods out and keeps his fingers crossed that the fog delay wont last too long!
Cliff Crochet pulls a few rods out and keeps his fingers crossed that the fog delay wont last too long!
Megabass pro Chris Zaldain arrived to the ramp just as a bit of light started to show through the damp air.
Megabass pro Chris Zaldain arrived to the ramp just as a bit of light started to show through the damp air.
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Morizo Shimizu looks focused as his marshal backs down the ramp.
Morizo Shimizu looks focused as his marshal backs down the ramp.
Carhartt pro Jordan Lee launched next saying “I hope we get to go soon man!”
Carhartt pro Jordan Lee launched next saying “I hope we get to go soon man!”
Dick Cepek pro Cliff Pirch was rock steady while launching this morning thanks to the grip of his DC tires.
Dick Cepek pro Cliff Pirch was rock steady while launching this morning thanks to the grip of his DC tires.
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Kevin VanDam also dumped his boat into the thick fog, then began the wait until take off.
Kevin VanDam also dumped his boat into the thick fog, then began the wait until take off.
Jonathan VanDam followed his uncle Kevin in line and slid his boat right off the trailer.
Jonathan VanDam followed his uncle Kevin in line and slid his boat right off the trailer.
As the sun began to climb higher in the sky the fog became a bit thinner, but still too thick to start the Day 1 fishing.
As the sun began to climb higher in the sky the fog became a bit thinner, but still too thick to start the Day 1 fishing.
Brandon Palaniuk looks down the shore as he waits for an official delay call.
Brandon Palaniuk looks down the shore as he waits for an official delay call.
Tak and Skeet were passing the time by making jokes about Tak’s hair!
Tak and Skeet were passing the time by making jokes about Tak’s hair!
Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Drew Benton rigged up a few baits.
Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Drew Benton rigged up a few baits.
As we walked down the shore groups of anglers could be found chatting about this and that, but especially turkey hunting!
As we walked down the shore groups of anglers could be found chatting about this and that, but especially turkey hunting!
Mark Menendez appeared to be just waking up from a short, pre takeoff nap.
Mark Menendez appeared to be just waking up from a short, pre takeoff nap.
The last fog delay on the Sabine River led Power Pole pro Chris Lane to a first place finish,. Could this tournament also go his way?
The last fog delay on the Sabine River led Power Pole pro Chris Lane to a first place finish,. Could this tournament also go his way?
Waves of fog rolled across the marina.
Waves of fog rolled across the marina.
Shaw Grigsby runs back to his truck to get a few extra baits.
Shaw Grigsby runs back to his truck to get a few extra baits.
Carl Jocumsen shows off one of the baits that he thinks is going to be a major player for him today on Norfork.
Carl Jocumsen shows off one of the baits that he thinks is going to be a major player for him today on Norfork.
Bassmaster MC Dave Mercer interviews pro Tommy Biffle on periscope.
Bassmaster MC Dave Mercer interviews pro Tommy Biffle on periscope.
Crossed Industries pro Jay Brainard lines up and prepares for takeoff after a long wait in the fog.
Crossed Industries pro Jay Brainard lines up and prepares for takeoff after a long wait in the fog.
Finally it became clear enough to send the anglers out for Day 1!
Finally it became clear enough to send the anglers out for Day 1!
Chad Pipkens follows the line of anglers as Day 1 on Lake Norfork finally begins! Make sure to tune into Bassmaster.com for all kinds of great photos, videos, blogs and more from Day 1 on the water!
Chad Pipkens follows the line of anglers as Day 1 on Lake Norfork finally begins! Make sure to tune into Bassmaster.com for all kinds of great photos, videos, blogs and more from Day 1 on the water!