Elite: St. Johns registration

Posted on
Before the angler’s meeting Keith Combs and Paul Mueller worked on their tackle in the parking lot.
Before the angler’s meeting Keith Combs and Paul Mueller worked on their tackle in the parking lot.
It was a sunny day in Florida, but rain is expected the next three days.
It was a sunny day in Florida, but rain is expected the next three days.
Fred Roumbanis had surgery on his elbow five weeks ago, but said his arm was getting stronger and he is good to go.
Fred Roumbanis had surgery on his elbow five weeks ago, but said his arm was getting stronger and he is good to go.
Once again the Putnam County Shrine Club hosted the event and cooked steaks for all the anglers, Marshals and B.A.S.S. staff.
Once again the Putnam County Shrine Club hosted the event and cooked steaks for all the anglers, Marshals and B.A.S.S. staff.
Walt was the head cook, and even if he never cooks another steak he can say he has cooked a few in his time.
Walt was the head cook, and even if he never cooks another steak he can say he has cooked a few in his time.
B.A.S.S. staff helped Mark Menendez pick out the right-sized Carhartt shirt.
B.A.S.S. staff helped Mark Menendez pick out the right-sized Carhartt shirt.
The Marshals for the tournament were having their meeting in another room.
The Marshals for the tournament were having their meeting in another room.
Bassmaster.com writer Steve Wright was interviewing anglers as they arrived. Here he’s talking to local favorite Cliff Prince.
Bassmaster.com writer Steve Wright was interviewing anglers as they arrived. Here he’s talking to local favorite Cliff Prince.
Davy Hite had a Top 12 finish the last time the Elite Series visited the St. Johns River.
Davy Hite had a Top 12 finish the last time the Elite Series visited the St. Johns River.
Cliff Crochet arrived early and found a comfortable place to sit outside and enjoy the Florida weather.
Cliff Crochet arrived early and found a comfortable place to sit outside and enjoy the Florida weather.
Cameras were already focused on the Elite Series pros before the tournament begins tomorrow.
Cameras were already focused on the Elite Series pros before the tournament begins tomorrow.
While waiting to be paired with their Day 1 Marshals, Elite Series pros caught up with one another after the off-season.
While waiting to be paired with their Day 1 Marshals, Elite Series pros caught up with one another after the off-season.
You didn’t have to be in the room to hear fish stories from Jacob Powroznik…
You didn’t have to be in the room to hear fish stories from Jacob Powroznik…
... Aaron Martens ...
… Aaron Martens …
... Jacob Powroznik still battling his fish ...
… Jacob Powroznik still battling his fish …
... and Greg Hackney.
… and Greg Hackney.
Aaron Martens’ reaction when B.A.S.S. emcee Dave Mercer asked him about the possibility of fishing in a crowd on Day 1.
Aaron Martens’ reaction when B.A.S.S. emcee Dave Mercer asked him about the possibility of fishing in a crowd on Day 1.
Elite Series competitors file into the ballroom for their last briefing as well as the pairings process.
Elite Series competitors file into the ballroom for their last briefing as well as the pairings process.
The anglers are sent a group text with their launch information, boat and flight number, check-in time and the name of their Day 1 Marshal.
The anglers are sent a group text with their launch information, boat and flight number, check-in time and the name of their Day 1 Marshal.
The Elite Series rookies were asked to stand up and be recognized; among them were John Hunter, Brett Pruett and Adrian Avena.
The Elite Series rookies were asked to stand up and be recognized; among them were John Hunter, Brett Pruett and Adrian Avena.
And then there were the veterans like Kevin VanDam, who have ridden this train many times before.
And then there were the veterans like Kevin VanDam, who have ridden this train many times before.
Dave LeFebre will be a rookie on the Elite Series, but he is no rookie to big-time tournament fishing.
Dave LeFebre will be a rookie on the Elite Series, but he is no rookie to big-time tournament fishing.
Dean Rojas and Mirizo Shimizu are no rookies either, and already had their game faces on to start the new season.
Dean Rojas and Mirizo Shimizu are no rookies either, and already had their game faces on to start the new season.
Bradley Roy followed along on his tournament briefing sheet.
Bradley Roy followed along on his tournament briefing sheet.
Gerald Swindle and Skeet Reese appeared to be in time out, but weren’t.
Gerald Swindle and Skeet Reese appeared to be in time out, but weren’t.
Local law enforcement officials went over a few navigational issues on the St. Johns River.
Local law enforcement officials went over a few navigational issues on the St. Johns River.
Marshals took a lot of pictures while waiting for the pairings process to begin. You’ll also get to view the photos they contribute this week to the blog on Bassmaster.com.
Marshals took a lot of pictures while waiting for the pairings process to begin. You’ll also get to view the photos they contribute this week to the blog on Bassmaster.com.
Every angler receives a text that looks like this one on Kevin VanDam’s phone.
Every angler receives a text that looks like this one on Kevin VanDam’s phone.
After the formalities is was finally time to enjoy the steak dinner. Defending champion Chris Lane was first in line.
After the formalities is was finally time to enjoy the steak dinner. Defending champion Chris Lane was first in line.