The tournament flag flies atop every boat on the final day of the 2012 Cabela’s Bassmaster Federation Nation Championship on Alabamaâs Wheeler Lake.
Contenders re-tie, re-spool and re-rig in the moments before put-in.
Oregonâs David Mays fills up on a chicken biscuit. He and the other anglers need the protein for their long day on the water.
Josh Polfer of Idaho chats with fellow contenders while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.
Montanaâs Shane Baertsch shows off the Alabama rig heâll be throwing today.
Tournament leader Jason Hemminger is backed in to the water.
Emcee Dave Mercer interviews Hemminger, who caught 19 pounds, 10 ounces yesterday. Hemminger said he hopes his fish will hold up in this weather.
Mercer shakes Mark Pierceâs hand. Pierce is in second overall right now with 25 pounds, 3 ounces.
Clouds hover above the launch area.
Hemminger has his game face on as he looks at his electronics.
Friends and family talk to the contenders before they head out.
The first flight takes off, and anglers go their separate ways.
Robert Williamson of New Hampshire heads out to make up some ground in his division, the Eastern, where Jonathan Carter has a 7-pound, 13-ounce lead.