James River in the rearview

Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open angler Mark Hicks takes a look back at the James River competition.

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<p>The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open trophy sits next to the official tournament clock. That trophy is a ticket to the Bassmaster Classic.</p>
The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open trophy sits next to the official tournament clock. That trophy is a ticket to the Bassmaster Classic.
<p>Sponsor logos are prominently displayed during the pre-tournament meeting.</p>
Sponsor logos are prominently displayed during the pre-tournament meeting.
<p>Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Tournament Director Chris Bowes lays down the law during the pre-tournament meeting for the James River Open.</p>
Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Tournament Director Chris Bowes lays down the law during the pre-tournament meeting for the James River Open.
<p>The James River tournament drew a large field of competitors.</p>
The James River tournament drew a large field of competitors.
<p>Former Bassmaster Classic champion and James River veteran Woo Daves competed in the first Northern Open of the season.</p>
Former Bassmaster Classic champion and James River veteran Woo Daves competed in the first Northern Open of the season.
<p>Elite Series pro Brandon Palaniuk finished in 11th place on the James.</p>
Elite Series pro Brandon Palaniuk finished in 11th place on the James.
<p>Elite Series angler Randy Howell looks confident at the tournament meeting. He went on to win the Open in a big way.</p>
Elite Series angler Randy Howell looks confident at the tournament meeting. He went on to win the Open in a big way.
<p>Elite Series pro Fletcher Shryock missed the Top 12 cut by ounces.</p>
Elite Series pro Fletcher Shryock missed the Top 12 cut by ounces.
<p>Tournament Director Chris Bowes keeps things orderly during Thursday’s take-off.</p>
Tournament Director Chris Bowes keeps things orderly during Thursday’s take-off.
<p>The B.A.S.S. crew checks livewells, lights and kill switches. If one of them isn’t working, you can’t go fishing until the problem is fixed.</p>
The B.A.S.S. crew checks livewells, lights and kill switches. If one of them isn’t working, you can’t go fishing until the problem is fixed.
<p>I go through the boat check line Thursday with my partner Donnie Meade. </p>
I go through the boat check line Thursday with my partner Donnie Meade. 
<p>Fletcher Shryock turns in the key fob with his boat number at the end of Day Two.</p>
Fletcher Shryock turns in the key fob with his boat number at the end of Day Two.
<p>I check in on day with Mike Johnson. I have only four bass in my box. Too little, too late.</p>
I check in on day with Mike Johnson. I have only four bass in my box. Too little, too late.
<p>Why am I smiling with only four bass in my bag? If you can’t have fun doing this, you need an attitude adjustment.</p>
Why am I smiling with only four bass in my bag? If you can’t have fun doing this, you need an attitude adjustment.