Hicks’ James River Jinx

See photos from Mark Hicks' adventures at the 2015 Bass Pro Shops Northern Open #1.

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I worked on tackle the day before the James River Bassmaster Northern Open at my Chickahominy Riverfront Park campsite.
I worked on tackle the day before the James River Bassmaster Northern Open at my Chickahominy Riverfront Park campsite.
With a laptop computer, a coffeemaker and a microwave oven, the picnic table at my campsite was a combination kitchen and office.
With a laptop computer, a coffeemaker and a microwave oven, the picnic table at my campsite was a combination kitchen and office.
My neighbors at Chickahominy Riverfront Park were kind enough to let me enjoy their campfire.
My neighbors at Chickahominy Riverfront Park were kind enough to let me enjoy their campfire.
The boat trailer parking lot at Chickahominy Riverfront Park was full every practice day. With every big tournament on the James River, the majority of the anglers run to the Chick.
The boat trailer parking lot at Chickahominy Riverfront Park was full every practice day. With every big tournament on the James River, the majority of the anglers run to the Chick.
New York’s Brian Kelly was one of the last boats to take of the Chickahominy River on the final official practice day. Kelly also camped next to me at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
New York’s Brian Kelly was one of the last boats to take of the Chickahominy River on the final official practice day. Kelly also camped next to me at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
Kelly Pratt, a feared James River rat, registers prior to the Bassmaster James River Northern Open. He finished in 16th place.
Kelly Pratt, a feared James River rat, registers prior to the Bassmaster James River Northern Open. He finished in 16th place.
The coveted first place trophy for the pro anglers was on display at the meeting.
The coveted first place trophy for the pro anglers was on display at the meeting.
So was the trophy for the co-anglers. Tournament director Chris Bowes keeps a watchful eye on the proceedings.
So was the trophy for the co-anglers. Tournament director Chris Bowes keeps a watchful eye on the proceedings.
Pennsylvania’s David Lefebre was one of several professional anglers from the FLW Tour that competed at the James Open. A number of Bassmaster Elite pros were also in the event.
Pennsylvania’s David Lefebre was one of several professional anglers from the FLW Tour that competed at the James Open. A number of Bassmaster Elite pros were also in the event.
Tournament director Chris Bowes takes charge of the pre-tournament meeting.
Tournament director Chris Bowes takes charge of the pre-tournament meeting.
The James River Northern Open drew a large field of nearly 200 boats. This was a major event that attracted a host of professional anglers and local James River aces.
The James River Northern Open drew a large field of nearly 200 boats. This was a major event that attracted a host of professional anglers and local James River aces.
The auditorium was packed with competitors.
The auditorium was packed with competitors.
Every morning April self parked her A&B Lunchboat in the marina. Her wares included hot breakfast sandwiches, hot coffee and ice. Self has been in business for seven years. Here, she sells a cup of coffee to Jeff Kouhart prior to takeoff at the James River.
Every morning April self parked her A&B Lunchboat in the marina. Her wares included hot breakfast sandwiches, hot coffee and ice. Self has been in business for seven years. Here, she sells a cup of coffee to Jeff Kouhart prior to takeoff at the James River.