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