Nation Championship Day 1 takeoff

McFarland Park in downtown Florence gets busy for the launching of the boats at the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Magellan Outdoors.
McFarland Park in downtown Florence gets busy for the launching of the boats at the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Magellan Outdoors.
Kenneth Carter and Tate Brown are ready to be launched. Carter is the Paralyzed Veterans of American champion.
Kenneth Carter and Tate Brown are ready to be launched. Carter is the Paralyzed Veterans of American champion.
Another champion gets ready for takeoff. Caleb Sumrall is defending champion.
Another champion gets ready for takeoff. Caleb Sumrall is defending champion.
Tom Alsop of Kansas is backed down the ramp.
Tom Alsop of Kansas is backed down the ramp.
Today he will be the ninth boat to leave the dock.
Today he will be the ninth boat to leave the dock.
The boats leave the dock around 6:15 CT with the fishing taking place on Pickwick Lake.
The boats leave the dock around 6:15 CT with the fishing taking place on Pickwick Lake.
The boats begin returning to McFarland Park at 2 p.m.
The boats begin returning to McFarland Park at 2 p.m.
Family and friends are on hand to record the moment and make memories.
Family and friends are on hand to record the moment and make memories.
Many represent the B.A.S.S. Nation from their home states.
Many represent the B.A.S.S. Nation from their home states.
As always the day begins with the playing of the national anthem.
As always the day begins with the playing of the national anthem.
The forecast calls for cloudy skies with a 40% chance of showers and a high of 56 degrees.
The forecast calls for cloudy skies with a 40% chance of showers and a high of 56 degrees.
Sumrall is first to leave the dock to defend his title.
Sumrall is first to leave the dock to defend his title.
Fellow Louisianan David Cavell leaves the dock with non-boater partner Matt Marques.
Fellow Louisianan David Cavell leaves the dock with non-boater partner Matt Marques.
Passing through the takeoff line is Shane Stiehl of South Dakota and non-boater partner Jake Haas of New Jersey.
Passing through the takeoff line is Shane Stiehl of South Dakota and non-boater partner Jake Haas of New Jersey.
The gets underway as more memories are recorded.
The gets underway as more memories are recorded.
Joe Conway of Colorado and Toby Cross of Maine head out for the day
Joe Conway of Colorado and Toby Cross of Maine head out for the day
Kyle Dorsett of Alabama gets ready for takeoff.
Kyle Dorsett of Alabama gets ready for takeoff.
Tanguy Marlin of France is one of the many international anglers in the tournament.
Tanguy Marlin of France is one of the many international anglers in the tournament.
Corey Brant of Minnesota and Todd Newchurch of Louisiana come through the line.
Corey Brant of Minnesota and Todd Newchurch of Louisiana come through the line.
Hideaki Kasuyama of Japan and Mark Bartosch.
Hideaki Kasuyama of Japan and Mark Bartosch.
Juan Ro Chagolian of Mexico and Harry Marsh II of Wisconsin.
Juan Ro Chagolian of Mexico and Harry Marsh II of Wisconsin.
Jon Stewart announces the final boats to come through the takeoff line.
Jon Stewart announces the final boats to come through the takeoff line.
And the day is underway on the Tennessee River and Pickwick Lake.
And the day is underway on the Tennessee River and Pickwick Lake.