Nation contenders prepare for Championship

Green Pond Landing and Event Center has reserved parking for the anglers competing in the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Magellan Outdoors.

Parking space #1 is always reserved for the defending champion. This year that angler is Ryan Lavigne.

Lavigne spent a busy year, as he competed in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Opens as part of his prize package.

Parked in space #2 is Luigi Papa and Francesco Nucciarelli, the two anglers from the Italy B.A.S.S. Nation.

The boats began returning at 3:30 p.m. EDT after the anglers spent the day practicing on Lake Hartwell. Getting assistance with the backup chores is Rick Hamer.

Hamer is a state champion from West Virginia.

The front deck of his boat is best described as a work in progress.

These empty trailers will soon be matched up with the owners and their boats.

Jordan Bellendier of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has boat #5.

Jay Hotzak represents the Ontario B.A.S.S. Nation.

Keith Webb represents the West Virginia B.A.S.S. Nation.

The practice day is an all-hands-on-deck process. Hank Weldon, manager of the youth, high school and college programs, takes on the duties of a tow vehicle driver.

Ken Golub represents the New York B.A.S.S. Nation.

Golub shows his I Love NY pride at the bow of his boat.

Justin Spraske is obviously partial to Mountain Dew.

Spraske represents the New Hampshire B.A.S.S. Nation.

Allen Ross-Watt and Rusty Varkevisser are the boater and non-boater representatives from the Republic of South Africa.

Tony Lind is the boater from the Washington B.A.S.S. Nation.

Tim Johnston is the boater from the Montana B.A.S.S. Nation.

Johnson had no problem sharing this lure. He said the fluke rig is not catching any bass from Lake Hartwell, so itâs no secret bait.

Bryson Mort is the boater from the Idaho B.A.S.S. Nation.

Andy Stallings of Phoenix Boats is in the service yard to help the anglers with any boating issues.

Stallings operates from a slide-out toolbox that contains a tool for any job.

Stallings is one of the many service technicians on hand this week.

Service crews work together regardless of the brand, when time allows.

Jared Thompson is from Helena, Ark., and fishes for the Mississippi B.A.S.S. Nation.

The yard begins to fill as all 54 of the boats return for the afternoon.

The time is spent preparing tackle for the all-important Day 1 of the championship.

Preparation also happens with the weigh-in process. The boats travel the same path as they will during the tournament to give drivers a chance to practice.