Nation: Day 1 begins

After a 2-hour fog delay, the 2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Divisional finally begins.

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Anglers prepare for Day 1 of the Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Divisional.
Anglers prepare for Day 1 of the Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Northern Divisional.
Contestants from eight Midwestern states are competing in the regional event.
Contestants from eight Midwestern states are competing in the regional event.
It’s 5:30 a.m. and the takeoff is only 30 minutes away as partners load gear and prepare for the day.
It’s 5:30 a.m. and the takeoff is only 30 minutes away as partners load gear and prepare for the day.
B.A.S.S. Nation Director Jon Stewart has several playlists, ranging from titles for pre-launch to the launch time.
B.A.S.S. Nation Director Jon Stewart has several playlists, ranging from titles for pre-launch to the launch time.
While the country hits play, the anglers are randomly chosen to show proof of important documents, such as valid boat insurance.
While the country hits play, the anglers are randomly chosen to show proof of important documents, such as valid boat insurance.
It’s 6 a.m. and that means the official takeoff time is here.
It’s 6 a.m. and that means the official takeoff time is here.
Two hours later, it’s not takeoff time, due to a fog delay.
Two hours later, it’s not takeoff time, due to a fog delay.
The fog thickens over the marina at Fortune Bay Resort and Casino.
The fog thickens over the marina at Fortune Bay Resort and Casino.
Nearly two hours later at the same spot the fog is lifting, but not enough to allow safe passage for the anglers.
Nearly two hours later at the same spot the fog is lifting, but not enough to allow safe passage for the anglers.
Jon Stewart announces a fog delay for the start of Day 1.
Jon Stewart announces a fog delay for the start of Day 1.
Meanwhile, the tools of the trade are ready. Those are the American flag and the list for lining up the boats in numerical order of takeoff.
Meanwhile, the tools of the trade are ready. Those are the American flag and the list for lining up the boats in numerical order of takeoff.
The fog begins to lift, although not enough to allow the anglers to leave the marina.
The fog begins to lift, although not enough to allow the anglers to leave the marina.
The national anthem plays as the sun begins to appear over Lake Vermilion.
The national anthem plays as the sun begins to appear over Lake Vermilion.
A boat moves into place as the fog continues to dissipate.
A boat moves into place as the fog continues to dissipate.
It’s chilly over the north country of northern Minnesota.
It’s chilly over the north country of northern Minnesota.
The fog lifts and the boats begin to form a single file line to leave the marina.
The fog lifts and the boats begin to form a single file line to leave the marina.
Two hours and nineteen minutes later, it’s finally takeoff time.
Two hours and nineteen minutes later, it’s finally takeoff time.
Jon Stewart and B.A.S.S. Nation Coordinator Emily Hand line up boats for a speedy, orderly takeoff as Day 1 begins on Lake Vermillion.
Jon Stewart and B.A.S.S. Nation Coordinator Emily Hand line up boats for a speedy, orderly takeoff as Day 1 begins on Lake Vermillion.