Nation: Day 1 begins at Central

With 380 anglers and 190 boats in the field at the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Central Regional presented by Magellan Outdoors, there was sure to be a line to launch when the tournament began Wednesday. Such was the case at 5:15 a.m. when the majority of anglers seemed to show up all at once at Cypress Bend Park here in northwest Louisiana.

Some anglers, such as South Dakota non-boater Tucker Peschl, had company as he waited at the backdown for his fishing partner to roll through the line. Peschl’s girlfriend Carrie Wiegen was happy to accompany him to the shores of Toledo Bend, some 16 hours (one way) from home.

Heath Smith, a local from nearby Florien, helps direct traffic at the park.

Kansas non-boater Larry Fralick waits for his partner to show.

As does Minnesota’s Dan O’Keefe. These guys came a long way to catch the trophy bass Toledo Bend is known for producing.

Alabama team member Travis Culbreath is all smiles in the early morning.

That’s Gene Hoover who’s representing the home team — Louisiana — this week on Toledo Bend.

A pair of anglers chat with guys in a nearby boat about how fishing has been during practice. Most everyone Wednesday morning said they expect this to be a productive tournament with good weights needed each day to win a spot in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship later this year.

Boaters traveled from 19 states to take part in this tournament.

Here’s one proudly representing his allegiance to the Volunteer State.

The top boater and the top non-boater from each state will earn a spot in the national championship.

With that kind of challenge on the line, it’s necessary to fuel up before a long day of bass fishing.

And as always, anglers pause for the playing of the Star Spangled Banner.

Dave Schneider Jr. from Indianapolis is in Boat 2 of the 190 hitting the water today. He too stops to reflect for the National Anthem.

When the Anthem is complete, this co-angler came to the end of the dock and frantically waved his white cap in the air to alert his boater that he was ready to board. Good news. They hooked up and hope now to hook up on some big Toledo Bend bass.

It’s Go Time! Stanley Dodson of Ohio is one of the first to make his way onto the reservoir this morning. He’s piloting Boat 8 and will check in at 2:15 p.m. Non-boater Dale Burriell of Nebraska is at rear.

Brian Mailot of Ohio and Roger Hall of Michigan ease through the start.

Tom Alsop of Kansas beams as his day is about to begin.

This angler looks up to B.A.S.S. staff for instructions.

Monty Fralick of South Dakota is driving and Mike Wheaton of Missouri is by his side.

Temperatures dropped into the mid 40s overnight in northwest Louisiana following a brisk cold front. Rick McKlemurry of Mississippi isn’t used to that kind of chill, so he has mouth covered for the upcoming break onto the Toledo Bend.

Carl Spande of Minnesota glances down to make sure all systems are go.

Troy Morrison of Arkansas and Kyle Goltz of Wisconsin reach for their fob.

Christopher Lede of Illinois looks his fob right into his hands.

There are still dozens of boats in the marina waiting their chance to launch.

They’ll get there soon enough, as Scott Sommerkamp of Missouri and Jefferson Lehman of South Dakota can attest.

Now there’s a happy angler. He may have a honey hole filled with 6-pounders. Toledo Bend has that kind of potential. It’s the only fishery to be ranked No. 1 in the country by Bassmaster Magazine in successive years.

And that should make for some great bags today, if predictions hold true. Many bass already are spawning. These guys like their chances and show it with thumbs aloft.

As do Keith Pace of Arkansas and David Patterson of Mississippi as they signal thumbs up on their way out to the reservoir.

When they return, these fans and many more will be on hand at Cypress Bend Park to root them on as they compete for state and individual honors, as well as a check.

The wind was blowing fairly hard Wednesday morning. These flags stand at the end of a spit of land at the very edge of Cypress Bend Park. There was a good chop on Toledo Bend’s surface, as well.

This reservoir is a favorite stop for B.A.S.S., whether it’s for Nation, high school, college, open or Elite events.

B.A.S.S. Nation Director Jon Stewart rocks out to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” on Wednesday morning. But never mind the music! The Academy Sports + Outdoor B.A.S.S. Nation Central Regional presented by Magellan Outdoors is here! Follow the action live Wednesday through Friday right here on Bassmaster.com. There will be photo galleries, daily gamer stories and results, blogs from staff and the anglers and live streaming video of each weigh-in, beginning at 2:30 p.m. daily. Don’t miss it!