Nation: Day 3 launch

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Jon Stewart and Hank Weldon of the B.A.S.S. staff are in Day 8 of a long road trip to Lake Mead. Last week was the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Western Regional. This week it’s the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Western Regional presented by Magellan Outdoors.
Jon Stewart and Hank Weldon of the B.A.S.S. staff are in Day 8 of a long road trip to Lake Mead. Last week was the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Western Regional. This week it’s the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Western Regional presented by Magellan Outdoors.
At 5:30 a.m. a boat from the first flight is pre-checked for functional safety gear.
At 5:30 a.m. a boat from the first flight is pre-checked for functional safety gear.
The cloudy skies dim the view at the takeoff point. It’s about a 10-minute walk from here to the shoreline.
The cloudy skies dim the view at the takeoff point. It’s about a 10-minute walk from here to the shoreline.
Jon Stewart’s play list begins with a selection of soft rock favorites. By takeoff time the list will be switched to rock-and-roll.
Jon Stewart’s play list begins with a selection of soft rock favorites. By takeoff time the list will be switched to rock-and-roll.
Boat Nos. 2 and 3, sort of, line up behind the first boat to leave the dock.
Boat Nos. 2 and 3, sort of, line up behind the first boat to leave the dock.
Callville Bay Marina and Resort is site for the takeoff and weigh-in.
Callville Bay Marina and Resort is site for the takeoff and weigh-in.
The first flight of 18 boats begins to assemble on the dock for safety checks.
The first flight of 18 boats begins to assemble on the dock for safety checks.
It’s 6 a.m. and the first flight is lined up and ready for takeoff. Lake Mead is just off the bow of the boats.
It’s 6 a.m. and the first flight is lined up and ready for takeoff. Lake Mead is just off the bow of the boats.
Roger Mezenen of Utah has reason to be happy. He’s in ninth place overall and ready for one more shot at the win.
Roger Mezenen of Utah has reason to be happy. He’s in ninth place overall and ready for one more shot at the win.
Before that happens everyone removes hats and pays tribute to the nation.
Before that happens everyone removes hats and pays tribute to the nation.
Alan Pierce is at the head of the line waiting to hear the queue that it’s takeoff time.
Alan Pierce is at the head of the line waiting to hear the queue that it’s takeoff time.
Leading the pack is leader Bill Brown of Utah.
Leading the pack is leader Bill Brown of Utah.
Brown takes off for Lake Mead and a new fishing area that he says has great potential to seal the win.
Brown takes off for Lake Mead and a new fishing area that he says has great potential to seal the win.
The dry desert air gives good reason to wear face protection for long boat rides.
The dry desert air gives good reason to wear face protection for long boat rides.
Callville Bay is located at mid-lake on Lake Mead. The anglers report the bass are spawning here and that makes it a popular area for fishing.
Callville Bay is located at mid-lake on Lake Mead. The anglers report the bass are spawning here and that makes it a popular area for fishing.
Meanwhile the 38 boats in the tournament pass through the final safety check.
Meanwhile the 38 boats in the tournament pass through the final safety check.
Flight No. 2 is lined up and ready for takeoff.
Flight No. 2 is lined up and ready for takeoff.
The top angler from each state advances to the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Magellan Outdoors.
The top angler from each state advances to the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Magellan Outdoors.
The anglers who made the cut have reason to smile. Making the cut is good, so is the chance to win their state titles and advance to the championship.
The anglers who made the cut have reason to smile. Making the cut is good, so is the chance to win their state titles and advance to the championship.
Wyoming president Becca Golightly is ready for a bonus day of fishing after making the cut.
Wyoming president Becca Golightly is ready for a bonus day of fishing after making the cut.
Just around the corner from the takeoff dock is this angler already fishing.
Just around the corner from the takeoff dock is this angler already fishing.