Northern Open: Day 1 begins

Just a couple weeks ago the Town of Dandridge christened it’s new launch ramp, dock and outdoor recreation facility. This morning, Dandridge Dock is where the action begins for Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open.
Just a couple weeks ago the Town of Dandridge christened it’s new launch ramp, dock and outdoor recreation facility. This morning, Dandridge Dock is where the action begins for Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open.
The 22-slip public dock has a 530-foot handicapped accessible walkway and a 58-by-60-foot platform for events, fishing and sunset watching. This morning it’s all about launching the boats for the tournament on Douglas Lake.
The 22-slip public dock has a 530-foot handicapped accessible walkway and a 58-by-60-foot platform for events, fishing and sunset watching. This morning it’s all about launching the boats for the tournament on Douglas Lake.
This is an uncommon sight anywhere else but east Tennessee. A number of the anglers chose aluminum boats to access the skinny waters of the French Broad River. It’s a different world with a prolific smallmouth and largemouth population.
This is an uncommon sight anywhere else but east Tennessee. A number of the anglers chose aluminum boats to access the skinny waters of the French Broad River. It’s a different world with a prolific smallmouth and largemouth population.
Native Tennessean John Garrett headed east to fish the final Northern Open of the season. Garrett, a senior at Bethel University in McKenzie, was a champion of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops.
Native Tennessean John Garrett headed east to fish the final Northern Open of the season. Garrett, a senior at Bethel University in McKenzie, was a champion of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops.
Wil Hardy of Augusta, Ga., leaves the dock for Day 1. Hardy on his first Open last year at Oneida Lake in New York.
Wil Hardy of Augusta, Ga., leaves the dock for Day 1. Hardy on his first Open last year at Oneida Lake in New York.
Texas Roadhouse pro Mike DelVisco arrives at the ramp for his first day of fishing on Douglas Lake.
Texas Roadhouse pro Mike DelVisco arrives at the ramp for his first day of fishing on Douglas Lake.
Brian Latimer, aka B Lat, is fishing the Northern Opens as a pro from South Carolina.
Brian Latimer, aka B Lat, is fishing the Northern Opens as a pro from South Carolina.
The clock winds down to just minutes before the official takeoff time of 7 a.m. EDT. In the background is the Town of Dandridge.
The clock winds down to just minutes before the official takeoff time of 7 a.m. EDT. In the background is the Town of Dandridge.
The anglers left the dock at 7 a.m. to begin returning for the 3 p.m. weigh-in.
The anglers left the dock at 7 a.m. to begin returning for the 3 p.m. weigh-in.
Seiji Kato heads east for the upper end of Douglas.
Seiji Kato heads east for the upper end of Douglas.
Each boat receives an orange floating boat fob with a number corresponding to the designated check-in time.
Each boat receives an orange floating boat fob with a number corresponding to the designated check-in time.
Chad Pipkens is currently fourth in the point standings for the season. The Michigan angler also competes in the Bassmaster Elite Series.
Chad Pipkens is currently fourth in the point standings for the season. The Michigan angler also competes in the Bassmaster Elite Series.
In a few more minutes this box will be emptied of the boat numbered floating key fobs.
In a few more minutes this box will be emptied of the boat numbered floating key fobs.
Cole Blythe is fishing the Northern Opens as a student angler from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.
Cole Blythe is fishing the Northern Opens as a student angler from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.
David Mullins is always a local favorite to win on Douglas Lake. He should be. The Tennessean won the Open here last year.
David Mullins is always a local favorite to win on Douglas Lake. He should be. The Tennessean won the Open here last year.
In the background are the Great Smoky Mountains. Douglas Lake is nestled in the foothills of the east Tennessee mountains.
In the background are the Great Smoky Mountains. Douglas Lake is nestled in the foothills of the east Tennessee mountains.
Shane Lineberger, an Elite Series rookie, qualified for the sport’s top ranks through the Open series.
Shane Lineberger, an Elite Series rookie, qualified for the sport’s top ranks through the Open series.
Elite angler John Hunter floats by.
Elite angler John Hunter floats by.
Another aluminum rig leaves the dock. Most of the rigs will head east to the French Broad River, where a trophy smallmouth fishery awaits the anglers.
Another aluminum rig leaves the dock. Most of the rigs will head east to the French Broad River, where a trophy smallmouth fishery awaits the anglers.
The weigh-in, like the launch, is at Dandridge Dock. The new facility is destined to become a popular venue for tournaments.
The weigh-in, like the launch, is at Dandridge Dock. The new facility is destined to become a popular venue for tournaments.