Open: Day 2 launch

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Smith Lake dam access is busy for a Saturday morning. The full tournament gets to fish on a day normally reserved for the Top 12. That bonus comes after the cancellation of Day 1 due to inclement weather.
Smith Lake dam access is busy for a Saturday morning. The full tournament gets to fish on a day normally reserved for the Top 12. That bonus comes after the cancellation of Day 1 due to inclement weather.
Smoke rises from the smoker manned by Mr. Bo. He just filled the smoker with whole pork shoulders, ribs and link sausages. Cleverly, he stoked the fire by adding wood as boats and anglers passed by. The meat will be ready by weigh-in time.
Smoke rises from the smoker manned by Mr. Bo. He just filled the smoker with whole pork shoulders, ribs and link sausages. Cleverly, he stoked the fire by adding wood as boats and anglers passed by. The meat will be ready by weigh-in time.
Fletcher Shryock and his co-angler get a whiff of the smoke and vow they’ll be stopping at Mr. Bo’s to sample the meat.
Fletcher Shryock and his co-angler get a whiff of the smoke and vow they’ll be stopping at Mr. Bo’s to sample the meat.
Meanwhile, Gerald Swindle and Marty Robinson talk about the day at the boat dock. Swindle and Robinson will leave here for Georgetown, S.C., site of next week’s Elite Series event.
Meanwhile, Gerald Swindle and Marty Robinson talk about the day at the boat dock. Swindle and Robinson will leave here for Georgetown, S.C., site of next week’s Elite Series event.
Guy Eaker wishes his Bojangle’s Famous Chicken n’ Biscuits wrapped boat came with breakfast from the restaurant chain. Bojangle’s is a longtime sponsor and the company is headquartered in North Carolina, the home state of Eaker.
Guy Eaker wishes his Bojangle’s Famous Chicken n’ Biscuits wrapped boat came with breakfast from the restaurant chain. Bojangle’s is a longtime sponsor and the company is headquartered in North Carolina, the home state of Eaker.
The Alabama National Guard is color guard again for honoring the American flag, our country and all military armed forces and first responders.
The Alabama National Guard is color guard again for honoring the American flag, our country and all military armed forces and first responders.
Gary Clouse, president of Phoenix Boats, honors his country and the nation at sunrise on Smith Lake.
Gary Clouse, president of Phoenix Boats, honors his country and the nation at sunrise on Smith Lake.
The national anthem signals the start of a tournament day at all Bassmaster events, from the pro level to high school competitions.
The national anthem signals the start of a tournament day at all Bassmaster events, from the pro level to high school competitions.
The co-angler of Gabe Keen secures his tackle prior to takeoff on Smith Lake.
The co-angler of Gabe Keen secures his tackle prior to takeoff on Smith Lake.
Volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce of Walker County are on hand, as usual, to greet the anglers and assist with launching boats. The volunteers even provide the anglers with transportation from the parking lot to the boat dock.
Volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce of Walker County are on hand, as usual, to greet the anglers and assist with launching boats. The volunteers even provide the anglers with transportation from the parking lot to the boat dock.
There will be no sleeping in on this Saturday morning for fans of the tournament. The day begins early with a 6:30 a.m. takeoff time. Weigh-in begins at 2:30 p.m.
There will be no sleeping in on this Saturday morning for fans of the tournament. The day begins early with a 6:30 a.m. takeoff time. Weigh-in begins at 2:30 p.m.
The clock signals 6:34 a.m. and the day is well underway. Final safety checks and boat numbering sequence is checked at this final point on the boat dock.
The clock signals 6:34 a.m. and the day is well underway. Final safety checks and boat numbering sequence is checked at this final point on the boat dock.
Gerald Swindle is smiling, maybe because last night he slept in his own bed. That’s a rarity for the bass pros. Swindle and wife LeAnn live nearby on a spacious, beautiful farm near Jasper. Both Swindles are natives of the area.
Gerald Swindle is smiling, maybe because last night he slept in his own bed. That’s a rarity for the bass pros. Swindle and wife LeAnn live nearby on a spacious, beautiful farm near Jasper. Both Swindles are natives of the area.
Oklahoma pro Dave Smith arrives for his takeoff position in one of the latter flights. There are nine of those in all on this final day of the tournament.
Oklahoma pro Dave Smith arrives for his takeoff position in one of the latter flights. There are nine of those in all on this final day of the tournament.
Smith Lake spreads 21,000 acres and these anglers will fish on most of it for largemouth and spotted bass. Both are being caught with the fish in shallow water to spawn.
Smith Lake spreads 21,000 acres and these anglers will fish on most of it for largemouth and spotted bass. Both are being caught with the fish in shallow water to spawn.
Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Shane Lineberger is fishing the series that qualified him. The North Carolina pro and many other Elite Series pros fish both circuits.
Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Shane Lineberger is fishing the series that qualified him. The North Carolina pro and many other Elite Series pros fish both circuits.
This co-angler is ready for two things. More than likely wearing the shield is for protection from the morning chill. Otherwise, the mask could make a great Halloween outfit.
This co-angler is ready for two things. More than likely wearing the shield is for protection from the morning chill. Otherwise, the mask could make a great Halloween outfit.
With Smith Lake Dam in the background the latter flights prepare for takeoff. At stake is a berth in the 2017 Bassmaster Classic for the qualified winner.
With Smith Lake Dam in the background the latter flights prepare for takeoff. At stake is a berth in the 2017 Bassmaster Classic for the qualified winner.
Smith Lake’s topography is revealed on the screen of this GPS receiver. The lake’s points are popular targets this week for anglers seeking spawning spotted bass.
Smith Lake’s topography is revealed on the screen of this GPS receiver. The lake’s points are popular targets this week for anglers seeking spawning spotted bass.
Gerald Swindle idles into position for takeoff. So far he’s struggled on his home lake. That’s not unusual when you are rarely home. Swindle can’t be counted out to be in contention for the win. Today is a new day.
Gerald Swindle idles into position for takeoff. So far he’s struggled on his home lake. That’s not unusual when you are rarely home. Swindle can’t be counted out to be in contention for the win. Today is a new day.
Brandon Lester, from nearby southern middle Tennessee, hopes to improve his overall weight today. Tomorrow he joins other Elite Series pros for the trip to South Carolina.
Brandon Lester, from nearby southern middle Tennessee, hopes to improve his overall weight today. Tomorrow he joins other Elite Series pros for the trip to South Carolina.
Another Elite Series angler here this week is Jason Williamson. He is fishing in all of the Southern Opens as a bonus opportunity to qualify for the Classic.
Another Elite Series angler here this week is Jason Williamson. He is fishing in all of the Southern Opens as a bonus opportunity to qualify for the Classic.
Joey Nania, currently in 17th place with 15 pounds, 9 ounces, hopes to improve his odds of placing higher in the standings. Today is his last chance.
Joey Nania, currently in 17th place with 15 pounds, 9 ounces, hopes to improve his odds of placing higher in the standings. Today is his last chance.
Darrell Pons is bundled up for a ride across Smith Lake. Takeoff temperature is 41 degrees with the high expected to reach the low 70s.
Darrell Pons is bundled up for a ride across Smith Lake. Takeoff temperature is 41 degrees with the high expected to reach the low 70s.
Sam George of Alabama idles into place for his start on the final day of competition.
Sam George of Alabama idles into place for his start on the final day of competition.
Elite Series angler Bobby Lane joins brother Chris in the tournament on Smith Lake. Chris lives in nearby Guntersville, while Bobby in their home state of Florida.
Elite Series angler Bobby Lane joins brother Chris in the tournament on Smith Lake. Chris lives in nearby Guntersville, while Bobby in their home state of Florida.
Alabama National Guard soldiers launch a boat at the takeoff site. They aren’t going fishing but preparing the boat for display during the weigh-in.
Alabama National Guard soldiers launch a boat at the takeoff site. They aren’t going fishing but preparing the boat for display during the weigh-in.
In the last flight of boats is tournament leader Jordan Lee. He’s eager to get started and hopes his pattern holds up for a win.
In the last flight of boats is tournament leader Jordan Lee. He’s eager to get started and hopes his pattern holds up for a win.