Open: Table Rock launch

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Table Rock State Park Marina is site for the weigh-ins on Days 1 and 2 for the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open #1.
Table Rock State Park Marina is site for the weigh-ins on Days 1 and 2 for the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open #1.
The marina is one of the largest on the lake and can handle tournaments small and large.
The marina is one of the largest on the lake and can handle tournaments small and large.
This tournament is on the large scale with nearly 200 boats with a pro angler and co-angler aboard each rig.
This tournament is on the large scale with nearly 200 boats with a pro angler and co-angler aboard each rig.
At takeoff time it’s a brisk 30 degrees in the southern Ozarks of Missouri.
At takeoff time it’s a brisk 30 degrees in the southern Ozarks of Missouri.
The forecast calls for a beautiful day with sunny skies and a high temperature of 60 degrees.
The forecast calls for a beautiful day with sunny skies and a high temperature of 60 degrees.
Anglers file onto the dock to prepare for the day. That means co-anglers finding pro anglers, loading tackle and getting bundled up for a chilly ride across Table Rock Lake.
Anglers file onto the dock to prepare for the day. That means co-anglers finding pro anglers, loading tackle and getting bundled up for a chilly ride across Table Rock Lake.
Meanwhile the service crews stand at the ready to assist anyone needing last-minute help.
Meanwhile the service crews stand at the ready to assist anyone needing last-minute help.
Stacy King is one of the many local favorites. King, of nearby Reeds Spring, has fished on Table Rock his entire life.
Stacy King is one of the many local favorites. King, of nearby Reeds Spring, has fished on Table Rock his entire life.
Carhartt gear is prominent this morning. When it’s cold outside the working man wears it.
Carhartt gear is prominent this morning. When it’s cold outside the working man wears it.
Takeoff time is soon when the American flag is unfurled.
Takeoff time is soon when the American flag is unfurled.
Everyone is bundled up, including headgear, but it all comes off when with the playing of the National Anthem.
Everyone is bundled up, including headgear, but it all comes off when with the playing of the National Anthem.
A co-angler records the early morning moment.
A co-angler records the early morning moment.
While everyone else gets bundled up.
While everyone else gets bundled up.
Dressing in layers has new meaning here. No two outfits match.
Dressing in layers has new meaning here. No two outfits match.
The official start time is 6:30 a.m.
The official start time is 6:30 a.m.
A 15-inch minimum applies for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass intended to be weighed by the anglers.
A 15-inch minimum applies for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass intended to be weighed by the anglers.
Some anglers wear motorcycle helmets for a reason. More or less for safety, the hard shell provides added insulation from the cold.
Some anglers wear motorcycle helmets for a reason. More or less for safety, the hard shell provides added insulation from the cold.
Luke Clausen is one of many Bassmaster Elite Series pros that traveled here from Lake Okeechobee, site of the most recent event.
Luke Clausen is one of many Bassmaster Elite Series pros that traveled here from Lake Okeechobee, site of the most recent event.
Some anglers choose to add layer upon layer to their warm-up wardrobe.
Some anglers choose to add layer upon layer to their warm-up wardrobe.
James Watson last won here in October 2015 at the final Central Open of the season.
James Watson last won here in October 2015 at the final Central Open of the season.
The boats gather inside the marina basin to be lined up for takeoff.
The boats gather inside the marina basin to be lined up for takeoff.
More motorcycle helmets. That is a sign of the need for speed, staying warm or both.
More motorcycle helmets. That is a sign of the need for speed, staying warm or both.
The marina is a tight squeeze for fitting all nearly 200 boats.
The marina is a tight squeeze for fitting all nearly 200 boats.
Charlie Hartley, when finished here, will move on to the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Charlie Hartley, when finished here, will move on to the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Alabama pro Sam George hopes to carry over his successful season of fishing the Opens.
Alabama pro Sam George hopes to carry over his successful season of fishing the Opens.
Last week Jay Brainerd did not wear a motorcycle helmet. At Lake Okeechobee, the Elite Series pro didn’t need to be so bundled up.
Last week Jay Brainerd did not wear a motorcycle helmet. At Lake Okeechobee, the Elite Series pro didn’t need to be so bundled up.
The parade of helmets continues with all shapes, sizes and colors.
The parade of helmets continues with all shapes, sizes and colors.
Veteran Oklahoma pro Tommy Biffle idles in place. The Central season concludes on Grand Lake, near his home in Wagoner, Okla.
Veteran Oklahoma pro Tommy Biffle idles in place. The Central season concludes on Grand Lake, near his home in Wagoner, Okla.
Biffle’s goal is to qualify for the 2018 Bassmaster Classic to be held on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina.
Biffle’s goal is to qualify for the 2018 Bassmaster Classic to be held on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina.
Jeff Kriet is another Oklahoma pro and Elite Series angler with the same goals in mind as Biffle.
Jeff Kriet is another Oklahoma pro and Elite Series angler with the same goals in mind as Biffle.
The takeoff continues as the anglers meet their pro anglers.
The takeoff continues as the anglers meet their pro anglers.
The color coordination is off but the goal is met. This guy will stay warm all morning.
The color coordination is off but the goal is met. This guy will stay warm all morning.
A look of concern, confidence or both? We shall see at the weigh-in although this angler will likely have shed all these clothes.
A look of concern, confidence or both? We shall see at the weigh-in although this angler will likely have shed all these clothes.
The key fobs with boat numbers continue to be handed out to the anglers.
The key fobs with boat numbers continue to be handed out to the anglers.
As Stephen Browning continues a two-week road trip of tournaments. Last week the Arkansas pro enjoyed a Top 10 finish at the Elite Series even on Lake Okeechobee.
As Stephen Browning continues a two-week road trip of tournaments. Last week the Arkansas pro enjoyed a Top 10 finish at the Elite Series even on Lake Okeechobee.
The front deck of Rick Clunn’s boat shows just how chilly the morning will be.
The front deck of Rick Clunn’s boat shows just how chilly the morning will be.
Table Rock Lake will offer plenty of chances for the anglers to use their electronics to find largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass.
Table Rock Lake will offer plenty of chances for the anglers to use their electronics to find largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass.
The final flight of boats begins to leave the dock.
The final flight of boats begins to leave the dock.
As the sun rises with the temperature the fog increases.
As the sun rises with the temperature the fog increases.
Weigh-in time back at the state park begins at 2:30 p.m.
Weigh-in time back at the state park begins at 2:30 p.m.