Opens launch on Red River

Anglers launch on Red River for Day One of the Central Open #1

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<p>Over 180 boats stretched from the launch ramp to the highway awaiting the start to Day One of the Bass Pro Shops Central Open #1 on Louisiana's Red River.</p>
Photo: James Overstreet - Over 180 boats stretched from the launch ramp to the highway awaiting the start to Day One of the Bass Pro Shops Central Open #1 on Louisiana's Red River.
Co-anglers hang out at the Red River South Marina store before Day One gets underway.
Photo: James Overstreet - Co-anglers hang out at the Red River South Marina store before Day One gets underway.
A light 4-mph wind blows from the east.
Photo: James Overstreet - A light 4-mph wind blows from the east.
Birds watch the action from their homes as competitors prepare for Day One.
Photo: James Overstreet - Birds watch the action from their homes as competitors prepare for Day One.
Anglers converse while waiting for the official start to launch.
Photo: James Overstreet - Anglers converse while waiting for the official start to launch.
<p>A co-angler's gear sits dockside.</p>
Photo: James Overstreet - A co-angler's gear sits dockside.
Boats continue to launch as B.A.S.S. staff direct them into order.
Photo: James Overstreet - Boats continue to launch as B.A.S.S. staff direct them into order.
Anglers make last minute tackle preparations for a day of fishing the Red River.
Photo: James Overstreet - Anglers make last minute tackle preparations for a day of fishing the Red River.
B.A.S.S. staffers perform safety checks as anglers idle their boats toward take-off.
Photo: James Overstreet - B.A.S.S. staffers perform safety checks as anglers idle their boats toward take-off.
Competitors anxiously wait for their flight to be called.
Photo: James Overstreet - Competitors anxiously wait for their flight to be called.
Elite Series pro Billy McCaghren passes through inspection.
Photo: James Overstreet - Elite Series pro Billy McCaghren passes through inspection.
<p>Elite pro Kevin Short is easy to spot on Day One on the Red River.</p>
Photo: James Overstreet - Elite pro Kevin Short is easy to spot on Day One on the Red River.
Competitors idle past the BoatUS tow vessel offering rescue services to all of the Bassmaster Open anglers.
Photo: James Overstreet - Competitors idle past the BoatUS tow vessel offering rescue services to all of the Bassmaster Open anglers.
Anglers fill the Red River South Marina awaiting the start of Day One.
Photo: James Overstreet - Anglers fill the Red River South Marina awaiting the start of Day One.
<p>Alabama’s Matt Lee is ready for the Red River action.</p>
Photo: James Overstreet - Alabama’s Matt Lee is ready for the Red River action.
Dennis Tietje clears inspection and idles toward take-off.
Photo: James Overstreet - Dennis Tietje clears inspection and idles toward take-off.
<p>Elite Series champ Keith Combs idles toward take-off.</p>
Photo: James Overstreet - Elite Series champ Keith Combs idles toward take-off.
<p>Beautiful skies and the rising sun greet anglers at the Red River.</p>
Photo: James Overstreet - Beautiful skies and the rising sun greet anglers at the Red River.
B.A.S.S. tournament staffers toss a numbered key fob to co-anglers as they make their way through the final inspections.
Photo: James Overstreet - B.A.S.S. tournament staffers toss a numbered key fob to co-anglers as they make their way through the final inspections.
Scott Rook checks navigation while awaiting his co-angler.
Photo: James Overstreet - Scott Rook checks navigation while awaiting his co-angler.
The sun burns through overcast skies on Thursday.
Photo: James Overstreet - The sun burns through overcast skies on Thursday.
Stacey King idles through inspection.
Photo: James Overstreet - Stacey King idles through inspection.
Anglers take their hole-shots as they depart in search of big Red River bass.
Photo: James Overstreet - Anglers take their hole-shots as they depart in search of big Red River bass.