Opens launch on Red River

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.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Co-anglers hang out at the Red River South Marina store before Day One gets underway.

Photo: James Overstreet

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A light 4-mph wind blows from the east.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Birds watch the action from their homes as competitors prepare for Day One.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Anglers converse while waiting for the official start to launch.

Photo: James Overstreet

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A co-angler's gear sits dockside.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Boats continue to launch as B.A.S.S. staff direct them into order.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Anglers make last minute tackle preparations for a day of fishing the Red River.

Photo: James Overstreet

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B.A.S.S. staffers perform safety checks as anglers idle their boats toward take-off.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Competitors anxiously wait for their flight to be called.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Elite Series pro Billy McCaghren passes through inspection.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Elite pro Kevin Short is easy to spot on Day One on the Red River.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Competitors idle past the BoatUS tow vessel offering rescue services to all of the Bassmaster Open anglers.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Anglers fill the Red River South Marina awaiting the start of Day One.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Alabama’s Matt Lee is ready for the Red River action.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Dennis Tietje clears inspection and idles toward take-off.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Elite Series champ Keith Combs idles toward take-off.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Beautiful skies and the rising sun greet anglers at the Red River.

Photo: James Overstreet

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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

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Scott Rook checks navigation while awaiting his co-angler.

Photo: James Overstreet

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The sun burns through overcast skies on Thursday.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Stacey King idles through inspection.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Anglers take their hole-shots as they depart in search of big Red River bass.

Photo: James Overstreet

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Opens launch on Red River

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