Search for a Classic berth begins on Red River

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Day 1 on the Red River started with clear skies and cooler temperatures.
Day 1 on the Red River started with clear skies and cooler temperatures.
Randy Allen and his partner both started the day with a flipping stick in their hands.
Randy Allen and his partner both started the day with a flipping stick in their hands.
They were picking apart hyacinths that had blown up against a shoreline...
They were picking apart hyacinths that had blown up against a shoreline…
...along with any shoreline cover they moved past.
…along with any shoreline cover they moved past.
The abundant back water off the Red River is full of different aquatic vegetation along with stumps and standing timber.
The abundant back water off the Red River is full of different aquatic vegetation along with stumps and standing timber.
And is also a haven for shorebirds and wildlife.
And is also a haven for shorebirds and wildlife.
Jay Brainard took a perch on the back of his seat to help see stumps in front of his boat.
Jay Brainard took a perch on the back of his seat to help see stumps in front of his boat.
A considerable percentage of the angler's in the field is from the State of Louisiana. Not only is this Central Open being contested in their home state, but the last tournament of the year will be held south of here on the Atchafalaya Basin in Morgan City, LA.
A considerable percentage of the angler’s in the field is from the State of Louisiana. Not only is this Central Open being contested in their home state, but the last tournament of the year will be held south of here on the Atchafalaya Basin in Morgan City, LA.
Among the contigent of Louisiana angler's is Elite Series pro Cliff Crotchet, we spent about an hour with Crotchet this morning. Here he fights his first fish to the boat.
Among the contigent of Louisiana angler’s is Elite Series pro Cliff Crotchet, we spent about an hour with Crotchet this morning. Here he fights his first fish to the boat.
With 177 boats in the field it was difficult to find an area that wasn't being shared by several contenders.
With 177 boats in the field it was difficult to find an area that wasn’t being shared by several contenders.
However it wasn't difficult to find contenders fighting the thousands of stumps off the main river channel.
However it wasn’t difficult to find contenders fighting the thousands of stumps off the main river channel.
After going quite some time Crotchet hooks up with another keeper.
After going quite some time Crotchet hooks up with another keeper.
Crotchet was also sharing water with another Elite Series pro, Jay Brainard.
Crotchet was also sharing water with another Elite Series pro, Jay Brainard.
Along with Kevin Hawkes and...
Along with Kevin Hawkes and…
...and several other boats.
…and several other boats.
The only boat dock in the area drew several boats.
The only boat dock in the area drew several boats.
Randy Allen makes his way up a long seawall...
Randy Allen makes his way up a long seawall…
...and picked up a couple interested onlookers.
…and picked up a couple interested onlookers.
Another option is to stay on the main river channel and out of the vegetation and stumps...
Another option is to stay on the main river channel and out of the vegetation and stumps…
...where this mile after mile of riprap.
…where this mile after mile of riprap.
Both options are illustrated in this photo.
Both options are illustrated in this photo.
When we saw Homer Humphrey Jr. he had opted to fish the main river channel.
When we saw Homer Humphrey Jr. he had opted to fish the main river channel.