Smith Lake Day 1 launch

Eager anglers gather at launch on Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #2 presented by Allstate on Smith Lake.

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The boats begin lining up just before 5 a.m. at Lewis Smith Dam Recreation Area for Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #2 presented by Allstate.
The boats begin lining up just before 5 a.m. at Lewis Smith Dam Recreation Area for Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #2 presented by Allstate.
Co-anglers wait to meet their pros at the ramp. It’s a routine that goes on all morning until the last boat leaves the dock.
Co-anglers wait to meet their pros at the ramp. It’s a routine that goes on all morning until the last boat leaves the dock.
Matt Lee is all smiles as he prepares to launch his boat.
Matt Lee is all smiles as he prepares to launch his boat.
The lights are on and ready for action aboard the TowBoat U.S. rig.
The lights are on and ready for action aboard the TowBoat U.S. rig.
Jordan Lee prepares his tackle for a good day of fishing on Smith Lake.
Jordan Lee prepares his tackle for a good day of fishing on Smith Lake.
The volunteers are so organized they use golf carts to shuttle anglers from their parked trucks and trailers to the water. And they are always smiling.
The volunteers are so organized they use golf carts to shuttle anglers from their parked trucks and trailers to the water. And they are always smiling.
And Shaw Grigsby … he’s always smiling.
And Shaw Grigsby … he’s always smiling.
Britt Myers backs his rig into the water with the help of his mirrors.
Britt Myers backs his rig into the water with the help of his mirrors.
The line of orange cones stretches the length of the road leading to the ramp. It’s the most organized system on the tournament trail.
The line of orange cones stretches the length of the road leading to the ramp. It’s the most organized system on the tournament trail.
Terry Scroggins is all smiles as he prepares to launch with his Toyota Tundra.
Terry Scroggins is all smiles as he prepares to launch with his Toyota Tundra.
One of the many volunteers assists drivers backing their rigs into the lake. It takes no time to launch 200 boats here.
One of the many volunteers assists drivers backing their rigs into the lake. It takes no time to launch 200 boats here.
The forecast calls for a 100% chance of rain. Here it comes.
The forecast calls for a 100% chance of rain. Here it comes.
Chris Lane has been up all night with an upset stomach. He doesn’t look too excited about the day ahead.
Chris Lane has been up all night with an upset stomach. He doesn’t look too excited about the day ahead.
You know take-off time is near when the boat number fobs are ready for action.
You know take-off time is near when the boat number fobs are ready for action.
The morning begins as it always does with the TowBoat U.S. boat leading the way to the lake.
The morning begins as it always does with the TowBoat U.S. boat leading the way to the lake.
Rich Howes has just finished his first appearance at the Bassmaster Classic. He’s hoping to make a repeat trip next year with an Open win.
Rich Howes has just finished his first appearance at the Bassmaster Classic. He’s hoping to make a repeat trip next year with an Open win.
Randy Elliott makes a statement in his brightly wrapped and decorated boat.
Randy Elliott makes a statement in his brightly wrapped and decorated boat.
Brandon Lester is ready for action with a smile and a boatload of tackle.
Brandon Lester is ready for action with a smile and a boatload of tackle.
David Walker makes last minute preparations to his tackle for a day of rainy fishing on Smith Lake.
David Walker makes last minute preparations to his tackle for a day of rainy fishing on Smith Lake.
The day looks gloomy while the last flight of boats assembles for the take-off at Lewis Smith Dam.
The day looks gloomy while the last flight of boats assembles for the take-off at Lewis Smith Dam.