It’s all brake lights on Cooter’s Pond Road in Prattville, where 200 boats are set to launch into the Alabama River.
Photo: Craig Lamb
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What looks like a display of Christmas lights on a suburban lawn are boats floating in Cooter’s Pond.
Photo: Craig Lamb
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The anglers' boats begin to congregate at the boat ramp.
Photo: Craig Lamb
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The forecast calls for a high probability of rain.
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The flags are whipped by the early morning wind as a strong front is on the way with thunderstorms.
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Cooter’s Pond is a picturesque setting for the Day 1 launch of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Opens #2 presented by Allstate.
Photo: Craig Lamb
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Chris Bowes lines up the first flight for the day ahead.
Photo: Craig Lamb
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It’s a tight squeeze at the boat dock, where the anglers are lining up for the takeoff.
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The tournament has a full field of 200 boats.
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The national anthem plays just prior to the designated official start time of 6 a.m.
Photo: Craig Lamb
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The anglers pay tribute to the nation during the playing of the national anthem.
Photo: Craig Lamb
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B.A.S.S. officials decide to delay the takeoff by 10 minutes for safer light conditions.
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Boats idle through the safety check line.
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Brandon Lester is one of the Elite Series angler fishing this Southern Open.
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The flights of boats continue passing through the safety check point.
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The final boats arrive at the boat ramp.
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Jason Williamson prepares to launch his boat.
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Chris Lane is one of the last to arrive for Day 1.
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Chris Lane launches into Cooter’s Pond for a rainy day of fishing.
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Somehow all of these boats will idle into a single file line for the competition.
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B.A.S.S. Senior Tournament Manager Chris Bowes calls out the anglers to get lined up in order for the launch.
Photo: Craig Lamb
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The boats idle past the final point in the check out where the anglers receive a numbered floating key fob.
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The final boats line up and head out for Day 1 on the Alabama River.
Photo: Craig Lamb
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