Western Divisional Day 2 launch

The air temps were a bit warmer and the mood a bit lighter at the Day 2 launch on Noxon Reservoir.

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Competitors, spectators and staff members get ready for the Day 2 launch of the Western Divisional on Noxon Reservoir in Montana.
Competitors, spectators and staff members get ready for the Day 2 launch of the Western Divisional on Noxon Reservoir in Montana.
At 41 degrees, it’s slightly warmer today than it was for yesterday’s launch.
At 41 degrees, it’s slightly warmer today than it was for yesterday’s launch.
Brent Shores of Idaho and Sam Martin of Montana are Boat #1 for Day 2.
Brent Shores of Idaho and Sam Martin of Montana are Boat #1 for Day 2.
David Vega of Wyoming and Bret Nagelhout of Arizona sit at the dock as the second boat to go out.
David Vega of Wyoming and Bret Nagelhout of Arizona sit at the dock as the second boat to go out.
Mitch Ratchford of Washington and Jim Armstrong of Montana are ready to hit the water. Ratchford’s plan for today? “To beat my son, who’s a couple of boats back!”
Mitch Ratchford of Washington and Jim Armstrong of Montana are ready to hit the water. Ratchford’s plan for today? “To beat my son, who’s a couple of boats back!”
The lights, livewell and kill switch check stations are at the docks that all the boats have to pass through.
The lights, livewell and kill switch check stations are at the docks that all the boats have to pass through.
All the competitors stop for a moment to take off their hats for the singing of the national anthem.
All the competitors stop for a moment to take off their hats for the singing of the national anthem.
The flag is raised, and everyone pays tribute.
The flag is raised, and everyone pays tribute.
Now it’s go time ...
Now it’s go time …
… and the first three boats are fast out of the gate.
… and the first three boats are fast out of the gate.
Almost every competitor heads north.
Almost every competitor heads north.
Dwayne Fochler of California and Mark Powers of Colorado listen to the tournament officials’ instructions as they take off.
Dwayne Fochler of California and Mark Powers of Colorado listen to the tournament officials’ instructions as they take off.
If you put a camera on Andy Bravence of Arizona and Trace Myers of Utah, expect them to act up.
If you put a camera on Andy Bravence of Arizona and Trace Myers of Utah, expect them to act up.
Jason Hemminger of California and Joseph Gamboa of New Mexico share a boat today.
Jason Hemminger of California and Joseph Gamboa of New Mexico share a boat today.
Wyoming’s Becca Golightly and Utah’s Randy Wilde bring up the rear of the second flight.
Wyoming’s Becca Golightly and Utah’s Randy Wilde bring up the rear of the second flight.
A B.A.S.S. Nation conservation director and president, together? It’s almost too much for one boat to handle. But Earl Conway and Curtis Spindler are indeed sharing today.
A B.A.S.S. Nation conservation director and president, together? It’s almost too much for one boat to handle. But Earl Conway and Curtis Spindler are indeed sharing today.
Skylar keeps watching for her dad, Randell Bell, to pass by so she can wave.
Skylar keeps watching for her dad, Randell Bell, to pass by so she can wave.
Officials begin to wrap it up with only a few boats left.
Officials begin to wrap it up with only a few boats left.
A lone boater heads south. It’s part of a small minority of competitors who head toward the Thompson Falls part of Noxon.
A lone boater heads south. It’s part of a small minority of competitors who head toward the Thompson Falls part of Noxon.
Shane Baertsch drives as Tyler Evans and Dylan Josey chat. Evans and Josey are the high school qualifiers for Montana.
Shane Baertsch drives as Tyler Evans and Dylan Josey chat. Evans and Josey are the high school qualifiers for Montana.
Two high school anglers qualified from each state, and they compete on the final two days of the divisional. Their weight is added to the state team’s cumulative weight.
Two high school anglers qualified from each state, and they compete on the final two days of the divisional. Their weight is added to the state team’s cumulative weight.