Wheeler: Behind the scenes Day 1

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It ain't easy being green! Adrian Avena's rig adds a splash of color to the launch parking lot.
It ain’t easy being green! Adrian Avena’s rig adds a splash of color to the launch parking lot.
Parked nearby is Gerald Swindle's mean machine.
Parked nearby is Gerald Swindle’s mean machine.
The Bassmaster Elite Series' most intimidating minivan definitely has room for Dave Lefebre's tackle and gear.
The Bassmaster Elite Series’ most intimidating minivan definitely has room for Dave Lefebre’s tackle and gear.
Randall Tharp's truck is a little heavier after he picked up an Elite Series trophy...and a heavy-duty payday in Arkansas.
Randall Tharp’s truck is a little heavier after he picked up an Elite Series trophy…and a heavy-duty payday in Arkansas.
The first group of anglers idles in after Day 1 of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Elite at Wheeler Lake.
The first group of anglers idles in after Day 1 of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Elite at Wheeler Lake.
Before the weigh-in begins, the crowd pauses to honor the U.S. with the national anthem.
Before the weigh-in begins, the crowd pauses to honor the U.S. with the national anthem.
After the fish hit the scales, the Hartselle High School fishing team...
After the fish hit the scales, the Hartselle High School fishing team…
...helps get the day's catch back to the release boats quickly and safely.
…helps get the day’s catch back to the release boats quickly and safely.
Though it's only April, the warm Alabama weather means a quick cool-off may be a good idea. Chris Zaldain's dog finds a way to beat the heat.
Though it’s only April, the warm Alabama weather means a quick cool-off may be a good idea. Chris Zaldain’s dog finds a way to beat the heat.
More pros arrive...
More pros arrive…
...talk with fans and prepare for interviews.
…talk with fans and prepare for interviews.
Some anglers' families wait on the dock to greet them after a hot day of Wheeler Lake fishing.
Some anglers’ families wait on the dock to greet them after a hot day of Wheeler Lake fishing.
Carl Jocumsen and Dean Rojas float in together.
Carl Jocumsen and Dean Rojas float in together.
This shiny sign welcomes anglers to the dock and to Decatur.
This shiny sign welcomes anglers to the dock and to Decatur.
Scott Rook stops for a few more casts before checking in.
Scott Rook stops for a few more casts before checking in.
The man with the official list checks off the Elites as they arrive.
The man with the official list checks off the Elites as they arrive.
Now Rook's ready to head in.
Now Rook’s ready to head in.
Dean Rojas shows a bass for the cameras.
Dean Rojas shows a bass for the cameras.
Gary Klein had a great morning of fishing...
Gary Klein had a great morning of fishing…
...but his bite dried up as the day went on.
…but his bite dried up as the day went on.
The trucks line up on the massive launch ramp to pull the Elite boats out of the water.
The trucks line up on the massive launch ramp to pull the Elite boats out of the water.
The crowd grows as the weigh-in continues.
The crowd grows as the weigh-in continues.
Reigning GEICO Bassmaster Classic champion smiles for the crowd.
Reigning GEICO Bassmaster Classic champion smiles for the crowd.
The current Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Aaron Martens had a decent start on Day 1.
The current Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Aaron Martens had a decent start on Day 1.
A Bassmaster cameraman asks Bassmaster.com Director of Content Steve Bowman a question in the backstage area.
A Bassmaster cameraman asks Bassmaster.com Director of Content Steve Bowman a question in the backstage area.
Day 1 leader John Crews drew numerous photographers when he unloaded his livewell. Here is fish No. 1...
Day 1 leader John Crews drew numerous photographers when he unloaded his livewell. Here is fish No. 1…
No. 2
No. 2
No. 3
No. 3
No. 4
No. 4
No. 5
No. 5
Gerald Swindle had a Top 12 day fishing, and some top five jokes for the Alabama weigh-in crowd.
Gerald Swindle had a Top 12 day fishing, and some top five jokes for the Alabama weigh-in crowd.
Brent Champman had a little help loading his weigh-in bag.
Brent Champman had a little help loading his weigh-in bag.
Behind the stage, the Elites spend time with family and finish up interviews.
Behind the stage, the Elites spend time with family and finish up interviews.
After a hot day of fishing and before heading on stage, the Elites have a bit of time to talk and relax.
After a hot day of fishing and before heading on stage, the Elites have a bit of time to talk and relax.
Cliff Crochet holds an Alabama bass up for the crowd.
Cliff Crochet holds an Alabama bass up for the crowd.
Randall Tharp said on the stage he'd of appreciated a little more practice time on Wheeler Lake. He lost some practice time due to his win last week on Bull Shoals/Norfork Lakes in Arkansas.
Randall Tharp said on the stage he’d of appreciated a little more practice time on Wheeler Lake. He lost some practice time due to his win last week on Bull Shoals/Norfork Lakes in Arkansas.
Multiple drones flew over the weigh-in crowd and the boat dock.
Multiple drones flew over the weigh-in crowd and the boat dock.
Chris Zaldain held up three types of bass from his Day 1 five-bass limit.
Chris Zaldain held up three types of bass from his Day 1 five-bass limit.
The media trailer is the trophy's temporary home as the Elites battle for the right to hoist it Sunday.
The media trailer is the trophy’s temporary home as the Elites battle for the right to hoist it Sunday.