Elite Series is in session

The full field of 2012 Elite Series anglers eagerly line up for take-off on Day One of the St. Johns River Showdown.

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	As day begins to break over Palatka, Fla., Elite anglers jockey into position for the start of the St. Johns River Showdown.</p>
As day begins to break over Palatka, Fla., Elite anglers jockey into position for the start of the St. Johns River Showdown.
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	A thin wall of fog forms in the distance causing some anglers to fear a launch delay, but the fog never developed and the tournament took off on time.</p>
A thin wall of fog forms in the distance causing some anglers to fear a launch delay, but the fog never developed and the tournament took off on time.
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	A fan takes pictures from the shore, while anglers get ready for the start of the tournament.</p>
A fan takes pictures from the shore, while anglers get ready for the start of the tournament.
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	Michael Iaconelli shares breakfast with his son, Vegas, while his wife, Becky, looks on.</p>
Michael Iaconelli shares breakfast with his son, Vegas, while his wife, Becky, looks on.
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	2011 Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year Ott DeFoe gets his tackle ready for the start Day One of the St. Johns River Showdown.</p>
2011 Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year Ott DeFoe gets his tackle ready for the start Day One of the St. Johns River Showdown.
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	Fans line a dock near the take-off area rooting for their favorite anglers as they pass through boat check.</p>
Fans line a dock near the take-off area rooting for their favorite anglers as they pass through boat check.
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	Matt Greenblatt visits with his Marshal as the two prepare to take off.</p>
Matt Greenblatt visits with his Marshal as the two prepare to take off.
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	Anglers stand to honor the flag during the national anthem minutes before the take off.</p>
Anglers stand to honor the flag during the national anthem minutes before the take off.
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	Brent Chapman works his way into position to take off.</p>
Brent Chapman works his way into position to take off.
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	Elite anglers position their boats to take off Thursday morning.</p>
Elite anglers position their boats to take off Thursday morning.
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	Fans lined every dock watching the excitement of an Elite Series take off.</p>
Fans lined every dock watching the excitement of an Elite Series take off.
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	Elite Series rookie Brandon Card motors through take-off.</p>
Elite Series rookie Brandon Card motors through take-off.
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	Kevin Ledoux of Choctaw, Okla., one of 10 rookies in the 2012 Elite Series, goes through his first Elite take off.</p>
Kevin Ledoux of Choctaw, Okla., one of 10 rookies in the 2012 Elite Series, goes through his first Elite take off.
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	Alton Jones gets a last minute drink before he idles past the take-off dock.</p>
Alton Jones gets a last minute drink before he idles past the take-off dock.
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	Terry Scroggins, the de-facto favorite in this event, is all smiles as the event gets underway.</p>
Terry Scroggins, the de-facto favorite in this event, is all smiles as the event gets underway.
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	Led by Denny Brauer, the first event of the 2012 Elite Series gets underway.</p>
Led by Denny Brauer, the first event of the 2012 Elite Series gets underway.
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	Kevin VanDam passes the dock to get his take-off number before making his way to the check-out position.</p>
Kevin VanDam passes the dock to get his take-off number before making his way to the check-out position.
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	Shaw Grigsby is bundled up for a cool morning at the start of the St. Johns River Showdown.</p>
Shaw Grigsby is bundled up for a cool morning at the start of the St. Johns River Showdown.
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	Elite Series rookie Jared Miller idles through the check-out line Thursday morning.</p>
Elite Series rookie Jared Miller idles through the check-out line Thursday morning.
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	Grant Goldbeck, who put together an amazing comeback in the first event of 2011, gets ready to start Thursday.</p>
Grant Goldbeck, who put together an amazing comeback in the first event of 2011, gets ready to start Thursday.
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	2012 Elite Series rookie Chris Zaldain of San Jose, Calif., goes through the check-out procedure.</p>
2012 Elite Series rookie Chris Zaldain of San Jose, Calif., goes through the check-out procedure.
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	As the last of the Elite Series anglers get into line, boats run past them at the start of the St. Johns River Showdown.</p>
As the last of the Elite Series anglers get into line, boats run past them at the start of the St. Johns River Showdown.
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	Cliff Prince of Palatka, Fla., makes his rookie debut in his hometown.</p>
Cliff Prince of Palatka, Fla., makes his rookie debut in his hometown.
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	Michael Simonton, another 2012 Elite Series rookie this season, goes through check out, while his Marshal records the process on his smart phone.</p>
Michael Simonton, another 2012 Elite Series rookie this season, goes through check out, while his Marshal records the process on his smart phone.
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	Fred Roumbanis peeks out of his wrappings as he goes through the take-off line.</p>
Fred Roumbanis peeks out of his wrappings as he goes through the take-off line.
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	2012 Bassmaster Classic champion Chris Lane gets a big cheer as he idles by the check-out dock</p>
2012 Bassmaster Classic champion Chris Lane gets a big cheer as he idles by the check-out dock
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	Fletcher Shryock gives a thumbs up to as he enters his first Elite Series take-off.</p>
Fletcher Shryock gives a thumbs up to as he enters his first Elite Series take-off.
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	Jaime Horton, who qualified for the 2012 Elite Series through the Cabela’s Bassmaster Federation Nation championship, goes through his first Elite Series take-off.</p>
Jaime Horton, who qualified for the 2012 Elite Series through the Cabela’s Bassmaster Federation Nation championship, goes through his first Elite Series take-off.
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	2012 Elite Series rookie Casey Scanlon idles through the check-out process Wednesday for Day One of the St. Johns River Showdown.</p>
2012 Elite Series rookie Casey Scanlon idles through the check-out process Wednesday for Day One of the St. Johns River Showdown.