Nation Championship: Final Takeoff

Anglers head out on Dardanelle for the final day and to find out who will earn a berth in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic.

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Laurence Hogue of Maine and the other 55 competitors are prepping for their last day on Arkansas’ Lake Dardanelle.
Laurence Hogue of Maine and the other 55 competitors are prepping for their last day on Arkansas’ Lake Dardanelle.
Amanda Collins wishes her husband, Albert, good luck at the final launch of the tournament.
Amanda Collins wishes her husband, Albert, good luck at the final launch of the tournament.
Takeoff time nears.
Takeoff time nears.
Jeff Lugar of Virginia has a 9-pound lead in the Mid-Atlantic Division, but he says he doesn’t feel safe, especially after only weighing in four fish yesterday.
Jeff Lugar of Virginia has a 9-pound lead in the Mid-Atlantic Division, but he says he doesn’t feel safe, especially after only weighing in four fish yesterday.
Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer interviews overall leader Doug Thompson of Arkansas.
Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer interviews overall leader Doug Thompson of Arkansas.
Drew Sadler of Kentucky is nicknamed the “Big Fish King” by Mercer during launch. Sadler currently leads the Carhartt Big Bass competition.
Drew Sadler of Kentucky is nicknamed the “Big Fish King” by Mercer during launch. Sadler currently leads the Carhartt Big Bass competition.
Brandon Pedigo of Oklahoma tells supporters he’s got a lot of work to do to beat Doug Thompson, the leader in his division. Pedigo starts the day 5 1/2 pounds behind Thompson.
Brandon Pedigo of Oklahoma tells supporters he’s got a lot of work to do to beat Doug Thompson, the leader in his division. Pedigo starts the day 5 1/2 pounds behind Thompson.
The boats are in position for launch now, and Keegan Graves of Idaho gives a thumbs up to the fans.
The boats are in position for launch now, and Keegan Graves of Idaho gives a thumbs up to the fans.
Mike Powell of Utah salutes the American flag during the playing of the national anthem.
Mike Powell of Utah salutes the American flag during the playing of the national anthem.
Nathan Gray of Indiana is only 11 ounces behind the top spot in the Northern Division.
Nathan Gray of Indiana is only 11 ounces behind the top spot in the Northern Division.
The anglers begin takeoff.
The anglers begin takeoff.
Collins was in the championship last year but didn’t earn a Classic berth. Instead, he won the 2012 Toyota Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship operated by American Bass Anglers a few days later to get invited to compete in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic.
Collins was in the championship last year but didn’t earn a Classic berth. Instead, he won the 2012 Toyota Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship operated by American Bass Anglers a few days later to get invited to compete in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic.
Phil Curtis of Ontario is 1 1/2 pounds behind the leader in the Eastern Division. If he wins his division, he’ll be only the second Canadian to fish the Classic.
Phil Curtis of Ontario is 1 1/2 pounds behind the leader in the Eastern Division. If he wins his division, he’ll be only the second Canadian to fish the Classic.
David Boyd of Florida starts the day in third place in the Southern Division.
David Boyd of Florida starts the day in third place in the Southern Division.
Competitors wait to be called up for launch.
Competitors wait to be called up for launch.
Daylight begins to break on Lake Dardanelle.
Daylight begins to break on Lake Dardanelle.
Anglers are reminded of the regulation that has plagued them at this tournament — a 14-inch minimum length.
Anglers are reminded of the regulation that has plagued them at this tournament — a 14-inch minimum length.
The last group waits at a comfortable distance from the livewell check.
The last group waits at a comfortable distance from the livewell check.
Oklahoma’s Pedigo is already fishing as other boats are still taking off behind him.
Oklahoma’s Pedigo is already fishing as other boats are still taking off behind him.
The mountainous backdrop sets the scene for the final day.
The mountainous backdrop sets the scene for the final day.
Ron Ryals takes off. He earned his berth in the championship by winning Angler of the Year in the Paralyzed Veterans of America Tour.
Ron Ryals takes off. He earned his berth in the championship by winning Angler of the Year in the Paralyzed Veterans of America Tour.
The last boats leave the launch area, and the final day of competition is underway.
The last boats leave the launch area, and the final day of competition is underway.