2009 Bassmaster Classic: Practice Day, Launch

In this photo gallery, you'll find images of the anglers as they prepare to launch for practice for the 2009 Bassmaster Classic on the Red River, near Shreveport, Louisiana.

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Steve Kennedy prepares his aluminum boat for the last day of Classic practice. The old boat is slower but more agile than the typical fiberglass models.
Steve Kennedy prepares his aluminum boat for the last day of Classic practice. The old boat is slower but more agile than the typical fiberglass models.
Reigning Classic champion Alton Jones talks to his observer on the deck of his boat before launching for the final day of practice.
Reigning Classic champion Alton Jones talks to his observer on the deck of his boat before launching for the final day of practice.
Elite Series pro Fred Roumbanis checks behind him as he rolls into the Red River before dawn Tuesday.
Elite Series pro Fred Roumbanis checks behind him as he rolls into the Red River before dawn Tuesday.
A TV cameraman watches as an official directs a boat trailer down the ramp at the Red River South Marina & Resort.
A TV cameraman watches as an official directs a boat trailer down the ramp at the Red River South Marina & Resort.
Brent Chapman, making his eighth Classic appearance, slides backward into the river for the last practice.
Brent Chapman, making his eighth Classic appearance, slides backward into the river for the last practice.
Florida pro Bernie Schultz handles his running mask as he's backed into the Red River.
Florida pro Bernie Schultz handles his running mask as he’s backed into the Red River.
Dawn begins filling the sky behind first-time Classic qualifier Byron Velvick as he's backed into the Red River.
Dawn begins filling the sky behind first-time Classic qualifier Byron Velvick as he’s backed into the Red River.
As an accomplished river fisherman, Scott Rook, of Arkansas, is considered by many to be a strong contender to win his first Classic on the Red River.
As an accomplished river fisherman, Scott Rook, of Arkansas, is considered by many to be a strong contender to win his first Classic on the Red River.
The first female Classic qualifier, Kim Bain-Moore, eases back into the river.
The first female Classic qualifier, Kim Bain-Moore, eases back into the river.
Riding shotgun with Greg Hackney, the only Louisiana angler in the Classic, is longtime ESPN personality Jerry McKinnis.
Riding shotgun with Greg Hackney, the only Louisiana angler in the Classic, is longtime ESPN personality Jerry McKinnis.
Classic anglers Bobby Lane and Casey Ashley point to the Red River moments before launching for practice.
Classic anglers Bobby Lane and Casey Ashley point to the Red River moments before launching for practice.
A cameraman turns away from angler Skeet Reese for a shot of birds flying low over the Red River.
A cameraman turns away from angler Skeet Reese for a shot of birds flying low over the Red River.
A photographer watches Kevin VanDam and Kevin Wirth share a moment at the console of VanDam's boat.
A photographer watches Kevin VanDam and Kevin Wirth share a moment at the console of VanDam’s boat.
At the playing of
At the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” all eyes turn to Old Glory.
Ish Monroe gestures at the final Classic practice launch.
Ish Monroe gestures at the final Classic practice launch.
As Kevin Wirth stares ahead, his observer for the day appears ready for the gusty conditions at high speeds on the Red River.
As Kevin Wirth stares ahead, his observer for the day appears ready for the gusty conditions at high speeds on the Red River.
Why is this man smiling? Because once Steve Kennedy gets this aluminum rig wrapped, it'll be legal for the Classic, which begins in two days.
Why is this man smiling? Because once Steve Kennedy gets this aluminum rig wrapped, it’ll be legal for the Classic, which begins in two days.