Elite: Day 1 takeoff

Anglers finally hit the water for the Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River Presented by STARK Cultural Venues.

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It's predawn at the Sabine River, and Michael Iaconelli puts in, hoping to have a good day at the Bassmaster Elite on Sabine River presented by STARK Cultural Venues.
It’s predawn at the Sabine River, and Michael Iaconelli puts in, hoping to have a good day at the Bassmaster Elite on Sabine River presented by STARK Cultural Venues.
Brent Chapman works with a headlamp.
Brent Chapman works with a headlamp.
David Walker is found wandering the dock.
David Walker is found wandering the dock.
Photos are taken.
Photos are taken.
Literal dock talk between Davy Hite, Matt Lee and Terry Scroggins.
Literal dock talk between Davy Hite, Matt Lee and Terry Scroggins.
Aaron Martens waits, like everyone else, for the fog to lift.
Aaron Martens waits, like everyone else, for the fog to lift.
Randy Howell checks his boat plug. Always check your boat plug.
Randy Howell checks his boat plug. Always check your boat plug.
The crowd, not all seen here, was pretty huge for a Thursday morning. Some of these people probably have some great excuses why they are late to work.
The crowd, not all seen here, was pretty huge for a Thursday morning. Some of these people probably have some great excuses why they are late to work.
This morning the Elites were late to work, for sure.
This morning the Elites were late to work, for sure.
Jason Christie, Cliff Prince and David Mullins talk shop.
Jason Christie, Cliff Prince and David Mullins talk shop.
Brett Hite was telling a story or dancing. Probably the story.
Brett Hite was telling a story or dancing. Probably the story.
It's ok Matt, we'll start soon.
It’s ok Matt, we’ll start soon.
Randall Tharp is ready.
Randall Tharp is ready.
Dennis Tietje and Kevin VanDam wait in the thick fog.
Dennis Tietje and Kevin VanDam wait in the thick fog.
Ike waves hello, or bye.
Ike waves hello, or bye.
Hoping to make the fog cooperate, Casey Ashley sings the national anthem. It doesn't work, but it was a good rendition.
Hoping to make the fog cooperate, Casey Ashley sings the national anthem. It doesn’t work, but it was a good rendition.
Bernie Schultz waits in his truck.
Bernie Schultz waits in his truck.
Shaw Grigsby and Aaron Martens talk it over.
Shaw Grigsby and Aaron Martens talk it over.
Fred Roumbanis would rather be fishing right now.
Fred Roumbanis would rather be fishing right now.
So would Dennis Tietje.
So would Dennis Tietje.
Brandon Card takes the time to make sure he is rigged up.
Brandon Card takes the time to make sure he is rigged up.
J Todd Tucker relaxes.
J Todd Tucker relaxes.
Some anglers have to stay busy, though.
Some anglers have to stay busy, though.
Significant others wait on the dock.
Significant others wait on the dock.
Showing the fog the takeoff list does not seem to help.
Showing the fog the takeoff list does not seem to help.
The local host puts on an elaborate event surrounding the Elite Series coming to town. It includes a ferris wheel!
The local host puts on an elaborate event surrounding the Elite Series coming to town. It includes a ferris wheel!
Kevin Short is clearly feeling the pressure.
Kevin Short is clearly feeling the pressure.
So is Chuck Harbin. Chuck just heard some good news, though.
So is Chuck Harbin. Chuck just heard some good news, though.
B.A.S.S. gives the anglers the go-ahead.
B.A.S.S. gives the anglers the go-ahead.
First out is Elite Series rookie Ken Iyobe.
First out is Elite Series rookie Ken Iyobe.
They are off.
They are off.
Skeet Reese heads out.
Skeet Reese heads out.
After an absence on the tour, Mark Menendez makes his return.
After an absence on the tour, Mark Menendez makes his return.
Anglers are very welcome in Orange. This place is bass crazy.
Anglers are very welcome in Orange. This place is bass crazy.
The crowd hung around to see their heroes leave the dock.
The crowd hung around to see their heroes leave the dock.
Rick Clunn is ready for a run.
Rick Clunn is ready for a run.
Russ Lane puts on his game face.
Russ Lane puts on his game face.
It's time to begin the 2015 Elite Series season!
It’s time to begin the 2015 Elite Series season!