Day 2 begins at Harris Chain

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Day 2 is dawning at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open #1 on the Harris Chain.
Day 2 is dawning at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open #1 on the Harris Chain.
Making last minute adjustments and storing tackle is a daily ritual for the anglers. Making the job easier are the interior lighting systems inside the storage boxes.
Making last minute adjustments and storing tackle is a daily ritual for the anglers. Making the job easier are the interior lighting systems inside the storage boxes.
Another morning ritual is happening about 5 minutes before the official launch time of 7 a.m. It’s the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Another morning ritual is happening about 5 minutes before the official launch time of 7 a.m. It’s the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner.
The bay surrounding Venetian Gardens is filled with 200 boats, each with a boater and co-angler.
The bay surrounding Venetian Gardens is filled with 200 boats, each with a boater and co-angler.
Minutes after 7 a.m. and the boats begin leaving the dock. The last stop in the safety check is the Shimano Live Release Boat, where the official time clock is set up on top of the fish tanks.
Minutes after 7 a.m. and the boats begin leaving the dock. The last stop in the safety check is the Shimano Live Release Boat, where the official time clock is set up on top of the fish tanks.
This boat is styling multiple fishfinders with 12-inch displays. Electronics have come a long way in recent years and can even help the anglers find fish in shallow water lakes.
This boat is styling multiple fishfinders with 12-inch displays. Electronics have come a long way in recent years and can even help the anglers find fish in shallow water lakes.
More technology is getting put to use here, as wives of the anglers record the moment with their smartphones.
More technology is getting put to use here, as wives of the anglers record the moment with their smartphones.
Miyu Fukae records husband Shin as he idles out into the lake.
Miyu Fukae records husband Shin as he idles out into the lake.
Much of what the wives record will get posted to their social media pages before the husbands make their first casts of the day.
Much of what the wives record will get posted to their social media pages before the husbands make their first casts of the day.
Terry Scroggins, a Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Florida, is here for a shot at qualifying for the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic.
Terry Scroggins, a Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Florida, is here for a shot at qualifying for the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic.
Venetian Gardens is the city park within Leesburg where today’s weigh-in begins at 3 p.m.
Venetian Gardens is the city park within Leesburg where today’s weigh-in begins at 3 p.m.
Today’s forecast is classic Florida for mid-January. Sunny skies with highs in the low 80s are setting up the day as a great one for fishing.
Today’s forecast is classic Florida for mid-January. Sunny skies with highs in the low 80s are setting up the day as a great one for fishing.
Ten flights of boats will pass by Alan Pierce as he confirms fully operational kill switches and livewell aerators.
Ten flights of boats will pass by Alan Pierce as he confirms fully operational kill switches and livewell aerators.
A light breeze from the southeast is the key difference today. The wind is expected to diminish later on, making a good setup for sight fishing in the clear, shallow water.
A light breeze from the southeast is the key difference today. The wind is expected to diminish later on, making a good setup for sight fishing in the clear, shallow water.
Senior Tournament Manager Chris Bowes runs the list of boats, a task that will take about 30 minutes to complete.
Senior Tournament Manager Chris Bowes runs the list of boats, a task that will take about 30 minutes to complete.
Miyu Fukae says she is glad to be here. Husband Shin got in the tournament at the last minute, coming off the waiting list to make it in.
Miyu Fukae says she is glad to be here. Husband Shin got in the tournament at the last minute, coming off the waiting list to make it in.
Far away in the background is Little Lake Harris, won of the better areas on the lake for bass fishing.
Far away in the background is Little Lake Harris, won of the better areas on the lake for bass fishing.
Today is cut day as all but the Top 12 boaters and co-anglers will fish on the final round.
Today is cut day as all but the Top 12 boaters and co-anglers will fish on the final round.
The Harris Chain’s history with the Bassmaster Tournament Trail dates back to 1986, when the first B.A.S.S. MegaBucks was held there.
The Harris Chain’s history with the Bassmaster Tournament Trail dates back to 1986, when the first B.A.S.S. MegaBucks was held there.
Hoping to make the cut today is Gary Clouse, founder and president of Phoenix Boats.
Hoping to make the cut today is Gary Clouse, founder and president of Phoenix Boats.
The final flights of boats head out for the day on Lake Harris and it’s labyrinth of creeks, coves and canals.
The final flights of boats head out for the day on Lake Harris and it’s labyrinth of creeks, coves and canals.
Bringing up the rear is Sam George, the young pro from Alabama with a promising future on the trail.
Bringing up the rear is Sam George, the young pro from Alabama with a promising future on the trail.
George and his peers will have a fine day for fishing in central Florida.
George and his peers will have a fine day for fishing in central Florida.
The crowd takes in the final boats to leave the launch site at Venetian Gardens.
The crowd takes in the final boats to leave the launch site at Venetian Gardens.