Northern Open: Day One Launch

Images from the Day One launch of the 2011 Northern Open 1 on the James River.

Travis Manson loads his boat into the water.
Travis Manson loads his boat into the water.
Sheron Brown prepares his gear for the the day.
Sheron Brown prepares his gear for the the day.
A co-angler’s reels and rods wait to hit the water.
A co-angler’s reels and rods wait to hit the water.
The competitors starting loading into the James River before 5:00 am.
The competitors starting loading into the James River before 5:00 am.
Scott Lakey loads his boat into the river.
Scott Lakey loads his boat into the river.
Charlie Hartley looks out onto the field of competitors.
Charlie Hartley looks out onto the field of competitors.
Hundreds of anglers will be competing in the Northern Open on James River this weekend.
Hundreds of anglers will be competing in the Northern Open on James River this weekend.
The singing of the National Anthem is a B.A.S.S. tradition.
The singing of the National Anthem is a B.A.S.S. tradition.
Jonathon VanDam salutes the flag during the National Anthem.
Jonathon VanDam salutes the flag during the National Anthem.
Spectators and B.A.S.S. Officials watch as the boats takeoff.
Spectators and B.A.S.S. Officials watch as the boats takeoff.
Anglers wait their turn during the mornings launch.
Anglers wait their turn during the mornings launch.
The competitors aren’t the only boats on the James River.
The competitors aren’t the only boats on the James River.
A keyfob flies in the air.
A keyfob flies in the air.
Kevin Short is competing in the Northern Open.
Kevin Short is competing in the Northern Open.
Nate Wellman prepares to launch.
Nate Wellman prepares to launch.
Frank Scalish and his co-angler are ready to have a good time on the James River in Virginia.
Frank Scalish and his co-angler are ready to have a good time on the James River in Virginia.
Mike McClelland is also competing in this weeks Open.
Mike McClelland is also competing in this weeks Open.
Scott Patton is all smiles.
Scott Patton is all smiles.
Randall Tharp prepares to takeoff.
Randall Tharp prepares to takeoff.
Spectators snap some photos of the competitors and their boats.
Spectators snap some photos of the competitors and their boats.
The 2011 Northern Open #1 is being held on the James River in Virginia.
The 2011 Northern Open #1 is being held on the James River in Virginia.