2015 Bassmaster Classic – Day 1 Snapshots

With temperatures barely above single digits Friday morning, the 2015 Bassmaster Classic got under way a little later than originally planned. The takeoff had already been delayed 90 minutes due to safety concerns brought about by the record cold temperatures over night.

Once angler started launching their boats, another problem arose: Some of the boats were frozen to their trailers and several took more than a few attempts to break them loose. Finally, everyone was in the water and the competition got going a little past 8:30.

Take a look at our photo gallery from the launch and some of the action from the water this morning.

Crisp And Cold

It was officially the coldest competition day in Bassmaster Classic history today, but still a picturesque morning at Green Pond Landing. (Photo: BassFan)

Crusty Clay

A small clump of ice had built up on some rocks along the shore at the launch ramp, a sign that winter has settled in around Lake Hartwell. (Photo: BassFan)

What's The Hold Up?

Despite the start of day 1 being delayed, another issue arose as anglers began launching their boats: Several boats were frozen to the trailers and it took one competitor 15 minutes to finally get his boat loose and in the water. (Photo: BassFan)

Sky High

A small airplane pulled this message banner across the sky above the launch ramp this morning. (Photo: BassFan)

Doing His Part

Four-time Classic winner Kevin VanDam (right), who's not competing this week, was on hand to do an interview with The Weather Channel, which was broadcasting live from takeoff. (Photo: BassFan)

Frozen Fun

Randall Tharp was one of the anglers whose boat was frozen to the trailer for a while. (Photo: BassFan)

Crowded House

A few hundred fans braved the record cold temperatures to watch the takeoff festivities. (Photo: BassFan)

He's Had Enough

Defending Classic champion Randy Howell dumps the remnants of his morning coffee into the lake prior to takeoff. (Photo: BassFan)

Eye In The Sky

A helicopter soars across the sky just above the takeoff location. (Photo: BassFan)

They're Here

Skeet Reese waves to his family after spotting them on shore. (Photo: BassFan)

Frozen In Time

A short while later, Reese met up with his wife and daughters on the dock for a photo op. (Photo: BassFan)

Grin And Bear It

David Walker was all smiles before takeoff on Friday. (Photo: BassFan)

Joe's Here

BassFan columnist Joe Balog was bundled up for his marshal duties with Chad Morgenthaler on Friday. (Photo: BassFan)

Two For Tak?

Takahiro Omori is looking to become a two-time Classic champion this weekend. (Photo: BassFan)

All Business

Jared Lintner waits for his name to be called in the takeoff line. (Photo: BassFan)

Last, But Not Least

Edwin Evers was the last angler to have his boat rolled down the ramp and into Lake Hartwell on day 1. (Photo: BassFan)

Get Cranking

All of the anglers had their motors running to keep everything warm to prevent their equipment from freezing. (Photo: BassFan)

Excuse Me, Excuse Me

John Crews looks for a place to slide up the dock prior to blast off. (Photo: BassFan)

Super Powered

This center console boat would have no problem keeping up with any of the anglers – it had four new Mercury 350-hp Verado motors on the back. (Photo: BassFan)

Give It A Blow

Ott DeFoe blows on his casting reel to prevent it from freezing before casting. (Photo: BassFan)

Watchful Eye

DeFoe was watching his electronics closely while fishing his first area. (Photo: BassFan)

Ice Breaker

DeFoe had tried a couple different presentations before switching to a jerkbait, which produced his first keeper. (Photo: BassFan)

Just Warming Up

Casey Ashley was fishing around a point from DeFoe and also had to blow on his reel to keep ice from forming on his line. (Photo: BassFan)

Hooked Up

Not long after he got his reel working, he set the hook on his first keeper. (Photo: BassFan)

Get In Here

Ashley leans over the side of his boat to get a grip on the fish. (Photo: BassFan)

Good Start

Ashley said his first keeper was a 3 1/2-pounder. (Photo: BassFan)

Round Two

Two casts later, Ashley has another fish on. (Photo: BassFan)

Hartwell Two-Step

It's a solid 2-pounder. (Photo: BassFan)

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