Photo: BassFan
Mark Rose's cheering section had a great vantage point as he fished through his first area today.
By Todd Ceisner
BassFan Editor
The 2014 Forrest Wood Cup got under way Thursday with 45 pros and co-anglers fanning out across sprawling Lake Murray in central South Carolina. The fishing was as advertised – tough – as only a third of the field managed to fill out their limit and many believe it will only get tougher.
Prior to take off, friends, family and fans crowded around the docks to get one last glimpse of the pros before they set off on their quest to take home the $500,000 payday.
Check out some of the scenes from day 1 of the Cup.
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Dawn of a New Day
The scene at the launch ramp today was a combination of nerves and excitement. (Photo: BassFan)
The Dude and His Dame
Forrest L. Wood and his wife, Nina, were on hand for the blast off on day 1. (Photo: BassFan)
Home Water Advantage
Casey Ashley makes final preparations before blasting off on one of his home lakes. (Photo: BassFan)
Ready or Not
Anglers chat with fans and family prior to blast off ceremonies. (Photo: BassFan)
Blue Streak
Stetson Blaylock arranges his tools on the front deck. (Photo: BassFan)
No Kidding
The front deck of David Dudley's Ranger was a flurry of activity on the morning of day 1. (Photo: BassFan)
Decked Out
Brent Ehrler tweaks a bait before heading out for day 1. (Photo: BassFan)
Final Fix
Stephen Johnston left the dock with a fair amount of confidence this morning. (Photo: BassFan)
Fierce Focus
Brad Knight concentrates as he pulls rods from his locker this morning. (Photo: BassFan)
The Champ is Here
Randall Tharp walks to shore after tying up before blast off on day 1. (Photo: BassFan)
Shin's In
Shin Fukae said practice was a struggle for him so he's going to continue to search for areas with concentrations of fish. (Photo: BassFan)
All Business
Michael Wooley was locked in while waiting for takeoff today. (Photo: BassFan)
Early Start
Not far from the takeoff site, Jacob Wheeler worked along a rocky bank next to a causeway early on. (Photo: BassFan)
Morgan's Back!
This is a familiar view for all FLW Tour anglers – the back of Andy Morgan's boat. The reigning and two-time Angler of the Year readies for his 17th Cup. (Photo: BassFan)
On Your Mark
Across the way from Wheeler, Mark Rose leans into a bass. (Photo: BassFan)
No Net Needed
Rose plays the fish back to the boat. (Photo: BassFan)
Will It Measure?
Rose swings the fish into the boat. (Photo: BassFan)
Gone Swimming
Rose quickly discarded the fish and adjusted his bait. (Photo: BassFan)
Back At It
Rose got refocused and went back to work on the bridge. (Photo: BassFan)
Family Ties
Rose's family got a bird's-eye view of his first stop of the day. (Photo: BassFan)
Deep Thoughts
Robbie Dodson works offshore with a spinning rod on day 1. (Photo: BassFan)
Winging It
Austin Terry had a frustrating start to his first Forrest Wood Cup. (Photo: BassFan)
Quick Fix
Tony Davis adjusts his electronics as he fishes down a wooded bank. (Photo: BassFan)
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2014 Forrest Wood Cup – Day 1
