Photo: BassFan
James Elam had a pretty strong cheering section at takeoff this morning.
By Todd Ceisner
BassFan Editor
It was a chilly morning at the Wolf Creek Park launch ramp Friday morning, but nothing compared to the last time Grand Lake hosted the Bassmaster Classic. Thousands of fans jammed the ramp this morning to get a glimpse of the 55 anglers before they set off across Grand.
A spectacular sunrise and little to no wind made for a picturesque start to the competition.
Check out BassFan's pre-launch photo gallery below.
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He's Baaaack!
Kevin VanDam prepares to launch his boat on day 1 of the Bassmaster Classic at Grand Lake. (Photo: BassFan)
Multi-Tasking
Once VanDam's boat was in the water, he monkeyed around with a GoPro. (Photo: BassFan)
Time to Chat
Then, VanDam chatted with Dave Mercer as thousands of fans looked on from the shoreline. (Photo: BassFan)
Grin & Bear It
Jason Christie cracks a sly grin as he has a microphone attached to his jacket. (Photo: BassFan)
All's Fair
Todd Faircloth has a collection of Top-10 finishes in the Classic. He feels it's his time to win. (Photo: BassFan)
Sergeant Bass
James Watson readies his rods for day 1 of his first Bassmaster Classic. (Photo: BassFan)
Still Working
Brent Ehrler works on some tackle prior to blastoff Friday morning. (Photo: BassFan)
Game Face
James Elam tightens his hood as he waits to hear his name called on day 1 of the Classic. (Photo: BassFan)
Head Games
Elam, a Tulsa native, had plenty of fan support at the ramp this morning. (Photo: BassFan)
Morning Glory
The sunrise over Wolf Creek on Friday was spectacular. (Photo: BassFan)
Fairly Focused
Josh Bertrand gets zoned in prior to blastoff on day 1 of the Classic. (Photo: BassFan)
Sliding In
Former Classic champ Mark Davis eases up the dock on day 1. (Photo: BassFan)
Standing Room Only
Fans packed the Wolf Creek Park ramp and auxiliary docks to catch a view of blastoff on Friday. (Photo: BassFan)
Who, Me?
Keith Combs looks over his shoulder to confirm his marshal has been briefed on the operation of the BASSTrakk system. (Photo: BassFan)
Light 'Em Up
Ott Defoe sorts through some hooks while waiting at the dock. (Photo: BassFan)
First Time
Micah Frazier was bundled up and ready for blast off at day 1 of his first Classic. (Photo: BassFan)
Waiting Game
Matt Herren sits stoically while waiting to get started on day 1. (Photo: BassFan)
"I'm Going Here And Here"
Classic rookie Brandon McMillan studied his electronics before blastoff on Friday. (Photo: BassFan)
Let It Fly
Chad Pipkens was the lone hatless competitor at the dock on day 1. (Photo: BassFan)
Highs and Lo
Trevor Lo, the reigning College Series champion, soaks in the atmosphere at the day-1 launch festivities. (Photo: BassFan)
Brett's Set
Brett Hite was all business at the dock this morning. (Photo: BassFan)
Got That Look
Dean Rojas was another angler with a focused look at the dock. (Photo: BassFan)
Get 'Em Greg
Greg Vance readies for day 1 of the Classic. (Photo: BassFan)
Gotta See
Bernie Schultz gives his sunglass lenses a good cleaning prior to blastoff. (Photo: BassFan)
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2016 Classic – Day 1 Blastoff
