2008 Elite Series Champion’s Choice: Day One, Launch

In this photo gallery, you'll find images of the anglers as they prepare to launch on Day One of the 2008 Elite Series Champion's Choice on Oneida Lake, near Syracuse, New York

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Fred Roumbanis tightens the ram mount on his electronics as he readies his gear early on Day One of the Champions Choice presented by Ramada Worldwide.
Fred Roumbanis tightens the ram mount on his electronics as he readies his gear early on Day One of the Champions Choice presented by Ramada Worldwide.
Second in Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year points race, Kevin VanDam is interviewed about his strategy for overtaking TTBAOY point's leader Todd Faircloth, who has a scant 21 point lead over VanDam.
Second in Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year points race, Kevin VanDam is interviewed about his strategy for overtaking TTBAOY point’s leader Todd Faircloth, who has a scant 21 point lead over VanDam.
Jimmy Murray and Charlie Hartley visit about what the last venue of the season means, and Hartley readily admits he is fishing for his career.
Jimmy Murray and Charlie Hartley visit about what the last venue of the season means, and Hartley readily admits he is fishing for his career.
Kevin VanDam and Skeet Reese share a light hearted conversation. They went head to head last year in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year points battle.
Kevin VanDam and Skeet Reese share a light hearted conversation. They went head to head last year in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year points battle.
Bassmaster Elite pros take their places in line for a hole shot as others speed down the lake to their first stops of the day.
Bassmaster Elite pros take their places in line for a hole shot as others speed down the lake to their first stops of the day.
Marty Stone flexes his muscle as he makes his way over to the take-off area at Oneida Shores on the banks of the beautiful Oneida Lake.
Marty Stone flexes his muscle as he makes his way over to the take-off area at Oneida Shores on the banks of the beautiful Oneida Lake.
Tommy Biffle, who has placed very well here in the past, makes his way from the launch area to the take off area with Mark Davis in tow.
Tommy Biffle, who has placed very well here in the past, makes his way from the launch area to the take off area with Mark Davis in tow.
Kevin VanDam leaves the launch area and idles toward Timmy Horton and the take-off area where fans have gathered to see their favorite anglers take off on Day One of the Champions Choice.
Kevin VanDam leaves the launch area and idles toward Timmy Horton and the take-off area where fans have gathered to see their favorite anglers take off on Day One of the Champions Choice.
Todd Faircloth leads the Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year points race going into the Champions Choice. Kevin VanDam is nipping at his heels, and Faircloth will have to fish clean and not stumble if he is to claim the title.
Todd Faircloth leads the Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year points race going into the Champions Choice. Kevin VanDam is nipping at his heels, and Faircloth will have to fish clean and not stumble if he is to claim the title.
Cliff Pace (foreground) makes final lure choices as Jason Quinn (background) finishes his final preparations for Day One on Oneida Lake.
Cliff Pace (foreground) makes final lure choices as Jason Quinn (background) finishes his final preparations for Day One on Oneida Lake.
Todd Faircloth talks to ESPN cameras as he readies to take on Oneida Lake for Day One of the Champions Choice.
Todd Faircloth talks to ESPN cameras as he readies to take on Oneida Lake for Day One of the Champions Choice.
Some fans just got comfortable and enjoyed the launch from some of the more natural seating around the edge of the Oneida Shores Park.
Some fans just got comfortable and enjoyed the launch from some of the more natural seating around the edge of the Oneida Shores Park.
Kelly Jordon makes final lure choices as the time for take off nears.
Kelly Jordon makes final lure choices as the time for take off nears.
Russ Lane (left) and John Crews visit as Crews makes a cast to test the tuning of a lure on one of his rods.
Russ Lane (left) and John Crews visit as Crews makes a cast to test the tuning of a lure on one of his rods.
Everyone stood in honor of the flag as the National Anthem rang through the harbor.
Everyone stood in honor of the flag as the National Anthem rang through the harbor.
Fans line up in rows on the beach as the start of the Champions Choice gets underway before them. The pros take off in order of the TTBAOY standings.
Fans line up in rows on the beach as the start of the Champions Choice gets underway before them. The pros take off in order of the TTBAOY standings.
Steve Kennedy idles toward BASS inspection and toward the take off at Oneida Shores.
Steve Kennedy idles toward BASS inspection and toward the take off at Oneida Shores.
The Bassmaster pros idle through the take off inspection and out toward the middle of Oneida Lake where they will race away to the first stops of the day.
The Bassmaster pros idle through the take off inspection and out toward the middle of Oneida Lake where they will race away to the first stops of the day.
Fans were able to watch each pro idle by as they made their way through the launch process.
Fans were able to watch each pro idle by as they made their way through the launch process.