Nation Central: Day 3 launch

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This is a new sight at B.A.S.S. Nation regional championships. The competitions now include a non-boater division. The top non-boater from each state advances to the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Magellan Outdoors.
This is a new sight at B.A.S.S. Nation regional championships. The competitions now include a non-boater division. The top non-boater from each state advances to the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Magellan Outdoors.
Matt Pangrac of Oklahoma is seventh and about 3 pounds out of the lead. Today he wants to close the deal and win the tournament.
Matt Pangrac of Oklahoma is seventh and about 3 pounds out of the lead. Today he wants to close the deal and win the tournament.
Here’s a little known fact about Matt Pangrac. He was the 1998 Bassmaster CastingKids champion at the age of 13.
Here’s a little known fact about Matt Pangrac. He was the 1998 Bassmaster CastingKids champion at the age of 13.
Jon Harshbarger of Texas is ninth place and leads his state going into the final round. He hopes to qualify for the championship.
Jon Harshbarger of Texas is ninth place and leads his state going into the final round. He hopes to qualify for the championship.
Michael Kazmierczak and non-boater partner Justin Barnes are sixth place in their respective divisions.
Michael Kazmierczak and non-boater partner Justin Barnes are sixth place in their respective divisions.
David Cavell is the top angler from Louisiana. He’s fifth place going into the final round.
David Cavell is the top angler from Louisiana. He’s fifth place going into the final round.
Mark Neis is a steady performer all week. He hopes to boost the momentum today and come from second place to win the tournament title.
Mark Neis is a steady performer all week. He hopes to boost the momentum today and come from second place to win the tournament title.
Boat number one is lined up for the tournament. The top 38 anglers and top three boaters and non-boaters compete today on Lake Guntersville.
Boat number one is lined up for the tournament. The top 38 anglers and top three boaters and non-boaters compete today on Lake Guntersville.
Josh Ray of Arkansas has 36 pounds, 10 ounces, for first place overall. Yesterday his Arkansas team won the state title.
Josh Ray of Arkansas has 36 pounds, 10 ounces, for first place overall. Yesterday his Arkansas team won the state title.
Ray and non-boater leader Justin Harris have a 45-minute run to their fishing area.
Ray and non-boater leader Justin Harris have a 45-minute run to their fishing area.
Ray and Neis idle from Guntersville Harbor. The Tennessee River is in the background.
Ray and Neis idle from Guntersville Harbor. The Tennessee River is in the background.
Rain begins to pour as the tournament gets underway a few minutes after 6 a.m. Emily Hand assists Jon Stewart in calling out the names of the boaters.
Rain begins to pour as the tournament gets underway a few minutes after 6 a.m. Emily Hand assists Jon Stewart in calling out the names of the boaters.
The forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms with highs in the lower 70s.
The forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms with highs in the lower 70s.
The second flight of boats is checked off the list as the launch process continues.
The second flight of boats is checked off the list as the launch process continues.
The weigh-in and launch are conveniently located at Guntersville Harbor.
The weigh-in and launch are conveniently located at Guntersville Harbor.
Nineteen states are represented in the regional tournament, from Minnesota to Alabama and Texas to Tennessee.
Nineteen states are represented in the regional tournament, from Minnesota to Alabama and Texas to Tennessee.
Family, friends and officers from the B.A.S.S. Nation states travel with the teams.
Family, friends and officers from the B.A.S.S. Nation states travel with the teams.
Hank Weldon is the last stop on the safety check. From there it’s off to the lake.
Hank Weldon is the last stop on the safety check. From there it’s off to the lake.
Commuting goes both ways as motorists travel to work and boaters go fishing.
Commuting goes both ways as motorists travel to work and boaters go fishing.