Day One launch on Green Bay

The Elite Series boats are lined up and heading out on the big, open water on the first day of the Green Bay Challenge at Lake Michigan.

Posted on
<p> Elite Series pro Jeff Kriet uses his trolling motor to cruise toward the pier to pick up his Marshal at the Day One Launch of the Green Bay Challenge.</p>
Elite Series pro Jeff Kriet uses his trolling motor to cruise toward the pier to pick up his Marshal at the Day One Launch of the Green Bay Challenge.
<p> Ohio pro Charlie Hartley is known as a smallmouth guru, so he should feel comfortable on Lake Michigan.</p>
Ohio pro Charlie Hartley is known as a smallmouth guru, so he should feel comfortable on Lake Michigan.
<p> Brandon Palaniuk cleans his electronic screens, an important tool when graphing smallmouth.</p>
Brandon Palaniuk cleans his electronic screens, an important tool when graphing smallmouth.
<p> Elite anglers banter in the early morning on the decks of their boats, waiting for take-off.</p>
Elite anglers banter in the early morning on the decks of their boats, waiting for take-off.
It’s a packed house as the boats begin to stack up for Day One of the Green Bay Challenge.
It’s a packed house as the boats begin to stack up for Day One of the Green Bay Challenge.
<p> Scott Rook idles beside the boat check dock and makes his way toward open water.</p>
Scott Rook idles beside the boat check dock and makes his way toward open water.
<p> Tournament Director Trip Weldon heads down the pier to oversee the take-off.</p>
Tournament Director Trip Weldon heads down the pier to oversee the take-off.
<p> Terry “Big Show” Scroggins makes his way through a parade of boats while he positions for take-off.</p>
Terry “Big Show” Scroggins makes his way through a parade of boats while he positions for take-off.
<p> Kelly Jordon drinks his usual cup of coffee on the dock.</p>
Kelly Jordon drinks his usual cup of coffee on the dock.
<p> Calm waters greet the anglers at the start of the first day on Lake Michigan.</p>
Calm waters greet the anglers at the start of the first day on Lake Michigan.
<p> Kenyon Hill and Chris Lane are all smiles as they exchange friendly conversation.</p>
Kenyon Hill and Chris Lane are all smiles as they exchange friendly conversation.
<p> The entire field is launched, spectators are piling in, and Green Bay has turned into a great host for an Elite event.</p>
The entire field is launched, spectators are piling in, and Green Bay has turned into a great host for an Elite event.
<p> A young boy hoists the flag as the national anthem is played.</p>
A young boy hoists the flag as the national anthem is played.
<p> A bird’s eye view of Brandon Palaniuk going through boat check on Day One.</p>
A bird’s eye view of Brandon Palaniuk going through boat check on Day One.
<p> Green Bay native Travis Manson is a local favorite and hopes to put on a show.</p>
Green Bay native Travis Manson is a local favorite and hopes to put on a show.
<p> Current Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year points leader Brent Chapman motors pass the dock.</p>
Current Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year points leader Brent Chapman motors pass the dock.
<p> Boats are lined up and heading out on the big open water on the first day of the Green Bay Challenge at Lake Michigan.</p>
Boats are lined up and heading out on the big open water on the first day of the Green Bay Challenge at Lake Michigan.
<p> The bridge makes a beautiful backdrop while the Elite pros fill the river channel.</p>
The bridge makes a beautiful backdrop while the Elite pros fill the river channel.