Official Start of 2015 Bassmaster Classic Pushed Back to 8:30am Due to Safety Issues

Extreme Cold Foils Start.
By Luigi De Rose

Considering the frigid temps and wind chill, B.A.S.S. has pushed back the official start time of tomorrow's blast off at the 2015 Basssmaster Classic. Originally scheduled for 7 a.m, the new time will be approximately 8:30 a.m..  Greenville, South Carolina's temperatures are incredibly bitter. Overnight, temps are expected to be -15C (5F) dipping to -22C (-5F) with the wind making the first day's fishing dreadful. Safety will be a key concern especially at the ramp. A frozen ramp can doom the launch and it won't be quickly resolved with a few bags of sand or salt. Expect the weather to be a mental and physical hurl for all the anglers.

B.A.S.S. released the following statement regarding the decision:
In consultation with public safety officials in Anderson County, S.C., B.A.S.S. has decided to delay the start of the first round of competition in the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro Friday.
All activities at Green Pond Event Facility, including boat launching, will be delayed until after daylight, approximately 7 a.m., which will delay the take-off until approximately 8:30 a.m. The change is being made with the recommendation of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Emergency Services Division because the extremely low temperatures forecast for Friday morning may make surfaces at the landing icy.
The decision is being made in the interest of safety for all concerned, including the anglers, fans, staff and others. B.A.S.S. praises local officials for taking extra precautions to deal with any icy conditions at Green Pond Event Facility, especially in the area of the launch ramp.
Start and check-in times will be adjusted slightly to ensure that all anglers have equal competition time. Scheduled times for the weigh-ins and the Expo will not be affected. The delay only applies to Friday's competition.