LAS VEGAS--John Kerr of Ramona, Calif.took the opening day lead in the 2005 U.S. Open with the only double-digit sack of black bass taken at Lake Mead. His 5 fish weighed 10.35 pounds, taken under windless skies and temperatures in the mid 90's.
Kerr, winner of the event in 2003, topped his catch with a bass weighing just 2.78 pounds.
Tim Klinger of Boulder City, Nevada held second place with 9.92 pounds, while Californian Stan Vanderburg of Chatsworth held the third spot with 9.86 pounds.
Rounding out the top five spots were Jamie Cyphers of Cedar City, Utah, while Scott Mascadri of Sacramento, California posted 9.69 pounds in fifth place.
Barely 3 pounds separated second place from 60th, and forecasted cloud and winds on Tuesday could see a major shake-up in the standings.
Among the top touring pros in the country, Aaron Martens of Leeds, Ala. is in 12th place with 9.01 pounds, while John Murray of Phoenix was in a 20th place tie with 8.44 pounds.
Three-time U.S. Open winner Mike Folkestad of Yorba Linda, Calif. held 49th place with 7.41 pounds while Rick Clunn, voted ESPN's Greatest Angler, held 51st place with 7.34 pounds.
Leading the imbedded tournament, the WON Bass Western Classic year-end championship was Mascadri, just ahead of Murph McBride of Pinoche, Nevada who had 9.53 pounds.
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