LAS VEGAS—Leading a field that included 11 former champions, Shaun Bailey of Lake Havasu City, Ariz. took the lead Monday in the 26th WON Bass U.S. Open bass tournament with a first day catch of 11.20 pounds.
As predicted, tough conditions on Lake Mead prevailed and mid-day temperatures ranged from 102 to 107 degrees, but Bailey reported, “We had an awesome time. I did the same thing as in practice.” His catch also included the biggest fish of the day, a 3.23-pound largemouth.
The 2003 Open champion, John Kerr of Ramona, Calif. held down second spot with five bass weighing 9.92 pounds, saying, “They all came early.”
In third place was Gary Dobyns of Yuba City, Calif. who finished the first of three days with 9.05 pounds. “I did much better in practice,” he said. “It was a scratch, scratch deal.”
Justin Kerr of Simi Valley, Calif. weighed in 8.89 pounds, good for fourth place, while Bori Antolos of Torrance, Calif. earned fifth place on the day with 8.75 pounds.
Rounding out the top 10 spots in the pro division were in sixth place, Robert Lee of Angels Camp, Calif. with 8.58 pounds; in seventh place was Scott Nielsen, the 2006 Open champion with 8.49 pounds; in eighth place was Gerald Loughran of Glendale, Ariz. with 8.46 pounds; in ninth place was Johnny Parks of Aztec, New Mexico with 8.41 pounds and in 10th place was Johnny Montealegre of South Gate, Calif. with 8.08 pounds.
The top pro prize in the U.S. is $150,000 including a fully rigged Nitro Z9 bass boat, Mercury 250 Pro XS outboard, Ford F150 pick-up and $70,000 in cash.
A complete list of standings should appear at www.WON BASS.com.
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