Las Vegas, Nev. – September 9, 2013 - When the opening round of the 2013
Nitro Boats / Mercury U.S. Open commenced at Callville Bay Marina on Lake Mead,
the skies were calm. However, as with
any fishing tournament, there was some excitement brewing.
While the weather remained calm throughout the day, the fishing
was reportedly tough for much of the field.
However, someone is always bound to figure out the pieces to the puzzle
to stand ahead of the pack. Today was no
different, as Todd Herman, a second time U.S. Open pro, took a strong position
atop the leaderboard with 13.22 pounds that included the second largest bass of
the day on the pro side.
Standing only a pound and a half behind Herman is young Peoria,
Ariz. pro Michael Caruso, who proved his ability to produce big bites on Lake
Mead in last year's event; and did so once again today with a 5.08 pounder that
was the biggest bass of the day on both sides of the field. his big fish anchored an 11.77-pound limit
that puts him in good position to contend for the win.
Looming closely in third place is past U.S. Open Champion Gary
Dobyns of Yuba City, Calif. who proved why he is one of the best professional
anglers in the business with a solid 11.36-pound limit of bass that included a
pair of solid kickers; one a 2.52 pounder caught by Dobyns, and a 3.79 produced
by his AAA partner Michael Bidak.
Herman said that he has found one particular pattern that was able
to produce for him in a variety of locations.
"I caught all of my fish on one lure in four different areas
today," the Gilbert, Ariz. pro said.
"I was the last boat out today, so when I got to what I had hoped
would be my starting spot, there were several boats there, so I went to my
backup plan, and had it all to myself."
Herman also said that he has been on the same pattern for the past
eight days during practice, and as a result, he feels comfortable; as
comfortable as he can be. "I feel
like I can catch fish in clean water, or behind other boats with what I'm
doing," he said. "So, I feel
like I can do well tomorrow; especially being the first boat out, but we'll
just have to see what happens from here."
Caruso said that today was a grind, but he was able to use the
same lure he used to catch one of the biggest event at last year's event, to
catch his big one today. "I really
had a difficult day today; it wasn't a good day for me," he said. "I covered a lot of water, burned 31 gallons
of fuel, scraped up some keepers and managed to get the one big bite. Hopefully I can put things together tomorrow,
and this lake really allows you to do many different things, we'll just have to
see what happens."
Dobyns said that he had to adjust from what he was doing in
practice. "I had two good days, and
two horrible days, and then the bite changed today again," he said. "I really picked up baits that I really
like to fish and junk fished my way to a good limit today; it's nice to be in a
position to make a run at this event again."
Mike Hyland, a AAA form Lompoc, Calif. was paired with Herman for
the day, and took the day one lead on the AAA side with 13.22 pounds. Second place on the AAA side is Robert
Jeannotte with 11.77, and Bidak is third with 11.36 pounds. The big bass for the day on the AAA side was
caught by Kevin Gross of Claremont, Calif.
his 4.46 punder earned him big bass money on the first day of the event.
Complete Standings are below.
The WON Bass Nitro Boats / Mercury U.S. Open takeoff will continue
tomorrow at Callville Bay Marina on Monday, beginning at 5:45AM, with weigh-in
starting at 2:00PM. Following the
event's conclusion on Wednesday, a champion will be crowned at Boulder Station
Casino the final evening of the event.
The WON Bass Nitro Boats / Mercury Marine U.S. Open See What's Out There Live Webcasts presented
by Costa Sunglasses will begin with a pregame show from the Boulder Station
Casino after the Sponsor Showcase and mandatory partner pairing meeting; the live
pregame show will begin Sunday Night at 5:30PM.
Daily event coverage will begin following tournament take off with
hourly updates at 8:00AM, 9:00AM, 10:00AM and 11:00AM each day, followed by
weigh-in coverage beginning at 2:00PM and finally a 6:30PM post game show; all
show times are Pacific Standard Time. .
The WON Bass Nitro Boats / Mercury Marine U.S. Open presented by
Costa Sunglasses Webcasts can be accessed by visiting www.wonbass.com, or
directly at the event page of the 2013 The WON Bass Nitro Boats / Mercury
Marine U.S. Open See What's Out There page presented by Costa Sunglasses
The WON Bass Nitro Boats / Mercury Marine U.S. Open Live Webcast is presented by Costa Sunglasses, the event is also brought to you by Nitro Boats, Mercury Outboards, Costa Sunglasses, Bass Pro Shops, Adoption Awareness, Big Hammer, Bridgford Foods, Cousins Tackle, Daiwa, Frog Toggs, Fuji, Global Fish Mounts, Lobina Lures, Lowrance, Mustang Survival, Optimum Baits, Plano Molding, Pro Boats, Pro Mar, Seaguar, Snug Top, SPRO, St.Croix Rods, Star Tron, YoZuri and Zip Baits
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