USAC Announces Bass West Open

Bill Hutcheson · Post by **Bill Hutcheson** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 6:42 am

Brentwood, CA - U.S. Anglers Choice, the dominant weekend Pro-Am angler circuit in the West is pleased to announce the Bass West USA Open to be held at Clear Lake this coming August 6-8th, 2010.

â€œThe Western United States has long been lacking a stand alone event that will draw not only big name local anglers, but national level anglers to the Westâ€

Jim V. · Post by **Jim V.** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 6:53 am

Where is the sign up info on your website

I couldn't find it & it is not listed on your calendar.

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:08 am

Here is download-able entry form for the event:

http://www.westernbass.com/shared/news/ ... RYFORM.pdf

sTony

Mitch · Post by **Mitch** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:23 am

Hmmmm, kinda steep on the entry, IMHO

Robert F · Post by **Robert F** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:28 am

Why on top of the Forrest Wood Cup? Gonna be a lot of Western sticks ( and me) busy that week. At least 40 western guys will be back east.
Yeah, yeah, too many tournaments and too few dates. Just can't imagine there was not another date to accomodate the top fishermen (and me). I would fish this as a boater and probably bring my kid, probably his buddy too if it was not on top of the Cup. Not trying to start a whine session but it is what it is.

S. Bailey · Post by **S. Bailey** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:31 am

super steep entry fee... hmmmm. I figured for 30 k the entry would be way less... oh well.

N.A.R · Post by **N.A.R** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 8:04 am

The amateur payback is right in line.....
Good job

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 8:13 am

Robert F wrote:Why on top of the Forrest Wood Cup? Gonna be a lot of Western sticks ( and me) busy that week. At least 40 western guys will be back east.
Yeah, yeah, too many tournaments and too few dates. Just can't imagine there was not another date to accomodate the top fishermen (and me). I would fish this as a boater and probably bring my kid, probably his buddy too if it was not on top of the Cup. Not trying to start a whine session but it is what it is.

Keep the comments coming. Especially if you're a person that would fish an event like this on either end of the boat. It's not a one shot deal but will be on-going annual tournament and I'm sure the guys running it would love to hear any and all comments that would help them groom the event for next year as well.

sTony

Robert F · Post by **Robert F** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 8:43 am

sTony wrote:
Robert F wrote:Why on top of the Forrest Wood Cup? Gonna be a lot of Western sticks ( and me) busy that week. At least 40 western guys will be back east.
Yeah, yeah, too many tournaments and too few dates. Just can't imagine there was not another date to accomodate the top fishermen (and me). I would fish this as a boater and probably bring my kid, probably his buddy too if it was not on top of the Cup. Not trying to start a whine session but it is what it is.
Keep the comments coming. Especially if you're a person that would fish an event like this on either end of the boat. It's not a one shot deal but will be on-going annual tournament and I'm sure the guys running it would love to hear any and all comments that would help them groom the event for next year as well.

sTony

I would love an excuse to fish Clear Lake. Those fish are meaner than the people that live near there.

Bill Hutcheson · Post by **Bill Hutcheson** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 8:49 am

Robert,

We do recognize the date conflict and quite frankly, it was my fault as I wrote down competing circuit dates earlier in the year and at that time, Lanier was simply listed as an event stop.

I am working fevorishly on an alternate date and will announce that likely tomorrow.

Additionally, for those who may think the entry is step, please take this into consideration. THIS IS BASED ON A 100 BOAT FIELD. We could certainly inflate the numbers, but no circuit is hitting 150 boats any longer, so we are trying to be realistic here. Likewise, you are not paying into an option pool for the big bass money - that is included in your entry fee.

We have already taken calls from pro's who are looking to sign up, so there is a high level of interest here. I hope to see you all at Clear Lake for this event - you too Robert!

flipit · Post by **flipit** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 9:03 am

Mitch wrote:Hmmmm, kinda steep on the entry, IMHO

The payout fits the entry. At first thought it seems to me that it is a better payback then the FLW is doing.

Robert F · Post by **Robert F** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 9:11 am

Bill Hutcheson wrote:We have already taken calls from pro's who are looking to sign up, so there is a high level of interest here. I hope to see you all at Clear Lake for this event - you too Robert!

That would be awesome Bill. I do like fishing your events. I am sure there will be a parade of boats rolling over the Grapevine to fish a big event up there.

Gary Dobyns · Post by **Gary Dobyns** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 2:47 pm

No matter what date in today's world there will be a conflict of some kind. Fishing will be awesome. This is the first year of an annual event. There are far bigger plans next year. Many of you guys been bitc*ing, wanting the US Open moved to Clear Lake, and now bitc* anyway with a similar event and cheaper entry than the Open has had in MANY years. Why are there so many negitive people in the sport anymore. How about some positve comments. Why all the doom and gloom? Fishing will be awesome and so is the payback. You want to catch some Clear Lake bass, have a great time, trash talk the hell out of your buddies, win some money.......... Here is a great chance. Clear Lake can be won, by anyone, anytime.

Jon Bradford · Post by **Jon Bradford** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 2:58 pm

This is awesome, I will be there fishing as a non-boater!! And by no means of complaining or anything but it would have been cool to see this be a non-shared weight tournament, fishing out of the back I would rather rely on my own skills for 3 days not 3 good draws, considering the higher entry fees! Maybe something to think about for next year...!? Cant wait to see you all there!!

Marty · Post by **Marty** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 2:58 pm

NO doom and gloom here but a constructive comments!
Donâ€™t mind the $500 for the back seat but does it have to be a shared weight â€“ that is a lot of money to fish against the Pro up front. I would rather just fish against the other COâ€™s. When it gets to be $500 for the back seat it is not a learning experience anymore.

Gary Dobyns · Post by **Gary Dobyns** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 3:21 pm

Marty you make some good points but also look at what it would cost you to spend a day in the boat with a Pro. Most guides charge $375 and up. There is always the learning factor in these events fishing as a co. There are tons of arguements here but I am just trying to make a point that is often over looked. FLW is $700 for co's and there are always many trying to get in. How much would guys pay to see Randy McAbee on a crank bite?

Let's not get of target here. This is an event that has been asked for, for a long time.

TAP25 · Post by **TAP25** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 4:33 pm

You can count me in Bill. Sounds like a fun time and good payback. Just what I been waiting for.

Tony Peterson

Armando Luzuriaga · Post by **Armando Luzuriaga** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 5:16 pm

Count me in Bill. See you there BDO.
Armando Luzuriaga

PF3352 · Post by **PF3352** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 5:51 pm

Now that you mention it the last time I paid $700 to fish Clearlake I was paired with Randy and he was on a huge CB bite. Helped me cash a $7000 check..Im in...But in the front this time.

Paul Fontaine

bassrman · Post by **bassrman** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 5:59 pm

i'm in ! frick'n awsome !.........

CN · Post by CN » Thu Jun 10, 2010 6:24 pm

I like this any Pro want to sign up?

MIKE.NANCE@FERGUSON.COM

Schneider Fishing · Post by **Schneider Fishing** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 6:32 pm

Cool!!
The week(end) before I have to go back to work.

Rich reeser · Post by **Rich reeser** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:14 pm

Bill wrote: I am working fevorishly on an alternate date and will announce that likely tomorrow.

Need to know exact date. The soon the better so I can see if my work will allow the time off.
Aug.6-8 is this set in stone?

Fast 492 · Post by **Fast 492** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 8:08 pm

I think this will be a great event, I would also like to see non-shared weight and big fish paid out 2-pro, 2-Am and chunk for overall bigfish of the tourney instead of 5 biggest each day. I agree with Gary, I have heard many asking for a large event like this up North, well here it is, let's try and keep it here...... See you all there.

tALLkAN · Post by **tALLkAN** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 8:59 pm

Gary Dobyns wrote:Marty you make some good points but also look at what it would cost you to spend a day in the boat with a Pro. Most guides charge $375 and up.

I WOULD NEVER PAY MONEY TO HAVE ANOTHER MAN TEACH ME HOW TO CATCH FISH!

kb · Post by kb » Thu Jun 10, 2010 9:08 pm

then all you have to do is sign up on the pointy end of the boat and show everyone else........ I have paid lots of money in the past to have guys show me how to catch em! They show you, they weigh them in and leave with your money it is pretty simple.....

sounds like a great event!

kb

tALLkAN · Post by **tALLkAN** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 9:15 pm

im confused gary... how do you learn from the back seat? by watching somebody fish????? i dont think so. if your in the back of the boat, your going to fish whatever the pro wants to do and when he wants to do it. SAY if there is a slow pressure bite and "the pro" is runnin and gunnin.. what do you do????? learn to run and gun a drop shot? im sorry but the back seat sucks. unless you have "gary " so he can teach you while he cashes the check

tALLkAN · Post by **tALLkAN** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 9:47 pm

kb wrote: I have paid lots of money in the past to have guys show me how to catch em! They show you, they weigh them in and leave with your money

kb

KB. your not like me

JamesH · Post by **JamesH** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 10:59 pm

Tallkan,
If you don't think you can learn by fishing with someone who is better than you, well than I feel sorry for you. You keep learning at your own pace and the rest of us will continue to learn faster than you....
Hutch,
This is great news! Couple of weeks later would be even greater news! For me anyhow. That would allow me to finish this project I am running and enjoy what I am sure is going to be an awesome tourney!
I am really excited about this and plan to make time for it every year to come!

Thanks,

James Huffmon

John Barron · Post by **John Barron** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 4:01 am

Of all the dates you could have picked Bill this is one of the few I can actually make. I'm in if the date doesn't move too much.
jb

Steve Reed · Post by **Steve Reed** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 4:19 am

I like the concept. The payout for 100 boats is solid. FLW 2 grand for a chance at 50 so 25x entry even if there are 150 boats.

At 100 boats winning 20x the entry and you fish within a few hours of home. If promoted correctly this could be really big, nationally a lot of anglers want to fish clear lake so this sounds great.

The FLW Cup overlap will really hurt the numbers.

I really hope that you are able to get a lot of press for this event because the U.S. Open, at least in my opinion, is still one of the biggest and most well publicized event in the entire nation. Maybe a cover for the pro winner and a feature for the co-angler.

SPIKE · Post by **SPIKE** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 5:50 am

Lets see it comes to about 80% pay back?
Not a bad payday for A/C $10,000 a day to run a tournament?

lETS SEE FOR $1250 YOU CAN WIN $50,000.00 AT THE US OPEN.
DU ! GUESS WHICH IS THE BETTER?

stickbait · Post by **stickbait** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 7:04 am

SPIKE wrote:Lets see it comes to about 80% pay back?
Not a bad payday for A/C $10,000 a day to run a tournament?

Correction my friend... it is more than a 3 day tournamnet, looks to me like 5 days plus all the work done way before the events. Some forget that staff has to be there along with set up crew, they need to be paid, room and board, food, transportantion, fuel, advertizing that has to be paid for, permits, taxes to be paid .. ect ect ect... less my numbers are wrong they will make 20 grand .. less all costs..

After all the expences on their part I bet they make way less than any other retail company..

Let me ask you ... What is a fair amount for them to profit from for all their work..

You want these orgs to work for free.. ???

Let me give you a tip..

Till guys here on the west coast get off their asses, stop crying about dates, pay backs, directors... ect ect ect and fish these events and get the numbers up there and were major sponsors with big dollars take notice, it will alway be a struggle for both anglers and orgs to make big dollars..that everyone wants..

The USAC Bass West USA Open is a three-day, shared weight draw event that will take place at a prime time for topwater and reaction fishing on Clear Lake - August 6th, 7th, & 8th, 2010. Official pre-fish for this tournament will commence on Wednesday August 4th and run up to 3PM on Thursday, August 5th. The angler get together and tournament kick-off meeting will take place on Thursday evening, August 5th starting at 6:00 PM.

Robert F · Post by **Robert F** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 7:48 am

Though I do not agree with most of what stickbait says, there is a little bit of advice to follow in the post. The organizers have the right to make money after paying their expenses. I would certainly rather they find sponsors to provide that profit but that is whole different subject.

Do we OWE the orgs for putting these events on the water? No chance.

If the event fits your schedule and provides you a venue to have a good time with your kid, possibly for no cost, why not go? I suggested that A/C look at the date because they will lose a major portion of our western fishing contingency to a large event. Hopefully Bill can pull off a quick schedule change and accommodate a bunch of guys that would be willing to put up the money to fish. A large portion of the 40 plus guys going back east that week would fish as boaters in this event. A/C has to look at that as a concern. There are too few high level boaters to ignore 40 guys fishing back east on those dates.

I look at events like this and the US Open as jackpot events. You will not cover your expenses with anything but a top 5. Who cares? It is a one shot, once a year deal. If I win 30K that's enough for me. As far as what should an org "profit"?, not my problem. If they lose money, not my problem. If they make a ton, not my problem. Just hope I make a ton.

Let's get the date change done right away so people have time to plan and get this thing on the water. September would be a great month. If it has a problem with Roosevelt, let's go in October. Still great months to fish that lake.

stickbait · Post by **stickbait** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 9:07 am

Robert F wrote:Though I do not agree with most of what stickbait says, there is a little bit of advice to follow in the post. The organizers have the right to make money after paying their expenses. I would certainly rather they find sponsors to provide that profit but that is whole different subject.

Do we OWE the orgs for putting these events on the water? No chance.

If the event fits your schedule and provides you a venue to have a good time with your kid, possibly for no cost, why not go? I suggested that A/C look at the date because they will lose a major portion of our western fishing contingency to a large event. Hopefully Bill can pull off a quick schedule change and accommodate a bunch of guys that would be willing to put up the money to fish. A large portion of the 40 plus guys going back east that week would fish as boaters in this event. A/C has to look at that as a concern. There are too few high level boaters to ignore 40 guys fishing back east on those dates.

I look at events like this and the US Open as jackpot events. You will not cover your expenses with anything but a top 5. Who cares? It is a one shot, once a year deal. If I win 30K that's enough for me. As far as what should an org "profit"?, not my problem. If they lose money, not my problem. If they make a ton, not my problem. Just hope I make a ton.

Let's get the date change done right away so people have time to plan and get this thing on the water. September would be a great month. If it has a problem with Roosevelt, let's go in October. Still great months to fish that lake.

Sounds like you agree with we more than you think.. nice post..

But I did not say anything about us as anglers "owe" the orgs anything.. all I am saying is they have a right to make a profit and if ya don't like it .. either start your own orgs or get on your float tube and fish for small change..(not directed at you Robert) But till a large number of anglers here on the west coast step up and support these bigger events there will never be big dollars.

I see so many anglers.. good anglers ..cut themselfs short as they think they are not good enough to compete..

I know the owner is not doing this for his looks.. I have seen him.. he is not pretty..

bassmonkey · Post by **bassmonkey** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 9:24 am

Does the U.S Open offer a boat and 50K for first place? I would bet that in a couple years, we could have a bigger prize purse with sponsorship support out here and this could grow into the premier event to fish. There are alot of us that want to try to hit the home run. So the bigger the carrot, the more rabbits will show up. This could possibly be the revival of 200+ boat tournies here in the west. It would be cool if this event was sanctioned for bonus money from the usual companies such as Triton, Ranger, Toyota, and the likes. It won't help me but it might get more guys to show up and does not cost A/C anything. It is about time we have a big derby in our back yard. Good job guys.

Wally S. · Post by **Wally S.** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 11:04 am

Best time to fish this lake and the best format to fish it in. Been hoping for a tournament like this on Clear Lake for a long time.

I hope AC finds a way to make 20k/day profit. That way they'll be motivated to come back and have it again next year.

I'm in no matter what the date is.

This will be a blast even if I end up doing my usual "donor" finish.

See ya in August,

Wally

Andrew Jackson · Post by **Andrew Jackson** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 11:07 am

Great positive move in the right direction for a local large purse northern event. Quite a few similarities to the WON Bass US Open, which is a good thing. I am sure they will make improvements with the event as time goes on. I do have a question about the days and times of fishing. If read it correctly day one is an a.m. start then day two you start later in the day, say the afternoon, then the last day back to early morning. Is that correct? If so that is some funky right there.

kb · Post by kb » Fri Jun 11, 2010 11:50 am

Robert if WON Bass couldn't get a permit for October at Clear Lake what makes you think that AC will be able to get one. You can't just open your planner and say "yea that date would be good".

There are no permits available for Sept or Oct on Clear Lake....

kb

MP · Post by MP » Fri Jun 11, 2010 12:12 pm

tALLkAN wrote:im confused gary... how do you learn from the back seat? by watching somebody fish????? i dont think so. if your in the back of the boat, your going to fish whatever the pro wants to do and when he wants to do it. SAY if there is a slow pressure bite and "the pro" is runnin and gunnin.. what do you do????? learn to run and gun a drop shot? im sorry but the back seat sucks. unless you have "gary " so he can teach you while he cashes the check

That's part of the game if you don't want to step up to pay and fish from the front. If you draw someone like Gary or many others chances are you are going to learn some pretty valuable fishing techniques and strategies that you can take with you elsewhere. Treat them right and you also have a friend and contact to talk fishing with that is insanely knowledgeable.

Wanting to fish the co or Amateur side in your own boat isn't a bad idea either to express to tourneys. Ultimately depending on your goals that is something you would want to do most likely.

stickbait · Post by **stickbait** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 1:53 pm

tALLkAN wrote:im confused gary... how do you learn from the back seat? by watching somebody fish????? i dont think so. if your in the back of the boat, your going to fish whatever the pro wants to do and when he wants to do it. SAY if there is a slow pressure bite and "the pro" is runnin and gunnin.. what do you do????? learn to run and gun a drop shot? im sorry but the back seat sucks. unless you have "gary " so he can teach you while he cashes the check

Just a quick note..

Ya back seat can and at times suck... but you can't look at it like that in the pro ams

Fishing the pro am concept you kind of have to dance toghter and ajust to his style some. That's where the learning part comes in

Any good pro would take note on the soft bite you speak of and I am sure in most cases if you found the "soft" bite so has he,

Pro ams are a shared weight/team tournament and I for one have had a guy in the back of my boat wack fish for I am thankful and many times I have reajusted my game plan because of it.. it"s just what a good fishermen does to put fish in the box.

I will always listen to my partner, it is hard to catch someones fish but it is always good to have something that is back up..

If you spend 3 days on the water with these guys and don't learn more than you can in many trips by yourself, you got blinders on...I'm sorry to say !! Not to mention you might just make a friendship that will last a life time.. I know I have,,

Remeber if ya got a guy like Gary in the front of the boat and he is cashing a check... mostly you will be cashing one too !!

Gary Dobyns · Post by **Gary Dobyns** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 5:54 pm

[quote="tALLkAN"]im confused gary... how do you learn from the back seat? by watching somebody fish????? i dont think so. if your in the back of the boat, your going to fish whatever the pro wants to do and when he wants to do it. SAY if there is a slow pressure bite and "the pro" is runnin and gunnin.. what do you do????? learn to run and gun a drop shot? im sorry but the back seat sucks. unless you have "gary " so he can teach you while he cashes the check

[/quote]

I don't know if you're serious or not with this post, but it would amaze you at the guys that are rip fisherman and their learning came as my co partner. Also could be said of MANY patterns and techniques I'd shown guys. I also talk all day and am glad to answer any and all questions. NOW, I have also picked up tips from my co's during the day. Tom Shultz flat changed my approach in a tournament last year. It was awesome. I also got a hell of a tip from a guy in an audience where "I" was doing a seminar this year. I have been fishing tourneys for 28 years and I still learn from other anglers. Personally, I'd love to be in back of McAbee's boat. I know how he fishes, most of his places, and with what bait. The prick still beats me with it

I'd be happy to net though

daveerwin · Post by **daveerwin** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 6:49 pm

Absolutely outstanding news! I'll clear the calendar for this one!

kb · Post by kb » Fri Jun 11, 2010 7:09 pm

Hell let's make it a head to head draw and everyone's entry fee goes into one pot......I want McAbee on day 2.........I will go with Crutcher, Jimmy or Breazele on day one!!!!!

kb

stickbait · Post by **stickbait** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 7:24 pm

kb wrote:........ I have paid lots of money in the past to have guys show me how to catch em!
kb

And then when you finally do catch one.. ya fall out of the stinkin boat ...

kb · Post by kb » Fri Jun 11, 2010 8:02 pm

aren't you supposed to be catchin sharks or something?????

kb

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 8:10 pm

tALLkAN wrote:im confused gary... how do you learn from the back seat? by watching somebody fish????? i dont think so. if your in the back of the boat, your going to fish whatever the pro wants to do and when he wants to do it. SAY if there is a slow pressure bite and "the pro" is runnin and gunnin.. what do you do????? learn to run and gun a drop shot? im sorry but the back seat sucks. unless you have "gary " so he can teach you while he cashes the check

Sad, myopic view. I feel sorry for you. There are plenty of opportunities to learn from the back deck, especially in shared-weight format events.

Time management, putting together a game plan, on-the-water adjustments, precision techniques, prefish observations, and at times boating skills (or lack thereof) are all very apparent the more time you spend in the back.

I've learned a ton being on the back deck, and had a blast while doing so, at events such as WON BASS, US Open, etc.

There is only nothing to learn for a closed mind.

Roger

stickbait · Post by **stickbait** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 8:26 pm

kb wrote:aren't you supposed to be catchin sharks or something?????

kb

Har Har har....Ya something.....got this one last weekend

roaroar · Post by **roaroar** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 9:21 am

I have fished PRO/AMs now for two years. I fished the NBW as a pro this year. Everytime I go out there is more to learn. Either when by myself or being in the front or back of the boat.
I agree you may or may not be always learning about hooking fish but as one pointed out time management, working with others, how someone likes there boat loaded, arranging tackle and such.
Example: I used my experances as an AM was to test out boats before buying one. And the only reason I have the boat that I have was talking with and spending time with pros in their boat.
(Skeeter)
There are some guys you may draw that you just don't click but you still learn from them. Then there are the guys that will go out of their way to share their abilties.

As with anything you do in life, you chose to make it a posistive or a negative experance. Lets hope that the very few anglers on Westernbass that seem to always have negative comments about the little things will not discourge those who are just starting out in this sport. I know when I frist started tourn. fishing, reading the negative comments made me think hard if this was something I wanted to do.

Gary Dobyns · Post by **Gary Dobyns** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 9:51 am

[quote="roaroar"]

As with anything you do in life, you chose to make it a posistive or a negative experance. Lets hope that the very few anglers on Westernbass that seem to always have negative comments about the little things will not discourge those who are just starting out in this sport. I know when I frist started tourn. fishing, reading the negative comments made me think hard if this was something I wanted to do.[/quote]

This is one of the best quotes I've seen in a while and SO TRUE! THANKS for it.

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