Won Bass US OPEN

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 12:31 am

I just saw a flyer for the 2007 US OPEN and I noticed the pro entry fee was raised by 400$ the non boater entry was raised by $150.

I noticed the prize money for 1st was bumped up by 10K and 2500$ for the pro and AAA sides.

I also noticed all the big fish money was slashed as well as the big sack money was cut from 2500$ to each of the pro and the aaa to $1500 each.

All the extra money from entries and the only boost in prize money is $12500?

Not to include all the money that was slashed becuase of the big fish money as well as the big limit money being slashed.

Doesn't sound like a good deal these days!

Bill Hutcheson · Post by **Bill Hutcheson** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 7:56 am

Kevin,

I am afraid that your analysis is slightly off. From my perspective, one would actually have to fish the U.S. Open to know if it is a good deal or not.

For starters, the first place prize on the pro side was raised by $20K, not $2,500. The U.S. Open will now have the largerst payback in the west of any event at $150,000 for first place. Additionally, paybacks have been raised all the way down the line. Total Pro payback last year was $191,750. This year it will be up to $265,000.

On the AAA side, the top prize was raised by $2,500 - a 25% increase with other increases all the way down the line. Last year's AAA payback was $41,650. This year it will be $63,750

Additionally, we are now paying back to 35th place instead of 30th place.

Yes, we did pull back some of the cash from the daily big fish payback. However, we put this back into the pot in the form of a $16,000 4x4 deisel TYM tractor that will be given away to the top big fish caught at the event. No net loss here either.

This does not even take into consideration the phenomenal sponsors row put on each year by our various sponsors or the Ranger Boats sponsored dinner, or the thousands of dollars in raffle prizes that are given away during the partner pairings. Look for additional things we are working on for the anglers this year to be announced as the event draws closer.

If the U.S Open does not sound like a good deal Kevin, then how come we draw more of your friends from that side of the pond to the Open than any other US event?

I will be more than happy to address any questions anyone has regarding this year's bigger and better U.S. Open. I may be reached at (949) 366-0030 ext 29. U.S. Open entry forms are available on line at www.wonbass.com

Bill Hutcheson
WON BASS Tournamant Director

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:11 am

Well, yeah, the price went up, but so did the paychecks. Regardless, last year was my first and it was phenomenal. As Bill knows, my entry is already in. In fact, my wife and I talked about it before we came home last year and agreed it was on the schedule, and I booked reservations for the campsite as soon as I got home.

I do know that the cost is making several guys I know give harder consideration this year, so it will be interesting to see the final draw. However, I'm certain that it will be another spectacular success. I myself can hardly wait.

Roger

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:50 pm

750.00 bucks??? Holy crap batman. I will have spent 1800.00 (North and South) just in entry fees and options this year alone. Not including lodging, gas, food and baits. I'll have to mow some more lawns if I'm going to make this one.

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 5:16 pm

Hey Hollywood, why dont you pony-up and fish the Open? All that Japanese fishing experience you have gotten over the years on those overcrowded lakes should make you a shoe-in. Bring it on. Rick G.

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:29 pm

Ah Rick G, I was planning on fishing it, it is actually on my yearly schedule then I saw a flyer someone recieved the other day and saw the raise in entry and drop in payback compared to all the extra entry money collected from entries but obviously the flyer I read was completely different than what hutch posted on here.

As for the over crowded lakes, I stay off them little ponds!

Nlvbassin · Post by **Nlvbassin** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 6:11 am

I'm sure glad WON was giving away a boat for big bass when I won it, I wouldn't know where to mount a trolling motor on a tractor!! LOL !!!!
Randall

hippie · Post by **hippie** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:18 am

Hollywood your not the only one raising a brow. I sure could use a tractor for my 8000 sqare foot lot.

Dewayne · Post by **Dewayne** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:46 am

on that tractor.

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:28 pm

Dewayne I don't think you will have to worry about topping them california speed limits of 55! At least a safe ride home!

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:13 am

I think I'm done with Mead, dont need to ever go back. With that, I will enjoy walking when I'm older without lower back problems. I was just happy that my Pro on day 2 had a Champion

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:15 pm

What boat did the day 1 partner have? mead sure can be tough on ones lower back!

I wonder how hard it will be to sell the tractor if one wins it..... Or I guess you can just use it to dig shat up.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:39 pm

Kevin,

First days Pro had Ranger Z21. Second day had a 21 foot Champion. The Champ was much much smoother in the 3 footers. Thats all I'm saying

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:48 pm

I rode in a 206 with a 240hp yamaha this past weekend, Very nice ride especially in them big waves we had. I think the legend I have been running rides just as nice in the big stuff but is much faster.

So you decide what boat your going to buy now? ha ha

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:56 pm

Kyle · Post by **Kyle** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:09 pm

hahaha brain. seriously. champs hauls a$$ in the rough stuff. as do the rangers if you have someone who knows how to drive.

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:40 pm

your right, its all about the driver but then again having a boat that is designed to handel the rough stuff sure doesnt hurt! Anyone can drive but not everyone can drive a boat in the big waves!

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 8:12 pm

Hey Brian, the bass love it too when Ray L goes to lake Mead because they never seem to meet up with each other.

Guy Williams

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 8:22 pm

OH OUCH!!!!!! Hey Ray are you going to take that from Guy??

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:17 pm

Wow, Lance... not sure who you drew, but the Z-boat is the smoothest out there. My first-day pro had a Z21 also, and while we took on the 4-5 footers coming back on day 1 I had no complaints about soreness... I got soaked, but that was just because the wind and swell was coming from the west, and I just happened to be sitting on that side!

My second-day pro was good, but the 3-4 footers out of Callville at launch really kicked my butt, as he had a Procraft that wasn't nearly as padded or smooth as the Z-boat. My back is still a little sore, but such is the life. At least it laid down yesterday, and never really kicked back up.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:22 pm

Smoothest my skinny butt

There is NO WAY the Z is the smoothest in rough water, Ive been in plenty of Z21 and Z20's. Champion, now thats a smooth boat in rough water

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:30 pm

Easy Lance, Roger is putting all of his 6 months or what ever of fishing into his comments about the smoothest riding boat on the market for big water. I'm sure it's rock solid. People with little knowledge have the biggest opinions, always!
Guy Williams

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:53 pm

Nice... not sure who tweaked your panties tonight, Guy, but I've got a little more than 6-months experience and have been on my share of boats, to have formed my opinion. It was solid enough for me to buy one, anyway. To each their own.

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:54 pm

we all know ranger was never out building boats made to be smooth in rough water, but they sure wont sink!

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:16 pm

Funny, but the majority of the field in last year's Open, as well as the Mead Pro/Am, were running Ranger Z-boats. Given the cost, I wonder why that is?

I haven't had a chance to ride in a Champion, so I'll reserve my judgement until then. But I HAVE been in Z-boats in the big water at Mead and have not been disappointed. I can't say that for the other brands that I've ridden in, but I can say that I've wished hard that each of my draws were running Z's, but maybe that's just me?

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:55 pm

Don't let the # of Rangers fool you. The Z Boat is by far the sexiest but the Champ runs the water WAY smoother. Hands down!

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:33 am

One of these days, you should have Rick, Kyle, or Will take you out in the Champ Roger. They ride unbelievably smooth. You don't get the pounding you'll get with other boats.

I still run a Z20 and would buy another. As for you Lance, you will never convince me that the 520 is a much better riding boat. Especially since I owned one for 4 years.

I don't necessarily like the design and look of the Champ, but they are driving machines. Fishing in Kyle's 198 has really opened my eyes with the Champion. It's the first Champ I've fished in that I honestly think I would buy and I've been in over 30 Champs.

You really see the benefit of the Champ in the snotty, 2-3 foot choppy swell. While the Rangers and everyone else have to start driving the boats to maintain the kind of speed you need in a tournament, the Champ will hauls a$$ right through it without having to work your arms out driving. Ultimately though, in 4 and 5 foot swells, everyone is getting their a$$es handed to them, including the Champ.

Jeff Augustyn · Post by **Jeff Augustyn** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:46 am

Gotta go with Brian on this one. I drove a Champ for 2 years & then got into a Z -21. I really like the Z boat & I too will buy another. But anytime I'm on big rough water....I miss my Champion! The Ranger out does the Champ in many other areas, but as far as the smoothest riding boat....Champion is it....

Kyle · Post by **Kyle** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:48 am

exactly brian.

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 10:30 am

Cool - thanks for the input Brian. I know you've ridden/driven both, so that gives context. I'm not saying that the Z-boat is the best in big water, or overall for that matter, but it isn't bad under those conditions and, like you said, everyone is going to get their butts kicked when it gets bad, regardless of what platform your in.

This isn't a Ranger vs. Champion debate, or any other comparision, but I've been in several brands of boats now on Mead during trying conditions and found that the Rangers (and Aaron's Triton) seemed to make the best of it for me, so far. I've got a bad back, so I really feel it when we're taking a pounding.

I'd love to go out with Rick or Kyle and see a Champ in action... I'll see about making arrangements some time.

Roger

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:08 pm

I agree with Brian with everything exept the part about him being a sexy beast

I remember last year comming out of the narrows heading towards Callville, a Champ passed us going at least 20 mph faster in 3 to 4 foot chop. I remeber thinking to myself as I looked at the non-boater, that guy looks calm. I felt like a pop corn kernel being bounced around in a hot skillet all the while getting the instant messege from the "jewels" that they didnt like what was going on

Roger, take a ride in Kyle's Champ in some 2-4 footers, you'll seeeeee......nuff said

Rob Cummings · Post by **Rob Cummings** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:15 pm

Lance,

Quit dodgin the bullet, is there a new boat in your near future?

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:18 pm

Yes, around August of this year. Two options..... a Ranger 520 or a Triton 20X2. Im leaning more towards the 520 because Brian Linehan hasent convinced me that I can get any more chicks with a Z boat

Rob Cummings · Post by **Rob Cummings** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:34 pm

Well that's cool! Too many jokes I can't make up my mind right now so I'll leave it alone for now

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:35 pm

What, what tell me

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:51 pm

Well Roger, you fell in to the most cost the better the boat is thing. It's like someone saying that a ford is better than chevy but they never been in a chevy before. What a joke you are for that statement! I'll call anyone out for some bull crap statement like that. I don't really care if you think that a Z runs better in the rough water but if you never been in a champion, how would you know? Great job on the research on that one, geez man give me a break!
Guy Williams

MN · Post by MN » Thu Apr 19, 2007 12:37 pm

I'll take my rough riding slow poke over priced Ranger anyday.

DeltaBound · Post by **DeltaBound** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 1:16 pm

Champions and Rangers ride very well. I own a Champ but I wouldn't turn down a Ranger either, except they cost more but hey if you got the bucks......

William Pointing · Post by **William Pointing** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 2:04 pm

If you want a great riding boat and fishes great get a Nitro.

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 7:54 pm

One thing that is great about a nitro at mead is on the way home after the tourney you get better gas mileage because of all the lost parts = less weight. Nothing that duct tape can't fix, right Bill.
Guy Williams

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 8:06 pm

DOOOHHH

William Pointing · Post by **William Pointing** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 6:30 am

You guys WISH!!! Nitro is a bad %ss boat!!!

19X · Post by **19X** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:01 am

Guy, your bein a little hard on old Roger there, you need to lighten up dude, anyone that has met Roger knows what a nice guy he is and i just don't like to see that kinda bashin goin on... I drive a triton by the way and it's a real nice boat.... Am i a joke for sayin that????

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 8:57 am

Dave (19X),

Ever since I saw Roger threaten one of Luxor's Pit Bosses (280 lber) because the requested shot of 180 proof alcohol wasent to the Black Jack table fast enough, I dont mess with Roger. You should have see Rogers eyes, they rolled over and turned death black. His wife said "thats a sign that he's mad, lets move away now" Lifes to short, I got outa there.

Nlvbassin · Post by **Nlvbassin** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 10:45 am

Just think in a few more years we can argue whos TRACTOR is better, faster, more expensive, ect...............

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 9:00 pm

Hey 19X, the joke is you trying to tell me what to do! Don't be mad because I called out Roger for comments that everyone had to read that had no merrit. I don't care what you drive, just don't say one is better than the other without being in the other.
Guy Williams

hippie · Post by **hippie** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 12:04 pm

Ive been in a triton and they suck. so does the champ damn mike back hurts everytime i fish in one fishing leaning up hill sucks. Nitro well we all no thay fall apart and the z boat looks bad a$$. and the skeeter you hear them a mile away we don't even need to comment on the weak skeeter

Pete Marino · Post by **Pete Marino** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 12:53 pm

You pulled me into this conversation.
Who cares what a Skeeter sounds like from a mile away. My Skeeter is the best fishing platform out there HANDS DOWN. AND yes even when the water is rolling. Especially then!! Champions, Tritons and Rangers, Nitros, and Bullets rock and roll so bad that often its tough to keep your balance when standing on the front deck when the water is choppy. NOT THE SKEETER. AND I will SMOKE any same size boat out there with the same size motor. The only rig out there that I cant catch AND PASS is the larger Skeeter with the 250 Yamaha. (Steve Davies boat) Dudes boat is a missle!! The heavy Ranger or Champion are no match for my Skeeter even when they have bigger motors...period period period!!!
NOW that being said........Champion is HANDS DOWN the BEST riding boat in rough water BY FAR.
My skeeter is a little rough in the BIG water but not any worse than some of the other brands I've been in other then the Champion.
YES I've been in all of the boats I've mentioned. Heres my quick overview....

Champion- Best Boat in rough water, not the most stable boat to fish from in rough water, and not the fastest boat on the water, very durable, a bit pricey.

Triton- Very rough ride in rough water, not a stable fishing platform, but a very fast boat in calm water.

BassCat- fast boat, nice stable fishing platform (not as stable as the Skeeter) but loves to tail walk when even a slight roll is on the water. Not alot of dealers locally.

Ranger- Not a great fishing platform, good speed, and NOT the smoothest ride in rough water....(Carissa's back is still jacked up from a ride in a Ranger a couple years ago.) VERY EXPENSIVE!!

Skeeter- very fast boat, the most stable fishing platform, NOT the smoothest in rough water compared to the Champion. Affordable..

Nitro- Not very fast, not very stable, and no good in rough water......But is one of the least expensive rigs out there for your money..very affordable but not very durable either.

Bullets- Very Fast boat, the WORST in rough water and the least stable fishing platform.. I'd never buy one!!

I've never been in a legend or a Stratus. But just by things I've heard...the Legend compares to the Champion and the Stratus compares to the Nitro.

For the record..I've ridden in Champions, Rangers, BassCats Skeeters, Nitros, Bullets and Tritons.

Thinking about the big Picture, durability, handling, speed, fishability, and cost........I'd rank them like this..

1. Champion
2. Skeeter
3. Ranger
4. BassCat
5. Triton
6. Nitro
7. Bullet

Just my 2 pennies.

Pete