The one constant of a bass tournament is that change is going to happen. Don't like the weather conditions? Wait a while. When the field of anglers for the 30th Anniversary WON Bass Nitro Boats / Mercury U.S. Open awoke at Boulder Station Casino, it was obvious that change had occurred.
The cloudy, blustery weather that had been predicted for the first day had held off, but it decided to make an appearance on day two. The day two takeoff conditions featured higher winds and a thick layer of storm clouds building out of the eastern shores of Lake Mead.
Normally, clouds and wind often signal an improved bite for anglers as baitfish are stirred up bringing a lake's bass population to life. However, being that the venue for this event is Lake Mead; those conditions can often have a negative effect.
But strong anglers typically find a way to adjust to difficult conditions, and being that this is the U.S. Open, that ability is required more so than in most bass fishing tournaments. One pro angler proved able to make those decisions best on day two of the WON Bass Nitro Boats / Mercury U.S. Open., that angler was Clifford Pirch, a two-time U.S. Open Champion.
Pirch started the day in 10th place with a 10.93 day one weight, but he built on years of experience on Lake Mead and things he learned on day one to build upon his solid start. His 13.40-pound limit on day two moved him all the way up to the lead with a total weight of 24.33 pounds.
The Payson, Ariz. pro said that he expanded his search areas today and things went well. "I really fished different areas than I did yesterday," he said. "I was really just blessed that we got some nice bites and were able to put this together."
He revealed that he is moving fast with reaction baits until he gets bites, then he uses multiple approaches to catch his fish. "I probably had eight or nine rods out today," he said. "I hope the areas hold up, we beat on them pretty hard, but we'll just eliminate areas I used and target the ones I need to win; there's no holding anything back now."
Day one leader Derek Yamamoto stayed within striking distance with a 10.95-pound limit today that brought his total weight to 24.21 pounds. He said he caught his fish late and quickly once he found them. "I had to fish slower than I usually do today," he said. "I think the clouds really slowed things down today, and it took me until 10:00 to catch my first fish, but then I had my final limit by 11:00; I'll just have to go out tomorrow and see if I can do enough to close this thing out with a win."
Dick Watson, who sat in fifth place after yesterday, added 10.18 pounds to bring his total weight to 22.17 pounds; which as good enough for third place. Michael Caruso posted 8.95 pounds today, bring his total to 21.82 to see him stay in contention in fourth place. Rounding out the top five was Moses Mokuahi, who added 10.99 today to bring his total to 21.74, his consistency moved him from 11th place to fifth position.
Meanwhile, AAA angler Ken Whalen posted 11.45 pounds to take the lead in the AAA division with a total weight of 24.60. He is followed in the AAA division by second place Andrew Moreau (24.18 pounds), third place Jason Billmaier (24.17 pounds), fourth place Steve F Adams (23.11 pounds) and fifth place AAA Tyler Vanderhorst (21.71 pounds).
The final day of the WON Bass Nitro Boats / Mercury U.S. Open takeoff will occur tomorrow at Callville Bay Marina beginning at 5:45AM, with weigh-in starting at 2:00PM. Following the weigh-in, a champion will be crowned at Boulder Station Casino at the awards ceremony at 6:30PM.
The WON Bass Nitro Boats / Mercury Marine U.S. Open presented by Costa Sunglasses Webcasts will begin at 7:00AM Wednesday morning followed by hourly updates at, 8:00AM, 9:00AM 10:00AM, followed by weigh-in coverage beginning at 2:00PM and finally the crowning of the Champion at the 6:30PM Costa Sunglasses post game show; all show times are Pacific Standard Time.
