290 anglers poised for Monday's U.S. Open first round

LAS VEGAS--A field of 290 anglers including 145 pro boaters await Monday's 6:15 a.m. send-off for the 2006 U.S. Open bass tournament at Lake Mead. After a week of mixed weather, including Friday's dangerous 70 mile per hour gusts, things appear to be settled for the three-day competition.

The field is just short of a full slate of 150 boats, ensuring a near maximum payout for both pro and AAA divisions. The winner of the pro side will earn a $135,000 payout, outstanding for a $1600 entry fee. The AAA winner will earn $10,000 in cash.

Mixed results from the practicing anglers make this year's U.S. Open hard to handicap. The Meadows/Echo Bay area of the lake has been the hotspot in the weeks leading up to the contest, but with other areas producing below par, the Overton Arm could be crowded on the first day.

The high winds have left several parts of the lake in a murky condition, and how that will play out in actual fishing remains to be seen. Confessed touring pro and former Open winner Rich Tauber, “Remember how good practice was last year? It's not like that now. Some of it has to do with the wind. The guys haven't been able to fish where they want.”

There were reports of 8-foot rollers in some portions of the lake. Said Mike Folkestad, three-time former winner, “It took me an hour and a half to get back (to Callville Bay) from Temple Bar.”

But with temperatures down to the mid 80's on Sunday and with forecasts of below 100 degrees in the next few days, the field will be able to fish every inch of the massive reservoir.

One footnote to the competition: Aaron Martens did not qualify for the final day in the Bassmasters Elite tournament at Table Rock so a U.S. Open triple play is still in order for the back-to-back defending champion. “He's on his way,” said Bill Hutcheson, WON BASS Tournament director as the competitors gathered at Sponsors'
Row at the Sunset Station Hotel.

Also enroute is former Open champ Byron Velvick, however, John Murray of Phoenix has made the final cut in Missouri and will miss the Lake Mead tournament.

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