Lake Mead to host bass tournament

By Sean Ammerman

Friday, Aug. 22, 2008 | midnight

The Western Outdoor News 2008 U.S. Open Bass Fishing Tournament is notorious among anglers for being one of the most challenging competitions in the West.

The U.S. Open, which runs Aug. 21 to 27, is going on its 26th summer on the waters of Lake Mead. The tournament attracts both locals and anglers from across the world who are looking to test their skills on the hot and unforgiving lake.

With the tournament being held a few weeks earlier than usual, winds could make fishing more difficult for the professionals vying for the $150,000 worth of first place prizes.

“I’m not scared of the wind — that would actually help us,” Las Vegas angler Eddie Rodriguez said. “It’s when you have a blue sky, like how it’s been, that you have the toughest time fishing.”

Some of the biggest names scheduled to compete include Aaron Martens, Gabe Bolivar and former Boulder City resident Byron Velvick, who has won the tournament twice.

“Some have called this the toughest tournament in bass fishing,” Tournament Director Bill Hutcheson said. “The fish are difficult to catch at this time of the year because they are not in a pre-spawn or post-spawn phase. They aren’t looking for food as much as they are in other seasons.”

The tournament will begin with three days of pre-fishing to give anglers a chance to test the waters.

The anglers will be on the water by 6:30 a.m. for competition each day Aug. 25 to 27, where their goal is to bring their five heaviest largemouth bass to the weigh-ins at 2 p.m.

Rodriguez, who will compete in his second U.S. Open, said keys to the tournament will be staying hydrated and keeping equipment in shape.

In addition to combating temperatures approaching triple digits, Rodriguez will have to adjust to a deep lake that makes it tricky finding a sizable largemouth bass.

“You can get lucky one day, but not in a three day event,” he said. “This is the toughest tournament in the west. It’s all about fish management. It’s a slow catch.”

Southern Nevadans have won four of the 26 U.S. Opens, however knowing the waters don’t always mean an advantage.

Henderson angler Mike Sisco knows just how difficult the tournament can be. He has competed about 20 times, he said, with 15th being his best finish.

“Locals do win a lot, but the biggest problem for us is that we have preconceived notions that we know what works,” Sisco said. “Instead of adjusting to the lake, which is what you have to do, we fish the way we’re used to.”

Hutcheson expects about 100 boats will be on the water for the tournament. The winning angler will receive $70,000 cash, a new boat, trailer and truck.

Sean Ammerman is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].