As the 34th
Annual WON BASS US Open was fast approaching, September 12 – 14th, 2016, I received a
few calls from AAA anglers about to enter their first US Open, asking, "Derrek,
what can I expect? How should I prepare for the Open?" I thought my
reply might be helpful to others, so here are three important things to keep in
mind.
The Narrows,
heading towards Virgin Bay. The bathtub ring on the cliffs is over 100 feet in
height.
1. First and Foremost, Survive
The Mohave, Great Basin, and Sonoran Deserts converge on
Lake Mead. Hot is an understatement, and
if you're not careful, the heat and sun
can quickly get the best of you.
Water, water, water, and more water: the event isn't as severe as when it was held in July, but this
September episode is still a sizzler. Staying hydrated and protecting your skin
from the sun is mission one; everything else comes afterward.
During my US Open adventures,
I would bring an extra backpack packed full of water each day. Every day, by
the end of the fishing period, my water supply would be empty. Know your body
and pace yourself accordingly. If you become overwhelmed by the heat and sun, it won't matter how good your angling
skills are.
Tip – Freeze most of your water bottles the night before. When
they thaw, they'll be cold when you drink them. Don't overlook lightweight rain
gear. Mead is big water with strongwinds, and the desert can be unpredictable.
Callville
Bay
2. Trust Your Pro Draw
The WON BASS US Open is a draw event featuring a shared
weight format. That is great news for the back deck angler. Successful US Open Pros know how to utilize
their AAA draws. They want you to be successful and contribute to the fish
tally. I can't think of too many of my draws that didn't discuss a game plan
the day before, including lures and techniques. Be open with them and don't
exaggerate your skills. If they want you prepared with certain lures but you don't have them, let them know.
That gives them time to make other arrangements.
Three Days Three Pros
Based on water capacity, Mead is the largest reservoir in
the United States. One day you might be fishing in the Vegas Wash, and the next
you're almost one hundred miles away in
Gregg Basin. There can be multiple patterns across this massive reservoir.
Vegas Wash
Be a team player, keep an open mind, and work with your pro.
Every day on the water is different, so until I spend some time out there fishing and know what the current bites are, here are my Top 5: Mead, Back
Deck, Setups.
1.
Drop Shot, light line, 4.5" Roboworm,
spinning gear. This presentation has accounted for the vast majority of my
back-deck catches, Mead or otherwise. If the bite is good, upsize to the same 6"
Roboworm. The same setup will adjust easily to your favorite Senko rigging.
2.
Crankbaits are a great bait from the back deck
when the pro focuses on the shoreline. The outside lane going forward is all
yours; dominate the next 10 feet of depth. Great place to be when the fish
become pressured on the bank.
3.
Spinnerbaits are an excellent method when the
boat is covering water swiftly along windblown shorelines with brush or grass
cover. Alternate with a chatter bait in
the same conditions until you notice tendencies, and look for the reverse
angle.
4.
Jigs and your favorite craw trailer pair well
with smallmouth bass on and around structure elements and rocky banks. Lean
towards a slightly smaller profile, but don't sacrifice casting distance from
the back deck!
5.
Topwater
during low light (stay out of the pros' water);
switch to a jerk bait if there is not too much wind when the sun is
up high in the sky.
Gregg Basin
Tip - Respect your Pro's water, their techniques, and their boat.
Mead from the Sky
3. Enjoy This Unique Adventure
Ram Tough
Mead is an amazing lake surrounded by rugged beauty. Couple
that with the potential of drawing the best pro bass anglers anywhere, and you
have the opportunity to test yourself while working together as a team. The
prospects for learning and adventure are going to be all around you.
Callville
Bay Area
More Callville Bay, Just Outside the Take-off/Check-in Site
Tip: Remember, even the best of the best can have an off
day, including you, so look for a healthy perspective on the situation. When it
comes to your AAA competition, the back deck is seldom a fair fight.
Sunset Over Virgin
Basin
Protect your health, fish to the best of your abilities, and
enjoy. Accomplish that, and you're a US Open winner. Good luck to all the
contestants, both Pros and AAA, every year.
