09/14/2009 - FIRST PLACE: Gary Dobyns: 11.73, 13.10, 8.13, 15 bass for a total of 32.91.

Primary Pattern: bigger fish came on a Lucky Craft BDS 4 square bill and limit fillers came on a hula grub and a Lucky Craft Gunfish topwater.

RICK’S ANALYSIS: My analysis for the U.S. Open is to pay tribute to the U.S Open’s importance to the bass fishing industry. Many people may not fully appreciate the tremendous impact this tournament has had on the sport of professional fishing over its 27-year history. So here is a brief rundown on why this tournament has been an integral part of professional fishing’s growth:

#1) The U.S. Open was the first tournament to pay $50,000 to a tournament winner. This eventually led to BASS paying $50,000 at the Classic and then Operation Bass paying $100,000 at the All-American. In short, the U.S. Open was a huge stimulus in moving payouts to unprecedented levels.

#2) The U.S. Open is held in the desert in the hottest part of the summer on Lake Mead. For that reason I call it the Iditarod of bass fishing. With temperatures that fluctuate between 110 and 120 degrees everyday, it is without a doubt the ultimate test in fishing endurance. These days the U.S Open is three days, but it used to be four. As far as I can recall, it was the first four-day tournament as well, preceded by a three-day practice period. You can gather up a handful of some of the finest athletes in America today – from which ever sport you choose – and I contend that most of them could not survive seven 10-hour days on Lake Mead in August. Believe me, you have never been tested until you fish the U.S. Open in the desert in summer – it will test you in ways that no other tournament fishing experience will ever test you. In my opinion a pro angler is not a complete fisherman until they have fished a U.S. Open.

#3) In terms of a level playing field, Lake Mead is the perfect model of a tournament fishing arena because it truly favors nobody. There is no favored area, no favored structure, no favored depth. It’s like five different lakes in one and they’re all 100 % unpredictable. One year it might be won on the lower end; one year it might be won up the Colorado; one year it might be won up the Overton Arm – you never know. It could be won deep, up shallow, or anywhere in between. Plus, weights are always close. Fishing is so tough there that time of year just catching five bass is a feat. In my opinion, the U.S. Open on Lake Mead in August is the purest fishing tournament held every year.

#4) Finally, and most importantly, it’s hard to comprehend the critical role the U.S. Open has played in the transfer of Eastern and Western fishing techniques and philosophies. It truly is a “national” event in that pros from both sides of the continent coincide, compete and trade in-depth knowledge. It’s where the power fishing of the east first met the finesse style of the west in a one-of-a-kind meeting of the fishing minds. From that event we have exposed things like Garland’s Gitzit, burning a spinnerbait in ultra-clear water, doodling and drop-shotting. From that perspective alone the U.S. Open is really a unique fishing tournament like no other on the planet.