Tenacious Baits

Happy Holidays from the ole man himself.

Even more reason to spend the Holiday down south.

The original, still the best.

So many great choices. Which one are you throwing first?

San Diego fishermen are use to seeing this name at the top of the standings.

Following wind conditions that forced a Day One cancellation, the 39th Annual WON Bass U.S. Open launched on Lake Mead for the Come Hell or Low Water bass battle of 2021.

California anglers, pro Rusty Salewske, of Alpine and AAA David Shearrer, of Lake Forest (shown) were paired, climbing to the top of the leaderboard with a five-fish limit that went 11.81. Their biggest at 2.15 anchored their sack and set them nearly a pound above the nearest competitors in the 200-boat field.

“It was more than I expected – a whole lot more with the weather the way it was,” said Salewske.

He reported filling the box within the first 10 minutes at his spot and culling until 8:30 a.m.

“I left my primary area early, so we will see how it goes tomorrow,” he said. “Today, I was blessed; but you can go from hero to zero real fast with these fish roaming the way they are.”

Making an appearance in the pro top-five is King, of Ione, Calif.

King partnered with AAA Bowers, of Chandler, Ariz. for a Day One finish in 4th place with 10.50. As the reigning 2021 WON Bass California Open champion, King has the opportunity for a historic victory to be the only angler to ever claim the crown for both Opens in the same year.

“I am feeling confident,” King stated. “I’ve got something figured out. I caught about 20 keepers, had a limit by 9 a.m. and left ‘em biting.”

Traveling from New Jersey, the 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion Mike Iaconelli, of Pittsgrove showed out for his first official tournament on Mead. Fishing with AAA Ryan Furno of Aloha, Ore., Ike and partner put together 9.50 and sit in 21st.
“It really is a dream fulfilled,” said Ike. “I’ve wanted to fish the U.S. Open for a long time. I love the team format. I love the bonding. I had a dream triple A and had a lot of fun.

“From a fishing standpoint it was a challenge. I knew that it would be, watching it from afar all of these years. You can take yourself out the first day and I didn’t; so, I kept myself in it. I do need a good day tomorrow; but I feel good about it.”

The scales will open on the final day of the abbreviated, two-day U.S. Open tomorrow at 3 p.m. Follow the WON Bass action at the Western Outdoor News YouTube channel or on the WON Bass page.

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Our sorrow is only exceeded by the joy we experienced in knowing Gary and sharing the love of his music.

Gary left his earthly body yesterday, May 1st at 3:34 PM. My mom and I were with him holding his hands surrounded by our furry family. We will miss him every day and are so grateful for the extra time God gave us to spend with each other this past nearly 2 years.

The phone calls, the voicemails, the emails, the photos, the songs, the text messages, the donations, the cards and the gifts we have received this year in support of Gary and our family were unbelievable and are so very cherished. I feel like I try to express our gratitude in each update and it just falls short. To say Thank You is an understatement, we are deeply gracious for the support that came from every direction in a year that was particularly difficult for all. If you reached out, please know that he got the message.

Due to the pandemic we are unsure of our plans to have any type of gathering but will post an update if and when we decide to do something & have more information.

Love and Blessings,
Linda & Hayden

Now you know someone in Cabo San Lucas that can hook you up. Lands End Charters. Give Cabo Greg or Jenny a call.

Our guests today aboard the beautiful 85ft SAVI II 👍

https://landsendcharters.com/85ft-savi-ii/

No matter where you are, Santa will find you. Have a happy and safe holiday.