LAUGHLIN, Nev. – For the third consecutive year, Lake Mohave serves as the playing field for the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open. The 42nd edition of the premier bass fishing event in the Western U.S. always draws the attention of the industry. Following the official practice period, several anglers in the field expressed the thought that there could be some heavy stringers presented at the Katherine Landing scales.
Despite air temperatures pushing the century mark, which is seasonably warm for October, the field found the bass population of Lake Mohave to be in a cooperative mood. Even with light winds and slick conditions, there were several patterns that were producing at all depths across the lake.
With so many available options, that left some questions as to who would capitalize and take control of the event. With the potential for a shootout, who would discover the key to unlock the lake and open what is expected to be a shootout for the champion’s prize of a 2024 ranger Z520R powered by a Mercury ProXS 250?
Day 1 proved to be impressive as nine bags eclipsed the 20-pound mark, but it was defending champion Kyle Grover and his AAA partner Martin DeHaven who topped the field with 22.15 pounds. Though Grover's limit was impressive, he holds a scant, 1/100th of a pound lead over Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bryant Smith, who partnered with his AAA David King to weigh 22.14 pounds to end the day in second place.
Smith’s fellow Elite Series pro Chris Zaldain and AAA partner David Oyler stand in third place with 20.87 pounds. Another former U.S. Open champion, Josh Bertrand and his partner Gary Wasson posted 20.71 pounds to land in fourth and Steven Mack and his AAA Dan Davis rounded out the Top 5 with 20.66 pounds.
Grover (at right in photo) was content with his Day-1 performance but felt it would fall short the lead after he weighed-in during the first flight.
“I caught them well, but I don’t think it’s going to be enough today,” he said. “I ran all over the lake and tried to find one better quality fish, but it just didn’t happen.”
The defending champion said that he had to use multiple techniques to bag his limit.
“I’ve found the fish doing several different things in all depths, so I had to junk-fish all day – I caught my keepers on four different baits in four different areas,” he said. “I was a little nervous about the short day today but I’m in the last flight tomorrow, so I’m hoping I can capitalize on that a little bit more.”
Smith took a different approach with the slick conditions on Lake Mohave.
“I fished slow today and most of my fish came from one area,” he said. “I ran around a little bit in the afternoon but stayed in my primary area and worked things methodically. I feel pretty good about tomorrow, but we’ll just have to see how it goes.”
Here's a look at the initial Top 10:
1. Kyle Grover: 22.15
2. Bryant Smith: 22.14
3. Chris Zaldain: 20.87
4. Josh Bertrand: 20.71
5. Steven Mack: 20.66
6. Scott Hellesen: 20.49
7. Levi Samz: 20.31
8. Luke Clausen: 20.21
9. Chris Costello: 20.05
10. Kyle Gelles: 19.91
For full results, click here.
