Sean Stafford Wins 2012 WON Bass Nitro Boats / Mercury U.S. Open

Defeats Two-Time Champion Clifford Pirch by Narrow Margin Las Vegas, Nev. - September 13, 2012 - The theme for the 2012 WON Bass Nitro Boats / Mercury U.S. Open has been the proverbial adage, "change is constant." Once again, the conditions at Lake Mead made an about face and it made for interesting decision making for the 256 anglers in the field. But, when you are running the most prestigious single tournament in the Western United States; one that has a reputation for being the toughest tournament in bass fishing, a little adversity adds to the story. Following a day with dense clouds and desert monsoon conditions, Lake Mead became a gentle lady and provided the field with high, bluebird skies and glassy surface waters. While those conditions are perfect for a boating day with the family, they are certainly no gift for the bass angler.

2012 US OPEN on Lake Mead Day 2: Pirch Posed for another Victory

Las Vegas, Nev. -
September 11, 2012 -
WON Press Release
The one constant of a bass tournament is that change is going to happen. Don't like the weather conditions? Wait a while. When the field of anglers for the 30th Anniversary WON Bass Nitro Boats / Mercury U.S. Open awoke at Boulder Station Casino, it was obvious that change had occurred.

Clifford gains control for another win at the US Open.
(Photos: WON) 

The cloudy, blustery weather that had been predicted for the first day had held off, but it decided to make an appearance on day two. The day two takeoff conditions featured higher winds and a thick layer of storm clouds building out of the eastern shores of Lake Mead.

Normally, clouds and wind often signal an improved bite for anglers as baitfish are stirred up bringing a lake's bass population to life. However, being that the venue for this event is Lake Mead; those conditions can often have a negative effect.