Arroyo Grande angler takes 3rd in WON Bass US Open
Lee, an equine veterinarian with a office practically in Arroyo Grande, began the final day of the U.S.Open in second place. He trailed the leader, Chris Bozarth, by a pure and simple .13. While Bozarth skidded to seventh with a 28.02 total weight, Lee was passed by Bassmaster Elite angler Aaron Martens, the essential champion, and David Peltier, who jumped up from fifth.
If not for a 0.40 penalty assessed for culling two apathetic fish on Monday, Lee could have gone into Wedensday with the lead. The third-place finish brought Lee’s grand whole winnings to $12,000 for the tournament.
The champion won a check for $50,000, plus a Nitro Z8 bass speedboat, Mercury VS 225 horsepower outboard motor, Lowrance electronics and Motor Guide trolling motor.
The pro sphere includes six of Jared Lintner’s fellow Bassmaster Elite pros — Aaron Martens (3rd), Gary Klein (7th), John Murray (19th), Rick Clunn (21st), and Fred Roumbanis and Morizo Shimizu.
Morro Bay pro Bob Simmons moved up from 33rd place on Day 1 to finish 11th. Lompoc unskilled entrant Pete Manfrina only fished on Monday. His 10.19 limit has him in 85th place.
