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 Lees 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 Lintners 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.