US OPEN  2001

LAKE ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, MAY 19, 2001

The fourth annual US Open Championships took place on Lake Arlington in Arlington Heigths, Illinois. This
year's event was contested over two 3-hour heats on Saturday, May 19th. When the morning heat started it
became clear that fish concentrated in some areas and were absent in others. While some anglers started catching
well from the off, others had to struggle for bites.  Bluegills, shiners and crappies were the main target with
most fish being caught within 10 meters from the shore. Only few carp showed up but the winners of all three sections
managed to catch them. Section A was taken by Robert Esbensen with 17.7 lbs. In section C, Peter Wolan won with 14.6 lbs. 
Mick Thill won section C with 29.1 lbs.
The second heat, fished in the afternoon, was a battle between Mick Thill and Peter Wolan. They both had section wins 
in the morning and they both drew end pegs for the afternoon heat.  Peter fished 3 meter whip for the entire length of the heat
and won section A with over 42 lbs. His catch consisted of over 360 bluegills, shiners, and crappies. Mick also won his
section (C), with mostly small fish and one bonus carp. John Wilkins won section B with 12.2  lbs.  When the morning and 
afternoon weights were added together, Peter had 3 lbs. more than Mick and became the new US Open Champion.
Mick Thill took the second and Robert Esbensen finished in the third place.