Rumors alleging that Jacob Wheeler hired a guide service prior to the Red River Bassmaster Central Open in April are false, the reigning Forrest Wood Cup champion told BassFan today.
An FLW official also said an investigation into the matter found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Such activity would be grounds for disqualification from this year's Cup, which is set to get under way at the Red River in Shreveport/Bossier City, La., on Aug. 15. Wheeler qualified by winning last year's Cup at Lake Lanier.
Wheeler told BassFan today that another person accompanied him during his Open practice, but it was not a guide for hire.
"I have a buddy who lives down there and fishes the Red," he said. "He was showing me how to run in and out of places so I didn't tear up my boat.
"I have nothing to hide. I would never do anything to jeopardize myself or the sport of bass fishing. I'd never do something like that. I know the rules inside and out. The river's dangerous and you don't want to tear your boat up. He was just showing me the little ways to get in and out of places."
Word of Wheeler's possible infraction prompted FLW to look further into the matter.
"While no formal complaint or protest was filed, we did become aware of the rumor and investigated the matter," Chad Gay, FLW's director of public relations, said in an e-mail. "The investigation included administering a polygraph examination, which Jacob passed without issue. We are satisfied that no rule violation took place."
According to the 2013 FLW Tour rules, anglers were prohibited from purchasing or bartering for information about tournament waters after Jan. 16, 2013. Rule 4 of the 2013 FLW Tour rules reads as follows:
4. Purchasing of information
"The purchasing of, or bartering for, information about locating or catching fish on tournament waters, including but not limited to GPS waypoints (other than through commercially available sources) and the hiring of fishing guide services is not permitted by pros after January 16, 2013. The sharing of tournament winnings with noncontestants in exchange for information about locating or catching fish on tournament waters is strictly prohibited and will be cause for disqualification from the entire tournament. The purchasing of, or bartering for, fishing locations from another contestant is strictly prohibited and will be cause for both contestants to be disqualified from the entire tournament."
Wheeler said he's been aware of the allegations swirling around, but tried to not let them bother him.
"I know it's 100 percent against the rules," he said. "I'd never pay anybody for guide service anyway because I'm too stubborn. If I can't figure them out on my own, I don't deserve to win anyway."
Wheeler was one of 28 FLW Tour regulars who fished the Red River Open, including 10 who ultimately qualified for this year's Cup.
