RE: Alleged cheater faces trial – Never allow him to fish again! He is a scumbag. BassFan, keep us up to date on these slimeballs.
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November 2011
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Jerry Bullaboy of China Grove, NC writes:
Tuesday, November 29, 2011 -
Carter Northcutt of Frankfort, KY writes:
Tuesday, November 29, 2011RE: Alleged cheater faces trial – Well, if he's guilty, I hope they give him the maximum sentence/penalty.
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Norman Blasingame of Cabot, AR writes:
Monday, November 28, 2011Man, I think it's great to see Roland Martin back at the tournament game. It's special for him to be able to fish with his son and have a blast! My hat's off to the guy. He's forgotten more about fishing than most of those guys know combined. Good luck, and go get 'em!
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Tim Brown of Ridge Top, TN writes:
Monday, November 28, 2011I watched an FLW College Fishing show this weekend that was filmed in Texas. What I saw, and my wife took notice of, was that when a certain team caught a decent fish, they netted that fish and slung it into the boat, and the net and bass slammed onto the floor of the boat as they celebrated.
They should have been penalized in my book. It’s okay to get excited, fellas, but take care of your catch. When they weighed in, it looked like some of their catch was dead or hurting.
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Steve Kirby of Columbus, OH writes:
Monday, November 28, 2011RE: Alabama Rig – This space has been replete with half-thought out comments regarding the A-Rig. Sharp's on board with unfettered use of the Rig, comparing it to B.A.S.S. rules regarding culling methods (apples and oranges). Others insist on counting a treble hook as three hooks, prefering to count the barbs instead of the shank (singular). Others chime in with "bed-fishing," a practice which has been shown to cause no impact on the fishery, when taken as a whole, according to the American Fisheries Society. This argument, again, is nothing but smoke and mirrors.
Those who mention the "high road" are alluding to purist ideals, something we can all associate with. However, they're also articulating the very argument that those who are opposed to the use of the A-Rig in competitive angling events are saying. Then there are those who go way outside the box and talk about other fish – walleye circuits in this case, a totally different scenario with different rules, different methods and techniques and a totally different mentality (i.e., trolling is accepted, use of live bait is accepted, more than one rod is allowed, along with a host of other commonly accepted practices, one of which is the illusion of catch and release).
Luckily, many states have chosen to define the parameters of what they consider to be "angling" and have placed limits on what they consider to be proper techniques for sportfishing in their particular state. Ohio is among them, as are many of the other northern tier states. They defined angling under their various administrative codes to include such things as the number of lines in use, the number of hooks legally employed, what a "lure" is and isn't and where all of these attributes legally combine under their definition of angling. The point here is most of these states allow for the use of multiple lines. Competitive bass angling events allow for the use of one, and it usually entails a further restriction of "in hand contact."
Most states allow for the use of umbrella rigs (A-Rig) as long as they don't exceed that state's limit of three hooks on one lure or three hooks, one on each lure (three lures), and it's here that the conundrum comes into focus. It's ultimately going to be up to the major players in this drama, B.A.S.S. and FLW, to decide what's proper. It's kind of like the conundrum they originally faced with the different bass limits nationwide. Logically, they chose to institute a (what is now) five-bass limit, choosing to go along with whatever minimum length limits were in play while discounting the state's allowable number in favor of a national standard.
Going along with this scenario then, logic would dictate that the majors maintain their one-rod, one-line, one-lure standard. The only "twist" is their definition of what the lure actually is, and this definition must (logically) be a standard acceptable in all states/jurisdictions. Simple, when one looks at it logically.
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Erick Fuller of Richmond, VA writes:
Monday, November 28, 2011I think Kvd is off base with the Alabama Rig, saying it is bad for conservation, but he will sight-fish. If anything should be banned it would be sight-fishing. This does more damage to the bass population than the Alabama Rig could ever do. I think KVD is the best bass fisherman ever and great for the sport, but he needs to rethink this one.
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David Sykes of Ocean Isle Beach, NC writes:
Friday, November 25, 2011RE: King's surgery – I would like to wish Stacey King the very best. He is a great fisherman and a very good person.
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Tim Miller of Lincoln, NE writes:
Thursday, November 24, 2011RE: King's surgery – Stacey's a real class act. I got a chance to meet him at a BPS a few years ago and he had plenty of time for my son to ask questions and didn't rush a 12-year-old to go someplace else. Good luck next season.
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Lucy Baxter of Fremont, OH writes:
Wednesday, November 23, 2011RE: Simonton transitions to Elites – I want to wish you the best of luck, Michael. I know that you can make the top. You have worked hard and have a passion to excel, so go for it.
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Bonnie Aten of Fremont, OH writes:
Wednesday, November 23, 2011RE: Simonton transitions to Elites – Michael is my great nephew and I am so very proud of him. I wish him well in his endeavors to follow his dream.
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Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:
Tuesday, November 22, 2011RE: Alabama Rig – What's the difference between Elias catching two at a time on the A-Rig and KVD catching one at a time on a spinnerbait, back to back to back? Or Denny Brauer flipping four in the boat on four flips on a dock or Dean Rojas limiting out frogging a weed patch on five casts? The weighmaster will always determine how many you keep.
How about this: What's the difference between stringering a bass with a clip through the lip and marking that same bass with a clip through the lip on a culling tag? Read B.A.S.S. Rule No. 16.
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Judy Chudzinski of Fremont, OH writes:
Monday, November 21, 2011RE: Simonton transitions to Elites – Being Michael's aunt and also a teacher, I want to applaud him for his dedication to fishing and going through with this lifelong dream. He is a wonderful teacher and great mentor to his students. He will be greatly missed by his students as well as faculty memebers, but this is the only thing I can ever remembering him wanting to do since he was in grade school.
He used to tell me that if he couldn't fish all day, then he wanted to work with special-needs kids. I told him then that we all would like to play all day but many of us go to work. He just commented that he could play all day on the water and call it work. He is a very hard-working, dedicated fisherman. I wish him all the best of luck in the 2012 tournaments. He knows his family is always here to support him.
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Carter Northcutt of Frankfort, KY writes:
Monday, November 21, 2011RE: Winning Ways – I think Bassmaster could have put someone else other than Wellman on that list. It's like they are telling us they don't care what we think.
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Anthony Brown of Louisburg, NC writes:
Monday, November 21, 2011RE: MLF Challenge Cup – Great format that will show who is able to maintain their composure under pressure. Pay-per-view is a terrible idea, especially for a new organization and format.
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Dave Dickherber of Lake St. Louis, MO writes:
Monday, November 21, 2011RE: Alabama Rig – I would just like to inform everyone that in the state of Missouri you are only allowed to have three hooks on one line. Someone earlier talked about crankbaits, jerkbaits, etc., having six to nine hooks. You don't count each barb on a treble hook as a hook. A treble hook is only one hook, not three.
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Harry Moore of Valley, AL writes:
Monday, November 21, 2011RE: Alabama Rig – The most fish I have heard anyone say they have caught on the A-Rig, on a single cast, is two, the same as some other baits. Why are there not any complaints about the walleye tour? There you can use live bait, more than one rod and reel, and you can troll. Heaven forebid if the walleye pros get an A-Rig. Well not really, they pratice catch and release, just like the bass pros.
Until the A-Rig proves that it is bad for the sport, it needs to be treated like any other hot bait. Let it fade away when another hot bait takes it place.
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Brady Burmeister of Fremont, OH writes:
Monday, November 21, 2011RE: Simonton transitions to Elites – This is best news I've heard all year ... and I got married this year. Go get 'em, Mike!
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George Kramer of Lake Elsinore, CA writes:
Monday, November 21, 2011RE: Alabama Rig – I always appreciate the thoughtful comments regarding ethics in tournament fishing. However, I remind you of this: The first question the weighmaster asks is "How many?" not "How come?" The lawful A-Rig is no different than sight-fishing in spring. Those who choose the supposed "high road" and don't will end up on the low road in the standings.
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Rod Stamm of Plains, MT writes:
Monday, November 21, 2011RE: Simonton transitions to Elites – Excellent story. It does mean more when you have paid a price and it's not always monetary.
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Justin Held of Fremont, OH writes:
Monday, November 21, 2011RE: Simonton transitions to Elites – Go get 'em! Proud of you, Big Mike. Tight lines.
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Mark Chudzinski of Fremont, OH writes:
Monday, November 21, 2011RE: Simonton transitions to Elites – Go, Michael! I know he has the passion and the stamina for the tour. I have watched him grow up and remember him mowing the word "FISH" in his backyard one day. I think his mom did not like it, but we all thought it was funny. He also bought his first bass boat at 16, even before he had a car. Now it all makes sense.
Good luck to you, Michael.
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Dennis Pentecost of Milford, IL writes:
Saturday, November 19, 2011Just got my December issue of Bassmaster magazine.They put Nate Wellman in the Winning Ways of tournament bass fishermen! What an insult to every honest bass fisherman in the world!
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Richard Lee of Topeka, KS writes:
Friday, November 18, 2011I realize that what I am about to say will not be popular; but as a bass fisherman of some 60 years, I have to voice my opposition to the use of the Alabama Rig and other similar devices for the purpose of bass tournament fishing. To me, these devices are very unsportsmanlike and certainly diminish the meaning of the word Elite to me. Now, don't get me wrong – I have no problem with a person using one of these devices to catch fish to feed his or her family. But using it to "shotgun" fish in a tournament is neither "sporting" nor "elite" or otherwise special.
These devices need to be ruled out for use in all tournaments. If not, then let's make throw nets, gill nets or other devices legal.
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Jim Stephens of Knoxville, TN writes:
Friday, November 18, 2011RE: MLF Challenge Cup – I can't wait to view this show! The format sounds so exciting and with the updated leaderboard, each fisherman has a better chance to change patterns or stick with his spot! Really neat and I think it will be great on TV!
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Dustin Kelso of Indianapolis, IN writes:
Thursday, November 17, 2011It is great to see two rookies on the FLW Tour from Indiana in Todd Hollowell and Jacob Wheeler. Indiana has a ton of anglers, but little water. We have a ton of pressure and most club tournaments are won with two to three fish on 90% of our fisheries.
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Michael Twisdale of Huntingdon, TN writes:
Thursday, November 17, 2011RE: Elder Martin to fish FLW – Thank God, he is back. Always has been my hero. I am 68 years old and still fish the ABA/MBAA tournament trail. It is nice to know there is a sport with no age limit. Welcome back, Roland!
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Dustin Tircuit of French Settlment, LA writes:
Wednesday, November 16, 2011The Alabama Rig will not get banned. Just look at the tackle manufacturers who are coming out with their own. What a waste if they had not contacted the trails they sponsor before production.
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Martin Danny Lamb of Clinton, IA writes:
Tuesday, November 15, 2011RE: Mann's gets A-Rig – Does Mann's Bait Company ever actually do any research and development? It seems to me that they just swoop in on others' ideas and market them. Other than the Little George and Jelly Worm (an eon ago) and the 1-Minus, when was the last time they came up with a decent bait?
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Archie Wilson of Maynardville, TN writes:
Tuesday, November 15, 2011In regard to Harold Sharp's statements, I cannot really speak for Harold Sharp, as I am not him. That being said, in my opinion his comments concerning the A-Rig and culling dead fish are intended to be rhetorical: i.e., facetious, ironic, a simile. Pick what ever fancy word you want for saying one thing and meaning another to prove your point. Through this example, we should think of all the unpalatable current events, such as the Wellman situation and the like. Thereby remembering above all else that B.A.S.S.'s core values have been correct from its inception, we simply need to follow the rules.
Experience is a great teacher; if we listen to it, mistakes will not be made or repeated. If the rules are followed, whatever they may be, everything else will take care of itself.
There are not many who have more experience concerning rules, and enforcing rules, than Mr. Sharp has. I, for one, appreciate his insights.
Of course, I could be wrong!
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Alan Piacentine of Dallas, GA writes:
Tuesday, November 15, 2011I fished the Weekend Series this year as a co-angler in the Georgia division and can say they did a great job. I do agree that FLW is better, though, and I'm switching back to them in 2012. B.A.S.S., in my opinion, is a whole different ballgame. Allowing Wellman to get away with cheating proves what they think about the sport. Pathetic!
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Joe Stois Sr. of Cleveland, OH writes:
Monday, November 14, 2011RE: Scott supports ABA – Way to go, American Bass Anglers. I can imagine that the higher-ups there took notice of the lack of responsibility of the other B.A.S.S. organization. It makes me feel good to know that there will be someone there to make their organization become a better and more upstanding tournament trail, while it retains its strong loyalty to the military.
Just having Ray Scott back in the picture gives me a better feeling about where bass fishing as a sport will be heading.
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Sara Tharp of Gardendale, AL writes:
Monday, November 14, 2011RE: Glasgow makes Classic – Way to go! Randy and I are so happy for you!
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Roger Shirkey of Churchton, MD writes:
Monday, November 14, 2011So if an angler watches a local catch fish during practice and goes back there, should he be DQd also?
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Mike Morris of Dover, DE writes:
Monday, November 14, 2011RE: Federation Nation Championship – Chris Price is actually representing the Delaware Bass Federation Nation, as did Brian LaClair last year.
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Steve Chaconas of Mount Vernon, VA writes:
Sunday, November 13, 2011RE: Guck bleeds Grand – Alan is one of he most passionate players in our sport. Great to hear from him!
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Tim Creighton of Buffalo, NY writes:
Saturday, November 12, 2011I use a lot of Gulp! products on Lake Erie for smallmouth. Since we are already shelling out $20 a pail, why can't Berkley come up with a better design so the pails don't leak instead of the consumer having to spend additional money to transfer the baits into a leakproof container? Or just sell the baits in the new containers?
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Cliff Peterson of Canton, KS writes:
Saturday, November 12, 2011RE: Classic at Grand – I have fished Grand Lake since 1987 and had a lot of good fishing experiences there. I think it is an excellent choice for a lake, but it should be a summer classic, not in February. I would like to see the Classic moved back to the early summer permanently, so that more families could attend.
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Melvin Jennings of Rustburg, VA writes:
Saturday, November 12, 2011RE: Scott supports ABA – I made the comment that Ray Scott was jumping on the wrong horse, and as a result I received a call from an ABA tournament director questioning why I made the comment. I explained to him why.
Let me add the following: ABA needs to ask themselves why the BFL qualifying tournaments average 100 boats or more and ABA averages about 35 or less. The Weekend Series with Triton/MotorGuide incentives does no better. In my experience, and I have fished both, it's because the BFL qualifying, regionals and All-American treat the weekend angler with much more respect and make the experience much more rewarding. You actually feel you have accomplished something. The ABA/Weekend Series only leaves that feeling with one angler, the winner.
Five hundred qualify for the ABA National Championship, 200 qualify for the Weekend Series National Championship. Fifty qualify for the All-American and one boater and one co-angler qualify for the Forrest Wood Cup. On the BFL side, all expenses are paid with a guaranteed check. On the ABA side, nothing, and only the Top 50 of 200 will get a check. You decide which is better.
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Harry Moore of Valley, AL writes:
Friday, November 11, 2011I fish BASS and FLW and I do not see a problem with the Alabama Rig. If you're not around fish, you will not catch them. A crankbait has six hooks, a jerkbait has nine hooks, a worm has one hook. Just a second, unless it's a do-nothing rig, or a stinger hook on a spinnerbait, buzzbait, or swimbait; two, three or four hooks on a dropshot, etc. If you're not around fish that are biting, more hooks will not help.
Dead fish – who in the boat makes the decision? At weigh-in, if the fish moves any part of its body, it is alive. There is too much money on the line in this sport. There are complaints after tournaments about dead fish. The ones complaining do not relize that it's less than 1% of the fish that were not released alive.
In my state, I am allowed to catch as many bass as I can, but I can only keep 10 a day to take home and eat. One tournament trail decided that you could keep seven fish, but could only weigh in five. To me, that is a good idea. When dead fish are brought to the scale, they are given away to people to eat. If you deep-hook a fish and feel that it's going to die, or it is a short fish and you feel it's going to die, you still throw it back. So, you feed nature or man.
We, the tournament fishermen, are doing a better job of protecting fish than any group or goverment. What if I had a tournament with 300 boats that lasted 3 days, and everyone took their fish home. The number of fish is based on state law – no law broken. I do think that major tournaments need to visit this. There is a lot of money on the line and 1 ounce can be the difference between winning and 2nd, or a check or not. We do have a great sport, and we the fishermen do a good job of taking care of our sport.
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Scott Wall of Millbrook, AL writes:
Friday, November 11, 2011RE: Scott supports ABA – Does this mean Ray will have to get someone to sew new patches on all of his shirts?
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Bobby McMullin of Pevely, MO writes:
Friday, November 11, 2011If FLW and B.A.S.S. are going to to ban the A-Rig, I wish they would do it now before I buy five or six of these things and have no use for them if they are banned.
As for culling dead fish, now if the fish is hooked deep, you have to guess if it will die or not. The cut in these tournaments is so close that I don't think it should involve a guess about whether I can fill out a limit or catch a bigger one if I throw it back before it dies. I thought this and the no-net rule would be changed when Jerry bought B.A.S.S. I am sure ESPN thought there would be more hooks in the hands for the TV and more fish lost at the boat than they got if they took away the nets. I can't believe it is any better for the fish to be thrown into the bottom of the boat vs. lifted with a net.
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Jim Brockman of Pinehurst, TX writes:
Friday, November 11, 2011RE: Oklahoma Classic – Grand may be grand, but Lake Conroe is the best non-grass lake in the country. Look at weights from the TTBC.
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Melvin Jennings of Rustburg, VA writes:
Friday, November 11, 2011Ray Scott has jumped on the wrong horse. ABA tournaments are not well run, paybacks are embarassingly low and rule enforcement is hit or miss. I say this from experience!
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John Dell of Lake City, FL writes:
Friday, November 11, 2011Great news about Ray Scott joining the ABA. If you are not Elite, Jerry doesn't want you. Thanks, Ray, for always supporting the everyday angler.
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Carter Northcutt of Frankfort, KY writes:
Thursday, November 10, 2011RE: 11/11 – Maybe I'll catch an 11.11-pound bass. And don't forget that it is also Veterans Day.
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Neil Ward of Pineville, KY writes:
Thursday, November 10, 2011Responding to Harold Sharp's comment about culling dead bass, I believe it is illegal in most tournaments under the unsportsmanlike conduct clause. It appears to me that throwing back dead bass is not conduct that anglers want to condone. If it is, then tournaments truly are only about the money.
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Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:
Thursday, November 10, 2011RE: Oklahoma Classic – That's where it all started with $100 from Don Butler as the first B.A.S.S. member. Don also won the second Bassmaster Classic. Everyone knows Bob Cobb's contribution to B.A.S.S., so why not honor these two great Tulsa natives by naming the Bassmaster Classic trophy the Don Butler Trophy and have Bob Cobb present it to the winner in Tulsa.
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Bobby Myers of Tulsa, OK writes:
Thursday, November 10, 2011RE: Oklahoma Classic – Let's not forget this is the birthplace of B.A.S.S.! Don Butler gave Ray Scott the first $100 to become a member right here in Tulsa when they were riding in Mr. Butler's truck. It started right here! Also the hometown of the great Bob Cobb.
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Steve Kirby of Columbus, OH writes:
Thursday, November 10, 2011Harold, you still don't get it and you admitted as much when you compared an A-Rig to a singular lure. It's not a single lure, its an array of lures from a single contrivance and not a line! A-Rigs, i.e. umbrella rigs, were never meant to be employed on a competitive angling level. They skew the field – that is, folks who throw five lures vs. those who throw one. Sure, there's the option for everyone to throw the thing, but where's the competititve skill then?
No, I'm sorry, the "majors" (FLW and B.A.S.S.) need to do the right thing, right now, and ban its use. And yes, I'm well aware of the little green box (Lowrance depth-sounder) in the good old days, but that's like comparing apples and oranges.
As for the no-cull rule, I think B.A.S.S. is just trying to emphasize fish care and if that's the case, so be it. If not, get rid of it.
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Cliff Peterson of Canton, KS writes:
Wednesday, November 9, 2011Has Harold Sharp finally lost it? Is he really trying to say it is OK to cull dead bass and throw them back in the lake just so you can replace them in order to receive economic compensation in the form of tournament winnings? I would hope that no sportsman in his right mind would support such a thing. It would mean that the bass fishing fraternity had thrown its commitment to the conservation ethic down the toilet.
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Carter Northcutt of Frankfort, KY writes:
Wednesday, November 9, 2011RE: Day's duds – Cool! Way to go, Bill. Thanks to Bill, I got my trolling motor back in working order in no time.
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Ed Stinnett of Vacaville, CA writes:
Wednesday, November 9, 2011RE: Oklahoma Classic? – If this is true, bet the house on Tommy Biffle!
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Mark Richards of Houston, TX writes:
Tuesday, November 8, 2011RE: Alabama rig – Count me among the people who hope tournament organizations (and to be honest, Fish and Game agencies) will ban the use of the A-Rig.
To use an analogy, when I grew up, I am not sure anybody outside of Jack Nicklaus could drive a golf ball 300 yards. Now, with the equipment of today, most high schoolers or maybe even a trained squirrel can perform this feat. The result is that to a great degree, golf is not what it used to be. The once "great" courses are becoming obsolete.
Like fishing, there will be a lot of people who say, "Hey, it's great that when I was 24 I was driving the ball 250 yards and now I'm 87 years old and can drive the ball 300 yards. And if that floats your boat recreationally, fine. But for a lot of us, reality has been twisted, especially in the sense of tournaments. Extrapolate the improvements in golf techology and in another 20 or so years, golf courses will have to be 9,000 yards long or the powers that be will have to take significant steps to de-rate the ball and equipment to where golf is actually golf again.
Fishing is at the same crossroads, not only with the A-Rig, but with the combination of new technolgies coming to the forefront. When anyone can perform at a high level, what do tournaments mean?
Inevitably, we will have fish-finders that will be able to tell you the exact type and size of the fish you are looking at, monitor them on a real-time basis, then you will cast some new lure that has six baits on it with some chemical on it that makes every fish that smells it bite. Tell me, how entertaining is that all going to be?
I am all for innovation, but there is a line that can be crossed in discussing what would be the "integrity" of the sport, and somebody with guts is going to have to step up and enforce that line. I can tell you this, for the tournament directors who are willing to step up, myself and probably many others will be willing to fish and support your tournaments/trails. If not, I will pass and continue to recreationally enjoy what I consider my definition of "fishing" and leave "trawling" to others.
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Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:
Tuesday, November 8, 2011RE: Alabama Rig – Don't worry about the A-Rig catching all the bass – every lure that was ever made was designed to catch every fish that got close enough to bite it. The A-Rig is only as good as the angler fishing it.
Here's something you should all be worrying about. B.A.S.S. Rule No. 17, Catch and Release: CULLING OF DEAD BASS IS PROHIBITED.
Suppose you were fishing a B.A.S.S. event for $100 to $500,000 and at the first place you stopped you caught a limit of barely keeper bass, then decided to run to another spot for some larger ones to increase your weight, and on the first cast you boated an 8-pounder. When you raised the livewell lid, you saw five bass belly up because the aerator wasn't working, or you failed to turn it on, or the long ride shook something loose, or the battery was dead, or for whatever reason your limit catch was dead. Now you realize that you might as well pack up and go in as you are done for the day. Remember the bold print, you must not cull a dead bass.
Your co-angler or observer has read the bold print, so you pack up and check in, where your limit will lose 2 1/2 pounds and you will lose $100 to $500,000.
What is the purpose of this rule? What are they trying to save?
These dead bass will go in the trash can. Why can't they go back in the lake and allow you to try to replace them?
Most state rules allow the culling of dead fish. I can't find anything in the FLW rules against it. Why does BASS think it's important to deprive you of the chance to win a lot of money because a little old bass died?
This is something everyone needs to rethink and be concerned about.
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Bob McKeithen of Baton Rouge, LA writes:
Tuesday, November 8, 2011RE: Ike's frustration – Didn't I read something a few months back where Mr. "I find my own patterns" used a bait (frog) and area from Ish up at Oneida?
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Doug Amos of Rockport, Ontario, Canada writes:
Monday, November 7, 2011RE: Nixon leaves Rapala – It is sad to see a company like Rapala cut top pros from their staff or substantially reduce their sponsorship. This appears to be a pattern over the last few years with Rapala. I have fished with their products since the early 1960s, but I certainly will be cutting back on purchases since many of the the guys they have cut are friends or aquaintences of mine.
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Carter Northcutt of Frankfort, KY writes:
Monday, November 7, 2011RE: Nixon leaves Rapala – Sounds like Rapala's loss.
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Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:
Monday, November 7, 2011RE: Alabama Rig – Someone asked what happens if you have a limit and then catch four bass at once on the A-Rig – you have nine bass in your possession. B.A.S.S. Rule 16, Scoring, states: "At no time shall a competitor have in their possession more than the tournament limit." It also states that in the event a competitor has more than the above-described limit in possession, officials shall cull down to the limit described, beginning with largest bass first.
This rule was written years ago, as we knew it was possible to miscount your catch in the livewell. I recall it happening to Tommy Martin at West Point Lake. We had an Alabama G&F officer helping us on the weigh-in line and Tommy presented his bag to the officer, who discover one extra bass in the bag. Not only did it get Tommy's big bass culled, he also got a ticket for having more than the Alabama limit.
We also knew that anytime you had a limit or one less than the limit that you could catch two bass on the same lure, so we stated in our rule that you must cull to the limit before continuing to fish if this happened, and we had cases where it did happen. So if you had a limit and catch four on the A-Rig, you just cull four before continuing to fish or they will be culled at the weigh-in with your largest first.The last thing bass tournament fishing needs is a ban on certain lures or a limit on how many bass you can catch. The state daily creel limits and the tournament daily limit will control how many you can weigh in. Please do not change that – it will destroy tournament fishing. We have always encouraged anglers to create new products for the industry and the smart industry people have had people fishing tournaments just looking for new ideas and products to put on the market.
The most important thing we always looked for when making or changing B.A.S.S. rules was to make sure the rules were always equal to all contestants. Here's an example of that: Years ago some anglers were going out before the tournaments and cutting trees to make brushpiles to fish during the event. Some anglers came to me asking if it was legal under B.A.S.S. and state rules to do that, so we decided to clear that up and I told one of the anglers who was doing it that we were changing the rule. He asked, "You are not going to outlaw it, are you?" I replied, "No we are just going to tell everyone it's legal." It's still B.A.S.S. Rule No. 13.
The A-Rig has changed bass fishing. It's not the first or last thing that will do that. It put a new product on the market, just like the side-view depth-finder and the hollow-belly plastic lures, or the foot-operated trolling motor, aerated livewell, swivel seats, etc. All this came from tournament anglers looking for a better way to boat bass, so please do not get in their way and start banning lures or stop culling. Catching fish is what makes fishing fun. Do not mess that up.
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Dave Lefebre of Erie, PA writes:
Monday, November 7, 2011RE: Alabama Rig – I love staying on top of new waves in this industry – tackle, electronics and other equipment that can give you an edge. But I'm struggling big-time with this Alabama Rig being legal in professional bass tournaments. I think the tours should cut it off at two baits per line max. Honestly, keeping it at one lure wouldn't bother me either.
I would assume they will be banned, but you just never know. This entire concept can snowball into too many other problems in the future, and this already-fragile sport doesn't need any of it, in my opinion. It just looks bad. On top of all the obvious issues, what happens if you have a limit in the box and catch four fish on this thing? You now have nine fish in the boat, all in your possession at the same time ... nice.
FLW, please don't make us have to throw this thing, because if it remains legal, we all have to, and I think that really stinks!
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John Bridges of Rockville, MD writes:
Sunday, November 6, 2011RE: Ike's frustration – I'm a fan of Mike and have learned from his advice and fishing tips. After reading this article I now really respect him for his honesty, you know, how he really feels! Good luck, Ike, and catch 'em all!
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Harry Moore of Valley, AL writes:
Friday, November 4, 2011RE: Ike's frustration – I know what I saw at Kerr Lake (2008 Northern EverStart), and Mike won. But he told a different story on stage when he won. He did have local help!
A friend of mine, Jack Chancellor, won the Classic in 1985, and told me that when there was a big tournament on Eufaula that the locals would help out-of-town pros instead of the local guy. I have seen it myself. Look for your friends with the new rods and reels or who bought a boat from a pro at a great deal. I call it a payment, they call it a gift.
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Sean Hoernke of Conroe, TX writes:
Friday, November 4, 2011RE: Ike's frustration – I usually don't chime in about things, but to say Keith Combs fished other people's waypoints is an insult to Keith. I live on Lake Conroe and I can tell you the guys who wore out the locals' phones, and it wasn't Keith. I have competed against Keith since he started fishing and he is one of the few guys left who does it straight up with a good work ethic and a bunch of God-given talent.
I totally agree with Ike that all of us on tour are tired of getting beat on local info and it compromises the integrity of our sport, but last week Ike got beat straight-up on talent. Sorry Ike, it happens.
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Wiley Max Altman, Jr. of Angier, N.C. writes:
Friday, November 4, 2011RE: Ike's frustration – I'm not going to cast stones at anyone on this information issue.I just want to say that my wife Monica fished the FLW Open at the Potomac River in June as a co-angler. One of her boaters was Keith Combs. He was nice and kind and a gentleman. She enjoyed her day on the water immensely.
Kudos to Keith for an exciting win.
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Jennifer Reid of Belton, TX writes:
Thursday, November 3, 2011Let me say something about Keith Combs. He works his butt off to be where he is. To say that he won from others' waypoints is downright insulting. Keith spent several days driving around, studying his graphs, and not even making a cast. He did his homework and earned the win legally. Iaconelli needs show better sportsmanship. He fished a great tournament and came in 2nd. No reason to insult other anglers.
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Justin Wood of Sanford, MI writes:
Thursday, November 3, 2011RE: Ike's frustration – Love or hate him, you have to hand it to Ike for telling it how he sees it. I think that the MLF will separate the true pros from the guys who fish others' waypoints. I'm willing to bet Ike will be at the top of that heap more than the bottom of it.
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Leroy Starling of Whitefish, MT writes:
Thursday, November 3, 2011RE: Major League Fishing – To keep this MLF thing real, they should have a few spots for Federation anglers to qualify as a way into the spotlight. People will get tired of watching the same anglers for too long.
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Dean Coleman of Humble, TX writes:
Thursday, November 3, 2011I feel for Ike on the 2nds, but the Toyota Texas Bass Classic on Conroe is set up for a local guy to possibly win. In Keith's defense, he didn't have a lock on competing in the event. He had to go out and qualify like everyone else. The time spent on the lake preparing could have been just a waste if he didn't make the field. Congrats to both Keith and Mike – two great anglers. Good job, guys.
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Butch Bonner of Charlotte, NC writes:
Thursday, November 3, 2011RE: Ike's frustration – I like Ike's attitude toward winning. As with the top level of any sport, winning should be the only thing that really matters. When you hear guys saying things like, "My goal was to get a good check" or "I'm just happy to be here and doing what I love to do," those are the losers who should just hand their entry fees to those who are there to win.
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Derek Taylor of Spring, TX writes:
Thursday, November 3, 2011RE: Ike's frustration – You can't be mad at the other anglers or the event when everyone plays by the same rules. Don't complain about other anglers obtaining local knowledge when you could have done the same thing. You make your own hay.
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Kenny Hemmen of St Louis, MO writes:
Thursday, November 3, 2011Regarding Ike's frustration about others legally obtaining local information or extended time on the water prior to cutoff: Ike had the opportunity to do the same thing and probably should have. Please shut up and fish (no sympathy from anyone).
Limiting technology/GPS is a slippery slope - where do you stop it? The reality is that bass tournaments are an extreme competition where the rate of success is low. The heart and soul are the local weekend tournaments where people are playing with their own money. Many anglers in weekend tournaments take these events every bit as seriously as the pros take their events.
My outlook is diminished when I read pros/weekend guys saying they can see fish on their side sonar imaging units. The minimum cost is $2,000 for this technology. I am not yet convinced I can justify this cost (especially with the limited warranties).
Am I stupid to think I can compete against folks who have this technology? Probably.
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Bryan Heaberlin of Deland, Fl writes:
Wednesday, November 2, 2011Local information is never going to go away. Bass fishing, like it or not, has become a networking sport. If someone sees you fishing somewhere too long and you have a history of success, that spot is done for in a matter of days. The person who sees you tells others to make themselves feel better about encroaching upon you, so before long that spot is toast.
You would be better served to allow any and all information so that everything is equal. The reality is that it comes down to an individual's performance those days on the water, and that is all. I would be willing to bet that just about everyone entered in that tournament had what they considered "local" information.
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Ray Abresu of Henderson, NV writes:
Wednesday, November 2, 2011RE: 2012 Bassmaster Opens – Can't register – no West Coast events again. Pretty sad for all the guys out here who would like a chance.
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Archie Wilson of Maynardville, TN writes:
Wednesday, November 2, 2011RE: Alabama Rig I took a week’s vacation to practice for a large local tournament trail's end-of-year classic. On the Saturday prior to the tournament, at the ramp I launched from, I counted about 50 trucks with bass boat trailers. That’s just one ramp, and a small one at that, mind you. All week it was roughly the same except Friday before the tournament, even more boats were on the lake. There were probably two or three clubs practicing for their rodeo, plus just some guys fun fishing. In Tennessee, fishing pressure has been like this nearly every weekend for as long as I can remember.
Now don’t take what I am about to say the wrong way because I believe in conservation, catch-and-release and all those other good things like livewells, which we fishermen came up with on our own without any help from DNRs or biologists. My point simply is this: If all the things we worried about, including "super lures" like the Alabama Rig, really killed as many fish as some suppose, our lakes would have been fishless long ago. It’s correct to be concerned about all these issues, but let’s keep it in perspective.
I'm thankful for forums like BassFan, which give us the information allowing us all to put our heads together and do just that.
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David Sykes of Ocean Isle Beach, NC writes:
Wednesday, November 2, 2011RE: Morehead's win – I think I read, if I am not mistaken, that he got some help from an old friend who guides on Kentucky Lake who showed him some stumps and bars that held fish this time of year. When is this sport going to crack down on the local information? Either you can fish at the world level or you can't. Getting local information should be against the rules.
No one plays Tiger Woods' round of golf for him, so why should Dan Morehead weigh in a local guide's fish. If you can't find fish on your own, then get a job digging a ditch. I can promise you one thing – no one is going to dig that ditch for you!
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Vance McCullough of Jacksonville, FL writes:
Wednesday, November 2, 2011RE: Multi-shafted rods – Just wait 'til co-anglers start showing up with 6 of those bad boys!
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Jeff Sullivan of Frostproof, L writes:
Tuesday, November 1, 2011RE: Multi-shafted rods – I love it – Japanese rednecks enjoying the day fishing. With great respect for this very entertaining piece.
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Brett Mitchell of Timmonsville, SC writes:
Tuesday, November 1, 2011RE: Alabama Rig – Really don't see the problem. Creel limit dictates how much harvest can happen, not what they are using to catch them. "Meat hunters" will keep what they are going to keep, A-Rig or not. The advent of soft plastics saw much resistance from pay-water owners back in the day. It's just another techique that will be hot for a while.
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Greg Ginneberge of Iowa City, IA writes:
Tuesday, November 1, 2011RE: Alabama Rig – Harold, I've always respected your comments and still do, but I think you have it wrong. Creel limits are like speed limits – only enforcable if someone is there to enforce it. Most, if not all DNRs in the states are underfunded and understaffed to enforce creel limits. With states cutting back more funding of services, the DNR staffs will be cut more.
You put four guys in a boat that couldn't catch five bass in a day between them and give them an Alabama Rig and they will be pulling fish out of the lake hand over fist. They might not right at first, but they will catch on as to where the fish are. In 5 years, you will see a dramatic decline on the number of bass in states that allow the Alabama Rig.
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Randy Sipley of Kempner, TX writes:
Tuesday, November 1, 2011RE: Ike a runner-up again – I know Mike would have liked to have won, but just like evry sport, someone always finishes in 2nd place. Mike is a tough fisherman. He'll be in the winner's circle again, you can bet on it. I wouldn't sneeze at finshing in 2nd place. Look at some of the guys who finshed in the bottom half of the tournament. Way to go, Mike – you're still the man to beat in every tournament because you still have the fire and desire to compete,
All Topics
November 2011
Dock Talk
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