By BassFan Staff
MLF announced today that it has suspended MLF Bass Pro Tour angler James Watson for the remainder of the 2024 season and the entire 2025 campaign for "multiple violations of the standards outlined in the 2024 Major League Fishing Angler and League Participation Agreement and the 2024 Professional Bass Tour Talent and Promotion Agreement."
MLF noted in a press release that Watson’s invitation to compete on the BPT has been revoked and he is prohibited from fishing any MLF-sanctioned tournaments while serving the suspension, which began today and runs through Dec. 31, 2025. Watson may reapply to compete in MLF tournaments beginning with the 2026 season.
The vacancy created by Watson’s suspension from the BPT will not be filled. The 2024 season will continue with 79 anglers. There are no changes to the 2024 Bass Pro Tour payouts or structure.
No further information was provided in the press release. The letter that Watson received from MLF Executive VP and GM Kathy Fennel stated that Watson would be mailed a check for $8,572 to cover unused BPT entry fees for this season.
"(The suspension) is based on your continued breach of standards outlined in the 2024 Major League Fishing Angler and League Participation Agreement (3 ANGLER'S DUTIES, E STANDARDS) and 2024 Professional Bass Tour Talent and Promotion Agreement (3 ANGLER PERSONAL CONDUCT AND MEDIA GUIDELINES A, B, C, D, G, H, I, & J," the letter stated.
It continued: "Your ongoing malicious acts directed at Major League Fishing leadership, willful disregard for the Bass Pro Tour Sportsmanship rule (7 SPORTSMANSHIP A, B & C) and continued statements in derogation of the league harm all Bass Pro Tour anglers and will not be tolerated.
"You may reapply to compete in the Invitationals, Toyota Series and Bass Fishing League beginning with the 2026 season."
Watson has competed on the BPT since it launched in 2019. The ninth-place finish he posted in the most recent event last month was his best in five-plus seasons on the circuit.
Watson posted the embedded video below to his Facebook page:
