(Note: Following is the second part of a 2-part article on pros' views about whether ESPN/B.A.S.S. should enact a no-information rule to go with its new 30-day off-limits for the 2003 BASSMASTER Tour season.)

One important question is this: If a "no information" rule was enacted, how would a ruling body define illegal information?

"Any information -- acquired through private communication or personal meeting -- that the general public could not access or attend is illegal," suggested Marty Stone, who supports a no-information rule.

"Information in magazines, newspapers or web sites is fair. But information obtained through phone calls, e-mails, chatrooms or personal meetings should be considered illegal."

Enforcing the Rule

Another important question is what Gerald Swindle said is his only reservation about supporting a no-info rule: "How in the world could you police a no-talk rule for that long over this many guys with so many avenues available?" he said.

Stone pointed out that such a rule is already enforced for the BASS Masters Classic. Classic competitors are not allowed to receive help on the Classic lake beginning with the pre-practice period, which is about a month before the tournament. Stone said: "They already enforce a no-information rule for 30 days over the Classic. Why not make it 30 days for all events?"

He also suggested some kind of 3-strike rule for those caught breaking a no-info rule.

"Give the suspected angler a polygraph test. If he fails, strike 1 will be a fine -- something substantial, say $5,000 to $10,000. If it happens again, the angler is suspended for an entire season. A third time, and they are expelled (from the Tour) for good."

But B.A.S.S. national tournament director Trip Weldon said a no-information rule over an entire Tour year would be much more difficult to enforce than just doing it for the Classic. "A no-information rule over 52 anglers for one tournament on one lake (the Classic situation) is much more enforceable than a no information rule over 175 anglers on lakes all over the country at different times."

Weldon noted that such a rule also would make anglers vulnerable to accidentally engaging in conversation about lakes that are in cut-off.

No Enforcement Needed?

Tim Horton believes that a no-info rule wouldn't really need enforcing because of the rule-abiding nature of professional anglers and the tremendous career risk an angler would assume in breaking the rule.

"Has a pro ever tried to sneak on the water during the off-limits period?" he said. "We don't know for sure, but I think it is safe to assume that pros have never even considered such a risk for fear of their career. The same thing applies here. As long as the rule applied to everybody, I think it would be revered by all for the betterment of the sport."

Horton pointed out that most locals who help pros win often can't keep quiet about the fact that they helped a pro. "The fishing community is a pretty extensive yet close-knit group of folks. An infraction of soliciting help would eventually come back to bite the guilty party."

Rules Make Saying 'No' Easier

Another aspect to this is that pros who turn down information from well-meaning fans can be perceived as rude. With an actual rule in place, Horton thinks fans would be more understanding of abrupt refusals.

"People think I'm conceited when I refuse offers of help during a period when it's legal to get it," he said. "I can see it in their reaction. Yet, their reaction is totally different when I tell them I can't get information because of the rules (i.e., during official practice). They actually respect that.

"So if a no-information rule blanketed the 30-day period, pros could abruptly turn down well-intended information with good reason."

Would It Be Supported

Even though many pros say they support a no-information rule, when it came down to a vote -- say by the Professional Anglers Association -- would the pros stand up as a body and agree to it?

Horton believes that the pros would unanimously favor such a rule. "Maybe I'm way off base here, but what professional bass angler is going to say, 'I think local information should be allowed?'"

- End of part 2 (of 2) -

What's your opinion of this? Click here to let us know.

And don't forget to vote in the new BassFan Poll about this issue (on the home page)!