I saw it and read about it. Although no rule is on the books, and you can bet their will eventually be, I think it is pretty crummy to ruin somebody elses pattern on purpose. Why can't I drop cherry bombs on somebody's point? Why can't I rotenone Brendans cove? Let's be serious, this was either a really stupid ploy or just ESPN trying to build some hype like the NASCAR Feuds.

They will pass a rule that prevents this because with the revamping of the schedule and the way the tour will follow the spawn north, they want those big bags because it translates into additional interest and ultimately more dollars from sponsors.

Craig, I think you are right, it's probably more hype than anything else. I think some of the circuits have outgrown themselves and have turned into a circus on water. I have seen these kinds of deception backfire. Once in a tournament I was using a white crankbait and catching fish, another tournament boat came within hollering distance and asked how I was doing. I as always told the truth, doing pretty good witha white crankbait. These guys thought I was only displaying the crankbait to throw them off so they used only black jigs and lost. Later they asked for the truth of what I was using, I had already told them the truth, they just couldn't believe anyone would do that. Too bad for them. But then again, not many folks have white crankbaits.

Johnnie; I feel that concealing the bait you are using may be considered acceptable, I've done it myself. In no way does it compare to what was done in the incident under discussion here.

Though if asked point blank I won't lie about it, just decline to answer. (And I've at least a dozen white cranks in my tourney bags. From 2 to 20 Ft )

Hammering someone else's water is not.

I am forced to admit I've seen these types tactics used for years by a few 'fishermen'. These are the same guys who everyone hates to draw, they front-end you, try to cut you off when it's your four hours, won't share anything at all, but will pick your brain as long as you let them.

They've been around for years, and will continue to pay their fees and fish.

It's hard enough to find a permenant partner to spend eight hours or more sharing a small bass boat on a regular basis.

To be forced by the vagaries of chance to spend the same amount of time with someone who you cannot bear makes for a very long day.

I have made it clear to more than one Tournament Director that if I drew a certain person he could find someone to observe for that boat. I wasn't going to fish with them. A couple have had some national recognition.

I would rather drive home the night before take off than fish in the same boat with a few long time fixtures in the local circuits. Admittedly I've never done it, but have no doubt, I would.


(Has it become obvious how strongly I feel about this?)