This entire episode is a microcosm of the darker underbelly of pro fishing. While we would like to think all the participants of our sport are gentlemen, we have our share of characters. Just as any sport does.

Has there been any other "names" that behaved in such reprehensible manner in the past?

Yes, and more than a few members of this forum could probably name them.

But, and this must be kept in mind, the "powers that were" made sure the unsportsmanlike conduct, tantrums, rule bending, so on and so forth was well concealed. The very fact that Ike was caught on camera, and was shown, surprised me greatly. I doubt such footage would have made it through editing in the past.

As for the treatment of catch during tournements? That is the direct fault of the Tournement Directors. Who should insure proper methods of handling fish during both weigh in and by competitors.

The tossing fish episode? That was noted, and a warning isssued according to someone I know well.

Richard

I have read all the post and agree. I hate to say this but I was an Ike fan. Not for the tantrums and the outburst (that made me sick everytime I saw it) but the fact that he was bringing kids into the sport. I have seen him in person and watched the way he acted around the kids and he was well behaved as far as the way he talked around them made sure he signed all the autographs and talked and cut up with the kids in a way that they felt comfortable around them.

After watching what was done and reading all that was said I have to say that he finally broke the last straw. Being "X" military man (and I say "X" because once you were in the military you never EVER lose that pride of knowing what you and others have done for this country to protect the freedoms that we share weather we like the way people treat them or NOT) When the Flag hit the gound (so to speak) I lost all respect for the man. I love to talk with folks and kids about fishing and I try to present myself in a professional manner, heck my wife would tell you that sometimes I act just like a kid trying to get on there level... I would never EVER disrespect our FLAG the way that it was done..

Matter of fact since BASS and Ray Scott were brought up in an earlyer post. I recieved a Phone call from BASS last night wanting me to renew my BASS membership. When I told the man that I had issues with BASS and the way the organization was run and the things and attics that they seem to be promoting and several issues I had with the fact that they recieved advertising dollars from Sex Education Videos that my membership would not be missed if I did not sign back up with them.. NOW HERE IS THE REAL KICKER. Instead of appologizing and saying that they would work on these issues that I had and would have them addressed the man said "fine if thats the way you see it" and then he hung up. Hung UP ON ME. IF that has become what BASS represents then they are right it is FINE by me that they dont recieve another DIME from ME....

The almighty dollar (which I may add I'm sitting here at work at 3:30 am on overtime to make some extra money ) seems to drive everything and the pride and commitmentment to running things the way it should be run JUST DOESN'T MATTER anymore..

I never been a Ranger fan but after they stepped up and let him go because of the way he acted I might just have to buy a Ranger next time I'm in the market for a boat..
WEWWWWWW glad I got that off my chest!!!

Ok I'll step down from the soap box now and LETS TALK SOME FISHING..

Lord help us all..

I went out and checked Ike's personal web page and followed his "sponsor" links and NONE of them have him on their pro angler listings anymore...kind of eye opening to see the aftermath of a crybaby meltdown...here's a good question, how many of us know a guy just like him in our own clubs? I know there are many more just like him, they just don't get the ink. I say good riddance, he can stage a come back once he grows up!

Bryan, I fished with a guy ONE time that kept missing fish and was very clumsy in the boat. He got so mad he threw his hat into the water, stomped on the boat floor and cussed like I never heard before. I told him, "hey", it's just fishin' and he settled down some. I never took him again. This guy was about 40 so he isn't going to grow out of it. I even told him, "if it's not fun, quit doing it".

I've fished with a number of charecters who can make 8 or 9 hours into a life time. I was invited to join a club with permanent partners (some excellent anglers), but couldn't find someone who could commit, because of work ect. So I'm stuck with my old club that draws partners by lot. I've had them run my new Merc. at full throttle thru a stump field, and another flood my engine so bad that it wouldn't start for 2 days (we had to work on it to get it going). The guy who pulled out a radio, and turned it on full blast, and of course my favorite, the guy who will constantly cast in front of you. The only reason I still fish with them is, one getting a good partner is a pleasure, and two I like taking their money. I haven't pulled an Iconelli yet, but I just may get thrown out of the club this year. PS. All the troublesome guys are either my age (58) or older, the younger guys are very polite, and as said a pleasure to fish with.Carl

Ahhhhhhh, tourney partners, a subject that deserves a thread all its very own. I've drawn my share of winners, and losers.

I could tell you stories, oh Lord could I.

But, we'll save that for later.

As far as Ike's behavior, and the consequences of it? Its become quite obvious the boy, and I deliberately use the term, has a very long row to hoe before he can make it back to where he was.

If he can make it back at all. Hard to compete at the level he was at without some seriously heavy duty sponsors.

Very hard, if not nearly impossible. We're talking maybe a couple of years before everyone has the bad taste out of their mouths.

Richard.