Hey guys: Do you get the chance to see why The G man got a DQ (unsafe boating)? I did an can't understand what he was thinking. Nearly hit someone, he could have just slowed down. Skeet hit it on the head "The G man had a brain fart but we still love him". Im sure he will never forget the classic.

Bassin
Butch

Yeah, Butch I saw that too. I understand why he did it-bass tournament anglers drive idfferently than most. I'm sure the water was shallow and narrow and on plane normally would be the way to go, but that really is no excuse during a major event where fans and cameras are present. I think the DQ was warranted. Gerald is becoming very close to anothe "Ike" and it's sad that some anglers feel they have to "put on a big show" to be a bass angler. We never used to see the pros run back and jump onto the outboard-break dance on the deck, or get mad and throw things in the water-bass fishing on tv is becoming just another reality show. I used to love the Classic but now, I have to sit through 1 1/2 hours of hype to see 30 minutes of fishing. Johnnie

I don't care what the excuses, the DQ was ok with me. He's not the nicest guy on the water. Hey, you guys jumped all over Ike, Swindle is a step below Ike. Jerk. Carl

Ok guys,I agree that the DQ was warranted,but in all reality,in a big event like that,time is money. Grant it,that he could have slowed down,per the rules,but Swindel,made an honest mistake. Everybody got over Ike and his tantrum,and people like him ( Ike ) again.Just let time pass,and Swindel will be as liked if not more again. Besides KVD,Gerald is still one of my favorite anglers.

Ya you guys are right, he was wrong, that is it! The USCG Rules of the road states 50 Feet from any ancored vessel, your vessel must be off plane until you safely pass the vessel. State Law here in Missouri is 25 feet from any vessel ancored or not. We had real bad issues with jet-ski jumping wake.

Just comes down to a bad choice by the g-man he has to pay for it, in sponser money and tournament winnings. I bet he won't make that mistake again. Just Like IKE!!!

Good Fishing

Yep, G-man messed up, if camera boats wern't present there most likely wouldn't have been a problem. The pro tour is turning into a reality show and the pros are playing along. I still like the good ole boys who take the wins and losses with equal grace and no grandstanding. Johnnie

Thanks for all the replies. Too bad the TV camera changes people, I to wish we could go back to the good old days. For example: If you meet IKE off away from the camera he is a super person to talk with, I know this as I have personally spoke with him. But it seems making a scene is the standard today in America. You need to look no farther than the NFL ( end zone antics), unfortunately the days of many fishing pro's talking about techniques and patterns are gone. Bad behaver breeds more bad behavior in children as well as adults. I was in bass pro shop last week looking at a new rod, picked it up and to get a feel of its weight and comfort. A "store pro" whipped around the corner with the following wisdom
" you know how to test sensitivity?" I answered yep "touch the tip to a persons voice box to check vibrations!", the SP said "You are correct".

He went on to say:

"I got 7 baitcasters on my rod locker at anytime on my new ranger", ( like I care)
"I don't even own a spinning rod (Again like I care)
"I Do own a spin cast, can you guess why" ( I answered dock skipping he said your right)

This was an awful example of (look at me), no camera involved but this did not effect this store pro's performance. I wish I had a fishing emmy in my pocket present to him.

Bassin Butch

Changed my mind when I heard what he was saying to Tim Horton,in Match Fishing. A real jerk. C

Carl,

I didn't see the Ultimate Match Fishing event with Tim Horton -vs- Gerald Swindle, but I did catch the one with Swindle against Luke Clausen and he was being a real jerk that day. The funniest part was that he got his butt whooped really BAD... You would think he would have kept his mouth shut or at least toned it down a bit after he realized he had lost, but he didn't.

And to think that he is one of the highest payed (sponsored) Pros out there...

Brendan

Ok guys,everybody knows that Gerald has an ego.What really irritates me is,even though somebody does something wrong or stupid,you all are the first to jump on that person.I thought this was for giving tips,and advice.I am very disappointed,that this has been a bashing topic.I still like Gerald,and think,that t.v fishing is still cool to watch.With what you all say about the pros,I think I will leave the site,and get advice from someplace else. Sorry to be leaving.

Bassman, I hope you'll change your mind and stay with us. We were ask our opinion and that's what we gave.Yes, I have done the same thing in narrow Mississippi river sloughs, but not EVER when spectator boats, families with children and camera boats were present.
Yes, I agree, time is money in tournaments, and those guys need money to survive, but if one child had fallen out of a spectator boat and drowned, all the money in the world couldn't replace a child's life or overcome the grief and guilt Swndle would endure for eternity. I hope I speak for all when I ask you to stay with us, as said earlier these were our opinons and you have one too. Hope to hear from you later. Johnnie

Bassman, PS I still don't like Ike and never will, no one throws my U.S. flag into the water!! Ask and VET! Johnnie

I had the chance to speak with IKE at a Dick"s opening and he was as nice as any pro I have meet to date. He stayed till every kid that wanted an autograph had one. Does he over do it for the camera, YES,YES,YES. I think we all have seen the news of other live shots and everyone in the background is acting up.

He has profited and lose from the way he acts when the camera has been on him.

I to am a vet, I did not feel he looked for the light stand (with the American Flag) to kick and throw around. How many of us have had the chance to fish for a half mill? I have seen terible tantrums for a $80 jackpot afternoon tourny.

If our sport is to grow, and we get more respect for the recreational choice we have made, then we will have all kinds of characters in our sport.

I did not follow the "Old Boys" who were starting the cast for cash part of fishing that we like, but I have some friends that did and they were quick to point out that there were two reasons that Ray Scott used a lie detector in BASS. One , a noble thought, was to prove the integrity of the anglers, and two because it was clear to him that it was necessary.

So, We love to fish and we all wish that everyone that did was a lady or a gentleman, but we know that it is just not so.


Hope all have warm days and tight lines soon,
RW-reeler

RW, it's sad but true, the old guard are dying off or getting too old for tournaments, so we may as well let the next generation have their turn. Who knows, might turn out great. One things for sure, I'll never have to face the pressure these new pros do. I wish them all well. Johnnie

OK, sounds like it is time to lay this topic to rest.

Bassman, sorry to hear that you were turned off by this thread. Hopefully you can see past the few opinions which were stated and focus on the many useful topics which are discussed on the message boards...

Over the many years this site has been around, the focus has always been on helping other fishermen(and fisherwomen).

BC

Well said; Brendan-Do you know your e mail address doesn't work? Johnnie

Hi Johnnie,

Yes, I am aware. I sent you a private message with my new one. Check your private messages under your "My Profile".

Thanks,
BC