slimshad Posted May 14, 2015 Posted May 14, 2015 So here is my question to you guys. Would you consider running on plane thru a long idle zone cheating? We are fishing a lake where half the lake is idle only. I always thought it was a risk reward deal. If someone just runs on plane it takes the time risk out of it. It is also illegal. I see the guys that bump the throttle up and go pretty fast, but on plane?? 1 Quote
Super User Lund Explorer Posted May 14, 2015 Super User Posted May 14, 2015 Every tournament I have ever been in has had in their rules a specific one stating that all competitors shall abide by all local, state, or federal laws. In almost every tournament held on a body of water with what we call "No Wake" zones, the quickest way to earn a DQ is to pass another boat while motoring through one of these zones. The second easiest way to throw away your entry fee is to collect a ticket from the marine patrol, and many of these water cops are fully aware of when tournaments are being held on these restricted waters. I've actually seen them show up to the weighin to give the TD a list of offenders they ticketed that day. The most unfortunate part is that those who bend/break the rules can't understand that everyone is fishing under the exact same conditions. At least those who follow the rules! 2 Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted May 14, 2015 Super User Posted May 14, 2015 I'm not sure I'd consider it cheating, but it's unethical for sure. Our club, and the state events I've fished all have that rule Lund explained, stating if you receive a ticket for any unlawful operation on the lake, you are automatically DQ-ed. Quote
Super User Montanaro Posted May 15, 2015 Super User Posted May 15, 2015 If I punch a Nfl qb in the face I could knock him out. If I get caught I can be ejected from game and face criminal charges. Risk/reward thing. Do what's right. Quote
Super User Jeff H Posted May 15, 2015 Super User Posted May 15, 2015 And, if you get your arse handed to you by "the planers", you are still the better man....just not flush with cash. All part of the politics of tournament competition. You can either be one of them or you can have a clear conscience. 1 Quote
Super User Team9nine Posted May 15, 2015 Super User Posted May 15, 2015 Yes, I consider it cheating. Unfortunately, very common on our two major lakes. Been going on for more than 25 years, so I don't expect it to change. Most large events have a general statement or two about "cheating" or "violations," but nothing literally prohibiting the action of running in an idle zone. Comes down to someone has to officially protest and force the issue, otherwise everyone just considers it acceptable action around here. Most times CO will ticket you if caught, but if they don't stick around and submit the report to the tourney director, nothing happens. They usually don't unless you really upset them when they pull you over. Plus the idle areas are so large, they simply can't be everywhere. Most always get away with it. -T9 Quote
Super User Lund Explorer Posted May 15, 2015 Super User Posted May 15, 2015 When it comes down to it, there are a number of other considerations to think about. The most important, and the least thought about, is how tournament fishermen are looked at by others. If you have spent any amount of time on the outside looking in you will realize that many non-tournament fishermen, others using the ramp or lake during a tournament, and lakeshore property owners look at tournaments as a scourge put upon them. So by all means, tournament fishermen can do nothing but create more of those kind of feelings by thumbing their collective noses when blasting through a "No-Wake" zone. Another thing to think about. Here in Michigan, we have a number of lakes where all high speed boating restrictions at certain parts of the day. These usually means that the entire lake is restricted to anything other than a "No Wake" speed from 7pm until 11am. I've never been able to understand why the same people who gnash their teeth because they can't Run & Gun all day are the same exact people who curse the water fleas when they hit the lake during the last half of their tournament. For God Sakes - They should be happy to enjoy a quiet morning without the constant buzz of hoards of jet skis! Food for thought. 2 Quote
Zach Dunham Posted May 15, 2015 Posted May 15, 2015 When it comes down to it, there are a number of other considerations to think about. The most important, and the least thought about, is how tournament fishermen are looked at by others. If you have spent any amount of time on the outside looking in you will realize that many non-tournament fishermen, others using the ramp or lake during a tournament, and lakeshore property owners look at tournaments as a scourge put upon them. So by all means, tournament fishermen can do nothing but create more of those kind of feelings by thumbing their collective noses when blasting through a "No-Wake" zone. Another thing to think about. Here in Michigan, we have a number of lakes where all high speed boating restrictions at certain parts of the day. These usually means that the entire lake is restricted to anything other than a "No Wake" speed from 7pm until 11am. I've never been able to understand why the same people who gnash their teeth because they can't Run & Gun all day are the same exact people who curse the water fleas when they hit the lake during the last half of their tournament. For God Sakes - They should be happy to enjoy a quiet morning without the constant buzz of hoards of jet skis! Food for thought. I think most people just want something to complain about (the jet ski thing). I agree with you and I don't get why it is so difficult for some people to just follow the rules! Quote
Super User gardnerjigman Posted May 15, 2015 Super User Posted May 15, 2015 If you can think of any scenario that you would consider it cheating, then it has to be cheating all the time. Picture a lake that is 15 miles long. Now imagine that last half of that lake is "no wake". One boat says the heck with it and runs full plane to the back of the lake, another follows the rules and idles back, showing up much later than the first boat. Who has the advantage? In this scenario I consider it cheating, so to me, no matter the scenario, it will always be just that. 2 Quote
ColdSVT Posted May 16, 2015 Posted May 16, 2015 Its not cheating its not unethical It IS illegal!! it IS unsafe!! Instant DQ sounds about right to me Quote
Super User jbsoonerfan Posted May 16, 2015 Super User Posted May 16, 2015 What if you let a lil bit of air out of the tires on your trailer? Are you cheating? Quote
Super User tomustang Posted May 17, 2015 Super User Posted May 17, 2015 Of course it's cheating, you are breaking a rule for your benefit of an edge Quote
Super User Lund Explorer Posted May 17, 2015 Super User Posted May 17, 2015 What if you let a lil bit of air out of the tires on your trailer? Are you cheating? Only if you have a Patriots patch on your jersey! Quote
Super User Montanaro Posted May 18, 2015 Super User Posted May 18, 2015 What if you let a lil bit of air out of the tires on your trailer? Are you cheating? How else are you gonna launch your boat? Quote
Canyon explorer Posted May 30, 2015 Posted May 30, 2015 Breaking State, Club, or unsportsman conduct rules is cheating; not to mention personal pride. Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted May 31, 2015 Global Moderator Posted May 31, 2015 cheat CHēt/ verb gerund or present participle: cheating 1. act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage, especially in a game or examination. They would be gaining an unfair advantage IMO by gaining extra fishing time, therefore it would be cheating. Quote
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