I Know I Did The Right Thing As A Co-Angler

[BRONZEBACK67]

As many of you have heard there was an incident at the BASS open in Sandusky, Ohio. I was offered $1,000.00 dollars for a fish and was told by my "pro" how I was going to be paid and how "we" could go out to the middle of the lake to put the fish in his livewell.

There was no signing of papers after the tournament and I called BASS on my way home to tell them about the infraction or at least let them know how I felt about the situation. I have been called everything from a "tool" to a "snitch",yet I feel I did the right thing.

I had absolutely no reason to lie about this and I actually got along with my pro even telling him I would net my own fish so he could spend more time fishing.

Just the offer really bothered me and made me wonder if he had done it before.Perhaps even in this tournament on the previous days.

So, that is it from a member of this forum. I hope that if you are in a similar situation and have to make the right choice (albeit the difficult one)you do what is right in your heart and are able to look at the man in the mirror without regret.

[Ratherbfishing]

The only thing you did "wrong" was in not figuring out a way to have this so called "pro" get busted.

[J Francho]

The only thing you did "wrong" was in not figuring out a way to have this so called "pro" get busted.

He did get busted: http://www.bassmaster.com/news/fine-levied-northern-open

[ww2farmer]

As many of you have heard there was an incident at the BASS open in Sandusky, Ohio. I was offered $1,000.00 dollars for a fish and was told by my "pro" how I was going to be paid and how "we" could go out to the middle of the lake to put the fish in his livewell.

There was no signing of papers after the tournament and I called BASS on my way home to tell them about the infraction or at least let them know how I felt about the situation. I have been called everything from a "tool" to a "snitch",yet I feel I did the right thing.

I had absolutely no reason to lie about this and I actually got along with my pro even telling him I would net my own fish so he could spend more time fishing.

Just the offer really bothered me and made me wonder if he had done it before.Perhaps even in this tournament on the previous days.

So, that is it from a member of this forum. I hope that if you are in a similar situation and have to make the right choice (albeit the difficult one)you do what is right in your heart and are able to look at the man in the mirror without regret.

Good for you, I would do the same thing. Guys who cheat have no place in this sport, people who lack any decency, and would cheat as well, are who would find you at fault for reporting the violation. Good job.

[BrianinMD]

Congrats on doing the right thing!!!!!

[Siebert Outdoors]

I would have done the same as you. Its pretty sad that so many people have to cheat to keep up.

[Eriewormer]

Your not a tool, nor a snitch. Just an honest/decent Sportsman.

[grimlin]

That sucks...you did the right thing.

Me personally believes there needs to be stricter punishments for these lowlife cheaters.

5 year suspension,$50,000 fine and unable to purchase a fishing license while on suspension.Then see how many people are willing to cheat.

[Dwight Hottle]

You did the right thing. Now I want to know how were you kickin his backside so good from the back of the boat? Hint Hint

[J Francho]

FLW banned him for at least one year.

[slonezp]

You did the right thing.

Whenever there's money involved there will be people trying to cheat the system. Did you read the lame *** apology?

Wellman, who was reached for comment Thursday, was apologetic.

“There were some things said during that tournament that were definitely taken the wrong way,” he said. “I was trying to lighten the mood on the boat a little bit.

I agree with grimlin. I believe the punishment for that guy shoving lead weights in the bass a couple years back was similar to what you're talking about.

[Ratherbfishing]

He did get busted: http://www.bassmaste...d-northern-open

Oh! Good! Thanks for the update!

[Sam]

You made the right decision.

Stand tall.

We need guys like you to keep all tournaments above board and honest.

It is so easy to cheat in a tournament that any suggestion of wrong doing needs to be addressed.

[brushhoggin]

geez man, the people who are calling you "snitch", and "tool" are just as guilty! it's sad that that exists in the circuits.

[K_Mac]

I read the article on the the Bassmasters web site a couple of days ago. I also thought Wellman's "apology" was more of an attempt to justify/rationalize his bad behavior.

BB67 by Wellman's own admission he was guilty of extremely bad judgment. It sounds like he got off easy to me. You knew when you made that call some would be critical of you. Doing the right thing is always the right thing. Well done.

[unclejed]

It's great to hear your side of it. I just posted in the tournament talk section, that I would like to see an interview with you. You did the right thing. I think B.A.S.S. kind of dropped the ball with that slap on the wrist but I'm sure there are all kinds of legalities involved with thier decision. It is hard for me to believe that this guy will get much fan support or retain his sponsors. Thanks for doing the right thing.

[tomustang]

I bet whoever called you a snitch also cheats

[Gatorbassman]

You get the "Member of the Month" award for what you did. Thanks for having the balls to do it.

Back when I used to fish team tournaments with my best friend. We had an agreement about cheating. If you try to cheat you better be wearing your life jacket because you won't be in the boat come check-in time.

[Stasher1]

If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters. ~Alan Simpson

[Cliff Logue]

You did the right thing for sure.

[South FLA]

You did the right thing.

[Dave P]

You did the right thing. You did the honorable thing. Those who would tell you otherwise are ********.

[Shane Procell]

You are most definately an honorable angler!

I was reading in an article that this was the stiffest fine and suspension handed out in the history of BASS. Yet as a teenager in Bossier City, La., I remember a school mates dad being sent away to federal prision for cheating in bass tournaments. He and his buddys were bringing Florida bass and keeping them in the swimming pool. Somehow they were entering them in the tournaments and winning all sorts of prizes. This was the late 70's to early 80's. Some of you older tournament anglers may remember these guys from the Bossier City-Shreveport area. Maybe they were fishing a different tournament trail?

[bassnleo]

Its sad that the "Professional" angler placed you in that situation, just so he could potentially win a bass tournament.

It casts doubt and suspicion on all of us who fish tournaments, that too is sad.

You did the right thing, hold your head high.

[scbassin]

I saw where you mentioned this on another site & he mentioned it again while waiting to weigh in while you were at the BPS. I am wondering how you were going back to the middle of the lake to put in his live well without being seen. Are you sure he was not pulling your leg.