Photo from https://www.facebook.com/BigwaterwalleyechampionshipsLEWT

Weights in Fish: An Angler's Take On The Cheating Scandal That Rocked Pro Fishing

What is it? Why should you use it? Types of tshirt

Competitive fishing tournaments rarely go viral. But the cheating reported at the recent Lake Erie Walleye Trail in Cleveland was crazy enough to make even those who have never fished in their lifetimes reel in shock (pun intended!).

If you haven’t heard, here’s a quick rundown of what happened:

Anglers Jake Runyan and Chase Cominsky were disqualified from winning a $28,760 prize after their fish were discovered stuffed with lead weights and fish fillets. After the walleyes were split open in front of the crowd, showing the lead balls and fish fillet parts that made the walleye heavier than they actually were, tournament director Jason Fischer yelled, "We got weights in fish!"

 

Photo from https://www.facebook.com/BigwaterwalleyechampionshipsLEWT


Many fishing fans were understandably enraged, astounded, and frustrated by the situation. Fishing tournaments are fiercely competitive, fetching thousands, and even millions, of dollars in prizes. For the Lake Erie one, it cost $300 just to enter the competition. Aside from the entry fees, some fishing enthusiasts even travel thousands of miles just to participate in these competitions. In the words of Fischer (director of the Lake Erie walleye trail tournament), "Everyone sacrifices so much. For someone to essentially cheat them out of not only money but family time, I can’t believe that they would. "

A more recent update says Jake Runyan and Chase Cominsky have been indicted by a jury for cheating, attempted grand theft, and possessing criminal tools, which could land them in jail for up to a year and $2,500 in fines. They also have a misdemeanor count of unlawful ownership of wild animals for allegedly having raw fish fillets onboard. If convicted, their fishing licenses could be suspended.

 

Photo from https://www.facebook.com/BigwaterwalleyechampionshipsLEWT


So, what could the Ohio walleye cheating scandal mean for the fishing community?

For starters, it will definitely lead to stiffer tournament rules to safeguard those who join against those who want to rig the system. In some fishing tournaments, for instance, there are rules in place to stop cheating attempts, like having a referee in the boat, using live cameras, or running a metal detector over the fish.

Unless these rules become airtight against cheaters, pro anglers may no longer want to compete in these events for fear that not everyone is playing fair.

Also, because this isn’t the first time Cominsky and Runyan have won fishing competitions in recent years, some are also questioning whether they really won in those other tournaments, or if they also cheated. If they did cheat, it would mean the real winners in those competitions would have lost the prize money (and the honor) they deserved.

Meanwhile, we can continue to expect that tournament cheaters will face heavy penalties, as this will help restore the trust that has been shattered in these competitions.

Of course, there have been a number of fishing controversies in past tournaments and competitions. In some competitions, cheating involves releasing captive fish into the lake, or tying previously-caught big fish to a spot in the lake like a tree stump, then retrieving them for the tournament.

Despite this, fishing tournaments still draw huge crowds year after year. Maybe it’s for the sheer love of the sport or the thrill of competition. One thing's for sure: it certainly won’t do any one of us (anglers or not) any good if cheating scandals keep casting doubt on our catch. What do YOU think of the pro fishing cheating scandal?

MOST READ NEWS:

SEE ALL ARTICLES

Corn as Fishing Bait: Pros, Cons, Rules, and Alternatives

The use of corn as fishing bait has been a favorite among anglers, whether pro or beginner, for quite some time. The common golden grain is a go-to for catching a variety of fish, won't burn a hole in your pocket, and can be used in a bunch of creative ways. But it’s also caused a lot of confusion and controversy among fishing enthusiasts, because of two reasons: one, some states have specific regulations in place about the use of corn as bait or in chumming, and two, because of concerns surrounding its impact to the environment and on fish.

Why Fishermen Wear Neck Gaiters

Just like everybody else, we anglers have personal preferences. Live or artificial bait? Saltwater or freshwater? Catch and keep or catch and release? Despite these differences, though, some of us do still share some similarities as fishermen: one of them being the fact that we wear neck gaiters when going out on fishing trips.

Cast Far, Catch More: Why You Should Consider Using Braided Fishing Line

The angler's world is full of choices, and among these, the braided fishing line is a versatile tool that shouldn’t be overlooked. With its unique blend of strength, sensitivity, and versatility, it might just be the missing piece of fishing gear in your tackle bag. 

Minnow Traps Made Easy: Effortlessly Trap Live Bait for Fishing

After having been fishing for so many years, I've come to appreciate the many tools and techniques that enhance the fishing experience. Among them, the minnow trap holds a special place. Now, you might wonder what's so exciting about a device that catches tiny fish? And why do you need a minnow trap when you can just buy bait at the local tackle shop?

How To Catch Trout

Unlock the secrets to catching trout! Dive into trout biology, select the right gear, and fish where they love to hide. Apply proven trout strategies and watch your success soar.

How Can I Catch Bigger Fish?

Let's dive into the question we all have: How can I catch bigger fish? We'll explore everything from choosing the right gear and tackle, to finding the hotspots where the big fish hang out, and even what to do when you've got a real heavyweight on your line.