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!"

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.

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:
Is Overfishing Still a Problem?
One of the main causes of reductions in maritime animal populations is fishing. Overfishing occurs when fish are harvested quicker than they can reproduce, which makes it difficult for them to maintain a healthy population. We must take action to end overfishing as it is a global phenomenon that has harmed and is still harming our oceans.
Overfishing often goes hand in hand with bycatch, where enormous quantities of undesired fish or other animals are caught, and then later discarded.
5 Questions with Tim Anderson (@timtombanjo2)
We asked Tim Anderson, an angler from Texas, five questions to uncover his fishing background, most memorable fishing escapades, and must-have gear to get to know him better. Check out his answers in this blog.
Spring Fishing Checklist: What To Prepare Before Hitting the Water This Spring
Spring has sprung and it's time to go fishing! With the sun shining and the weather warming up, it's the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors and take advantage of some excellent fishing opportunities.
Get to Know Sean Frado (@fishingfanatics_NTX)
Sean Frado is an angler located in Fort Worth, Texas who loves “the idea of competition between man and fish.” He hopes to unite the fishing community and encourage outdoor recreation.
How To Choose a Fishing Charter
Booking a fishing charter is a popular and convenient way to enjoy a day on the water. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a newcomer to the sport, a well-planned fishing charter can provide you with a memorable fishing experience.
How To Keep Your Fishing Gear in Good Condition
Did you know that one of the most important things you need to learn and practice to ensure a great fishing experience is fishing gear care and maintenance?
Fishing Basics: How to Get Started
Learning a new hobby can be tough, and fishing is no exception. But with the right effort and time investment, you’ll be able to become a good angler in no time. Have a good foundation with the basics and then learn from experience.