Accusations

[T-RockJaws]

Let me start by saying I love to fish and have learned most everything I know by trial and error as well as being an avid reader of the posts here on OAF. In the past couple of years as I have started getting a little better at fishing, I have tried to start posting more when I thought I might have some good information to share. I truely owe a lot to all of the members here on OAF and hope that some of my posts might help out some beginners in the future.

The only tournament fishing per say that I do is a small 2 company event that runs all summer long and tallies points for plaques to be handed out at the end of the year. We can weigh 6 fish per boat, but only 3 fish per person count towards the standings. On average we will have about 15 to 20 boats per tournament. The first year I fished it, I weighed very few fish and finished in the bottom of the pack. Last year and so far into this year, I have only missed weighing fish in 2 tournaments and usually weigh 3 fish each time out (sometimes only 2). I finished the season last year in second place and had a chance to win it all the way to the end. So far for this year I am hanging in to the top 5 and it is pretty tight for all of us in the top 5. I sincerely attribute all of this to time on the water and all of the fantastic reports I read on OAF.

I have now heard that there is talk out there that some people think I am pulling baskets at our tourneys. This hurt pretty bad to hear as I am one of the most honest people you would ever meet. I even offer anything I can to help the next guy out. Heck, if I caught fish the day before and you asked I would tell you exactly where and how just in hopes you might catch some as well.

I was just curious if anyone else has been faced with anything like this? And if so, how you dealt with it?

Thanks again for all of the help from all of the wonderful contributors here on OAF!

[Phil Lilley]

Pulling baskets means... you're cheating? Not sure what the term means.

Most tournaments option a polygraph at the end of the contest. That should deter any cheating I'd think. We give one every few years just to put the fear in those who may think about it.

[focused fishing]

T-Rock Jaws,

It's the same at all levels, someone starts doing well and the green-eyed monster shows up and others start making accusations.

Personally I delt with it in a club a few years ago and left the club, probably shouldn't have. I know several fine anglers on the regional level that have had their reputations tainted by jealous gossip. It seems that when somone gets on a roll people can't belive they aren't cheating. One regional angler finally got fed up and confronted the people spreading the rumours and it went away, another ignored it and it went away. Offering to fish with one of the accusors or an impartial person at your next tournament so they can see you aren't cheating may be an option.

You only have to answer to yourself and God, He knows your not cheating and so do you. Don't let the jealousy of others effect you, enjoy the tournaments and enjoy fishing.

EP

[techo]

T-Rock Jaws,

It's the same at all levels, someone starts doing well and the green-eyed monster shows up and others start making accusations.

Personally I delt with it in a club a few years ago and left the club, probably shouldn't have. I know several fine anglers on the regional level that have had their reputations tainted by jealous gossip. It seems that when somone gets on a roll people can't belive they aren't cheating. One regional angler finally got fed up and confronted the people spreading the rumours and it went away, another ignored it and it went away. Offering to fish with one of the accusors or an impartial person at your next tournament so they can see you aren't cheating may be an option.

You only have to answer to yourself and God, He knows your not cheating and so do you. Don't let the jealousy of others effect you, enjoy the tournaments and enjoy fishing.

EP

Exactly right! As usual.

[S&M]

Until you are approached and asked point blank if you are cheating, don’t worry about it.

Hearsay is playing upon your emotions and it’s working. You wouldn’t have mentioned this incident here unless it was bothering you. Don't let anyone control your emotions, especially with hearsay, ever.

Here’s what you do in this situation, “absolutely nothing”. Put this out of your mind and go about your business. If you start approaching people about hearsay then you are “escalating” the situation.

If you are approached about cheating, then deal with it in a mature and civil tone. Explain that you do not cheat, have not cheated and are more then willing to take a lie detector test at there expense to remove all doubt on their part.

[troutfiend1985]

Ignoring it could work in certain situations, but I think if you know who the people maybe extending an invitation to go fishing might help. Of course if you aren't on good terms with them, then I would ignore their comments. Competition brings out the worst in some, and unfortunatley it seems that you are experiencing this. People try to sabbatoge each other and resort to mud slinging in an effort to throw you off of your game. No matter what, just do what you are doing and ignore the gossip mill.

[Bman]

Ignore the bad behavior, it will go away.

[jay bird]

This is insane I know you and you partner and I know you hate cheaters. Also if you are cheating why are not both of you in the top five? This is insane and makes me wonder about the people pointing the fingers.

[redbud]

this is exactly the same situation I experienced several years ago. Turns out the accuser was the real cheater. It is really unfortunate that some people have managed to take the fun out of fishing. You are the one that has to look at yourself in the mirror,dont let some sore loser ruin your fun.You go out and kick thier butts, Im sure that all the posters on this board would like to help you out.By the way for what its worth,we have been doing well in the White River area near Eagle Rock,releasing several nice fish in the 4-5lb range, check out the channel swings back in Panther creek.Good luck,stay safe.

[T-RockJaws]

Thanks guys for all of the input, I value your opinions. From here on I am going to put this behind me and just continue to do what I do!

Redbud - Panther is one of my favorite areas, also catch several fish down around Johns Branch...