How a Bass Fishing Tourney Cheater’s Scam Was an Epic Fail

Fishing tournaments featuring lots of competitors and offering major prize money are bound to encounter would-be cheaters.

WEIGHTED BASS SINKS ANGLER

Such was the case at a recent bass fishing tournament at Lake Fork in Texas,  according to KLTV in Tyler, Texas. This one turned into a real-life “you’ve gotta be kidding me” moment after Curtis Lee Daniels of Willow Park allegedly tried to bulk up a largemouth bass with a few surprise accessories.

With a top prize of $11,500, Curtis Lee Daniels tried to bulk up a largemouth bass with a few surprise accessories. His entry triggered a metal-detecting wand during weigh-in. Texas game wardens performed a necropsy and reportedly found three three-quarter-ounce fishing weights inside the bass. According to the affidavit, the exact same type of weights were also sitting in Mr. Daniels’ boat (NOTE EVIDENCE LOWER LEFT OF PHOTO)

WHAT IT COSTS TO BE A WINNER/LOSER

KLTV says that now, instead of holding a trophy, he’s looking at a third-degree felony that could mean up to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and possibly losing his fishing license.

REMEMBER LAKE ERIE CHEATERS?

If that whole situation sounds like we've been here before, it’s because the fishing world still recalls the legendary walleye tournament cheating scandal in Ohio, where competitors literally stuffed fish with weights and chunks of fillets to tip the scales, in an attempt to steal nearly $29,000 in prizes. That one ended with an angry crowd, a  weigh-in meltdown, and a whole lot of yelling about integrity.

READ MORE: Buying Montana Fishing Licenses In-Person Made Easier Again

CALLING ALL SALMON ANGLERS: NEW MONTANA FISHING DERBY

Registration opens Monday for the inaugural Fort Peck Montana Tournament of Kings Salmon Derby July 30-31 and August 1. There is a $52,500 2-day purse, based on all 150 entries being filled. If you'd like to know more, contact the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce at 406-228-2222, or email info@glasgowchamber.net.

And leave your metal fishing weights outside your fish!