Fishing Tournament Cheaters CAUGHT Stuffing Weights into Fish!!(This Happens MORE than You’d think…)

At a recent professional walleye tournament at Lake Erie, two renowned anglers that have won millions of dollars in fishing tournaments were allegedly caught stuffing lead weights, pliers and fish fillets into their limit of fish to increase the overall weight of their bag. These anglers have failed lie detector tests in the past and many competitors have been skeptical of them for years, yet they were allowed to continue competing in these major level events.
Unfortunately, this is just one of many instances of cheating that happen FAR more frequently in professional fishing than you’d like to believe. What’s your opinion on the situation?
SUBSCRIBE ► bit.ly/MFishing
#fishingtournament #fishingcheaters #walleyecheaters

[@MillikenFishing]

These 2 anglers will be banned for life from tournaments and likely charged with felony theft of the top prize of the tournament. If you’re going to comment on this, please make it thought provoking. I’m not interested in hearing how you’re disappointed in them or that you would “beat them up if you were in the tournament”. Again, think about this….we celebrated the cheaters more than the guys that won 🤔

[@technewb8241]

Where are the animal cruelty charges, though? I suspect that stuffing weights and objects into the stomachs of these fish is what killed them

[@oosaturatedfatsoo]

I was in this tournament those guys have a bunch of tourny wins..... basstards

[@madcowracing88]

Worthless anglers and got what they deserve but how could they be charged with felony theft regarding legal laws if they were dq'd from the competition and did not recieve the monetary award. Guys are low lives for sure and others assuming that they had cheated in previous tournaments are probably right did but unless they caught them in each tournament hard to go anywhere with it. With the money involved in some of these tournaments I wouldn't be suprised if there aren't some greased palms. Appreciate all the content you provide. Much respect .

[@nicholasjohnson6267]

They robbed alot of guys from opportunity and money, sickening

[@Bulletzz303]

As far as the bass fishing side of cheating in tournaments it’s certainly just as messed up as any other form of cheating but at least you don’t have people shoving lead down fishes throats in bass fishing. I understand the walleye end up being dead but I feel pretty certain they were alive when they have fillets and egg sinkers force fed to them

[@PatPauloMMA]

Hearing “we got weights in fish” must’ve been so liberating for many of those fisherman to hear.

[@suseyq4559]

They were both found guilty and got 10 days in jail.

[@michelleantonette9345]

​@suseyq4559, hopefully, more will happen after the 10 days in jail. Lawsuits etc.. this is àn EMBARRASSMENT for real honest fishermen that are honest, etc... my brother is pro and has won 100,000 and so much other winnings but that was his highest. He won a nice boat! I forgot about that.

[@afellowamericanafellowamer5317]

Pat Paulo- I also heard a guy say: "We all do it". I never cared for tournaments. It is a fact they kill many fish. Go to a tournament lake a couple days after a tournament. Dead fish everywhere. This happens especially in warm weather. Fish swim away and look okay after release, then die a day or two later

[@frankklootwyk9085]

I'm so glad to hear you say the things you said in this video. I quit fishing tournaments when I was a young man. Because of the cheating I watched go on in all different kinds of tournaments. I live in Michigan. Some local guy's organized a Gobi tournament one year to bring awareness to the invasive species problem in our state's waterways. It was a fun event and was open to anyone. I think it cost like 10 or 20 bucks a team to enter. It was a one day event with a total weight category and big fish category. This was the first time this thing had been done and me and my buddy signed up and fished this little tournament. We started off the tournament fishing near the channel mouth that opened up to Lake Michigan. We were catching Gobis one after another when I noticed my partner was looking a bit green around the gills and wasn't getting after it like he had at the beginning. He was getting seasick in the choppy waters of the mouth of the channel. We were killing it up to that point and I decided we had to move to a spot with calmer water in an effort to save our chances of doing well in this tournament. Long story short we ended up getting a third place finish and we missed big fish by a couple ounces. I knew had my partner not got seasick and we didn't have to spend time moving which was about 15 or 20 minutes. We probably would have taken the win. We were on them that good. We weighed in something like 25 or 27 pounds of fish. (If your familiar with Gobis that's a hell of a lot of Gobis) We had such a good time that when this thing came back the next year we both jumped right in and signed up. This time I kept us in flat water and we were on them big time. From the time we started till the time we had to pull line's. It was non stop Gobi inhalation! We both knew we were going to be in the money for sure. We weighed in 36 pounds of fish. To our amazement. There were team's weighing in 45 pounds and more. Most of us guys who fished the first tournament knew something was wrong but kept our mouths shut because it was a small family tournament that did bring attention to a growing problem with the invasives. Come to find out. These guys had went out a day or 2 before the tournament caught a bunch of Gobis and put them in live baskets and left them in the lake until tournament day. Then simply retrieved them at some point and added them to their catch for the day. Now this thing only paid out like 500 bucks for first 300 for second and like 175 for third. I couldn't believe people would cheat like that for such a insignificant amount of money and a mention in our local newspaper. But I got educated that day about human nature. Or should I say. Some humans nature. Lol!

[@menace_to_myself7856]

Yeah that never happened. Stop lying

[@BraxtonWyeeyee]

@@menace_to_myself7856shut up kid

[@doinksinthePM]

Paused the video to read this. Wasn't disappointed! People can be pretty scandalous, huh? Least ya had some fun with your friend and learned an important life lesson that day.

[@michelleantonette9345]

​@@menace_to_myself7856 your probably one if the ones that did it, by insuating he was lying!

[@johnmassara6229]

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about this. I belong to a local club where our tournament entry fee is $10 per event. Others have asked why it's not more? It's because we fish for the joy and fellowship aspect, not to get rich. This just reinforces our club beliefs and philosophy!

[@luismagana9784]

There u go

[@scottmcclure8933]

That is awesome man! My uncle was a pro bass angler in the late 1970’s to early 1990’s and I can’t remember even any mention of cheating at any he would tell us about. He won some and lost some but was the type of man just ticked pink to even have been blessed with the physical ability and a great job to provide the means to become a pro…he would be so excited to win and tell the story but still came in satisfied for the opportunity to be there. He started out in local tournaments and clubs that would boot you and let it be known if you cheated. …of course back then, it seemed there didn’t seem to be any true concern about cheaters. I truly seems the world was a different place and sportsmanship seemed to be a term adhered to by the anglers and it carried weight and meaning to be called and known as a great sportsman and respected for being a good sport. Now, The shady player deals, attitude of athletes (ex: the player charged w assault for pushing the photographer for long reason), tampering w ball pressure and gas used to inflate them, horrible and pretty blatant and intentional poor officiating of sports in general, is instilling sportsmanship values in our kids that they see as “good” because it seems the visualization has changed the meaning of how to be and what great sportsmanship truly is. I may just have a different opinion or either I’m just rambling on but it does appear like the changes in what is now acceptable and was was acceptable are polar opposites from what I was taught.

[@slimpickens01]

No because y'all are broke and dusty

[@Kingike415]

@@scottmcclure8933poor guy needed a like

[@Angry.General1461]

They were framed. The fish just happened to be eating weights and fish fillet before they were caught! 😂

[@jacquesmarsacq7840]

I used these with the Team Catfish weight slides to make a kzbin.infoUgkxdmsDj7fQXe77DC0l7P7ua8B3PiESUubM Carolina rig and they were perfect for the ponds I fish. I have also used them to make 3 way rigs and these work perfectly. Haven't had any issues with them snagging in rocks or in weeds yet.

[@frienddylan]

"We got weights in fish!" Is a classic line and we need to give more credit to the event announcer that day for being a badass.

[@giddyupoutdoors275]

Well said Ben… The shock has worn off about this now we need to give it less recognition… these guys do not deserve to be made infamous for being cheaters. Thank you for putting this video out and expressing that! Let’s move on fishing world! Lots of champions to be crowned this month!! Woo hoo!!

[@robertcoulter4230]

This is why I love your videos, none biased telling it like it is and showing hard work and dedication is the key to success on and off the water

[@jeremyt5149]

Thanks for keeping it real. You always speak the truth. Situations like these make tournament fishing suck sometimes. I'd like to think I have gotten beaten fairly when I lose, but multiple people have been caught cheating over the years on my local trail. Makes it hard to want to participate.

[@mEePeR24]

Thanks for your thought and points made about this scandal. Also the thought provoking points about the interest in scandal over the merits of honest fishing and the honest hours that real competitors put into the sport. Society today definitely seeks out negativity rather than positivity and the building up of the sport. Just last week I saw a video of the floating boxes of bass that some cheaters use to house their fish used for cheating in tournaments. It seems like cheating is always a part of most or seemingly all of sports. Sadly its hard to imagine an end to dishonesty as it is an ever growing mainstay in all walks of life-political,sporting,business,etc. I hope that new practices can be implemented to help the honest,hard working sportsmen/women that work so hard and compete for the right reasons. Sadly our society and humanity seems to be going further and further down this kind of rabbit hole of dishonesty and lack of integrity. Here's to hoping for change and to the positive examples that so many demonstrate in the their honest endeavors and genuine efforts to grow the sport and set good examples to the up and comers.

[@erikstone8993]

It just brings a tear to my eye how much this is bring the community together 😌

[@sepafishing8065]

I can’t believe they even got away with this for this long!

[@Drake23x23]

How long?

[@christianbrus8246]

That's crazy because that's what I told my wife like how did they do it for as long as they did without anybody finding out or slipping up and saying something about it like they had to have brag to somebody about it

[@insanemind5321]

@@Drake23x23 years, they are repeat winners. So who knows how many wins are tainted

[@peterlongprong7521]

childish rage - they should have gutted those two right there - Fisherman Style

[@lucianestridge7964]

Curious, why was their fish the only fish cut open and checked? Kinda looks like a possible setup.

[@Matthew-qk1xi]

All those fillets wasted! Every tourney should be like MLF, a "Ref" in every boat weigh the fish and throw them back immediately. Avoid any chance of cheating. These scumbags do not represent true outdoors folk.

[@BuckeyeStateFishing]

Miliken thanks for shedding light, I’m from the area. I live on Lake Erie in a small town, those two dudes been suspected of cheating forever, there’s a lot behind the story, sponsors involved and everything. They won two tourneys last year but failed a poly for one but not the other. Ranger sponsored one tourney and not the other and we’re also a sponsor of them. The lewt trail celebration was the following day after that scandal and the real winners were rewarded, it was the second place team. The odnr and police are doing a full investigation. Lake Erie walleye fishing is supreme, don’t let these two idiots define us. Much love from a big fan!

[@mikepatterson4320]

I can personally relate to the other anglers in that tournament, I don't know if you heard of Mike Hart who was caught cheating in one of the biggest tournaments put on , the U.S. Open on Lake Mead in Nevada. He was caught stuffing weights in his fish that had hooks attached to them so the fish couldn't regurgitate them , I actually took second place to him in a couple of tournaments and it does suck knowing this guy cheated.

[@jamesbaskins6351]

You need to sue him for the winnings he beat you out of.

[@mikepatterson4320]

@@jamesbaskins6351 it was 10 years ago and he got caught about a year after the last time I took second to him but top pay was only about 5k which is still quite a bit but not worth the hassle of finding him and serving him , also pretty sure he moved out of California. You can read the story on him if you Google US Open cheater Mike Hart

[@proanimaluver6487]

Exactly ...people that cheat should have to pay it back And PAY who they cheated Xtra because of that action. You should be known as the winner publicly . I'm sorry to any honest person yhat gets cheated. No integrity

[@waldo6696]

That happened here in Redondo bch Cal. Guys left big fish in a crate.

[@TheChuckFina]

If he cheated to beat you, you are the better angler.

[@perpanator4951]

These fishermen were trying so hard to make the Pro Fisherman life work for them, instead of just dealing with the outcomes of each tournament and going to back to their normal lifes. People will do anything to make this hobby a full time job instead of just trying your best and dealing with the outcome. Very sad, even sadder it happened in my home city of Cleveland, Ohio. Glad I know lots of Fisherman who would NEVER do this and as a fisherman attempting to become a Pro Angler, I hope I don't get involved with cheaters like them.

[@13dirtnasty]

I’m not sure how much water this holds but I did hear they were arrested. Anyone hear the same thing. On a different note I’m glad you did this video people need to be aware of this situation that happens all over fishing. GREAT VIDEO

[@kainowak]

Great video, I only fish for fun and don't have an interest in fishing tournaments (maybe in the future) but its crazy to me at how obvious this was. The fact that the second place bag was 16 and they were at 33 pounds is insane. Over double! The worst part is that they probably could have gotten away with it if maybe they only put 2-4lbs in the fish. Its crazy how in a video one of the guys said they have no doubt they will be the team of the year, even when they KNOW they are cheating! Think about all the people who got second place legitamently, sad. Terrible sportsmanship, they deserve the repercussions that are coming their way like loosing sponsorships, etc. Both these guys are real losers

[@allaboutroofing2]

*losing

[@scottmcclure8933]

I think I may have picked up on a little sarcasm with the dudes “team of the year” comment though. …I am a retired paramedic used to not only hearing but also known to be rather sarcastic sometimes so I guess I pick up on the vocal nuances…I think all of us in any form of public safety are born w a sarcastic tooth at birth…lol

[@docshollfishing421]

You’re a real one man! Appreciate what you do for the sport of fishing.

[@OHCreekFishing]

This is one of the craziest fishing scandals I have ever heard (aside from the Mike Long accusations) As someone who does lightly fish small tournaments, it’s terrifying to think this could happen to any tournament and steal a win from someone who actually legitimately caught decent fish. I appreciate how you covered this and gave everyone more prospective. Tight lines man! 🎣

[@FSU2001]

Lol. “Fishing scandals”. Ya, because we’re all following the drama in the fishing community.

[@dontnonowuno9953]

@@FSU2001 move along if you don't like fishing.

[@FSU2001]

@@dontnonowuno9953 I can’t. I’m not allowed to move along.

[@FSU2001]

@@beez7753 Wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Pretty awesome.

[@AuroraHemi]

I’m not into fishing but saw the “cheating” video and was curious if there was more to the story which brought me to your channel. So thank u for making a video about this and getting the information out there

[@andrewtilson1783]

Well said man you hit the nail on the head when you said people would rather see you get into it with another angler. Before a tournament rather than see you Win... I'm a MFER FOR LIFE 🧬 GREAT VIDEO AS ALWAYS

[@divorcedwhiteman1968]

if you aint cheating you aint trying

[@nathanshaw8132]

Couldn’t have said it better Andrew. Great comment.

[@jeffboswell68]

This vid and your commentary just reinforces why I sub....good stuff bro! You keep it real......hats off!

[@TreCole612]

I personally love your content, any and all of your content. I wish I could go fishing with you just to see you in action up close and personal. You’re an awesome fisherman and have great content.

[@thompsonm7325]

Here is an interview with the tournament director. Check it out. He gives insight as to how all this came about at this tournament. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJyXgmeKrLCbgrs

[@_md______]

Great insight into this. Thanks for the link. Directors seem like standup guys and hopefully the publicity helps their organizations

[@joeelliott2157]

For years fisherman have been saying "I almost caught a fish that was this big". Until a couple of fisherman realized that they could just stuff weights in them.

[@charlesshaffer5782]

Great video and you handled it very well the sad and tragic thing about this is they could have been doing this virtually their whole careers and you mentioned that they had won $3 million that is mind-boggling at how much of that was stolen no one will know for sure unless they confess 🤔💰💰💰

[@FuManDrew365]

You are right 💯.. yea for sure these guys should be ridiculed, embarrassed, banned for life and charged.. but the guys who didn't cheat paid their dues worked hard and won should get some type of attention.. the world we live in these days people just want the chaos and drama and it's really sad.

[@callingallbassmorgan339]

Your right man the world loves chaos and negativity it’s so sad to see society going in this direction.

[@YajYia90]

Don't cheat

[@enricopallazzo3244]

Whatever fish boy

[@jordanhennigar655]

I love seeing you win homie keep up the videos and thanks for keeping us updated on this 🙏

[@sitkaarnold6870]

I like how you explained how people will always be drawn to the confrontation videos before quality fishing

[@jeffmumm9644]

Hey Ben long time no see. Hope all is well. There is a great you tube video by Big water fishing that interviewed the director that cut the fish open. Great insight to how it all went down. Take care.

[@danstanavich]

Milliken: *Complains the winners don't get any press* Also Milliken: *Only names and talks about the cheaters*

[@JayMac]

I unsubbed a loooong time ago.. Hes lost his way. Dude even started sht talking me 3 nights in a row on ig on pages that weren’t his. Just here because this was the first video i saw when I looked this up

[@richardm3023]

My buddy Watson and I were at our local cigar lounge, talking about how different people show anger differently. He asked me "I rarely ever see white guys get really pissed off, what does it take to piss off a white guy?". Then I showed him the weigh in video...and he fell off his seat laughing.

[@jayc7977]

Enjoyed this video, it's a different kind of Video than you normally make, but it was nice to hear your take and oppinion on the matter. I agree with you completely. This happened close to where I live in Ontario, I'd really like to hope these 2 anglers see what happens to cheaters, and what happens when you take food out of someone elses mouth! Also, someone should post pictures and or videos of the Anglers who actually won the tournament aswell as the fish that actually won it for them.

[@sl_fishing]

Man you dropped some knowledge in this one. You also have to remember that sadly a lot of humans in our world today lack critical thinking skills. Would like to know what you think about the people saying Keith poche cheated for his red river win, kinda crazy how guys wanna say that is cheating yet all this other crap slides…

[@MillikenFishing]

Yeah Poche didn’t break any rules in his win. He’s a great, proven angler. One thing I didn’t touch on is how many times a few of the bigger names in the sport have simply been fined for breaking rules or failing polygraphs 🤔😳

[@sl_fishing]

@@MillikenFishing 😳

[@ben1449]

How do you figure poche cheated? Seems like you read a headline plus a snippet of an article and made an assertion.

[@sl_fishing]

@@ben1449 there’s literally tons of videos talking about how people are saying he broke rules etc

[@dontnonowuno9953]

@@ben1449 seems like you did the same with what they just said.neither one "asserted" anything about him cheating

[@DFWdarin]

The police had to escort them out because the directors told the fisherman not to hurt them because all the fisherman were saying they're fixing to beat their ass

[@saluteyourshorts2772]

Fixin or thinkin, or jus bitchin

[@afellowamericanafellowamer5317]

I was at a musky tournament. Before they went out, each boat drove by an official showing their open live well. Then during the tournament, when a guy caught a fish, he got in his phone to call a ovwr a judge boat. The fisherman showed the fish to the judge, it was photographed, then released on the spot.

[@davidfreeman3065]

I 100 percent agree. A local tournament in Maryland here came down to a polygraph when we protested a well known figure in the sport for buying a fish from someone else to use in a tournament. We obviously had photos of both parties with the fish and could prove it was done but the worst part is after it came out they still paid him he still won and we all just got screwed. The entity that ran the tournament suffered tremendously as did the cheaters business since many of us were using his products. He is now a fishing pariah I guess you’d say.

[@ReelToneD]

The wild part of it all, they were leading for TOY coming in to the tournament. They only needed a top 6 finish to get the title. And not to mention their bag of fish (minus the 8lb of lead) was a top two bag at around 25#. So it seems as if they got too comfortable/greedy. It sucks that this happened and the negativity the cheaters are getting is deserved. But it really sucks to see people bash their sponsors, because there is not a chance any of those sponsors had a clue what’s these guys were up to. I’d love to see statements from some of their sponsors disconnecting the from these two. I’m sure we will hear more from LEWT soon, and maybe highlights of the top finishers for the year! shift to the good news and let these scumbags diapear and never competitively fish again. Great video 🤟

[@Das_burrito]

I never thought you would've covered this but I'm glad u did. You had great points and covered it well.

[@adamzaher8333]

Loved your insight and stories, logic, and thoughts about this. You’re the best!! MFer.

[@ScizorTre]

I absolutely agree with everything you said. You hit it right on the head of the nail man. Love the channel. Keep it going and keep it positive and keep it true.

[@billblaski9523]

Lmao thing that amazed me the most is the cheaters just stood there the whole time while everyone was yelling at him😂. As soon as one judge was all "Hmmm wait a minute...." they should've been out of there,"Hey i gotta use the bathroom real quick" and been sprinting out of there

[@stevepotts3946]

Excellent insight bud. I completely agree with all of your opinions here. Very well stated.

[@johnmcdowell7745]

This brings back to 1977 - 1978 when I was 12 or 13 yo and entered a fishing derby at our local regional park and I believe it was largest / heaviest fish contest . My two brothers and two best friends entered since we have been fishing this park since it basically opened in Yorba Linda, Ca . We all weighed in st the end and low and behold , we didn't have the largest fish . After weighing in a kid had a fish that was awkwardly heavy and they investigated it and found lead sinkers in its belly . Very disappointing but a good life lesson as well .

[@JL-by6ce]

That get the F' ouuta here sounded like he had some Michael Rappaport influence 😂😂😂 Classic

[@shortround889]

Show how professional the other anglers were, by NOT beating up the cheaters. Props too them 👍.

[@shortround889]

You weee not able to answer my simple question on where we meet every year, the First Saturday in Omaha. Leave me alone scammer

[@TFC187]

I’m in Indiana (retired state trooper). Had this occurred in Indiana, we have Conspiracy laws that could apply. The general conspiracy statute reads: 'A person conspires to commit a felony when, with intent to commit the felony, the person agrees with another person to commit the felony. A conspiracy to commit a felony is a felony of the same level as the underlying felony.' The question for law enforcement / prosecutors is identifying the underlying felony(s). I would think that several are possible. I would suspect Ohio has similar laws.

[@bril3682]

Never been a sub till today tell it how it is you have been a great inspiration to my fishing skill and bait making keep up the good work

[@RacinJosh72]

That’s the best video I’ve seen so far on this topic, good job! Go Big Red!!!!

[@joeling5824]

Im not up to date on the walleye fishing comps. But as you say millo I did some research into this and all I can say is Congrats to Steve Tyszko and Chris French for taking home the LEWT Championship and 3rd place in the TOY race. Plus a huge congrats Steve Hendricks and Brian Ulmer for winning The 2022 Team of the Year Championship. You guys are keeping the integrity of the sport alive! Keep on fishing!

[@bigbore4498]

I work for one of the largest professional bass fishing tournament trails there is. This doesn’t surprise me in the least. And the main reason they got caught was because they stuffed too much weight in them. There’s as much difference in a 5lb and 7lb bass as there is in a 5lb and 7lb walleye. I’ve handled unknown thousands of bass since I started working in the industry. But our tournament directors have seen even more. And if you think they can’t tell the difference, you’re a fool. And that’s exactly how these guys got caught. They tried to make a tournament director believe 4-5lb walleye were 6-7lb’s. Not gonna happen. So let me give those who might think about doing this some advice. I understand the allure of adding a few oz here or there. Because in this industry, ounces can mean thousands of dollars. Well, ounces turn to pounds…….Don’t do it. Don’t sacrifice your integrity for any amount of money. These men (I use that word loosely) will never fish another tournament. They will likely go to jail. And their name is shit for the rest of their lives. Their kids, if they have any, will be publicly shamed by their peers. Their wives will carry that shame. Their lives are essentially ruined. All for a false glory and money that they didn’t even earn and may likely have to pay back. When you do something like this, you’re risking way more than a few thousand dollars.

[@officermiclawdogzurc6156]

😂😂😂 he should been like....GUYS GUYS GUYS ITS JUST A GAME 😂😂😂

[@trafyknits9222]

Sounds like it's time for a new radio show: "Weight, Weight, Don't Tell Me"

[@gnargoyle1582]

I'm pretty upset the memes aren't as good as they could be 😜 but good vid , keep up the great content boys !

[@jimday9720]

I stay away from negative videos because I believe if creates negative thoughts. That is why I subscribe to your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@lokdawg5410]

“Kick their ass, Seabass!!!” 😂

[@ATypicalSquid]

Props to Mr. Fisher, the director at the tourney who noticed it right away.

[@shawnohara9257]

I was waiting for you too post about it!!!!

[@dereks7061]

I’ll be honest, as someone born and raised around this stuff - I usually steer away from anything that may align with politics (either side, but specifically one). Your channel and this video are great / you gained a follow. Appreciate your approach to these things and how everyone is human… no need for bs in the middle of all this bs we live through enough. And first chess - and now this - even the sacred sports have con artists taking advantage, and until there is punishment… this crap won’t stop 🤷‍♂️

[@jwittusen]

Being new to tournament fishing. This is absolutely disgusting and I hope that everyone takes note of who these two men are and bands them from even fishing in the local pond tournaments. I hope the Fish and Wildlife go after these guys to the full extent of the law. There is absolutely no place for cheaters in any sport or activity. That being said I want to say congratulations to the actual winners of the tournament Tsczyko and French. Also congrats to TOY Hendricks and Ulmer.

[@dtfonmyballs8752]

One instance of cheating I had was back in the late 90s, I was 16 and my dad and I fished a Thursday night league tournament. It was a big bass, fish maybe 3-4 hours and a $10 entry fee to win $130 for first and $50 for second. The tournament was partially sponsored as well so first place was sometimes $180 and $80. We had a guy who owned a local a bait and tackle shop who was consistently winning and weighing in 4-5 pound fish every Thursday night saying he caught them on senkos. Senkos had just made it on the market and he was trying to get people to come to his shop to buy them. However, someone had followed him and he had a live basket with a few 4-6 pound largemouth on a dock. He would troll up and put one in his livewell. It was so disgusting, we had 14 year kid fishing that tournament who caught a 4 pound largemouth and that is what tipped it off when he brought a larger one in and won the tournament for the 5th time in a row.

[@LouisJr.]

Milliken Fishing thankyou for giving your opinion on this story. I noticed this incident was mentioned on Cnn last night & Nbc's Today's Show this morning. It's something how this has made it to the major networks.

[@LouisJr.]

I was kind of surprised that the tournament will let those fish count in the weigh-in being dead cuz I know it in most tournaments they like to fish to be alive it's kind of crazy.

[@jeffporter100]

Great video! I think the “recognition” that we are giving them is not all bad because it will broaden the net of negativity that they have to deal with going forward.

[@HookLife]

I’m in agreement with your opinion on society in general Ben. People have been cheating on every level of every sport since the beginning of time. It’s always going to happen. Hopefully the administration of all of these trails and circuits will start making consequences more severe for cheaters. Personally I’ve been scrolling past 90% of the memes all day because I would rather give props to a kid and his pic of a 2lber than give these dirtbags any more attention. Negativity breeds negativity. I’m about surrounding myself with people who are interested in helping themselves be better. I’m not even going to make content about this for my own channel. It would propbably get more views than any other video I’ve put out this year, but these chodes dont deserve any more attention. A rising tide lifts all boats. Tight lines bro

[@darrylfields7633]

Great Video!!!! Madd Respect!!! Continue To Keep It 💯💯💯💯💯

[@benhansen5083]

I’m glad you made this video I was surprised so many people were shocked I didn’t think it was a secret there was cheating going on

[@brianlee9074]

Thanks for the video Ben. ✌🏻🎣

[@ChairPacer]

Finally A video matched the sense of urgency and CAPS you use for your titles.

[@christophershelton1735]

Love this vid. Not the cheating but informing us on the other cheating that takes place.

[@Xfurias]

Anytime money is involved it brings out the worse in people

[@fliguy41]

Better call the fish cops 😂😂😂

[@christopherevans4273]

Thanks for the measured commentary. It's one of the reasons that I have enjoyed your videos. Must be because you came from the upper midwest, sensible folk live up here in the cold. :)

[@bjfrazier4895]

I like your thoughts on it. I fished a 3 boat scamp local tournament with my son as my partner. Cost us $25 to enter. What got me at the end as everyone was leaving two guys stayed back to let the fish they caught go back where they caught them. Ran through my head them boys put those fish in a basket. I can’t really say but…later that year those fellas were caught baiting ducks. That small incident impacted us that we haven’t entered another tournament since.

[@burs_bobby_iaga]

My thought is this, makes you wonder who on the inside is also involved. Knowing they were accused in the past makes you wonder who else is involved.

[@jasonisham4028]

Im glad these guys were finally caught, they may have been doing that kind of crazy harmful crap for a while. Thats not something someone picks up that day! You are absolutely correct when you say we love the negative content, I have not heard a bit of who won. Thats sad for the guys doing it the right way and following rules for the love of the sport!

[@GabrielPerez-fz4gu]

I was waiting to hear who won! Ben please add a comment recognizing them!

[@MyChaoticFishing]

💯

[@scottmcclure8933]

Yeah, you have a new fan on the page! Love it!

[@daviddarlingauthor]

Great points. Thanks for sharing man.

[@clintonbruning]

I never considered the money stealing factor of it. That is theft not cheating. The way they cheated is illegal and far more unethical than getting info on a lake beforehand. But that’s my two cents. This is why I will not be getting into tournament fishing, I don’t need any drama out of my favorite and most enjoyable hobby

[@clintonbruning]

It’s straight in humane what they did honestly and no telling how long or many times they’ve been doing it. And it’s like the tournaments they didn’t win and still cheated you know they were thinking “how can we pack more weight in fish without it being too obvious next time” instead of considering how to be better anglers and catch bigger fish.

[@760BassFishing]

I'm glad you made this video awesome 👌

[@bomitcham4773]

Yes sir, bring it to light. This whole world is fear/negativity driven! Be a light, be positive…be different.

[@badenculpepper2450]

This was a great video thanks Ben

[@foxingaround8588]

Hit the nail on the head with this video, good information

[@Cantfish4sheet]

I would hate to have seen this take place on a Tuesday-Nighter. 😂

[@visoroverwatch3247]

I'm surprised those 2 managed to walk out there unscathed lol.

[@scratchnoff7609]

Imagine if there was no camera

[@KokomoGreenberg]

This feels like its a SpongeBob episode where Plankton tries to cheat Mr Crabs out of some money but Mr Crabs foils his plan and Plankton ends up in jail with Mrs Puff

[@MysticPhoenix]

Well said Milliken!🎣

[@timredenbaugh9892]

Great talk, totally agree with you...

[@jzd8ddy816]

Great video.... information was spot on

[@danrogers9945]

You make a great point!im 55years old,and kills me to see how people are addicted to drama,chaos & all the crap! Its sad but true! One reasons im a fan of yours! And why i love the channel! People need to get a grip! And for the cheaters, you guys(and girls) ruin great events ! Sad individuals for sure!

[@marquesdean5075]

Update: The cheaters were sentenced to 10 days in jail and they had to forfeit their $130,000 fishing boat!

[@jessestyron3806]

Nothing but positivi( . Y . ) Round here Ben!! Lol. Sucks cheating is as bad as it's been.....but glad you're doing what you do and keep up the great work! 🎣🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@jimtrack3786]

Great points brother! I fish but no way could I compete. I'm just not that good at fishing. I was a huge Houston Astros fan for years, but when they got caught cheating (and they did!) that was it for me. Cheaters suck. The media sucks. The winners of this walleye tournament deserve recognition. No question!

[@VinnyBond]

Good video, and yes, when there is money involved people will do shady stuff. X-Ray is possibly one option to begin with.

[@lucasl.8292]

All fishing tournaments with a prize pool of $10,000 or more should require a cameraman on everyone’s boat

[@Ganja420]

i'd have so much fun arguing with a fisherman just because lmao

[@matmac7950]

Good video and info I've seen that in saltwater and freshwater fishing tournaments a guy brought a fish from a Long rang boat back to CA and bass tied up to a tree to collect game day there's a special place for people like

[@matmac7950]

Sorry not me