Fishing Tournament Scandal Caught LIVE on Camera

In this video podcast we explore another possible fishing tournament cheating scandal that took place during a hybrid bass tournament on Lake Norman in North Carolina. The walleye fishing tournament cheating scandal that was caught on camera became a worldwide event when weights were cut out of the fishes stomach. Anytime fishing tournament cheating is caught on camera like with the walleye fishermen, it becomes a scandalous affair. This hybrid bass fishing tournament scandal was also caught on camera, but this time it was live for the world to see. There are some important lessons we can all learn from what unfolded.
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#lakenormanfishing
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#fishingtournamentcheating

[@aaronmichaelmudd9261]

Those fish shouldn’t have been counted and should’ve been disqualified. Rules are rules. The guy in 7th behind him that was probably following rules got cut out of some money and deserved his 6th place position

[@koreywilliams4570]

Did they learn nothing from that last tournament, I think it was walleye where they were adding the weights. If you're caught cheating it should be an automatic ban. Or at the least a disqualification for the chance it was accidental.

[@SammysBaits]

@@koreywilliams4570 I like it the way it was in the old days. If you got caught cheating you didn't only get disqualified you had to run for your life.

[@d-squaredoutdoors5670]

Dieter said those fish didn't count. He made 6th place based on the other fish that were legal. That said, he did violate the tournament rules so he should have been disqualified. Good on him for returning the money.

[@shawnabney943]

100% disqualified 👍

[@DieterMelhorn]

Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@capt.craiglehrke4395]

Agreed, when you're breaking state laws with the fish you bring in the competitor should be disqualified. Besides what message does that send about mans sportsmanship. It's fodder for PETA when stuff like this goes on

[@robertmceuen3630]

I heard the guy say outloud 19 1/4". I worked construction for 40 years and have never seen any tape measure 3/4" off. In other words, those fish were short.

[@dougwalton4487]

Violating state laws give all tournaments a black eye, and the laws need to be enforced.

[@kylewhisnant]

I hope he doesn’t frame houses for a living 😂

[@MrGrendel65]

LOL!!!!!

[@outdoorsinindianawithdaves9826]

Immediate disqualification

[@frankglines2045]

He did the right thing by returning the money but having said that, he should have been disqualified immediately. Things like this is why I don’t participate in tournaments any longer, too many “rule stretches” and plain out cheating.

[@castandtrail]

I've never done any tournaments and only been fishing for a couple years fairly "hardcore" but ever since I started getting further into the sport I've seen so much cheating and ridiculous stuff about tournaments I've never had any interest in doing one.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Returning the money was a smart decision on several levels.

[@russellstewart5414]

Any other regular guy that would have been caught by the game warden would have been fined . But any time you have a contest with cash prizes you should expect half of the entrants to attempt cheating and have a mandatory meeting ten minutes before start that covers the rules and regulations and then have them sign the documents, clearly state disqualification and stick to them

[@joewinkler2168]

​@@russellstewart5414 everyone should have a set of rules. My rule book has 35 pages with lettering large enough for a blind man could read. Per tournament morning meeting, only if there is a special off limits for fishing rule that isn't consistent with rule book. And everyone already signs a release form stating they have read and understood the rules. If during the tournament anglers are recommended to contact the director that's already on the water in his boat to assist.

[@bradhendrickson7067]

Ignorance is no excuse, disqualified 100% done.. no questions asked

[@williamoneill8977]

I'm surprised the game Warden didn't contact them just off the video. I know in new hampshire they've used photos off social media to go after people

[@mrmachinist8834]

Measure twice cut once lol! Was the bump board the angler was using 3/4 of inch different than the tape measure the weight in judge had? breaking the law with having fish under 20” and the Judges still accepting them for weight in seems sketchy to me. I think a game warden would have been writing a ticket

[@DieterMelhorn]

Had he been stopped with those fish on the boat, and one measures 19 1/4", any legit game warden would have written a ticket.

[@Rein54]

They should have been called in my opinion. They broke the law end of story.

[@gottemoffthebottom7001]

Angler's should purchase the same catch board before the tournament and the law comes first

[@fishingthemidsouth]

But was the specific bump board used checked for accuracy? Purchasing the same bump board doesn't guarantee that they are accurate with each other.

[@cullemallkayakfishing9563]

@@fishingthemidsouth All Ketch brand boards are the same and 100% accurate.

[@fishregulator]

thanks for taking the time to cover this. great learning experience

[@DieterMelhorn]

YES!!! A great learning experience for all!!

[@KayakTater]

Sometimes a simple question could resolve, “Sir, since your fish shows under, you can accept this or we can have DNR come and measure, your call”!!

[@user-yv3tf1vn7o]

He shouldn’t have gotten the money at all 😢

[@DieterMelhorn]

Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@dinkfishing7135]

Disqualification.... period

[@markdilling8828]

Broke the law so definitely disqualified in my thoughts. They should have put fish back in the lake when they measured fish in the boat!

[@NorthernviewOutdoors]

Yeah personally, probably should be disqualified as it violated state law. Could check his ruler to validate what he said.

[@jeffreyneely9283]

Hey Dieter that was a great video about the tournament, totally enjoyed.💯

[@DieterMelhorn]

Thank you for watching and taking a moment to comment.....

[@wabashnate5036]

Disqualified!!!

[@brandonburdette7895]

The way I see it the Under sized fish is a violation of state law and therefore should be grounds for 100% disqualification and a meeting with the north Carolina fish and game

[@jackiemason2145]

Breaking State Laws should disqualify

[@Njfishingmaniac]

Dieter always great content and thoroughly explained…. Disqualify those Stripers!

[@richardhatt6541]

Disqualified and prosecution from the proper authorities.

[@eddiegoodman9267]

Disqualified. Or return the live fish back to the water... we run tournaments and its better to stand by the rules.... but the anglers need to stand up too and file file the paperwork at the tournament. Instead of complaining afterwards.

[@RiverChronicles]

Hey Dieter, River Chronicles in Dallas. Great video and you would be surprised at the amount of cheating that happens here in the Dallas/FT worth area. Especially cheaters using illegal bait to catch big fish and get some clout. It's sad.

[@sharksmith96]

To bad we ( in Texas) dont have different regulations that would allow us to use “illegal/gamefish” for bait as long as it was keeper size or at least the scraps of game fish. Im not condoning cheating at all. I just think our regulations should allow it like most other states.

[@RiverChronicles]

@sharksmith96 agreed.

[@stancreech43]

What bait is illegal… sport fish?

[@sharksmith96]

@@stancreech43 Any gamefish in Texas is illegal to use for bait. Even the carcass is illegal to use. Its really a big waste in my opinion. Your not even allowed to use the carcass for crab bait in the ocean.

[@RiverChronicles]

@stancreech43 any game fish in texas. Cheaters in north texas use white bass and crappie for catfish bait, so that they can catch big fish, win tournaments, get records, get sponsors and clout.

[@olegoat6226]

Should have called FWC and had him donate every penny via some citations...lol

[@mrtjbiga1784]

"WE GOT WEIGHTS IN FISH!!"... wait wrong video

[@anthonypellegrino1633]

100% DQ’D !!! Never should have gotten a check !!!

[@Sully4Real]

100% DQ and kicked from the next tournament to

[@oooldman11]

If a fish is not state or federal lenght, then it CANNOT be weighed in... it is illeagai period !!!

[@hydrodiction6925]

Yet another stain on tournament fishing. Even if it was an honest mistake, those fish should NEVER have been counted.

[@deline8ed619]

Those two that were undersize were not counted in their weight. That part the director got right, obviously. The “debate” is whether the angler should have been allowed to weigh the rest of their fish at all or be disqualified completely.

[@MrFishBlood]

This is why I never fish competitively.

[@johnserrahn1570]

Bringing in undersized fish is one thing but giving him money for illegal fish is where the cheating is.

[@Hillhouse_Fishing]

1/16 of an inch and 3/4 of an inch are wildly different and being that there were more than one definitely grounds for disqualification

[@ellhafer2808]

Another good vlog,Dieter.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@DieterMelhorn]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sharksmith96]

He knew what he was doing. The fish shouldn’t have even been weighed if they were under size. I dont know if id say disqualify him but just put it down as he brought nothing in.

[@josephwagner9201]

You can’t keep an illegal fish. Disqualified. Lucky game warden wasn’t present and given tickets

[@Whitetail101]

Nice one man

[@DaleWyman]

Fish being short should not have counted plain and simple. Just another example of why I completely lost interest in participating in any tournament of any kind. Glad the angler gave the money back and admitted he was in the wrong.

[@2StansFishing]

Tape measure is junk, a game warden will use a board , which is way more accurate than a tape measure ✌️

[@jeremystournamentcats6566]

💯

[@superpossum78]

Depends who makes it and their quality control etc on any device

[@2StansFishing]

@@superpossum78 I can understand that, but ur looking at the difference of 1/32 maybe a 1/16 of n inch. Every board we have used has been basically spot on , from our $15 Rapala board to our $100 + Muskie bumper boards

[@johnnys.9734]

You should have let a game Warden measure it!

[@kentuckytrapper780]

Most tournaments I fish give you one courtesy check on length one fish if you have two short disqualified,

[@michaelwinslow5975]

Could the folks putting on the tournament be held responsible for state/federal laws be broken by the fishermen if they allow it and don't report it?

[@mikecannon6378]

Great Podcast. If you know the directors have them on an have them walk through what happened. Would be a great show

[@cerebraltackle]

"How many rulers do they use in a bass tournament?!?!" - ONE! The rules state the official brand board, just as here.

[@shark619ify]

they should have him pay the under size fines to the state

[@briansuttles6743]

great video. l seen a lot of stuff like that. but l saw a dq. for not turning in there boat mark in time, but was at the weigh in on time. different tournament dead fish taken off of bag weight, but won big bass. stay safe.

[@DaveReed101]

Tournaments are basically legalized gambling. If all tourneys required State permits with fees to pay for DNR officers to monitor weigh ins and write fines for broken regs you would cut a lot of the problems and also the arguments with your tourney officials. It would also better protect our resources from being abused.

[@FreshwaterSouL]

All Tournaments should issue a barcode tagged measuring device for each angler for measurements and weight on the boats.All anglers should be accompanied by a designated person from the Tournament director.

[@shoalscatfishjonathan]

Very interesting. Excellent podcast to learn from. I don't believe I would have disqualified them as you stated legal issues down the road but I would like to think that they didn't have to count the fish that were under size and then he probably wouldn't have gotten sixth place. But what do I know. I just missed out on a Alabama record for channel cat. 👍

[@DieterMelhorn]

That had to be a huge channel catfish!! What did it weigh?!?

[@shoalscatfishjonathan]

@@DieterMelhorn 45 pounds, I learned a lot from this experience with the biologist about species and hybrids mixed in with the fish.

[@fishingthemidsouth]

They didn't count the fish that were not 20" on that specific measuring device. He got 6th place without those fish being considered.

[@DieterMelhorn]

That is correct@@fishingthemidsouth. The question I've raised and would like everyones opinion on is, if he brought undersize / illegal fish to the scales, is that an offense that you should be disqualified for since it violated the tournament rules.

[@johngoodman9380]

What did winning angler #7 do wrong? Sixteen minute video, I must have missed the violation.

[@chrisx6882]

If there is a ‘measure board’ available prior to weigh in that is a different matter. But if you bring to scale you face the music.

[@3RiversFishingAdventures]

If those are undersized by law, then they could get citations just for possessing them.

[@DieterMelhorn]

According to the law, and fish that is under the legal length must be released immediately after measuring....

[@Paul-VanHorn]

The angler obviously forgot to bring his fish stretcher.

[@gamerdennison6409]

All tournaments I have fished everyone uses the same measuring board from "Ketch". Everyone is told to follow all state rules and regulations and is given printed copies of tournament rules. All fish are weighed and measured. When measuring fish we can not pinch the tail it has to be relaxed (in the clip you can see the tail is wider than the measuring board and they pinch the tail to fit the fins the same width as the board.) Pinching the tail can gain 1/4 of an inch in length. We are only allowed to hold the fish on the board with one hand placed just behind the gills and have the fish lay on the board. weight is used only in the event that two fishermen are tied in length. We also use photos with gps data to show we were in bounds and not in any outside areas such as streams etc. The 7th place person should have gotten the slot he violated state regs with illegal size fish.

[@want2boutdoors274]

Have an equipment layout of what the tournament directs expect you to have to qualify a fish. Such as scales, and rulers and etc..

[@DCboyz83]

Make the tournament minimum in inches one inch more than the state minimum inch limit....will offset a measuring device defect...if your measuring device is off by a whole inch....you need to take that up with the manufacturer then buy a new US made unit!💪🏽🎣💯

[@dougf8540]

Should have been disqualified even over 1 short fish. Director did everyone else an injustice by allowing those fish to be weighed. I'm sure there were others who threw fish back because they were short. The golden ruler should be on every boat or at least made sure to measure the required length . Also all state laws concerning the fish should be kept.

[@jimfeagins9424]

I can't believe this particular fisherman does not already own one of those cheap wallyworld fish stretchers. I think they are only like $12 and can be used all season. lol

[@HawgWyldFishing]

Must have left his fish stretcher in the other truck that day. 😂😂. 3/4” off is not a difference of measuring device.

[@seanruggenberg62]

Luck it wasn't the fish and game fines are worse then a dq

[@DieterMelhorn]

Ya, if the right prosecutor saw that they'd have a field day....

[@seanruggenberg62]

@@DieterMelhorn I know here in California you could pay up to a few grand per fish and lose your fishing license

[@Sj-cp9ow]

Bump board rules period….the judge brand name in most tournaments is mandatory here in the midwest

[@cdc9776]

It was a big mistake to put those fish on the board. They weren't big enough and therefore should not have been counted. What were they thinking. And the issue of possessing undersize fish should be dealt with by a Game Warden.

[@banjohappy]

Rather than specify the need to comply with state and federal laws, tournament rules should simply specify a 20 inch minimum. No room for argument there.

[@chrissparks6380]

So when I worked at a reputable shop we sold bump boards. We got an entire batch that were .5in off. Sold 40 to 50 before someone realized it. So not saying he wasn't cheating and fish shouldn't be weighed but there is something called a curtosy bump at all bass tournies. Even at highest level. Elite series guys bring in short fish every tournament. They don't get weighed but they measure them.

[@jimburks8845]

The rules have to be enforced the same for every competitor at every tournament. The person with the short fish put themselves ahead of legal fish and broke the law to do it. Use the same measuring device on all fish, use the same method to measure, and don't argue. Make a decision and stick to it. The TD has final say.

[@kellyproctor4138]

Know the state laws and regulations. Know the tournament rules first off. I’ve had bad experiences with people in tournaments and people running the tournaments. This happened while I was out enjoying a day on the water. My personal opinion, all tournament fishing should be banned, way to many times fish die. Some people think they own public access areas to hold there event. At one time using a public boat access area for this purpose was illegal in NC.

[@joshmontgomery866]

100% Disqualification

[@bobramsey8380]

He should be banned from fishing tournaments ! He knows that when he signed the entry that the Golden Rule is the agreed measuring rule ! He was just playing in the Grey Area! Trying to gain an advantage so to speak ! When he brought the fish to the scales he should have been DQ'ed no questions asked !

[@Greg-zz4sz]

I don't bass fish and have never been in a tournament but it seems logical and almost like it should be required to have a Fish and Game officer present at the weigh ins.

[@Gettin_Outdoors]

Rules are rules bottom line these guys need to leave egos and attitudes at home no person deserves to be argued with especially tourney directors who are most likely volunteering for free good call!!!

[@AEStudt]

Wow just unbelievable

[@DieterMelhorn]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@garrettswoodworx1873]

Simple: the fish were not legal to possess so they should not have been counted, period. The tournament doesn't have to say anything about breaking the law, simply state that to be counted fish must meet local, state and federal rules with respect to size, weight, etc. and must be alive. (A fish has to be legal to possess in order to be counted!) You don't even have to call it a disqualification: the angler simply doesn't get credit for catching those undersized fish.

[@mwiltfang4618]

I'm an avid angler. I wish tournament fishing would just disappear.

[@micahlowbe9067]

He must know that the fish would be measured. Right? He wasn’t close on one of the fish. His tape measure would have shown that short fish too. I guess he tried his luck. He sure knew one was short tho.

[@jackiethomas37]

Disqualified and bandedfor ever cause 3/4 inch is not a mistake

[@USAsportsmanIdaho]

Personally I would have contacted law enforcement and let them determine what course of action to take. I have fished bass tournaments that disqualify dead or undersize fish and that fishes weight deducted off the anglers total weight. Some states have laws that require you to report a criminal act and if you don’t can be charged as an accessory. Just something to keep in mind. What the angler did was to violate fisheries statutes and thats criminal, cheating is civil and would have to be addressed civilly.

[@hookwaddell8102]

If my fish aren’t 3-4” more than what the state or tournament requirements are, I’ll release the fish. It just isn’t worth the pissing contest with the game warden or tournament officials.

[@TheRealStacker]

Good on dude returning the prize. Rules are rules. DQ and move on. It's competitive fishing. Should be prepared to operate and take fish within law. State law should trump the contest or adhere to the strictest requirement. And to show up with a tape vs a bump board??? That's some rookie shite there.

[@DieterMelhorn]

Sadly, he's not a rookie tournament angler, and that's what made me lose a lot of respect for him in this situation.

[@greenyonline]

You MUST protect the integrity of the tournament rules in place. Disqualification is a must if rules are broken to protect the other anglers. We all have to obey state and federal laws. The action should have been taken at the weigh in.

[@joewinkler2168]

In my iowa bass tournament series. In the early spring, really cold bass will measure 15in when caught, but when taken to scales, they will be 14 3/4. My state permit is set for a 12 in min size bass. So, there are no state infractions. But I do set up a golden rule and tub down by the dock area for a courtesy board. I personally have fished tournaments for many years. And have had short fish in tournaments that came out of my boat. One thing scale master didn't do is turn the fish over to the other side of the fish. 90 % of the time the fish if close at the first measure will be legal on the other side. But anyway, the courtesy board works every time. No questions, if anglers don't use it and comes up short they get the penalty.

[@sammylacks4937]

I've never fished any tournaments, saltwater or fresh that state laws could be violated and the angler violating the law not be disqualified. Why bring undersized fish to the weigh in. 3/4 inch ? That one is hard to believe it was a mistake.

[@h1c2e35]

SEE like i said before (its all about he money), love how the guy came at me here on youtube and he was SHUT DOWN fast by me LOL.

[@capt.craiglehrke4395]

If the rules state a minimum size then an undersized fish doesn't count.. period.

[@brin66itm59]

Since he was definitely a Seasoned Professional Angler, 100% Disqualified. Fish and Game Commission should fine him too, based on the Video Evidence.

[@robertmanyen9289]

First year...Overlooked... BS. This was cheating.

[@scottkissinger5763]

Been in a couple of tournaments too much hubbub and too much favoritism shown to different people

[@DieterMelhorn]

It can happen, and like I've said many times, its hard to disqualify your buddies.

[@airadaimagery692]

@@DieterMelhornnot if they’re ignorant enough to be 3/4” off!

[@banjohappy]

I cheated in an informal derby once, and figured out later I would have won anyway if I'd been honest. Now I have the guilt of cheating to remember what could have been a good day on the water. Honesty best policy.

[@bigmeaney555]

Measure once...cut twice

[@disaksen7238]

The fish needed to be disqualified and no check or prize offered to the angler(s) bringing the shorts in, ... UNLESS there is a penalty rule stating that any fish that does not meet the minimum length or weight, would not be counted and a penalty of a specific set weight would be deducted from the anglers weight that met the tournaments legal length or weight. Our club tournaments had a one pound deduction from the anglers total, legal weight, ..plus the loss of the undersized fish. Some of the tournaments had rules that took the weight of the anglers largest legally weighed fish as the penalty. Those penalties put a halt to contestants bringing in shorts or underweights.

[@jamesdumont4492]

I believe he should have been disqualified. Goid for him for making it right.

[@mikemaloney2342]

Should've been immediately DQ'ed

[@KennyK60]

Disqualified

[@eriktout5084]

That's the twisted world we live in .... cheating/lying is rewarded , accepted. You or I get a ticket for undersized fish , he gets a check . He only gave the $ back because it blew up online .

[@robertchall8576]

Need the game warden to check the fish that would stop that .all state and federal laws should be enforced.

[@MichaelJohnson-pj1ro]

I look at it like this rules is made for a reason and are put in place to make it fair as possible for everyone and everyone has to follow all the same rules. Yet if it was me they would want to put my under the jail. They should be DQ'd just as I would do to my own self if I was the director and my fish measured small by the official measurement stick. It's the only right thing to do. A person is only as good as there word!

[@abelabner]

I would say depending on the rules and how they are written. Kudos to the guy for returning the money at least. I don't put it at the level of the lead weights in the gut!

[@Boon-ie1rq]

DNR should get involve and fine both the angler and the tournament organizers that allowed illegal harvest.

[@joebroadway8830]

Under size fish should disqualify the individual and or team

[@rcp8287]

With catch photo release be used more nowadays, there shouldn't be any excuses for bringing in short fish. If It's one that is really close, then that's a different story. I've had fish barely touch the line. I always checked those fish again before being weighed in. Normally, it's one fish though. I fish kayak tournaments and we are only allowed to use one brand and type of board.

[@eddiegoodman9267]

Where is the Rods on your wall?😂

[@DieterMelhorn]

In storage....we cleaned up the set. LOL!!