The Dirty Little Secret Of Some Bass Pros

Randy Discusses a little known and little talked about subject regarding Professional and Anglers and issues of integrity and legality…#bassfishing #fishing #fishthemoment #bass #bassmaster #bassmasteropens #mlf 
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[@kellanbodenheimer6595]

Randy is spilling MAJOR juice here. This is the difference between weekend warriors and tournament pros.

[@chadjackson4786]

should name names

[@herbsteiner1013]

@@chadjackson4786 WAY too risky. Lawsuits have happened over less.

[@BassDudeFishn]

My respect for you has grown exponentially. I would rather loose a tournament then to get information from someone. Part of the fun of fishing is figuring out where the fish are and what the fish are doing. It will make you a better fisherman.

[@anthonywells8941]

I agree

[@garyhegwer6895]

Well said!!!

[@dannyyork3742]

I fish bfl,'s I wouldn't do it cause who wants to win like that. Not me.

[@juleswinnfield826]

Yep, been going on for years. Back in the day touring pros would basically strike a business deal with local hot sticks. They'd negotiate a percentage of the pros winnings for the local if the info resulted in a check cashed.

[@fishden365]

I believe Rick Clunn said it best. Doing that just weakens your ability to fish and rely on yourself. In the long run it may work against you.

[@brianbickhaus9081]

I believe Roland Martin based his whole career on getting info from local Pros. He has got to be one of the originators of that concept.

[@patrickhorn3067]

The only fish in the world are at Roland Martin's Marina according to him...

[@brianbickhaus9081]

@@patrickhorn3067 I met Roland Martin three times in person, and I can tell you that he is not a nice person at all. Everyone that fishes tourneys says the same thing about him. In the same breath, they all say his son Scott is a gem.

[@patrickhorn3067]

@@brianbickhaus9081 I personally witnessed him along with two other's in Hemphill Texas filming for his show on Toledo Bend. He was in one boat by himself and in another was a big tank, diver and camera man. Guess what they were doing. This was in the middle 70's... No respect for Mr. Oh Son...

[@guad512]

@@patrickhorn3067 never trust a guy who refers to everyone as SON or pardner!

[@mr.skeptical3071]

@@brianbickhaus9081 are u being sarcastic about Scott?

[@waynesammyswingle6107]

I remember back in the 80's there was one pro in particular that was often accused of doing that. I don't think they even had a rule against it back then. Rumors were that he would hire local guides to take him out prior to the tournaments and further cultivate a friendship with them so in the future all he had to do was call to get the info. This was one of the top names in bass fishing at the time. Personally I think that if you are going to fish at the top levels of this sport you should live or die by the fish you find. I would like to see al tournaments put a rule in place to address this. But unless they do it is legal, and I can clearly understand why guys would look for every advantage.

[@waynesammyswingle6107]

@@gerryhazelton9569 In part because if you know how to use you electronic it is an advantage that you worked for. Asking someone else to give you information so you don't have put in the leg work or maybe cannot find fish yourself. I remember fishing with guys in tournaments that were fantastic fish catchers but could never find the fish. Basically going with what you are saying there wouldn't be any rules.

[@socalsurfdude8306]

@@gerryhazelton9569 agreed, but where do we draw the line. We can't stop technology and thats where alot of the sponsor money comes from. Maybe better, get rid of the boats and make them fish from shore. They can only use what they can carry. That could be whole new division.🍻

[@jtotherog]

So who was it? I don't understand keeping it a secret😂 it was years ago and its all hear say

[@blakelewis9304]

The 2002 Ranger M1 comes to mind on those obscure creeks! My friend Eddie Rhodes is a local hammer and he was offered 10-20% by many of the anglers you would know. Just fished the Toyota Championship at Pickwick and it was amazing the information being traded. Example: Angler lives on Pickwick and fishing the all American on another boaters home lake, hey lets help each other out and trade our best 13 waypoints, brush piles, etc.

[@danielmckeen2465]

Loving the hat!!!"Late night in the Tackle room"😁that's my Q Randy😕cool topics and always cool stories😊

[@mr.skeptical3071]

This is one of the reasons why I have decided Not to fish tourneys. You can't compete with the big money anymore!

[@ct5465]

It sucks. Hell we even have a local pro that does the weeknight jackpots here. Lol. Dude out with his live scope taking money from local weekend warriors. Wild

[@martymooney8099]

@@ct5465 yessir it does suck being a pro why would you feel the need to prove your self against weekend anglers

[@bwspacity]

💯% spot on. Turns my stomach to see pros doing that. See this all over my town

[@mr.skeptical3071]

All I do now is pond hop with my wife. We catch good fish and have a blast at only a few dollars in gas!

[@martymooney8099]

@@mr.skeptical3071 that's what it's all about or supposed to be lol

[@treylawrence8152]

Thanks Randy for your thoughtful analysis on this like so many other topics. It's all about a level playing field. I have no issue with getting generic information--trends, patterns, general regions of a lake to fish--prior to the cutoff for the tourney. However, things like trading a big box of your sponsor's gear (which can be worth a lot of money) for a sim card with specific GPS waypoints marked on it--that crosses the line even if before the info cutoff.

[@DrToddCurry]

Sounds like the New England Patriots of Bass Fishing

[@bamadondon0495]

😅😅👏👏👏👏..🏆 for best comment EVER!!

[@jaypowers2258]

Lol

[@mojukaikarate6145]

Thanks for saying this. Its obvious that it happens. It may not ever change, and it may not even need to change, but its good for guys like me to know that we're not bad fishermen just because someone comes to our home lakes and catches more. Seeing that happen can really make a person feel like giving up. Knowing the reason why it happens helps.

[@anthonyjessicaguerrero8287]

I feel the same way. In some ways it's actually encouraging

[@bassbeasts1603]

Agreed!

[@bmwstan1]

Thanks for the honesty Randy. Always appreciate your insights into the Bass Fishing World. Take care

[@briancunningham2967]

I’m sure they don’t do it now but not too long ago some guys would hire the lakes top guides. When I was a teenager my mother told me that life wasn’t fair. I didn’t believe her then but my mother was always right!! That sure changes the payout doesn’t it Randy you have the best tips the best information you and Johnny are my favorite KZbinrs!!!!!

[@anthonywells8941]

I am new to bass fishing at the tournament level and was unaware of this, thanks for your honesty. I’ve always been a little gullible in past, I want to fish and be honest about how I catch them

[@radsaves]

Hey, I applaud you for your honesty. Great video!

[@mr.skeptical3071]

I wish they would go back to mystery lakes. Tell um the night before. The lake could be an hour to two hours away with other lakes in the area, so no one really knows! I hear mlf does this. They follow the guy who picks the lakes to the lake That morning.

[@tngreenevfl2022]

I heard MLF does to

[@vicalexander498]

I want to start by saying that I’m very impressed with your honesty and transparency on sharing you’re knowledge with everyone on KZbin. I will always follow you my friend. I live in Houston and grew up on lake Sam Rayburn, a big bass lake. I will always follow you my friend. Keep doing what your doing and you will always be successful.

[@billyhaney6696]

Great info , Randy thanks for sharing.

[@kennyhaworth9606]

Show up Thursday morning No practice and just fish That’s how the rest of us do it

[@alecbarrett3607]

this is why I like this channel its real. I disagree with some stuff and have been vocal about it lol, but that doesn't take away from the real stuff randy does like this.

[@maxcole3930]

That's crazy never even thought any pro would do something like that & get inside local info before a tournament. Their supposed to b the pro's & should able to find fish anywhere on their own! That would give a huge advantage! Not a fair fight at all!!! On side note I caught my pb yesterday before sunset. 8.87lbs! She was a beast. When I lived in Ohio never caught any bass over 3lbs my whole life. Now I've been SC for 4 months I have a 4.9, 5.2, & 8.8.

[@adamb306]

The more I hear about the pro tour the more I'm glad to be a weekend warrior local. I think if I had to do some of the things Randy has described to be successful I simply couldn't enjoy it. Chasing down sponsors or cold calling guys for leads on a bite, that sounds about the furthest from fishing as I could imagine.

[@platinumhandymansolutions]

Man would I like to hear some of these names! Good videos, thank you for sharing.

[@JayDavis81]

Strike King has, or at least used to have, the infamous three ring binder they give to all their pros every year with contacts for all the lakes the tours visited every year. And MLF now has a pretty strict info rules, but if you noticed, several MLF pros up and left after the first and second year. Wanna know why? A couple of guys were blatantly breaking the info rules because the only penalty was a 500 dollar fine. So they'd go fail the poly or just admit to breaking the rule, stroke a check, then collect their winnings.

[@martymooney8099]

Wow I didn't know that

[@anthonyjessicaguerrero8287]

Bro, good point. Palaniuk, Powroznik, Swindle, Hackney.... dude.

[@anthonyjessicaguerrero8287]

However, MLF rules say they would forfeit points and potentially all earnings. I would think if it was bad enough that the director would force them to pay a major price.

[@anthonyjessicaguerrero8287]

What guys are you claiming were breaking the rules?

[@JayDavis81]

You're seeing the rules now. They changed them drastically after all the guys started jumping ship.

[@jerrygirdner2753]

Thanks for the video. I've always wondered about this and figured some if them did it, I heard first hand from a guy down on Kentucky Lake that a very BIG NAME pro from the bass Masters use to get a locals mapping card when they came to town, he pretty much won or was in the top 3 on just a out every one they had there and he always did and still does VERY WELL on most Tennessee river lakes, not saying any names but if u think about it u should come up with the correct name! Stay safe out there on and off the water. Semper Fi from an old Marine!

[@pabassfisherman]

Any chance his initials are O.D.?

[@bobbrowning5824]

Very good information in your video. Thank you for your honesty.

[@robertdiehl1281]

Massive respect for you dude…calling this out. Unfortunately people have a way of overriding their sense of self respect for the adoration/money that comes with a higher finish. Our story is similar. Team tournament with my dad we found a bite that produced 3 wins and 2 seconds. Extremely rare occurrence. We got the first win. The next two wins came by the same team that followed us on a practice day…to see if those fish were still working that area. They were. But the next two tournaments gave us launch numbers that put us out too late. You guys know who you are. Thanks for this.

[@sccvideos4025]

I live on Beaver. Used to have a dozen guys reach out to me every year when FLW was alive and going there. Some would actually get pretty angry with me when I wouldn't share info.

[@fiberglasscowboy315]

Nice to see some of the back stage of bass fishing!!

[@bill-qv3er]

That stuff still goes on today. These guys have developed contacts over the years all over the country and it helps them alot !!

[@longtimedirt6409]

Randy in the 80s and 90s I was sponsored by a distributor of a major plastics manufacturer that had major name pros on there staff . When there was tournaments in my state we would get the call that so and so would be here on this date and I would go and help them. This actually happened all over the nation. This manufacturer had a major network and still does. I could drop major names that I helped so many times. Never got money just lots and product and handmade baits.And in return I learned a lot from the guys also . That was a fun time in my life. You know it hard to catch someone else’s fish.

[@seriousmechanicing]

This is what impresses me about the Japanese anglers in the sport, they have such huge hurdles already and still manage to perform at a high level. No way one of those guys is getting local juice, language barrier would make it tough.

[@slimetime4668]

Dude such a good point…actually really eye opening to how talented and mentally tough those dudes are…I gotta say since I’m going to school in TN I can say these Great Lakes these guys can be just as tough as any…Chick has kicked my ass more times than I’ve performed well so far

[@tnbasser1995]

Excellent point!

[@Nathan-lj2cj]

it's not 1940. They can afford to fish in US lakes, travel, etc guess what, they make translators Google translate, there's a multitude of things to handle that but mostly number 1 is.........they speak English

[@seriousmechanicing]

@@Nathan-lj2cj They speak kindergarten English and Google translate sucks. You just a hater for no reason bro?

[@alecbarrett3607]

@@seriousmechanicing no he isn't. he brings up a solid point. How can guys from half way across the world go to a lake that is nothing like what they have ever fished before and get on the winning fish. A lot of those guys are sponsored by companies like Shimano and Daiwa that can help them get information from local guides and local pros. It would be stupid to think that just because they don't speak good English they can't get local knowledge.

[@dannyisbell1448]

I was an avid tournament angler for years and I'm a good fisherman and I don't net work .I practice hard and I don't exchange information. This is a individual sport that needs to be treated that way .over time I found out that most of the guys who win are almost always in a fishing click that exchange information .so one guy can't beat 12 guys sharing information and they win most of the local tournaments. So I just fish for fun now .but I do like to compete I wish they would clean this up in the fishing game .I can't imagine winning a tournament on other people's information that would make me feel dirty .I take pride in winning by my self that feels great .

[@timnationx7482]

Glad to see someone on your level talk about it. It would be awesome to see someone name names and events. I certainly understand why you didn't name names though.

[@stevelumpkin2119]

There is probably a person of interest from clewiston Fla area that may be involved in such a thing …..

[@theultimatesteelshooter8610]

I don’t understand. It’s awesome he’s exposing this but if you want to affect actual change you need to name names and be able to back it up with proof. Otherwise it quickly just falls into the realm of dock talk and is easily dismissed even though it’s true

[@deckmonkey1459]

@@theultimatesteelshooter8610 Naming names isn't going to do anything but make people hide it better. I'm sure there's no more cheating on the Tour du France because some riders have been busted and named. Unless you have video proof you can't accuse anyone, especially for things that happened years ago or are legal even if you don't think they are ethical. It took video evidence to prove Mike Long was a scumbag even though it was well known for a long time. Saying who he thinks is cheating would probably end his career not the other person.

[@theultimatesteelshooter8610]

@@deckmonkey1459 I’m going to have to disagree that naming names won’t do any good. I’ve been a nationally ranked competitive shooter and last year someone pointed out to me something another well known shooter was doing on a posted video that was similar to what is going* on here. I immediately called him out and not only did the guy take down the video immediately, he also apologized publicly. I just don’t see any value in just talking about this stuff - people need to take action, especially when they know. It wouldn’t take much these days for folks to come forward and admit that pros have approached them. Now I’m only for this if it’s against the rules. I understand BASS has a rule that once a venue is announced you cannot get any info on it which would make pretty much every5hing going on illegal but if that’s not the case than quite honesty I don’t see anything wrong with getting ‘help’. It’s similar to the guys using google earth long before anyone knew what they were doing, not illegal according to the rules, just another edge

[@dennisederer3594]

Thank you. Just think, this sport began with a day trip to a local fishing hole with Dad or Grand Dad.

[@allenlayman8305]

I'm glad you're bringing this to light Randy. Now maybe Justin Lucas will leave me alone! LOL

[@anthonyjessicaguerrero8287]

What???? My sarcasm meter isn't registering. Explain lol

[@davidknightes6305]

I had a feeling that was one of the names hahhahaa

[@kennyhaworth9606]

This is a reason I don’t fish tournaments or follow fishing like I use to Call it what it is Cheating

[@brandonrogers1950]

Great video Randy!!

[@SpookyRedz]

Your videos have the best info

[@jimwaller5465]

I remember when Timmy Horton sat down on the "Mother Load" on Champlain. Miles away from the ramp and he lands on a tiny rock pile and blows the field away. When he was interviewed, he said he found it while graphing with his electronics. This may have very well been the case, but I have an extremely hard time believing that was random luck. My 1st thought was that someone gave him some pretty awesome numbers. I hope I am wrong... I know this happens at every level of tournament fishing, and it wasn't until the rules got stricter, that it has been reduced. Great video as always Randy...Class act sir!

[@garycarter6048]

Not saying that Timmy did or did not get info on that particular tournament but I will share with you that I know Timmy and I offered to pass along some info to him several years ago when the elite series was fishing Chickamauga and he very politely and graciously turned me down.

[@steveodonnell2921]

Glad to hear that Gary. That restores a little faith

[@keithvillard8251]

Love the honesty. Great video!

[@larrymullikin88]

years ago i practice with a classic champ and a FLW champ that both got INFO for tournaments.

[@OLDAVE1000]

Here is the moral dilemma....I don't fish tournaments. I don't have sponsors. I fish out of a 20 year old boat. No spot lock, no modern electronics,etc... When I get offered enough tackle, merchandise and even money to fish for two years, it is difficult to say no. I no longer get involved with it because several years ago I helped a guy filming a TV show that once it was edited, I was completely snubbed and the pro made my info look like his own thought. I am done giving or selling intellectual property, but I certainly understand why people do it. Tough spot to be in or put someone in.

[@anthonyjessicaguerrero8287]

Who was the pro?

[@johndalton9288]

One of the best videos you put out.

[@bayoustateoutdoors9650]

Haha……anybody else wish Randy would drop names of these “passenger seat” pros? 😎

[@gregwilliams4201]

Good stuff Randy keep rocking....

[@SpookyRedz]

I would just love to go fishing with you is why I said it to be truthful Mr.Randy , I’ve just been a huge fan of yours

[@hunterfrederick5567]

Nice video Randy. Keep up the good work.

[@dannyisbell1448]

Just tell us the two pros who don't do it and we will figure out the rest

[@buzzwilliams8387]

Hey Pro, don't know if you look at comments from your videos in the past, but in case you do I have something to tell you regarding getting local information through solicitation:: I know it's comparing apples to peanuts, but for about 15 years I was a golf caddy until I retired a few years ago. When I was fairly new to the game, I worked mostly local tournaments and country clubs like Quail Hollow and Charlotte Country Club. As my reputation grew locally as to my worth as a caddy, I started getting set up by local club pros to work local tournaments for Pro and top amateur players. For example a rookie PGA player had never played Quail Hollow and his caddy had never seen it. He asked a club pro if there was a caddy available who could work one tournament for him. That's how I got the job. The player knew it would be a great help to have someone familiar with the course, it's layout, and especially the roll of the greens. It is fairly common for this to happen in golf. There are no rules for that except the players sometimes can't actually play a course during the month leading up to the tourney. (And some big name pros are known to do that anyway.) Golf has so many archaic rules and precise rules etc., but this is not included. I am glad because it was the reason I got picked up for some great courses and tournaments as I started travelling the country. What you disclosed does not surprise me, but I think it is ethically wrong. I applaud you for being transparent and for you obvious integrity. Big money often clouds a person's judgement. BTW; I used to be obsessed with bass fishing, joining a local BASS club. Some very interesting and shady things happen even in minor league tourneys. It was sad to see. Now I just fish for fun and for my grandchildren. [e-mail]

[@allenhoward5382]

I have seen a lot of this on the Bass nation events. I fished the Bass regional on the Mississippi this year and I know that teams were sharing info with other team members and actually sharing spots. But on the other hand with youtube you can watch locals giving tips or fishing almost any body of water.

[@bigfish8473]

Thank you for the info most of us knew it it was going on. My opinon show up today fish tommrow no practice

[@bigfish8473]

I forgot to thank you I use a lot of your tips. They have really helped my fishing come complete.

[@patrickmahoney3479]

I haven't considered this before. Good info.

[@johnfriar6423]

I’m not in any position to do that. I think if anglers do this I think there loosing respect for there hero’s. I love your honesty more people should be like you rand. Great moments love it keep sending it out

[@davidknightes6305]

2d sonar should be the limit. If they are all so much better then the rest of us they should be able to work the magic with the basic tools. As for the info I'm glad I got to see all the names mentioned. I speculated this was true for nearly every single name mentioned in the comments. Thanks for keeping it real Randy

[@jcfish6702]

Seems like when money is involved Integrity no longer matters. When the Bassin Gals had their Classics here in St. Louis on the Mississippi they would contact us to take them out. Most of the guys said no. But that was back then !

[@jacoblightford4835]

Same here in Ontario Canada well said Mr Blaukat

[@jasonwood3922]

It does suck and put others at a disadvantage. Unfortunately it's within the rules.. I know both someone who won a major tourney like this and a local who used to guide pros. I loved the original MLF format where everybody used the same nitro boat and didn't know what lake it was until a week or so before the event. It seemed as level as it could be.

[@anthonyjessicaguerrero8287]

However, MLF/BPT does have major restrictions for getting information. Also, the cup events are still exactly like you stated.

[@buzzworth2396]

I remember when it was a huge issue about pros going fishing in Mexico. Roland & a few others were told they would be punished for doing so. Shortly after that, it was publicly known that some of the pros went to local pros for information. I was contacted by a few in the 90s. I couldn't help them out due to fishing those lakes myself in tournaments right behind them. I worked long days to find those spots, I don't share them with my own family. Today,..... it's a different ball game. If I were to ask someone about what to do or anything like that,... I just don't trust that I'll be told the truth. Besides, I can find fish by myself. Weird how things have changed these days

[@michaelotto8696]

Not a bass guy but am experienced in the musky tournament world. Used to be commonplace during the transport days to have to name the body of water, often fished on a chain of lakes (flowage) AND the lure used for the tournament officials. Fishing with a new partner, I'm registering a fish and when asked for the lake/lure I told the truth. My partner was aghast. I just laughed and said why not, everyone thinks I'm lying...

[@dong8307]

Integrity and ethics are a desirable trait to have. I applaud you for yours.

[@robertcook8187]

You are correct it happens all the time and it's a shame thanks for putting this out

[@lunkahbob]

Where do lake map breakdowns fit into the realm of paying for information or select fishing spots on lakes?

[@deckmonkey1459]

Those would be pretty generic. These spots in spring with crankbaits etc.. He's talking about GPS waypoints for hidden spots, exact baits/ colours, being told exactly where the fish are right now. When a guy finds 3 random boulders on a Great Lake surrounded by miles of nothing it's not because someone said to look for isolated structures or different bottom features on Lake St. Clair.

[@ronniemitchell9221]

I like the honesty... I figured that was a thing that goes on...

[@F1Hopeful]

Unfortunately……if there is no specific, detailed rule against this Randy….it’s going to happen. In fact, if there is no rule against it, as a competitor you are almost forced to do it in order to be competitive. From my motorsports background…….the old adage attributed to some very big names in the game was, “you’re not cheating if you don’t get caught”. Sad part of human nature but it happens. I would like to hear your view on “caging” fish, and the prevalence of its use in today’s tournament scene, particular small club events. Thanks. Very clear and enlightening.

[@ramsteingolfer]

Interesting. I would have never thought that’s going on…

[@robertpatterson3406]

My buddy took Guido around the James River and showed him key areas to fish during the 88 classic .

[@NealVan]

Randy, a couple of questions you didn’t mention this time. 1- Would you trade ALL electronics except a depth gauge for info from local guides/anglers, etc.? 2- Are these anglers you’re discussing politicians? 3- Polygraphs in top tier pro fishing tournaments?? When did that get instituted? 4- Would you fish a top tier pro tournament without any electronics other than what I asked in my first question? 4A- Who do you think would fish a tournament like I’ve described? 5- What about all the water body maps available from the gear manufacturer or from the ‘black market’?

[@matthewweimer42]

I wondered if it's fair if someone like Scott Martin takes his family and or friends to prefish areas for him. What's stopping them from doing the same on tournament day as well. He basically has a support team .

[@flackattack9635]

This stuff is rampant from weekend buddy tournaments to the biggest tournaments in fishing. I’ve personally guided three different Classic champions. None of whom knew who I was but networked until they got my number. I was also told instances where some of the biggest stringers caught at BASS were from locals putting pros on the juice.

[@mikeharris130]

Roland Martin comes to mind as the most common name that comes up.

[@cameroncoco9151]

I remember when I gave information to a Bass pro out on the water the Ark River I had won several locally turns he won the classic

[@anthonyjessicaguerrero8287]

Are you serious?

[@cameroncoco9151]

@@anthonyjessicaguerrero8287 yes

[@kevinstone9825]

that has been going on for years. My brother seen Roland Martin at the gas station one morning and he ask my brother if he wanted to go fishing with him for the day..my brother declined. The next morning Roland would not even say hi to him

[@erichildreth7562]

If these top Pros are as good as they show on T.V. then they should be able to go out on any lake or river and figure it out in no time. They need to have a couple of tournaments each year that nobody is allowed to use any sort of electronic device to fish with (except a GPS) and no contact with anyone at all, just show up and have at it and let the best angler win.

[@bobbycolson1957]

It is a skill in itself to be able to decifer information they get

[@mikewilkins8019]

Wow! So true! Even small Company Tournaments. Money talks Shame. NW Ark. It's me Michael D

[@johnburton8601]

Well the sad truth is that people don't have no integrity anymore and money makes people do some crazy things That's pretty much the bottom line I've seen people in life just step on one another to get that 1 step further

[@rcp8287]

I didn't when i fished the opens.... I did fish with my cousin one practice day at rayburn ,he lived in Houston and fished but he was the last person i would take advice from...... I don't even think he knew where the boat ramp we met was at.....

[@MrRanger518]

It happens. I got a gost call one day a few years ago after i won several tournaments in a row on a local lake B.A.S.S. was coming to. No idea how they got my number.

[@timburton1812]

25 years ago or so, the bass master classic was held on Logan Martin lake here in Alabama. The guy that won caught his fish on 2 offshore brush piles that a local tournament fisherman showed him. He told the local guy he’d give him $1000 if he won the Classic. Well he did, and didn’t give the local guy one cent. 🤬

[@wardo7772]

yikes

[@bobramsey8380]

I listen to a pod cast the other day with one of the Bass Open Anglers and he doesn't see a problem playing in the grey area and he said if he feels it morally right the he isn't wrong ! Some people don't have a moral compass and to say that is complete BS ! A person's perception of a rule is how they are getting by playing in the Grey Area ! And the tournament organizations are allowing them to have unconclusive ploygraph test and keep there wins ! It complete and total BS ! James Watson talked about that very thing that MLF did to him and knocked him out of a knockout round because boyd and gary didn't do the right thing ! Unconclusive is the same thing as a lie ! If your not going to hold everyone to the same standard don't give polygraph test !

[@danielmckeen2465]

Good topic Randy😁when I fish I go by my intuitive Guts😡and I out fish guys with livescope😁at least I think I do😜😜😜and I out run them in my boat😁only because I leave an hour ahead of them😬😬😬

[@jakebridgetimpastato5622]

I knew this video was going to be about this when I saw it! This is the very reason I quit fishing BASS. I don’t want to go around the country fishing against guys who are getting the best local help. It made it not fun for me. I’ll stay here and fish open tournaments on my waters and see who gets it done the best.

[@tjgim]

Thank you.

[@joshtabor8201]

I know Randy is not a big fan on all new electronics of today, however these new tools can eliminate some of the local tips as its now easier then ever to find juicy spots as to the old days where certain spots locals really only knew about. So there is pros and cons w the newer electronics of today and it should even itself out. But there will always be folks trying to get an edge no matter how large or small the tourney may be. tight lines

[@williambonk380]

Amen for telling the truth I have great respect for you telling the truth thanks Randy

[@jd8733]

Back yrs ago I fished a big local club. Averaged around 80 boats a tournament. People in the club would hire local guides before the big fish off at the end of the year... PAA tournament on Old Hickory Lake, TN 2012 how do you think it was won way,way,way up the river.

[@klaytonhusbands3078]

I love KVD but I do know that at table rock he goes with a guide that I fished with and gets info from him

[@FisForFishing777]

Happen at lake shasta years ago. an elite angler didnt know the lake well. Had a local show him spots in practice they local sticks . He won flw there. HE sent the guy a big box of lures in the mail afterwards.

[@jb1973_outdoors]

Live scope has been a game changer for these guys

[@bigc8018]

Randy, as you speak often about the sport of tournament bass fishing becoming a rich mans game, what are your thoughts on Byron “BJ” Haseotes ???

[@fishfighter73156]

I’ve wondered how a pro knows about a stump in a small creek mouth, 30 miles from take off. Now I know.

[@chuckbailey7200]

One of the great things Randy does well is prepare younger anglers who are considering professional fishing as a career by giving them a "real" picture of what they are stepping into. (IE - Some of the videos he has created share how much it REALLY costs an angler to participate in competitive fishing, or how prize money is distributed differently in various tournament organizations, or... how the lifestyle is hard on family/relationships, etc.). These are not the results of "whiners", these helpful videos come from those who have had to find out the hard way as to how professional fishing REALLY works. Over the decades, I have discovered that some of the most unhappy people in the world are those who have begun with (and held on to) "unrealistic expectations". Even today, there are young people with a well-defined sense of fairness, or right-n-wrong, and often based on religious convictions (and whether you agree with them or not) these young people need to know BEFORE they commit great amounts of time, talent, and treasure to a lifestyle, that they will face "moral verses legal" situations they did not expect to encounter in professional fishing. They need to know that there are others anglers who do NOT believe that obtaining local lake info is wrong (info and locations that they did not discover for themselves). Whether they agree or disagree, it is what it is. And our youth need to beware of this info BEFORE they make their decision to commit to this competitive lifestyle. If they can live with this reality and still hold on to their personal convictions (like Randy) - then move forward. If not, perhaps a different career path would better suit them. But I applaud Randy for giving a "realistic" picture of professional fishing, (the good, the bad, and the ugly) so that each individual can make wise decisions based on information that tells it like it is. It eliminates "Unrealistic expectations" from the equation.

[@vrt1032]

No medical benefits, no 401k, no retirement plan…. Boom

[@tngreenevfl2022]

Great video

[@sleetherookie2929]

I would like to know how can a new angler benefit from this video Randy.

[@bassbeasts1603]

By not feeling like a crappy angler when you don’t go out and catch 30 fish on a new lake! How about that for starters?

[@sleetherookie2929]

@@bassbeasts1603 You see what kind of energy is being put out there. No one should even feel like a crappy angler.

[@bassbeasts1603]

I hear you, but it really hurts the sport. I don’t fish many tournaments, maybe 2 or 3 a year but this trickles down to tournament trails as well. I was sitting in my son youth angling team meeting and listened to a conversation of a top high school angler who was being paid to fish for the past two days leading up to a tournament i was fishing in. Well, he was one of three anglers being paid to find fish for an angler fishing the upcoming tournament. It’s impossible to compete with this crap!

[@rcp8287]

Like Randy said and as most who fish tournaments know, that its always a random spot that blows it out with a weight no one would believe from a certain area. Anytime I've fished a lake and listened to a local,i had a bad day. I've always told my friends not to listen to locals...... We all know you can be told where and what to catch them on and not get a bite.... There are always a few that have done it and it paid off. But it will only work for so long.. I feel better knowing i figured the fish out when others didn't! You have cheats in everything...

[@lennymachowski5660]

This is why professional fishing will never reach the levels of other sports and pay professionals the same way. sucks for honest anglers like yourself. MLF had it best when you did not know where you were going to fish till the day you arrive. To me that type of format is the

[@jenlvjim]

I agree that if it's legal then do it . I also agree it shouldn't be legal

[@richardbumpuscjf347]

I agree with you but the sad reality is, if there’s money and prestige involved guys will bend, break and outright cheat the rules. It’s the only thing I hate about tournaments

[@TheAverageAngler]

I’ve seen it on the California Delta with the Elites years ago.

[@mattkoesterer5146]

Don’t name names guys your killing my childhood idols! Lol we all know who they are!! Great Video as always Randy!!