The Rules

Hope this brings some understanding to the Keith Poche incident at Toledo Bend. Understanding the BASS rules, what we are allowed to do as anglers as well as what we are not allowed to do.

[@Tac001]

“A strong leader accepts blame and gives the credit. A weak leader gives blame and accepts the credit.” John Wooden

[@seangullo5340]

This is what it feels like preaching some Sundays... If it's in THE BOOK, it's the rules, whether you like it or not. Well said G.

[@The_Garmin_Guru]

He’s a hypocrite on this subject better do your research

[@cummins4408]

@@The_Garmin_Guru Which he?

[@jessecooper9795]

@@cummins4408 he had 13 minutes to show what's in the book and didn't

[@jessecooper9795]

@The_Garmin_Guru couldn't agree more. Anything to get the G brand in front of more people. You've probably noticed, he don't do anything for anyone unless there's a camera involved

[@MAB1907]

Much respect to you Gerald !!! Your 💯 right, I saw you hook a bass outside the mouth and you throw the bass back… I live by this “Do the right thing when no one is looking.” Good luck 🍀 G-Man

[@rufneck4u540]

If you saw it, someone must have been looking

[@ordinaryangler4153]

Thank you Gerald! Best video I have seen in awhile! You are 100% correct that you better read the rules! If not sure you better check! You represent BASS as a professional well!

[@mikehellekson]

You are a wonderful role model G and I thank you for that! My 12 year old son loves you and so do I! Your integrity is refreshing and God bless you for it!

[@JaceRS3]

I've always liked you G, but I gained a new level of respect for you today with this. Keep being the great role model G!

[@SamuelPerez-uz9rr]

And this why am one of your biggest fans cues you tell it how it is and you teach us how to be better anglers........THANK YOU

[@bmannichols4157]

This is the Best and clear and to the point video about following the rules that has ever been made, thanks G for taking the time to make it.

[@The_Garmin_Guru]

Made by a hypocrite on the subject

[@cummins4408]

@@The_Garmin_Guru Disregard my other content. It’s clear you’re a hater.

[@rdmanone]

​@@cummins4408no just calling as it is. Look back 15 years ago when he could have killed two boaters by is ignorance.

[@kevingonyea]

Wonderfully said G. If everyone would spend less time trying to bend the rules and more time working within the rules, we would all be in better shape. I admire your courage to speak the truth. Thank You

[@JoeSmith-oj2vv]

Awesome perspective. I lead a lot of folks in my day to day job. I always say that you have to understand the big picture and what you do you do to the team. What I mean is that your actions almost never effect just you.

[@christhompson7151]

Great job! As i sad before, you are the face of Bass.

[@jimliechty2983]

Excellent G ....you are the man!

[@zackfronk1498]

Couldn’t have put this better. Well said man

[@duanegermann2168]

Integrity isn't a part-time habit. You're either right or you're wrong. If you don't know, ask. Mistakes happen, but that never excludes you from the consequences of your actions. People don't want consequences for actions if they have excuses. You the man G!!!

[@terrycooper2459]

Great video. I'm a big Poche fan and watch all his videos, but rules are rules.

[@tritontravis]

Always a great ambassador for the sport. That’s why I enjoy watching you plus the comedy.

[@joelarn]

Thanks for there thoughts on the rules! I shared this quote with Trey when he got DQed. Life is a series of inconveniences. The measure of a man is how you respond to those inconveniences. ~ Herm Edwards~ Thank you GMan for being an example and speaking up when folks need to see the right side of the issue!

[@randymcgee9176]

Your straight up that’s what I like about you and your jokes on stage keep up the great job

[@robertmonroe2665]

Well said GMan that was an excellent way to tell it. I definitely see what your saying and agree 💯 % And I love that Mountain Dew Radio behind you thats awesome. Lol Would love to have one. 📻

[@leeclack4121]

Thanks Gerald, I appreciate your perspective and your right it’s the rules. Not required to like them just to abide by them.

[@vintux1211]

Great video, your always a class act

[@mjheck2140]

Well said. Agree with the rules or not, the rules are the rules. All anglers who fish the Tournament are responsible to follow them (agree with them or not). Great perspective on the impact of changing the natural formation of lake beds etc.

[@jerryvalentour164]

To me they meaning Bass , would hold the Gman you to a higher standard. Every one is watching you. And thank you for being you.

[@infinitybiz1]

People talk about integrity. The root of that word is ‘integer’ which means ‘whole’. So integrity is about being ‘whole’ in everything you do. That means following rules, expecting others to do the same AND knowing that you are setting an example for others to follow. Well out, Gerald!! Your integrity is heard…LOUD AND CLEAR!!!

[@duanemathis6749]

Thank you for always having the backs of every bass fisherman by doing the right thing. You are definitely the comedy entertainer of bass fishing, and the voice that is always honest. You have my respect and I'm sure that of many many others. I know it will probably never happen but if you are ever in Oregon I would enjoy taking you fishing and spending the day with one of the great people of our sport. Thank you again, Duane Mathis

[@seiglerd]

He doesnt have their backs! Lol hes turning them in!

[@WolfSpiritOutdoorz]

It's akin to when you give your word you stick to it. We all make mistakes but there's no excuse to blatantly and purposely break rules to give yourself an advantage. I read the opens rules quite a few time. Loving the shop talk stuff brother glad to see a longer video. Appreciate your time. See you and Lulu at Murray in May.

[@whitebass16]

Thanks G.. you actually changed my mind.i didnt think he violated the rules until you explained it to us. Rules are there for a reason

[@The_Garmin_Guru]

Do you think G is a hypocrite. You would if you did the research.

[@sickofidiots4095]

Notice at the end he says "somebody that motioned me on" minimizing his GIANT DUMMY DICK MOVE. Yes, he's a hypocrite.

[@coltonn31]

Cool video gman, learned a lot

[@jamesmims5850]

Absolutely G thanks for the breakdown

[@joelkersey995]

Gerald I respect you and your explanation of what's happening at the moment, I also love Keith's drive to take it to the level he takes it and I understand 💯. In the south when you see a 170 " buck on a small piece of land we will do whatever it takes to get on that piece of property! If it was left up to me all y'all would be jumping sand bars!!! All respect, no disrespect to anyone. May God bless all!

[@ryandaugherty4459]

Thank you G man! I totally agree with you.

[@rockysmithart2455]

You are exactly right!! I been wondering which way I thought it shld have gone but you are right!! Tournament Director has the final say!! That just by itself don't need no explanation!! You owned your DQ & Trey owned his!! That folks is a leader!!!

[@darrenadams8579]

Thank you sir !!!! Nothing but facts!

[@tomalderman7598]

Totally agree. Great video.

[@travisrios9490]

Home work home work home work you did great explaining this

[@rickvann3489]

I'm glad you brought up Randy and Gary. I'm to lazy to do the brush piles, etc. To many fish in easier areas to catch then to dig my way in.

[@mikel.4885]

Thanks for the breakdown and the info....you read all kinds of things...some said he jumped the dam some said he used the roller dam......can i ask would the roller dam have been legal move

[@Bankfishindude]

Don’t nobody need my 2 cents, I like watching both of y’all fish so tight lines🎣

[@ashleywynn4923]

No different than any other profession, we all have rules of what we can and can not do. We all have signed our names on items. I sign off on high liability equipment everyday that I’m held personably responsible for like railroad crossings, signals and many other assets. Gotta know and follow the rules. Well said Gman.

[@jonabbott9654]

YES, YES, and YES! Thank you.

[@TackleJunky81]

Right on, G! 👊

[@Lray4x4]

Poche didn't brake any rules. It clearly said Tournament waters are Toledo Bend Reservoir and any creeks or canals connected to it. If you look up the map and outline of Toledo Bend the area he fished is very clearly within the boundaries of Toledo Bend. BASS was completely in the wrong to do what they did.

[@GeraldGMANSwindle]

What does everyone not understand about crossing dry ground

[@Triple87]

Boats must remain in tournament waters during tournament days. Crossing dry land is leaving tournament water. It’s literally that simple.

[@aarons6931]

@@GeraldGMANSwindle I understand dry ground but in my eyes and alot of others eyes yall cheat in some form come gman you know guys get info you're crazy if you dont think they do lol

[@devinwillis7787]

@@Triple87 boats leave tournament water to use a lock. Literally the same thing. They should be specific that roller dams are not to be used

[@waynelagarde7956]

Bruh, he jumped the bank!

[@JonJonsOutdoors]

The best response I’ve heard so far. Most guys are complaining about rules, well it’s not clear, or we need to change….. I’m great w anglers doing that privately w BASS or whatever their organization but putting the organization on blast and blaming them is just victimizing themselves. We all have rules we have to follow regardless of how we “feel” about them. Thanks for doing and saying the right thing even though it’s not pc at this moment. Real men have character and do what’s right whether someone is looking or not. It’s like golf, it’s up to the player to be honest and take the stroke bs someone else’s job to do it! We have to get back to doing what’s right no matter the cost to us personally! Appreciate your character brother!

[@t2fishing818]

I’ll be honest G, I’ve long been on the fence about supporting you because, even though I can relate to your story, since the classic DQ, I wondered about what your approach to fishing might be. Clearly, you’re a person of integrity and you want what’s right to prevail. I’m glad you put this message out; by doing so, you earned another supporter and fan.

[@LipRippinJunkie]

He’s one of the most authentic in the game. Good choice 👍🏼

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

Excellent video G! I'm a huge Keith Poche fan and a huge Gerald Swindle fan. I've been saying all along, all Keith has to do was to call Hank Weldon. If Hank gave the ok to jump into the WMA, then the monkey is on Hank's back, Keith would have been good to go. Problem with running in the the gray is sometimes you slip into the black. I raced stock cars for years, learned it the hard way.

[@aaronsnatic2446]

This needs to be a PSA prior to the start of any tournament trail!!! Just rewatched since the original posting and still gleaned some information from the discussion.

[@basstex6703]

Great explanation GMAN. Like Poche but got to stay out of that gray area. Best of LUCK at Sabine. PMA baby...

[@isaacsosebee8908]

Love you G Man! We'll said. You're the Ikon😃

[@leonjefferson3331]

Keep it 💯 love you brother.

[@slabslayer258]

I enjoy watching you. Still dreaming of the dad we share some Budweisers together over some plates or fried crappie and taters with sweet corn hush puppies . wish they was more like you and Poche in fishing . He pushed the limits and it backfired that’s part of it . Rules are rules .

[@garykoller441]

Pretty clear video G. Rules are rules and there are grey areas but you better ask if you're not sure. Ron Nelson lives 10 miles from me but just suffered a similar fate. He had to dump his fish and start over for the day but the tournament director's interpretation is what it is.

[@smallmouthcity]

Thank you for saying this!! And the whole “against the little man” statement! Keith knows what he doing, and he found a market for that specific phrase. Fact is 90% of viewers don’t own a 150k, fancy electronics, many are fishing from shore. Keith found a market for his brand and is promoting his brand to them. No one is against the little man here, the rules are the rules. If you don’t like, fish in a tournament with your rule standards. Good stuff GMan!!

[@jamesspurlock5136]

I agree with you 100%. On a side note your Mountain Dew ghetto blaster in the background is pure pump status

[@jmitchvision]

I totally respect this brother!! 🎣

[@LipRippinJunkie]

Thanks for breaking it down that way Gman. Rules are Rules.

[@sethmcconnaughay4077]

Very well said!!

[@BVDsGoneFishing]

Amen G-Man! You know G is right when nobody in the comments say anything negative.

[@cgfishingandoutdoors9336]

Hey G man I can’t wait tell y’all come to Texas to meet you and Mrs LuLu

[@johnquinlan6114]

Solid G. Again Integrity is everything. And you cant spell INTEGRITY without the G!

[@austinferrel2164]

There is a lot more to fishing professionally then people realize. This video was a good example of that. Calling a tournament director is not a crime so CYB, Cover Your Butt. By the way Gerald, watch all your videos and follow you on every tournament. Your awesome. Thanks

[@bradleyhuneycutt4847]

nice job!!! I agree!

[@christopherlaughlin9224]

Stay true G, you da man as always...

[@cgfishingandoutdoors9336]

💯 agree with you G man

[@jasonmausteller2488]

Very well put together and professional. Getting DQ’d is always a sore subject, because not only does it upset people, it costs people money. So feelings will always come out for both sides. At the end of the day you should always ask if it’s ok and safety is a big concern. Imagine if he didn’t make it and the boat hit and got stuck and someone got hurt?

[@davecall8605]

As always, Well said G

[@benbunting2491]

Amen Brother, Elite Anglers set the standard.

[@bssin-sifu9991]

Well said G!

[@gregstaton128]

Thank you G......

[@cerebraltackle]

And YES, G, I too have had to report anglers on a couple of occasions and it SUCKS! It's a bad position to be in. It angers me when put in that position as well! Well said!

[@ShaoLyn8]

I agree with you GMan.. the tournament rules supersede the State Law.. the tournament rules and the leaders of the tournament decide right and wrong.. I’m a truck driver by trade.. the DOT sets the rules we operate by.. but if my Company’s rules are more strict, and I violate them, it is within my company’s right to fire me for the offense.. and if they do, I agreed to be bound to the company rules when I hired on… same thing here..

[@lancefontenot9448]

Love you G. Keep on telling the truth. My Daddy always said use your common sense. I think no one knows what that is anymore.

[@benclark1376]

Good stuff G-Man.

[@hunterbigwood4556]

G! First I wanna say, I look up to you, love what you do , love following you, and will always pull for you in every derby you fish. BUT I have to play devils advocate here. You touched on this and I’ll take it a step further, when you got a DQ at the classic, you honestly felt in your heart you didn’t do anything wrong. Hell I didn’t think you did anything against the rules. But an interpretation deemed you did. Keith is in the same boat. Now that may be comparing apples to oranges, but after reading the rules myself it was kind of grey for me as well as to watching what Keith did and determining if he broke the rules. Should he have called hank? Absolutely. But I don’t think for a minute that if Keith thought he was breaking rules, and would then get a DQ for that day that he would have done what he did. The same with you at the classic. I’m not saying he is right, and I’m not saying you are wrong by any means. All I’m saying is in the heat of the moment with everything at stake on the line that it would be easy to make a possible wrong decision. And it’s hard for me to stand on one side or the other without actually being there. Love what you do G, you and lulu keep up the awesome work y’all do.

[@chadnikolich3734]

Very Proud of your Beliefs GMan , you are the man!!!!

[@brianpierson7708]

In west Louisiana there’s the one where this happened at but most people don’t know is there’s another trolley an a roller system on the pearl river in southeast Louisiana that has been used before back in the 90’s and early 2000’s. Also a few more around south Louisiana that you can run high tide but you get in there and the water falls out and you can’t get out without them in a bigger boat or bass boat

[@rodcashman4793]

GMAN great info. Always want to do the best you can to represent Bass. Actually represent God 🙌

[@JohnClarke-kz2od]

That was an eloquent, lucid and well-stated commentary. Must have been written by Lulu 😁.

[@haroldrogers6566]

After going online and reading the rules. I will have to agree with G. I’m old, and I remember G getting DQ’d. I have seen others DQ’d. Hell, I DUI’d sitting in the passenger seat, and ask the officer why since I was in the passenger seat sleeping. He said this truck didn’t drive down into this ditch by itself, and I don’t see any tracks in the mud, your drunk, and your getting a DUI. It stood up in court. So I feel poche’s pain. But I got a DUI and he got DQ’d. Fair or not, it’s the judges ruling that counts. 😁👍👍

[@Natureboy1607]

Rule is a rule . Maybe Kieth and others can use this in a positive way . Thanks G ! Tight lines !

[@louischieffo7772]

Gerald thanks for being a good person

[@johnwhite993]

I’m the same way with my job. First off I’m representing myself. I hold myself to a high standard. Secondly I’m representing my union. 3rd I’m representing upbringing to do what’s right and do a days work for a days pay. Too many keyboard warriors these days. I was taught unless I know all there is about a situation, keep my thoughts to myself. Thanks gman.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

They hate him because he doesn't need livescope or a traditional boat Keith is the man!!!

[@jessevowell2554]

I don’t think they hate him at all, I just think that the rules are the rules. I like the way Keith fishes and I like watching him do good, but anyone that breaks the rules deserves the punishment.

[@TehWatchman]

well said G

[@Justin.Hawkins]

I think you are definitely in a great position to make this video. In my opinion, as one of those that has not signed the dotted lines on the rules, I wish BASS would have come out and mentioned the “crossing dry land” portion you mentioned. I think the rule they say Keith violated, rule 15, was not a very good reason and Keith I think did a good job of refuting them on that. He never left his boat, and the water he went to was tournament waters. Regardless as you so said so well, when you live in that gray zone like Keith does, and I’m a fan of his, this is bound to happen. He could have asked.

[@willtrax71]

Rules are Rules and if you want to compete is it what it is. It is a pretty sweet Gig Fishing for a living and like any Job you have to suck it up a little and roll with it but it’s paramount to always be your Genuine Honest Self and have a good time and do what you do. Semper Fidelis

[@JimGLopez67]

Thanks for posting your opinion , I was waiting for someone to voice out on this issue , I was trying to look in to this , I just want to know more about the rule - what exactly happened and where , Thank you

[@ronaldbryant8457]

Then BASS needs to make their rules more clear and less grey. Poche didn't break any rules according to the Opens rule book.

[@BenC-77]

Whether or not he broke the rule is dependent upon the interpretation of "Boat must remain IN tournament waters at all times...etc"...the truth is that Keith Poche did something that caused his tournament fate to be placed in the hands of a collective group of people that interpreted the rules as they saw fit. This is very interesting!

[@kennywitek771]

Dude, if you just listened to this video and you come here with this comment? You’re joking right?

[@GeraldGMANSwindle]

There pretty clear

[@bobward7489]

Nothing grey about it, rule states your boat cannot leave the water. Period.

[@dirty828shocker]

​@@kennywitek771 lol, he's one of those G is describing

[@nickaxelson6280]

Well said

[@TeezleySPT]

Well said. He knew he was pushing the limits.

[@EddieButler-fv9tr]

Well plane and simple if you are in doubt call the tournament director and just ask it will keep you in the game

[@mpoutdoors7791]

Respect g man 🙏👍

[@danscanlan1844]

Great point of view! But the real question is when them new buzzers coming out G??

[@jppickens4854]

Very welll said!

[@AnglerAnthony]

Professionalism and integrity. I thought it was illegal as soon as I read the rules myself. I didn’t know because I hadn’t read the rules but once I did, I knew what Poche did was illegal according to the book.

[@Albertsmith711]

I like it. Gman, wrong is wrong, and right is right

[@bigfishhoward]

Good comments!!!!

[@edwardcowan7012]

I’ve signed that form but not for a number of years. I don’t think it says you can’t jump dry ground. I know it’s been done before. Top 3 all did it in a event in 1993. I’m old.

[@jessecooper9795]

It's been a week and nobody has produced the tangible rule. It's all "open to interpretation"

[@timmaloney5495]

@@jessecooper9795 I have to agree with you. I've read them three separate times and no specific rule. It's their for that reason and fish and wildlife stated that. I guess if it was at winter pool and was under water it wouldn't be a issue. Also you can't compare tearing out a damn to to access water to using a roller damn. I like G and respect him but if your going to quote a rule be prepared to produce it. Just an opinion.

[@jessecooper9795]

@timmaloney5495 exactly. There is no clear cut definition of what rule Poche broke. It doesn't look good that BASS hasn't put out a statement yet. Same for G to get up and grandstand with a rule book and not show it. Eight months ago G was bashing BASS rules for Trey getting dq'd at Chesapeake. Now he's going against Poche. Seems like the opposite direction a fellow competitor should go. Heck, he wasn't even there

[@robertmorgan4015]

The boat was literally on dry land. That is out of tournament waters. And yes it specifically says the boat must remain in tournament waters.

[@edwardcowan7012]

@@robertmorgan4015 Ike put his boat on the bank and wasn't disqualified? You really think nobody ever did that before? So you're saying it would be good if it was raining? Just how dry does it need to be? If that's a rule why don't they just spell it out? I call BS!

[@boostedz0683]

Couldnt agree more!

[@randywunderlich6315]

Your a straight-up dude!!!! Keep the faith G-Man!!!

[@sonofafisherman743]

Nailed it 👍