Nothing But The Facts!

[WON BASSIN]

As most of you have heard and read in our blog, and many other forums, as I would have to assume.

Mike Hart was suspected of placing unnatural items in the bellies of fish presented to our scales at the third day of fishing of the US Open, at Lake Mead, Nevada.

Here is what happened and how it played out!

As I was leaving the Callville Bay Marina Bar and Restaurant and weigh in location. I wanted to run by and check on our anglers whom were having motor or boat issues. As I drove to where Mark Niccoletti and Jordan from Anglers Marine, were working on some angler boats, I was flagged down by the Nevada Fish and game. They were filleting the fish that were collected after the weigh ins, which came to the scales "DEAD". I told them that I would return in a minute or two, as I wanted to check on a few of our anglers. When I was able to return to the area where the staff was cleaning the fish that are to be given to local area homeless families, I was pulled aside and told of two different issues. One was regarding a AAA, that dumped a whole bottle of Rejuv in a livewell, and ended up killing all of his fish due to over Rejuv. Then the Nevada fish and game agent seemed to have a lump in her throat and a plastic bag in her other hand. It was mentioned, that they happened to be talking about the fish that were being filleted, and what the fish happened to be eating. One of the staff, decided by random to open up the belly of a fish and instead of finding a crawdad, a lead weight, with a fixed drop shot hook was found in stead. There were a total of four 2 oz ( not confirmed ) weights in the bellies of three separate fish at day two weigh ins.

I was sick to my stomach when I saw what was in the bags, it was like someone hit me in the stomach with a hammer. I decided to make sure that nobody, other than the people that were at the fillet station, found out that we had discovered the weights. Headed to the hotel to check in with tour stat girls, so they could look up the number of anglers, who happened to weigh in 3 dead fish on day two. There were only three anglers that day that brought three dead fish to the scales that day. It was decided between Harvey and myself, that the best way to handle it, was to pretend that we never found out, so that whom ever was responsible, would feel as if they had gotten away with it. We placed some paper clips to the said anglers weigh cards, as we were confidant that the AAA's in no way had anything to do with what had happened, based on our findings.

Day three started at the scales and things were under way for the final day of the 2010 US Open. As the anglers approached the stage, I would look at the weigh cards waiting for those that had been clipped. As I look over, I see the first weigh card come up with a paper clip attached and nothing was found in his fish. The second clipped card came up, and same deal. As the third weigh card that was clipped came up, I saw Mike Hart at the bottom of the stage. I got on the mic, and announced his name, and made comments regarding the Castaicanator. Signals were given, and Mike's fish were placed in the holding tank. As the fish are tested to make sure they are dead, I was called over by my TD, John Cassidy. As I approached the area, to feel the belly of the first fish I grabbed, it was obvious that there was something hard, and unnatural in the belly of that fish. I asked Mike to step to the side, as there was something we needed to talk about. The five fish were immediately set aside in a separate bag. Mike was escorted to the side where we had officials waiting. All five fish that had been presented to our scales by Mr. Hart where then gutted, and as most of you have seen, the lead weights where in all five fish. As I continued to keep the scales going, it was said that Mike had run. I was not made aware of the fact the Mike Hart was still around, until an angler came to me and said, that Mike was still here, but was hiding in a friends truck. I was taken to the truck, as Mike had requested to talk with me. I opened the driver side door, as Mike Hart was in the passenger side with the air on. As I got in the car, all the signs were there...... He was slumped in the chair with his hands on his face. He confessed to adding weights to the fish and was completely demoralized regarding his pour and completely unacceptable decision he had made by cheating. I mentioned that he had made it to easy for us to figure out, and it was only due to the fact that the Nevada Fish and Game happened to fillet and donate the meat to the local homeless families. I asked him, if he wanted to take the stage and face his friends family and fellow anglers, and he said he could not face it. I explained that we as a tournament organization will go after him with everything we have, and that I was troubled that we would have to make an example of him.

As you have read in our Blog.... Mike hart has been banned for life from all WON Bass tournaments, and is facing criminal charges. It is a sad day in angling history once again. I am sorry that this had to happen and take any of the deserved emotion of winning the US Open away from Clifford Pirch. He deserves everything, for winning this years event, and he does not deserve to have his moment taken away.

Mike Harts action does not, and should not reflect what so ever on any of the AAA's he happened to fish with on any of the three days of this years 2010 US Open. As there was no fish found to have weights added to them on Monday, and that we could not confirm that Mike had actually put the weights in the Tuesday fish, both the AAA's weights for Monday and Tuesday were left as is. The AAA that was paired with him today, was given his entry fee back.

Please.... lets all remember this is a human being that we are talking about. He made a horrific and unforgivable mistake and will have to live with his decisions for the rest of his life. This will no doubt show that we tournament organizations are serious about cheaters and are determined to create what ever we have to to keep the integrity of our sporty alive. It is now 1:30 AM on the day after... and I need to call it quits for today. I am sure this is not the last of this, and we will keep you posted as more information is available.

see more details at www.wonbass.com

[TYLUREcustombaits]

Shocking to say the least. In short, I am glad to see how WON and Bill Egan handled the situation and at least Mike admitted to what he had done. No excuses of course, but at least we don't have to wonder what the truth is. Sad day for the sport and I am a little sick to stomach. Thank you again Bill for letting us know the facts. Congrats Clifford Pirch!
Tyler

[hydro]

After reading some of the earlier posts about this incident I was thinking "wow! " what if he is innocent and some facts come to light that clears his name ? ( though the likelyhood was pretty remote)
Thanks for posting what really happened and clearing up any more speculation.

There is no doubt about it now -He was caught "lead handed"

Thanks ,Bill

hydro

[Rod Wynn]

Good read... Still is shock over this whole situation..
WOW!

[JeffJ]

I think you guys at WON did a great job in handling this bad situation and letting the public know the FACTS fast, so rumors dont start flying around any more than they already are! I am just in shock Mike would do such a thing. Now with him confessing, just puts all the doubts to rest. Looks like he will be banned by other orgs eventually too. Sad day in our sport!

[Hardshell]

As most of you have heard and read in our blog, and many other forums, as I would have to assume.

Mike Hart was caught placing unnatural items in the bellies of fish presented to our scales at the third day of fishing of the US Open, at Lake Mead, Nevada.

Here is what happened and how it played out!

As I was leaving the Callville Bay Marina Bar and Restaurant and weigh in location. I wanted to run by and check on our anglers whom were having motor or boat issues. As I drove to where Mark Niccoletti and Jordan from Anglers Marine, were working on some angler boats, I was flagged down by the Nevada Fish and game. They were filleting the fish that were collected after the weigh ins, which came to the scales "DEAD". I told them that I would return in a minute or two, as I wanted to check on a few of our anglers. When I was able to return to the area where the staff was cleaning the fish that are to be given to local area homeless families, I was pulled aside and told of two different issues. One was regarding a AAA, that dumped a whole bottle of Rejuv in a livewell, and ended up killing all of his fish due to over Rejuv. Then the Nevada fish and game agent seemed to have a lump in her throat and a plastic bag in her other hand. It was mentioned, that they happened to be talking about the fish that were being filleted, and what the fish happened to be eating. One of the staff, decided by random to open up the belly of a fish and instead of finding a crawdad, a lead weight, with a fixed drop shot hook was found in stead. There were a total of four 2 oz ( not confirmed ) weights in the bellies of three separate fish at day two weigh ins.

I was sick to my stomach when I saw what was in the bags, it was like someone hit me in the stomach with a hammer. I decided to make sure that nobody, other than the people that were at the fillet station, found out that we had discovered the weights. Headed to the hotel to check in with tour stat girls, so they could look up the number of anglers, who happened to weigh in 3 dead fish on day two. There were only three anglers that day that brought three dead fish to the scales that day. It was decided between Harvey and myself, that the best way to handle it, was to pretend that we never found out, so that whom ever was responsible, would feel as if they had gotten away with it. We placed some paper clips to the said anglers weigh cards, as we were confidant that the AAA's in no way had anything to do with what had happened, based on our findings.

Day three started at the scales and things were under way for the final day of the 2010 US Open. As the anglers approached the stage, I would look at the weigh cards waiting for those that had been clipped. As I look over, I see the first weigh card come up with a paper clip attached and nothing was found in his fish. The second clipped card came up, and same deal. As the third weigh card that was clipped came up, I saw Mike Hart at the bottom of the stage. I got on the mic, and announced his name, and made comments regarding the Castaicanator. Signals were given, and Mike's fish were placed in the holding tank. As the fish are tested to make sure they are dead, I was called over by my TD, John Cassidy. As I approached the area, to feel the belly of the first fish I grabbed, it was obvious that there was something hard, and unnatural in the belly of that fish. I asked Mike to step to the side, as there was something we needed to talk about. The five fish were immediately set aside in a separate bag. Mike was escorted to the side where we had officials waiting. All five fish that had been presented to our scales by Mr. Hart where then gutted, and as most of you have seen, the lead weights where in all five fish. As I continued to keep the scales going, it was said that Mike had run. I was not made aware of the fact the Mike Hart was still around, until an angler came to me and said, that Mike was still here, but was hiding in a friends truck. I was taken to the truck, as Mike had requested to talk with me. I opened the driver side door, as Mike Hart was in the passenger side with the air on. As I got in the car, all the signs were there...... He was slumped in the chair with his hands on his face. He confessed to adding weights to the fish and was completely demoralized regarding his pour and completely unacceptable decision he had made by cheating. I mentioned that he had made it to easy for us to figure out, and it was only due to the fact that the Nevada Fish and Game happened to fillet and donate the meat to the local homeless families. I asked him, if he wanted to take the stage and face his friends family and fellow anglers, and he said he could not face it. I explained that we as a tournament organization will go after him with everything we have, and that I was troubled that we would have to make an example of him.

As you have read in our Blog.... Mike hart has been banned for life from all WON Bass tournaments, and is facing criminal charges. It is a sad day in angling history once again. I am sorry that this had to happen and take any of the deserved emotion of winning the US Open away from Clifford Pirch. He deserves everything, for winning this years event, and he does not deserve to have his moment taken away.

Mike Harts action does not, and should not reflect what so ever on any of the AAA's he happened to fish with on any of the three days of this years 2010 US Open. As there was no fish found to have weights added to them on Monday, and that we could not confirm that Mike had actually put the weights in the Tuesday fish, both the AAA's weights for Monday and Tuesday were left as is. The AAA that was paired with him today, was given his entry fee back.

Please.... lets all remember this is a human being that we are talking about. He made a horrific and unforgivable mistake and will have to live with his decisions for the rest of his life. This will no doubt show that we tournament organizations are serious about cheaters and are determined to create what ever we have to to keep the integrity of our sporty alive. It is now 1:30 AM on the day after... and I need to call it quits for today. I am sure this is not the last of this, and we will keep you posted as more information is available.

see more details at www.wonbass.com

GREAT JOB!

Thank you for having the guts to expose this bum to the fishing world.

Hardshell
aka Steve Greene

[Brian D.]

Thanks for the update. Other orgs should take note of the upfront honesty and professionalism.

[Dan Stahlman]

Although it is a very sorry day for the sport, I think WON did a great job in determing who the cheater was, exposing him and getting the whole story out. It would have been very easy to shuck it off with no follow-up investigation but you upheld the integrity of the tournament. I also believe with the way the weights were designed that this was probably not the first time this method had been used. Sad, but a lot of fellow anglers took second place to the individual in previous tournaments.

[mark poulson]

I think you guys at WON did a great job in handling this bad situation and letting the public know the FACTS fast, so rumors dont start flying around any more than they already are! I am just in shock Mike would do such a thing. Now with him confessing, just puts all the doubts to rest. Looks like he will be banned by other orgs eventually too. Sad day in our sport!

+1
Hell of a way to begin your career as WON director, Billy, but you handled this perfectly.
Sad day for all of us.

[some guy]

Good work Bill. Hope you got some sleep man.

[Oldschool]

Excellent job of reporting a very difficult situation for everyone, including Hart. I fully realize that Hart brought this upon self, the question is why? Pressure to succeed out weighed his sense of right from wrong and he may have cheated to remain an elite bass tournament angler.
I know trophy bass fisherman who have resorted to cheating to catch the world record bass, pressure can drive honest people over the edge, try keep that in mind.
Hart desires to be band, fined and face whatever legal issues that are appropriate, he made that choice.
Tom

[some guy]

Excellent job of reporting a very difficult situation for everyone, including Hart. I fully realize that Hart brought this upon self, the question is why? Pressure to succeed out weighed his sense of right from wrong and he may have cheated to remain an elite bass tournament angler.
I know trophy bass fisherman who have resorted to cheating to catch the world record bass, pressure can drive honest people over the edge, try keep that in mind.
Hart desires to be band, fined and face whatever legal issues that are appropriate, he made that choice.
Tom

Its all about Ego and the dollar.

[Bill K]

It is sad that someone has to resort to this type of action and get so wound up in wanting to win, that they feel they have to turn to cheating to do so.
The situation was handled very well and then the accurate information given out. Again it just shows that "You reap what you sow" Bill K

[DanIsaac]

It is indeed a sad day for tournament bass fishing, and this most certainly will spread throughout the sport. That's the bad of it.

The good of it, WON BASS is setting an example of how something like this should be handled, and that it won't be tolerated.
That's the positive in it, and IMHO this if handled properly from here on, it has the potential do to more good for the sport than
one would realize right now.

The human aspects of it, and the innocent person(s) affected are indeed traggic. Hopefully a full airing of the truth will clear all of the innocent, but that is soley up to Mr. Hart at this point.

Thank you WonBass!

Dan

[Andy Lippert]

Hopefully a full airing of the truth will clear all of the innocent, but that is soley up to Mr. Hart at this point.

Dan

I won't believe a damned word that comes outa this as$ clowns mouth, so hopefully there's another way to "clear the innocent."

Great job WONBASS for taking every step(what I think) precisely the right way in catching this moron, and putting it out for all to see. I hope you guys continue on down the right path and prosecute the crap outa this dumbas$.

Andy

[Mike]

Great Job Bill and Won Bass!

Its about time a cheater is delt with the right way instead of just going away.

[bass hmoob yaj]

Don't see why everyone saying it's a "sad day". Dude had it coming to him for cheating. Don't feel sad for this guy at all...read that what he did might become a Federal matter, since lake mead sits between 2 states.

[StockOption]

KUDOS to WON Bass for taking appropriate steps to deal with this situation. I fully support everything you've done up to this point and would encourage you to make a shining example of what happens to cheaters.

I would also encourage all other tournament organizations to go through their records and purge this cheater's accomplishments in any of their events and also place a permanent, lifetime ban on his participation in any future events.

Also, any accomplishments achieved by this cheater should be redone so the appropriate, honest anglers are given the proper and legally earned recognition. Perhaps the monies and prizes cannot be rectified but the status and titles should ceratinly be given to those that played by the rules.

History should only reflect that this "angler" was a cheater. That is his sum and total legacy - he's earned it.

[Rick G]

IMHO there was only one thing for Mike to have done. At the awards he should have shown up, got on stage and admitted he cheated, cleared all his former partners names if they truly were not involved and asked for everyones forgiveness as he EXITED bass fishing for life. Maybe the charges would have been lessened, maybe not. His fishing days are done either way, but to Man up and admit the truth would have gone a long way with alot of guys especially me. Rick G.

[TEAMDEADMONEY]

Well I didnt want to believe it because Hart is someone Ive looked up to in the bass fishing community.
Although I dont know him on a person level Ive held him in high regard by the way he has carried himself at tournaments and with the humbleness he has shown about his local success. Although hes always seemed to be fairly shy and quiet, hes always taken time to talk to me, say hello with a hand shake and be respectful to me...WHAT MORE CAN I ASK FOR.
And for those reasons, Ive always thought he was one of the good guys. Now I know that I didnt know him at all..
Everything he has ever accomplished at Castaic is now in question in my opinion as well.
Ive always went and fished the Castaic events even though hes been dominating. My thought was that I liked the challenge and trying to beat him to win there would make the win sweeter.. As it turns out I was always up against a stacked deck.
Ive finished 2nd to him at castaic 2-3 times in the last couple years and finished 3rd 2-3 times...all were tournaments in which he took 1st and I always said..."he got me again". Now I know why.... There is no way in he.ll that I dont think he was cheating in some way now. Looking back on it, it was painfully obvious but he was Mike Hart and I wouldnt have suspected it....
Hell he even finished one spot in front of me (3rd) at the topstick event this year at DVL where he cashed the last check....Probably frickin cheated there too!! Im sure ALOT of people can say the same stuff... THIS IS ALL TRUELY SAD.... that being said IM GLAD HE GOT CAUGHT.
This isnt a case where a guy was speeding in a 5mph zone or not wearing his life vest or something like that..THIS IS THE MOTHER OF ALL CHEATING...
Truely SAD!
How many times has he won at Castaic and SMOKED the field by 6-15 lbs???? The answer is ALOT!! I always fought with the fact that he could actaully be that much better than everyone else...
There have been so many times that guys (me included)were at castaic STRUGGLING to find ONE 3 lber and that dude came in with all of his fish being OVER 4 lbs... Hed weigh 20 lbs and everyone else would weigh 12-13. Hell hes even weighed in like 35 lbs there when everyone else weighed under 20... WELL I THINK WE ALL KNOW WHY NOW!! Its safe to say lead weights in bellies isnt the only way to cheat... This opens up a whole can of worms...

Props to WON bass for the way they handled this situation both AT the actual tournament on day 2, and on the final day. And also by comfronting Mike in the truck where that coward was hiding. (I just actually felt bad for calling Mike a coward, but a spade is a spade) And also Props to WON for the way they have come on here and let the public know what actually happened...Thank you.

Truely a sad situation indeed but one that had to happen ...KARMA IS A BIT.CH!!!
What happens to Mike now is yet to be seen.. Its very obvious that his fishing tournament days are behind him for good.
EVERY ORG OUT THERE BETTER BAN HIS AS.S..
As far as speculation on if he cheated in the past....well that can never be proven...but that speculation is justified in my opinion.
This wasnt his first rodeo (cheating in a tournament).... it was FAR too calculating and sinister...HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING and took steps to not get caught. It wasnt a game time decision to cheat... it was well thought out.

Hopefully this man that some thought they knew can go in another direction in his life and work out the problems he has...
His friends should look after him for a while because this mans life just changed completely. What I mean is he may want to hurt himself because of the guilt and change he faces, and I dont think he deserves that. So if you are one of his TRUE personal friends you may want to talk to the guy in private.
He will probably be fined and maybe do a little time in the pokey and probably get probabtion like that tard in Texas..... But all that pales in comparison to not be able to fish tournaments or show his face around here anymore and for the sentence he has been given with each of us here that have labeled him a cheater.

I hope you find happiness somewhere else Mike.. Its just NOT going to be here.. You let us all down here..

Now get lost!!


Pete

[Brian Linehan]

I don't agree Rick. I think that would have added fuel to the fire.

[some guy]

i think it would have been good to clear his partners name. Now there are close friends and fishing partners whos reputation is being examined under a mircoscope for something they didnt have a part in. Thats not fair to those guys and the fact he did nothing to clear his friends names just show he is an even bigger selfish POS than he already is.

[massbaster]

Great job WON . I hope they start going after guys in the teams as well , I think there is more going on , more than we think.

[Rob Dickson]

IMHO there was only one thing for Mike to have done. At the awards he should have shown up, got on stage and admitted he cheated, cleared all his former partners names if they truly were not involved and asked for everyones forgiveness as he EXITED bass fishing for life. Maybe the charges would have been lessened, maybe not. His fishing days are done either way, but to Man up and admit the truth would have gone a long way with alot of guys especially me. Rick G.

I dont think the guy would have made it out of the parking lot.

[Murph]

I couldn't even hide Copenhagen from my Wife, when she came on-board. This guy must be part magician if he was able to hide this from his partners. 2 and 3 oz weights were probably specifically designed for Lake Mead, just imagine what he might have been able to slip into those Behemoth Bruizers that live in those other Lakes.

[sTony]

It's too late, unfortunately, for Mike to be able to say anything that's going to clear the names of his fishing partners because he's already a known cheat. Lying is a part of that, isn't it? His word isn't to be trusted already.

That's a huge travesty in all of this. How it's impacting the lives of those around him. I've already heard of stories of his former partners getting lie detector tests for themselves, to try to show they've never done any such thing as cheating. Something they never should have been put in a position to even have to consider.

And, SADLY, even if they do such and pass tests and what not, there will be those that doubt regardless.

Who's going to believe anything Mike has to say at this point?

[Rick G]

Remember, we live in a pretty forgiving society. [Kobe, Bill Clinton? just to name a couple] It would have shown a ton of what little class is left to have made sure his partners dont go down with the ship and to have apoligised to the entrants. His penalty for life is shame and discrace for him and his family and the friends that had his trust. That is way worse than and jail time or monetary penalty IMHO. Have security escort him out. Rick G.

[philip garcia]

I am really happy at the way WON BASS handled the AM side of this. The only guy that was penalized was the day three AM and he was given his entry fee back. Good to see that they didn't feel cheated by this.

[DanIsaac]

It's too late, unfortunately, for Mike to be able to say anything that's going to clear the names of his fishing partners because he's already a known cheat. Lying is a part of that, isn't it? His word isn't to be trusted already.

That's a huge travesty in all of this. How it's impacting the lives of those around him. I've already heard of stories of his former partners getting lie detector tests for themselves, to try to show they've never done any such thing as cheating. Something they never should have been put in a position to even have to consider.

And, SADLY, even if they do such and pass tests and what not, there will be those that doubt regardless.

Who's going to believe anything Mike has to say at this point?

Points made, but I still believe a FULL disclosure of ALL events
and or persons involved would go a long way.

I totally respect everyone's opinion of whether to believe a single word that comes from his mouth, or not, but I do not think that should be used as a reason for his not making such a disclosure.

However, I do agree with Rick, it probably would have gone a bit farther had the timing been immediate.


Dan

[stan7]

Pete, at that Topstick DVL tourney I fished with Mike and had no reason to suspect anything. Didn't see anything suspicious laying around his boat and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

[Kentuck]

The really sad truth to this all is if he didn't weigh in any dead fish would he have even been caught???????? Think about it.

It even sounded like it was a fluke that the guys cleaning the fish on Tuesday even found it out. Someone just decided to see what a fish was eating.

I think it's beyond time for all the major orgs. to establish a system of checking for cheaters.

[Dan Stahlman]

If it had happene in Texas, he wouldn't have made it into the parking lot let alone out of it. Those boys play for keeps down there.

[N.A.R]

PETE that was VERY WELL SAID.....AMEN BROTHER!

[N.A.R]

The really sad truth to this all is if he didn't weigh in any dead fish would he have even been caught???????? Think about it.

It even sounded like it was a fluke that the guys cleaning the fish on Tuesday even found it out. Someone just decided to see what a fish was eating.

I think it's beyond time for all the major orgs. to establish a system of checking for cheaters.

I've jumped in the water chest high, I've played Dr. Oz on the back deck of my boat MANY of time. to save these little green fish... Its simply against my religion to kill these fish. That part sickens me almost as much as this ScumBags premeditated deep sea fishing torpedo/DropshotHook rig that he slammed down the throat of these fish.

I am trying to do the math....
Isn't it a 4 oz penalty for a dead fish? He shoved 2-3 oz weights down the fish wouldn't he gain just mere oz's? I know its Mead but dayum mathematically from what I read he LOST WEIGHT......

[Brian Linehan]

It's a .20 deduction.

[N.A.R]

Gotcha, thank you.....

[mpapa]

I am encouraged by the fact WON was able to catch someone who was not playing by the rules and the professional way in which WON did it. Mr. Hart was trying to gain either noteriety or money. Either way he was cheating. I agree from this incident that the fishing organizations can't "from a just the facts standpoint" say beyond a doubt he cheated in the past. What is certain is that a character flaw was shown and this in all likelyhood is not the first time. There is a majority of anglers out there who do it by the book and spend their hard earned money and spare time in trying to be competitive. Mr. Hart and any angler who cheats should be banned for life from all organizations and I compliment WON for their stance. Hart will pay back in spades any winnings from the past in efforts to defend himself. In that I find justice. I think it is silly for any of the other bloggers to try and find reason for his actions, if he not gotten caught and his actions had won him a check he would of smilingly accepted it. He is upset about getting caught, not what he did. This sport would have more participants if there was not domination of regions by just a few and it would be sad to think some have given up because people like Hart put winning over playing fair. Do not try to justify Hart's actions take it for what it is - cheating pure and simple.

[Paul Matthews]

[quote="stan7"]Pete, at that Topstick DVL tourney I fished with Mike and had no reason to suspect anything. Didn't see anything suspicious laying around his boat and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.[/quote. Just ask your self one question. Was Mike the only one that worked the fish in the live well, and where you watching closely everytime he handled the fish. It could be this guy is the best con artist in the state. Not accusing you of anything, just asking. His other partners might want to ask the same questions.

[smpboy]

the 3 ams he fished with didnt notice anything funny also

[stan7]

I dont know, that's what bothers me. I had no reason to watch him closely just as I had no reason to suspect he would ever cheat.

You ever call up your buddies for tips when you're having a tough day on the lake during a tourney when its against tourney rules? Ever toss a dead cull fish when no ones looking? Ever put a spook fish in the livewell that wasn't hooked IN the mouth? Lead weights aren't the only form of cheating. Not accusing you of anything either, but I'm just saying that cheating is cheating. What Mike did is just very obvious and easy to judge.

[TEAMDEADMONEY]

N.A.R, thanks Im just telling it how I see it...

Stan, I am in no way assuming you may have known something.
Hell, he had 3 AAA's at the open and they never saw him load the fish up with weights.
All 5 of his bass on the final day were loaded with lead.. so were his 3 dead ones on day 2 (I believe that his other 2 fish were loaded up as well but they werent dead yet and swam away (for the time being). Hell...Im sure his 5 on the first day were stuffed too and are all probably dead or dying at the bottom of Mead as we speak.
Dude had BALLS...BIG ONES!!! The frickin US OPEN with 3 different AAA's in the boat..... And still managed to get the weights in under everyones noses without being seen...

I dont want nor mean to discredit your catch at the Topstick Stan....but Id feel confident in saying that something was probably pulled under your nose as well without you knowing it...
We will never know for sure ...

And for Murph..... Im glad Mel caught you with that Copenhagen...you dont need to be dipping anyways!!

Pete

[619]

Your right on track Pete......

[Paul Matthews]

Stan7. In answer to your inquiry the answer is no. I guess that is why I have never won as much as Hart. Granted I am not even close to being as good as he is but I don't cheat either. No matter what you still have to catch them.I play this game straight to the vest. The only guy I have to impress is me. I weighed in a dead fish at Plez 2 years ago and took a 1 lb. hit. I have also dumped short fish that where so close to 13, I knew that they probably would not have been measured at the scales. We have issues in AZ also. But like I said. I have to live with my decisions and thats all the matters. Again not accusing you of anything. If 3 coanglers didn't pick up on anything then it's obvious to me that Mike is very accomplished at doing this. His friends keep sticking up for him. If my friend pulled something this I'm afraid a beat down would be in order. On a side note I fully understand your frustration. because as long as you live you will always wonder if he did anything wrong in the tournament. When I was working I saw a number of thieves get busted. In every cases it was usually the quietest nicest hardest working one. Yor see, thieves and cheaters can't afford to be anything but nice. That is the other great lie.

[Bassin]

I agree with Mr. Tuck,

This isn't a first for this type of cheating, it doesn't get checked and has MOST LIKELY been happening, not just from this man, but others too. There has to be some way for Tournament Orgs to police this .....Because in my opinion before this event I haven't seen any reason why someone couldn't get away with doing this type of cheating.

On another note, This isn't just a blow against the west/so cal bass fishing ...it is a National event that will have a direct effect from east to west. How do you explain to someone just getting into the sport that someone that has been at the top of the leader board almost every tournament is really just a good fishermen after an event like this? I know people that won't do tournaments because of this type of thing..they think those guys that are ALWAYS in the money are cheating (in some fasion). Its a hard one to try an explain that In my own opinion, they are good fishermen....but like in anything that money plays a hand in, there will be some bad apples.

[Cmarkfish]

Nice Job Bill & WON BASS on the way you handled this issue.
Also Thanks for a Great Tournament had a blast all week long.
CHIEF

[BAmos]

WON bass has handled this IMHO perfectly. TOO BAD. Makes me sick, and I hope he gets all he deserves! I Hope they make the BIGGEST EXAMPLE of him - (and what you get if you cheat).

Also glad to se other trails following example of won bass by banning him. CONGRATS TO PIRCH THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!

[j10b]

IMHO there was only one thing for Mike to have done. At the awards he should have shown up, got on stage and admitted he cheated, cleared all his former partners names if they truly were not involved and asked for everyones forgiveness as he EXITED bass fishing for life. Maybe the charges would have been lessened, maybe not. His fishing days are done either way, but to Man up and admit the truth would have gone a long way with alot of guys especially me. Rick G.

Yup damn straight Rick. Thats the ONLY way.
I never even knew of the guy till after i looked him up.

[whazup]

If it had happene in Texas, he wouldn't have made it into the parking lot let alone out of it. Those boys play for keeps down there.

It did happen in Texas. And Mr Rose is alive and kicking to this day.

[smpboy]

he had this down to a science he had them pre rigged and ready to go he would catch a fish and pretend he is culling while the am goes to the front of the boat to fish and he bends over in front of the live well blocking the view with his crack hanging out and does his thing in seconds its like second nature to him the am has no clue.

[Rodney]

IMHO there was only one thing for Mike to have done. At the awards he should have shown up, got on stage and admitted he cheated, cleared all his former partners names if they truly were not involved and asked for everyones forgiveness as he EXITED bass fishing for life. Maybe the charges would have been lessened, maybe not. His fishing days are done either way, but to Man up and admit the truth would have gone a long way with alot of guys especially me. Rick G.

He's not a man rick a real man would not have done what he did.he is a thin skined ***** with no respect for anyone at the tournement he had no respect for himself.you think he should be forgiven you are a bigger man than i am mr hart can rott in hell as far as im concerned.