Cellphone & Tournaments

[BassinAz]

In general, what are the rules about using cellphones in tournaments?

I'm new to tourney fishing and I've only fishing a couple pro-ams and while fishing my pro made or received a call during a tournament. It didnt seem like a big deal cuz it sounded like a casual call. I only heard one side of the conversation, and the bite was tough so we weren't that busy.

He did mention that he was right in the middle of tournament and described the conditions.

Is this really bad or considered cheating? What would be the consequences for using a cellphone during a tourney?

Thanks.

[acm95301]

not sure. I do know that tournaments are using cell phones to establish a time on the tournament.

The possibility that teams of fishermen, that have amazing cell phone coverage could be an issue.

I've heard reports of radio's not being allowed to talk on topics of a tournament.

If it becomes a problem and a tournament can afford to enforce its rules they will. I doubt anyone cares yet.

[Ray L.]

During tournaments I run I call my staff on the water to remind them what time to be in. I also give my # out so guys can call in an emergency.

[rdearmond]

Most tournaments will not allow any cell phones.

For example FLW, BASS, WON Bass, American Bass any of the the bigger ones don't allow them. They make it pretty clear at pairings or sign ups. You have to notify the tournament director first by cell phone and explain why you need to make a call: family trouble, break down or emergency stuff. And that goes for anyone trying to call you, they would have to call the director first. They basically don't want you or your boater sharing information about fishing.

Little clubs usually could careless because everyone is trying to learn at that level so club fishermen usually help each other even on the water during a tournament.

[DanO]

Cell Phone useage is against the rules in most tournaments except in the event of an emergency, involving boat breakdown, someone in danger or because of a rules infraction.

Most tournament directors will ask you to call them if there is an issue and let them handle communications with authorities etc.

Obviously, if there is an accident or someone is in danger, calling 911 should be the first call, then the tournament director immediately afterward.

As you pointed out in your example - as well as the follow up example - when one reads the rule as it is intended, both of the individuals would be open to being issued penalties or being disqualified.

I realize that most people are probably engaged in mundane conversation, however, other competitors and the tournament director doesn't know that for sure that you're not receiving help from an outside source, so they would have no recourse but to judge based on their rules.

I fished a tournament where a group of us locked, and we were not even allowed to contact the lockmaster to inform him of our arrival if he wasn't on station. We had to call the TD, and then he would call the lockmaster to notify that the armada was on site.

I know what the responses are going to be to my post, but it's the cavalier atitude towards rules that leads to problems and disagreements afterwards.

Rules are rules, and crossing them - whether you agree with them or not - leads to actions being taken against you. Besides, when an angler signs an entry form, he is saying he agrees to uphold, and to be judged on all of the competition rules of the organization.

DanO

[rdearmond]

Your dead on

Dano

You sign-up you agree to all the rules. Plus Iv'e seen alot of guys using them and they share info: blade bite is on check running water, frog bite started check the north end. Now they text, phone vibs flip it open read it flip it shut put it back in your pocket. The only way it kinda stays on the up and up is during draw tournaments FLW ONE Bass etc. I for one hate getting a call while I'm fishing tournament or not. Knowing my luck, I would forget and answer my phone during an FLW tournament and my co-angler would have me DQ and I would be leading it.

Turn the phone off and put it in your glove box

[acm95301]

Competitors in Nor-Cal Bass tournaments are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, and conservation. Outside scouting assistance during the tournament and hole-sitting will not be tolerated and shall be cause for disqualification from this tournament and all future tournaments conducted by Nor-Cal Bass. The transmitting of information with any radio-transmitted device (i.e. CB radio, two-way radio or Cellular phone) concerning any aspect of the taking of fish during a tournament is prohibited. This includes information relative to location, type of lures employed, number of fish caught, water depths, temperature or any other information that could help another improve their position in the tournament. Use of underwater cameras during tournament hours shall be prohibited. Drunkenness by any competitor during the tournament will not be tolerated and shall be cause for immediate disqualification for this and all future Nor-Cal Bass tournaments. No alcoholic beverages or other stimulants or depressants (prescriptions are accepted) are allowed during fishing hours. Any infractions of these fundamental sporting principles may be deemed cause for disqualification and forfeiture of said individual’s entry fee. No two boats may touch or appear to touch during tournament hours. This includes non-contestant boats as well as tournament boats.

[finebassfisher]

theres really no way to enforce unless your partner rats you out

[rdearmond]

If your partner is a rat; get a new one

[Dewayne]

While this may sound strange. The one time I will answer is if I see it is another tournament competitor calling me. Many of us keep a bunch of other competitors phone numbers in our phones in case of emergency. If I see another of the experienced tournament anglers calling me, I know it is an emergency. On two occasions I have answered and the first words I heard were "I got permission from Chris Jones to call".

We fish hard and don't chat during tournaments. If someone in the tournament calls it is usually them trying to get a ride in or tow. If I look at the phone and it is one of my employees, well there is no work emergency I want to know about that bad. If my wife calls a couple times, I would call the TD first to get permission then answer or call her to make sure it is not a serious emergency.

I have drawn a couple people who informed me at the beginning of the day that if their phone rings they have to answer and the had FLW permission to answer.

[Tin Can]

If your partner is a rat; get a new one

Your partner can only be a rat if YOU break a rule. If you're not breaking the rules, that shouldn't be of any concern.

[BassinAz]

Thanks for the reply guys, it sounds like it could go either way depending on the organization.

It just took me by surprise as I was under the impression that any sort of communication during a tournament was frowned upon.

It was definitely a non-emergency call and he mentioned the tournament and the fishing. I didnt feel like I could say anything at the time since I was busy fishing and didn't really listen to what he was saying and of course I have no idea what the other half of the conversation was about.

[calfisher71]

it is right for DQ to gain any info during a tourney period on a cell phone.

I dont belive there is any rule of no use , but that may come soon and each event has its own rules, I would see rules for particular event.

[brambo0311]

I have a I phone mount on my dash. It has my Navionics chart on it with my way points, and photographs of the rock piles attached to way waypoints. Its a phone, but its all I got for a GPS and the charts are great, contour lines the hole thing.

I hope I can use it for GPS.