US Open Cheater?

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 3:36 pm

That, and the fact that the title of this thread is "US Open Cheater?" sir... please remember to stay on topic?

Roger

buddy brown · Post by **buddy brown** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 3:39 pm

Andy Lippert wrote:
buddy brown wrote:yep I agree Tony. Another scenario is that someone else loaded these fish days or weeks ahead of time in a given area and he caught these fish that were preloaded on day one and two cause he was fishing the same water. I still doubt he did this until he is proven guilty. dude does not need to do chit like that.
LMAO, So he just so happened to bring a few of the SAME FISH that were planted in the days prior BY SOMEONE ELSE in a certain area. Well there's a theory.

We need to hold this c*ck smoker accountable if this is proven as true. Atleast we're not censored from saying his name on this forum, like we are with a few others. Burn him at the stake, or run him outa town if he's guilty!

I guess I just dont want to believe this... you like that theory? lol I guess that is a bit of reach. well castaic is open game this year.. congrats to pirch

Ron T. · Post by **Ron T.** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 3:46 pm

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 3:48 pm

the truth will be out tonight..

Scandalous!

619 · Post by **619** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 3:52 pm

Congrates to Clifford and my favorite at this event Wade Strelic these guys are the real deal.

I won't go into how I fel about the other deal....Just that all the signs were there!!!

rangerz20 · Post by **rangerz20** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:03 pm

Now you have to refund your prize money

BigJeff · Post by **BigJeff** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:08 pm

Man it's a shame just to read that blog and see the word cheater go along with this tournament. I hope WON Bass does whatever they can to press charges and keep people from trying this in the future. We don't need this in any sport

BigJeff · Post by **BigJeff** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:15 pm

Also have to wonder if the named person is guilty, what does that mean for his team partner? Just asking a question out loud and not accusing or point any fingers.

leachman90 · Post by **leachman90** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:26 pm

This was a comment Tom made on another site.

Who did it - I won't comment on as I was not there - but, here is what I was informed of.

It was by absolute luck that the original weights were found on day 2. A young man asked if they ever checked the carcasses for what the fish were eating. He was told he could check them out if he wanted. He grabbed one carcass from a stack of many and cut the belly open - the first one he pulled out had a weight in it. At that time everyone freaked and they checked all the carcasses. They found 3 dead fish all with weights in them. This was a stack of DECLARED dead fish at the scales - the rest went to the release boat and when pronounced dead were put into another stack. So they knew whoever did this had at least 3 dead fish or it was multiple people.

The weights were about 3 ounces each. One of the day 2 fish had 2 weights in it. The weights were especially designed to not come out of the fish. They were the the weights that looked like this () with loops on each in to tie to. One of the loops had a hook affixed to it so the fish would not cough it up. On day 3 all 5 fish had weights in them, 4 of the fish were still alived and killed in order to prove this act. The angler in question I hear just walked away - no comments made.

Man - this is a sad day!!!! I wish there was a good explanation for this - but, it definitely looks like either a co-angler who happened to have 3 dead fish on day 2 and then fished with the accused on day 3 or he was catching fish that were prestocked with the weights... or he cheated. Options 1 and 2 are far fetched but, the part of me who really liked this guy wants to believe one of them although my brain tells me that's a very slim chance of being reality!

Bass Pro Shopper · Post by **Bass Pro Shopper** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:26 pm

How do you even get to fish day 3 if you're caught (allegedly) cheating on day 2? Am I missing something here?

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:27 pm

I don't think this has anything to do with anyone that he's fished with in team tournaments. Mike, himself, is innocent until proven guilty. Fair is fair, and it's easy to start taking this in directions it surely doesn't have to go. Zank and others can stand tall as this is, if true, a reflection on one angler in one event.

sTony

split172 · Post by **split172** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:42 pm

Very sad indeed.... but on another note....

I got first dibbs on his boat, he aint gonna be needing that no more

Ringer · Post by **Ringer** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:48 pm

Just like Robby Rose and his long string of good luck. Are they going to allow him to take a polygraph using very specific questions about the incident? If he refuses he is guilty and if he passes you might give him one more chance and watch him closely. Rose passed a few of those over the years but at least the guy would have one last chance. Just sad but there are cheaters in every gathering of any sort.

PHENSON · Post by **PHENSON** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:53 pm

BassFan.com just posted pics of the weights used

Rob Dickson · Post by **Rob Dickson** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:53 pm

beat me to it

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:55 pm

They also claim that WON has named the name and banned him for life. WOW.

Roger

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:58 pm

I'm a fan of Mike Hart (well, I was). With that said, I hope he get's prosecuted to the fullest extent, banned for life from all tournaments, made an example of and remembered for cheating. This sucks but is also great because cheaters always end up getting caught sooner or later. All those wins before are gone!! There is no way I can believe this was the first time!!!!! Sad to say it. Mike Hart, your a cheater and hope it was worth it. Good luck and get the hell out of our sport for good!!!!!!!!
Guy Williams

BigJeff · Post by **BigJeff** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:00 pm

Says it all on www.bassfan.com wow

Phil Burgess · Post by **Phil Burgess** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:00 pm

WOW WHAT A SHAME............ I JUST GOT OF THE PHONE AND HEARD THAT THEY HAD A STING SET UP AND THEY PRETTY MUCH KNEW WHAT WAS GONNA HAPPEN WHEN THE ACCUSED WEIGHED IN..........

GONNA BE INTERESTING FOR SURE.............

g-man · Post by **g-man** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:03 pm

Agro wrote:Why would a guy with so much going for him do something like this? He is the top bread winner a Castaic and Pyramid constantly.
This is insane!

Maybe because what he had going for him was cheating...

Cheaters are POS! Not accusing anyone until the facts are out, just saying...

Dynastyworms · Post by **Dynastyworms** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:09 pm

Wow I don't what to say...... I will never understand what has to be going thru someones head when they think "hey I got a great idea".

Rob the boat won't fit in your garage! So your out

Z

StockOption · Post by **StockOption** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:14 pm

Wow.

Why again do I want to get involved with bass tourney's?

Unbelievable.

Rod Wynn · Post by **Rod Wynn** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:21 pm

Marty · Post by **Marty** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:25 pm

Just got off the phone with my partner and he said that the guy just ran away without saying anything. My partner told me the way they found out was some lady was going to cook the some of the dead fish and when she open it up she found the weights with hook on them. She then called. Reading the other post this must have happen on day two if WON put up a sting.

They are getting ready for the awards now.

bassn182 · Post by **bassn182** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:33 pm

Can anyone post a picture of the anglers that was caught cheating?

Garrettt · Post by **Garrettt** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:38 pm

http://www.americanbass.com/Member10518Profile.htm

BassTramp · Post by **BassTramp** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:42 pm

It sounds like more dead fish should be checked in the future. These pic's that BassFan posted are teaching others how to cheat. I use to fish in SoCal I see that he won many of those I was in, so I am one of many that paid him to learn to cheat. I bet he knew that most fish would still swim with 3oz-6oz in them but these Mead fish couldn't take the heat, the same as many of the anglers couldn't. The fish died, "dumb luck that fish was cleaned, otherwise he may have checked once again.

g-man · Post by **g-man** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:45 pm

American Bass Tournament History

Date of First American Bass Tournament Fished: 7/29/1996

Total Number of Tournaments Fished: 103

Number of Tournament Cashes: 85

Career Cash Winnings: $37,103.00

Number of 1st Place Finishes: 10

Number of Top 5 Finishes: 44

Number of Top 10 Finishes: 61

Biggest Tournament Bass: 10.88

Total Number of Fish Weighed: 441

Total Weight of all Fish Weighed: 1,345.52

WOW!

backinthegame · Post by **backinthegame** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:46 pm

Its a shame what has happened..... Who would have ever guessed! Maybe this will open many eyes. I cant believe the name mentioned???????????

DanIsaac · Post by **DanIsaac** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:46 pm

You know, I think WonBass deserves some kudos for being so transparent and forth coming in all of this.

Too many times Tournament Orgs get criticized for just about everything..... Just a thought.....

Dan

vu. · Post by **vu.** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:49 pm

yep hes done. all the bass fishing forums are lite up!

he and texas rose can have a two man tourny together.

Brian D. · Post by **Brian D.** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:58 pm

man.. what a kick in the bean bag.

http://www.wonews.com/t-WONBASS-cheater-7-21-10.aspx

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=565404

http://www.gethookd.net/?p=2948

http://www.bassfan.com/docktalk.asp?id=7396#7396

gixxer464 · Post by **gixxer464** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:59 pm

So thats what his secret bait was. Lead wieghts. Its all starting to make sense.

bantam1 · Post by **bantam1** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:59 pm

A buddy of mine fished as a AAA and sent me this picture of one of the weights they found.

I feel bad for Clifford. This whole thing is overshadowing his 2nd US Open win

ChaChaChicken · Post by **ChaChaChicken** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:12 pm

I was thinking of fishing next year, guess what?? Not any more, f this ****.

Steve Reed · Post by **Steve Reed** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:13 pm

Didn't he used to fish team tourneys with another really good socal angler?

hmmmm

Agro · Post by **Agro** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:14 pm

Sting operation and all! Damn!

Wonder how many other tourneys he has won cheating! Probably ALOT!

He might as well sell his boat and gear.

basshunter4u · Post by **basshunter4u** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:15 pm

Yeah dang, what a sad day for all bass fisherman, fun fish or tournament angler, Amateur or pro its just wrong. This just fuels the fire for all the animal rights activists to jab us again. We are supposed to be roll models and take better care of our catch better than the other sports. I am guessing the photo with the weight and the hook is to prevent the fish from coughing up the weight in the bag or the live well. Its too bad that this incident has tarnished a great sport.

Don O

Rich hamilton · Post by **Rich hamilton** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:18 pm

KPalmer · Post by **KPalmer** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:23 pm

Bon Jovi has a song about this:

"Shot to the Hart, and lead is too blame..Mike gave SoCal a bad name"

As if we needed any more A-holes to do that for us..It really is sad that people will stoop to these levels for recognition or money.

Garrettt · Post by **Garrettt** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:24 pm

Rich and Kpalmer!! AHAHAH I'm on the floor laughing!

gixxer464 · Post by **gixxer464** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:27 pm

Heres a list of some of this POS winnings taken from our pockets. Do the math.

American Bass
Date of First American Bass Tournament Fished: 7/29/1996
Total Number of Tournaments Fished: 103

Number of Tournament Cashes: 85

Career Cash Winnings: $37,103.00

Number of 1st Place Finishes: 10

Number of Top 5 Finishes: 44

Number of Top 10 Finishes: 61

Biggest Tournament Bass: 10.88

Total Number of Fish Weighed: 441

Total Weight of all Fish Weighed: 1,345.52

Anglers Choice
Castaic Lake-West Ramp 4/17/2010 MIKE HART NO PARTNER 5 5.62 19.33 $1,120.00
1 Castaic Main Ramp 3/28/2009 MIKE HART 5 7.4 23.54 $2,201.00
1 Castaic- Main Ramp 1/24/2009 MIKE HART 5 7.85 20.88 $2,562.00
1 Castaic West Ramp 8/9/2009 MIKE HART 5 3.31 16.02 $1,824.00
1 Castaic West Ramp 6/27/2009 MIKE HART 5 4.94 19.19 $2,769.00
2 Castaic West Ramp 5/23/2009 MIKE HART 5 4.17 16.48 $810.00
4 Castaic - Main Ramp 2/22/2009 MIKE HART 5 3.4 14.66 $412.00
3 LAKE CASITAS 8/2/2008 MIKE HART 5 6.77 22.49 $700.00
6 LAKE CASITAS 9/13/2008 MIKE HART 5 4.65 19.58 $0.00
8 LAKE CASITAS 2/16/2008 MIKE HART 5 3.47 12.71 $0.00
8 LAKE CASITAS 6/14/2008 MIKE HART 5 5.89 20.98 $0.00
12 LAKE CASITAS 8/16/2008 MIKE HART 5 4.79 17.34 $0.00
17 LAKE CASITAS 7/19/2008 MIKE HART 5 0 15.08 $0.00
4 Castaic- West ramp 8/18/2007 MIKE HART 5 3.87 14.74 $409.00
4 Casitas 3/31/2007 MIKE HART 5 7.57 16.57 $428.00
5 Lake Casitas (Night Event) 8/4/2007MIKE HART 5 6.34 21.12 $385.00
5 Lake Casitas (Night Event) 7/14/2007 MIKE HART 5 7.08 24.34 $335.00
15 CASITAS 2/10/2007 MIKE HART 5 3.47 12.14 $0.00
16 Lake Casitas (Night Event) 6/16/2007 MIKE HART 5 4.12 16.92 $0.00
2 Casitas 3/18/2006 MIKE HART 5 8.03 26.94 $1,076.00
2 Casitas 3/18/2006 MIKE HART 5 8.03 26.94 $1,076.00
2 Casitas 3/18/2006 MIKE HART 5 8.03 26.94 $1,076.00
3 Castaic 4/15/2006 MIKE HART 5 4.63 17.09 $382.00
7 Castaic-West Ramp 4/29/2006 MIKE HART 5 3.4 14.2 $0.00
7 Casitas (Night) 5/13/2006 MIKE HART 5 4.97 18.37 $0.00
7 Castaic West Ramp 8/26/2006 MIKE HART 5 2.29 9.72 $265.00
13 Cachuma 8/5/2006 MIKE HART 5 1.64 6.58 $0.00
18 Cachuma 2/19/2006 MIKE HART 5 0 5.58 $0.00
21 CASITAS (Night) 7/8/2006 MIKE HART 5 0 12.34 $0.00

National Bass West 2009-2010-
*MIKE HART 5/5 3.99 16.66 198.00 $1,165
MIKE HART 5/5 * 6.20 19.63 200.00 $4,245
-MIKE HART 5/5 19.44 * 6.34 19.44 200.00 $2,505
MIKE HART
5/5
16.69
4.40
16.69
199.00
$1,070

-MIKE HART 5/5 4.25 17.18 200.00 $2,565
-MIKE HART 5/5 3.89 16.06 200.00 $2,535

Won Bass 2009-2010
1 Mike Hart/ 5 4.50 17.16 $2,630
1 Mike Hart/ 5 21.56 6.05 21.56 105 $2,170
1 Mike Hart/ 5 17.82 17.82 125 $2,180
1 Mike Hart/ 5 18.98 8.25 18.98 125 $2, 000+
1 Mike Hart/ 5 20.37 7.96 20.37 125 $1,590
1 Mike Hart/ 5 20.97 6.85 20.97 125 $1,405

Robert F · Post by **Robert F** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:29 pm

Per Rich Holland, WONBass,
"Mike Hart is banned for life for presenting fish to the scales that had unnatural objects in their stomachs," said WON BASS Tournament Director. "We plan on pressing charges against Mr. Hart and we will void any victories he has had in any past WON BASS events."

Kudos WONBass for swift and proper action. Can't believe law enforcement let him walk away. I believe that is why they give those guys handcuffs.
As far as ChaCha Chicken, why wouldn't you fish this tournament next year? Obviously this organization is looking out for your interest.

Andy Lippert · Post by **Andy Lippert** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:32 pm

Hart was the only one on the list who had moved into the money and when he brought his fish to the scales today (Wednesday, July 21) tournament directors John Cassidy and Billy Egan felt what seemed to indicate weights. Hart's fish were taken immediately to be inspected in front of law enforcement and Nevada Fish and Wildlife officials and lead weights were found in all of the fish Hart presented. When confronted, Hart immediately left the scene at Callville Bay.

"Mike Hart is banned for life for presenting fish to the scales that had unnatural objects in their stomachs," said WON BASS Tournament Director. "We plan on pressing charges against Mr. Hart and we will void any victories he has had in any past WON BASS events."

I'll be the judge here.....

GUILTY!

This dude deserves to be publically stoned. And if I had ever fished a tournament against him, it'd take every ounce of morality I have not to take the money I donated to his cheating a$$ out of his face!

Kelly Ripa · Post by **Kelly Ripa** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:38 pm

Serious bummer. To the SoCal fishing community Mike has been a competitor and the man to beat for a very very long time. It is unfortunate that this will be his undoing and his legacy.

Yesterday: Mike Hart one of the Top Sticks in SoCal that kept us all in awe at his mere presence and had us reading how he approached our sport so we to could be just like him.

Today: Mike Hart I wonder how many times he cheated in our past? or a fish coughed up a sinker and he learned to add a hook?

Mike must have always felt like there was a big target on his back because frankly there was...I knew in every contest I ever fished against him that he was the man I wanted to beat....Beat Hart and you'd done your homework and excelled. This came from outta left field and really blindsided me personally. I feel ( and this is just my .02 cents) the majority of his wins were based on hard work and study and today is a sad day for our sport and to echo the sentiments of some here already ....Thank you WON for setting us all straight and allowing the facts out. It's going to be tough to explain to the public in general that WE the bass fishing community are not crazy fast driving lying cheating yayhoo's after this really leaks out and those who don't know a quagga from a zebra are offering up tall trees and sturdy ropes and opinions based on there lifetime of experience. The slings and arrows now destined for Mike are of his own making let's let him take his lumps and avert our eyes and keep to our own goals and expectations.

Kelly Ripa

Chris N · Post by **Chris N** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:45 pm

Wow, talk about going from hero to zero- takes brass balls and a huge lack of common sense and morals to try and pull that off on that big of a stage, much less any tournament. Welcome to hell, buddy, you're now being Googled more than Lindsey Lohan and she didn't even cheat in a bass tournament. That may not be true but you gotta wonder what was going through his mind when he planned it and what is going through his mind right now. Unbelievable. Scarlet MFuckin' A branded on you for life. Enjoy it brother, you earned it.

lipstick99 · Post by **lipstick99** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 7:02 pm

I felt like I should reply because the story posted is somewhat incorrect. All of the dead fish in this tournament are cleaned, gutted, and put on ice and donated to a shelter for food. The first day all the fish came out clean. Keep in mind that on the first day Michael Hart did not have any dead fish. The second day the fish were being cleaned and prepared and there were a total of 4 lead weights found in three of the dead fish that were brought to the scales. Every angler and coangler who had three dead fish the second day was marked and when they came to weigh in the fish were checked. When Hart came up to the scales the weighmaster felt something in one the fishs' stomaches. The fish were weighed and that fish was immediately taken to the live release boat and Hart and the AAA were asked to wait on the side. The fish was put on a board and cut open and a lead weight attached to a hook was found in his stomach. When everyone turned around Hart was nowhere to be seen. All of his other fish were set aside and also gutted. There were a total of 6 to 8 lead weights found. There was at least one in every fish that Hart weighed in. Yes there are a few other possibilities that couldve made this happen besides cheating but they are highly doubtful. Unfortunately his 3rd day AAA lost his weight for the day although I am positive he knew nothing about this. Just wanted to clear up the confusion. Congrats to Clifford Pirch for his second US open win. He deserves it

bassmonkey · Post by **bassmonkey** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 7:03 pm

I am glad this douche got popped. I once gave a speach in some class in college about tournament fishing. The first question some idiot in the class asked me was if people ever stuffed weights down their throats to make the fish heavier. He had never fished before and that was the perception he had of tournament fishing. Looks like he was not far off, it does happen. I would rather be known as the worst bass angler on the planet than be tagged as a cheater. Makes you wonder how much this really goes on all over. What a flamer.

Garrettt · Post by **Garrettt** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 7:10 pm

siemantel speaks

Prior to teaming with Zanko, Hart fished with big-bass specialist Bill Siemantel. Siemantel told BassFan tonight that he hasn't fished with Hart as a partner for at least 3 years. Siemantel now fishes with Troy Lindner, son of legendary angler Al Lindner.

"In team tournaments when I fished with Mike for a few years, we did very well," Siemantel said. "We won the K-Frog truck down at Diamond Valley and we fished very well together. In all the years I fished with Mike, I never saw anything that would tarnish his reputation. That being said, I've not fished with Mike or been around Mike in the last 3 years."

http://www.bassfan.com/news_article.asp?id=3678

CHANDLER · Post by **CHANDLER** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 7:10 pm

This is a very sad day for me personally as I was Mike's partner for many years and still one of his best friends. Who knows what makes people do stupid things but maybe it is the times we are in right now. Times are tough for many people, but that is no excuse for his actions. I know how good of a fisherman and person Mike is and this act was very out of character. He deserves to be banned from tourneys for sure and I cant imagine whats going on in his head right now. I pray that he will get through this and move on, leaving behind a sport he loved and was very good at.

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