What an idiot.....

[N.A.R]

http://www.bassmaster.com/news/fine-lev ... thern-open

Did I read this right? Did the winner Nate Wellman ask his Co-Angler if he could borrow his 4+ lbs fish for the weigh-in? LoL
Nate says that it was in a joking manner and didn't really mean it. But B.A.S.S. officials didn't find it funny 'cuz they slapped is arse with a $2500.00 fine and put him on probation for a year. This was the same Nate Wellman who was throwing back 2 and 3 lbs fish before he had a limit....
BETTER YOU THEN ME!

[fish_food]

A very vague and useless article--bassmaster.com doesn't even tell you what Nate Wellman did. The article only states he violated "rule 3(vii), which prohibits ‘suggesting to another competitor that he violate these (B.A.S.S.) rules.’ " You have to read the reader comments to find out that he offered to buy his backseater's fish.

Read this for a better account of what happened. The backseater himself posts what transpired at the tournament: http://bassboattalk.com/f2/please-read- ... ead-13875/

[massbaster]

I could see it as being a joke the first time he said it , but to continually ask and then tell the guy his plans on how to do it? really ? come on!

[Johnny C]

Nate Wellmans hot lure on Lake Erie

[kitjack]

[quote="Johnny C"]Nate Wellmans hot lure on Lake Erie

[img]http://i56.tinypic.com/29w3cdw.jpg[/img][/quote]

That's funny!

There are certain things you shouldn't kid about in tournaments, and any form of cheating is at the top of that list as the other guy in the boat is there for only a couple reasons and one of the main ones is to keep you honest, and visa versa. Kidding would obviously be how you would broach that subject, so it simply can't be allowed or you should be DQ'd. But I doubt that rule and the consequnces has been put out there or enforced that way until just now. I would still have DQ'd him whether or not he was kidding, as there is no way to know.

[bryanmc]

FLW just banned him for a year... Sounds like they're taking it seriously!

http://www.bassfan.com/docktalk.asp?id=8391#8391

[Takedown]

I believe this is the right course of action.
We need to make sure an example is set for this off the cuff funny business.

I for one do not think this is funny, I sure appreciate the Co-Angler coming forward.
Telling someone that your Daddy always carries several thousand dollars in cash at every tournament just puts a nasty taste in my mouth, and it just won`t swallow.

[yjjustforme]

This is what happens when you start having tourneys for 6 figure first place prizes. All of the theifs and crooks come out of the wood works.

[flippenfool]

A thief is a thief, it really doesnt matter if it is a 6 figure tournament or not. They are who they are, and they will cheat whenever they can.

[Smee Again]

Based on what I've read thus far, especially the first hand account from his co-angler, this guy is a major dirtbag. Whatever BASS and FLW do to him will PALE in comparison to the cold shoulder he will receive from every respectable touring pro, co-angler and fan of this sport. He has truly committed professional suicide, and I sure hope daddy has LOTS of extra cash on hand, 'cause this guy will be pure poison to any existing / potential sponsors from this point on. Hope you enjoyed your one career win. Buh-bye...

SA

[Chris N]

Knock Knock

Who's there?

My Dad with a wad of cash if you toss that fish in my side of the livewell!

Nope, not funny at all, guy screwed himself and I'm glad he's getting penalized, how dumb can you be? Maybe he'll have better luck on the comedy tour this year while he sits it out, but my guess is he'll fail at that as well. Original post subject is well said, guy sounds like an idiot- and he won it regardless, even more mind blowing

[Chris N]

Johnny C, you on the other hand may have a shot on the comedy tour, nice pic!!
Maybe Mike Hart could open for Nate by making some lead sinkers disappear? Magical comedy tour for sure...

[CN]

Best thing they can do is make an example out of him. Poor fool sunk himself if and when he made the statement "My Dad will take care of it." Even if this Orginization did not take action the Co could have. No he should not and did the right thing but man even this sport has come to sociaty's low level of thinking............pretty sad aint it.

Mike