Wave Wackers' response

[Computer Gal]

This response is from Bill Herrick, host of the Wave Wacker tournament:

"Every tournament angler who has fished a slot event makes decisions regarding fish brought to the Bump Board Judge. Is it on the line? Is it too long? Is it too short, etc? These are the decisions every angler makes. If the fish brought up are (in the judge’s discretion) out of the slot, they will lose their weight for that day. THIS IS NOT CHEATING.

A total of 10 teams lost their weight at the event on very close calls by two judges, one weight master, and the DNR census crew. THIS IS A NON-ISSUE.

There were 3 of the 203 total teams that were cited by the DNR officials for altering the length of walleyes and were disqualified. I want to stress that everybody is innocent until proven guilty. If these teams are found to be guilty they will not be invited back to this tournament.

The Wave Wacker is an invitational tournament. Most of the anglers that fish this tournament are referred into the tournament by other anglers. I do my best to check references before letting new anglers into our event. People found guilty of breaking the laws of the state of Minnesota will be deal with accordingly by the proper authority."

This comment is from me: I score the Wacker, and the Herricks are good people. I'm proud to have been associated with this tournament for nearly 10 years. Clipping tails is a legal offense, and the Herricks are dealing with it in a dignified and thoughtul manner. If you see cheating - sing out! Stand up! Testify! But if you didn't see with it your own eyes, then perhaps a little more discretion is in order.

[Dave]

Computer Gal - You are right, Bill did a first class job of handling the issues that took place at the tourney and they didn't seem to be that big of an issue at the awards ceremony. Bill addressed it and moved on. First class tourney ran by first class guys. Do you know if they are going to post the results on Walleye Central? Thanks.

[Bo]

Would someone please fill in the blanks. What happened at the Wave Wackers? Was someone caught cheating? Thank You!

[waterfowler]

Bo,

You missed the long winded thread that must have gotten further out of hand, name calling, blah blah blah. You didn't miss anything, believe me.

[wwater]

I appreciate Bill's response, It was a 1st class tourney and was run well and just.

[BTT]

BTT

[The Judge]

I would point out that possessing fish that don't measure is also an illegal act. If you bring illegal fish in you have also violated the tournament rules. Violating rules constitutes cheating to me. Is it only a violation if the DNR is present? I think not.If you break the law unintentionally or not is of little difference if you are caught holding the fish.If the measurment is to close to call throw it back! Testing limits is juvenile behavior and serves no positive purpose. Welcome to slot tournament fishing, be sure or suffer the consequences.

[Be Judged]

I must say that computer gal is on the mark on this one. To the judge, the big tourneys all have DQ rules if you violate a state law. Most of the time, the anglers also received a ticket for this violation. If an angler brings up a fish that he/she thinks will measure and it does not, this does not constitute cheating.
Cheating is if you try to change the fish length by altering the fish. Cheating is if you intentionally do something against the rules to better your position in the event. Cheating is not following the regulations!! If you following the rules, and bring a fish to the bump tank that you think will measure up, and it is to short or to long, etc. You are DQed by following the rules. I just do not see this as cheating. You might be amazed at how this can happen with no intention at all. If you go to a slot tournament, you will see it happen. You will see anglers DQed for this reason. Does it happen alot? No. but it does happen.
Do not be so quick to judge. IF you have not been in this position, you really cannot understand it. You can say what you would do and how you would act. But, if you kept a 16 1/8 walleye at ten in the morning, and you got to the weigh-ins and it did not measure 16 inches: how would you feel? Would you feel that you have cheated? Would you argue with the measurement? Would you pay your ticket for the violation? Remember, the anglers who get ticketed pay their fines. Some argue till they are blue in the face, but end up paying the fine anyway. Just think about it. Put yourself in their shoes. Do not be so quick to judge.

Been Judged myself.

[Waiver]

The last response is right on the mark!!!

Agreed

[Chad]

What tournament angler would knowingly bring a short or long fish to the scales? It is pretty obvious that mistakes can be made. Maybe their ruler was off. Maybe they had a plastic ruler which streched in the heat? This in my opinion is not cheating. But is is breaking the rules and when you break the rules you pay the price explained in the rules.
Altering fish IS cheating and anyone caught doing this should be black listed from tournaments. Last thing we tournament anglers need is a bad image. Rotten apples spoil the whole basket!