TTT doesn't have a "no info" rule and their off-limits doesn't start until 5PM the day before the tournament. If a GW were to do that with an Elite Series angler on Toledo during practice, most of them would tell him they can't receive outside information. If the angler still felt like, by no fault of his own, the information could cause him to fail a polygraph later on he has two choices. Roll the dice and hope he doesn't get polygraphed or tell the TD before the tournament begins.

We could go on and on with what if's, etc. Bottom line in this instance, Clausen discussed areas other anglers were fishing with an outside party, during the "no info" period. This is a direct violation of the rules as they are written. The rules Clausen agreed to in writing. He elected to keep that info to himself, which he clearly knew was wrong. He then got caught by an imperfect, inadmissible in court polygraph. The one he agreed to take and the results of which he agreed to abide by.

Beyond that, all we're doing is

Polygraphs are unreliable. That's why they are not admissible in court.

I don't participate in any fishing tournaments anymore because it takes the fun away. But having watched the progression of rules over the last 30 years, things nowadays look downright silly. I understand what they are trying to do. However, it's about as successful as legislating morality.

But it's all they've got and the anglers agree to take them and abide by the results.

is this like a name drop except with a picture?

poly's are never random.....

It has been a long time since I have posted anything on here and have been following this thread closely and decided to give my two cents. First of all I must disagree with those who think the " No Info rule" should be done away with. It should be adhered to even more in order to level the playing field. But that will never happen. Giving a polygraph on this rule only gives the organization a black eye and they do not like the negative PR.

By the way I was one of the 93 that responded to the Bass Fan survey and cast my vote that 25 - 50% receive information during the off limits period in some form. I was fortunate enough the fish the FLW Tour for two years as a co angler and then the last three as a boater. Notice that I did not say professional as I consider myself a weekend warrior that loves the competition and was grateful to have had a chance to fish at that level. A high percentage of these guys are lucky enough to stay with locals at these lakes and if you think this is an isolated situation you are wrong. My opinion just hearing a couple of locals talk back and forth at the dinner table and you just being a bystander is the same thing. Whether you ask questions or not.

I saw where a few of you said that he was singled out. I agree 100% but for them to approach him in the weigh in line means that someone had reported this. Not sure who he stayed with but I am sure that could have had something to do with this also. This was not random because neither BASS or FLW wants any of their name guys to be disqualified over this rule. If they did do more random polygraphs I think you might be surprised by the number of anglers that would fail the test.

On the championship email TTT just sent out today it has this **Please note - During the official practice period and extending through the hours of competition, Contestants may not receive fishing information from non-competitors or have any non competitors in the boat with you.

Thanks, Neches. I looked at their rules for 2016 and didn;t see anything about no info. Perhaps they're a bit more strict for their chamiponship?

Did he? I have my doubts.

These guys roll the dice in my opinion and gamble that when they get outside info that there number doesn't come up for poly, sounds like Luke just was unlucky the tournament he got info on his number came up, I think bass is very aware of this and was tipped off about his info and decided to make a example out of him and I bet it works for awhile!

Picture from Randall Tharp FB page.

The reaction or lack of is usually telling in these BASS or FLW issues.

Thanks for commenting

What is the reason for the "no info" rule? Why not allow competitors in the tournament to acquire any infoformation from anyone anytime?

Roland Martin, Fishing in 291 tournaments, Martin's BASSMASTER career includes the following achievements � 19 tournaments won, 9 B.A.S.S. Angler-of-the-Year titles, nearly 100 Top Ten finishes, and 25 appearances in bass fishing's world championship event, the Bassmaster Classic. Also a record, he has 19 second place BASS finishes.

Exactly!