I don,t think you guys understand what is going on here. They are catching fish and releasing them into an area of water that is like a small pool of water not connected to the main lake because the water level is low. Then catching them on tournament day. If you don't see this as wrong then I'm sorry. If you read the last few post you would see that a respected Tournament Director is implamenting this into his rules as should all tournament trails.

i am wanting to understand this all. if they are not putting these fish in an enclosed type area where the fish cannot escape to go elsewhwere, then what is the problem?

If a boat can get in there, then the bass aren't trapped.

When you say "they" who is they? I'm tired of people pointing fingers, but never have proof. What lake?

Then that is situation against any tournament rules for any tournament trail I have fished. The water you fish must be accessible by boat.

if it is not connected to the main lake how are they going in there and catching them?

sounds like someone is tired of getting their azz handed to them on T day.

Its a pretty dirty technique!

Not true. Ethics deal with what is good vs. bad, moral duty and obligations. It could be argued that with what you've said you are seeking opportunities to do both. Is it illegal to move a fish to re-catch it at a later time? Probably not. Is it unethical? Absolutely. What if the fish dies in transport? What if you release it into an area that has water quality that is too different for the fish to breath? What if there's not any/too much of...? ...the list is endless.

Morals help categorize right and wrong behavior and your behavior is judged by others even if its only at the final judgement.

How about greed, deceit, sloth, envy, pride, vainglory?

I personally think that if you have to "play a little defense", you dont have much confidense in your fishing abilities. This topic can go a whole lot of different ways with a bunch of mixed opinions. I am not asking people to think the way I think. I think its unethical and unsportsmanlike and in my tournaments from here on out it is simply against the rules period. In my opinion,when you catch a trophy bass and carry it to the ramp for photos or certifying the weight and then releasing it is not considered relocating with the sole intention of catching it again in a tournament.

wow that was truely an amazing read thanks for sharing

I agree with you 100% Dkmore its ethics and good ethics should be the foundation of tournament fishing. Its a shame it has to be a rule but today some people need to be reminded of right and wrong. The EML friday nite is going to also add this rule. And I hope any trail that doesnt have it in there rules soon does so. It seems some dont understand the exact nature of the problem. And I for one will not describe the condition it creates for those unethical that will exploit it. But this rule changes a unethical loop hole to what it should be called and thats cheating.

there are no ethics involved in gaming/gambling, etc.. which is what fishing tournaments are. If you want to limit your chances of winning by your own self imposed standards then go right ahead. But don't force yours on others, since each person has their own compass.

Looks like its a rule in Bass Champs and now in some local events as well around the metromess. I disagree with your compass 100% and I think this rule will bring more moral minded anglers too these tournaments. Some people sail with broken compasses.

All of those examples could apply to the tournament itself. Fish can die in transport. Fish can be released into poor water quality area, etc. Are you trying to say that tournaments are unethical?

No ethics involved in tournament fishing? Try explaining that to Kevin Langill.