Randy, we are in the age of where information is at the click of a button (purchasing waypoints). Now combine that with an angler that has the monetary means (comes from wealth), has all the time in the world (no familial responsibilities), and you have the greatest leap to the top of the ladder. I know we can’t blame someone for being born under theses amazing circumstances that most of us wish we had, but when you fully know your life advantages and still decide to bend the rules, that’s when the problems start. The reality is it takes time on a certain body of water to learn where the fish go at any given time of the year. Now you expect people to believe a 18-21 year old has all that info from every elite series lake from time on the water? Just do the math. This polygraph is only the tip of the iceberg.
Born on 3rd and think they hit a triple, what a joke, you’ve never been to a body of water, are 21 years old, and you just hop in your boat and catch 25 pound bags 4 days strait 🙄
The wealth advantage in tournament bass fishing has absolutely destroyed the sport !! There’s 16 yr old boys being dropped off at the ramp on tournament mornings every weekend in 130k rigs by their dads. How TF do you expect a kid who has never worked for anything to follow rules that have been in affect for 50 yrs. The sport will be fkd until new regulations have been established to stop the wealth advantage on electronics spending… Anyone who thinks a 18-21 yr kid is literally out fishing men that have been doing it for 40-50 yrs is delusional….
Thanks for the insight on this FFS crap Randy much respect. I have been a fan of yours since you first started on the FLW scene brother and I enjoy your commentary 100%.Keep up the great work brother 🎣🏆🎣
McKinney is in 3rd after day three on a body of water he only practiced on for a few hours one evening (in his own words on the Bassmaster website). He is surrounded in the standings by the Johnston’s who have fished the SLR for years. Make it make sense.
@@squonto47 if you watch day three rewind, you see a Spro boat cut Trey off as if making a very clear statement “You arent supposed to be here”. I’m 100% convinced there is info leaked to him regarding where the spots are. His roommate is JT for crying out loud.
Look when your daddy buys you everything and you haven’t worked for it. Then buying waypoints with dad’s money is nothing out of the ordinary for these kids.
@@NineteenEighty8not a chance in hell a kid out fishes all the pros all year long without help. You don't "find the juice" at every single tournament. He's not that good that he knows every spot in America
@@NineteenEighty8 or you can come to realize whether you see it or not it's impossible to be that good that fast. KVD is the best to ever do it and he never did that . Keep smoking the pipe and believing a 19 year old just "knows the juice" everywhere they go. Practice months ahead of time means nothing. The fish move all year long. So if you believe a guy found fish months in advance in the winter and those fish were in same spot In spring I have ocean front property for you in Arizona. And also when you're 19 and don't work and live off mommy and daddy money you can fish everyday unlike everyone else . If I had mommy daddy money I'd be a professional too there keyboard warrior
You know at first I was I was getting annoyed by the OG complaining about lives cope because they weren’t cashing checks but now I would like to apologize. After watching live on the tournament going on now I would have to say it is so boring I mean seriously I have more enjoyment watching the weights and seeing what place the anglers are in then watching live. Here lately I watch elite tournaments on UA-cam from back in the day and seeing how much entertaining it was and thinking man I wish it was like that now.
The sport is going to go the direction of the money. Period. New viewers want to see fish caught. FFS gives you that. It looks like NASCAR on water with all the sponsors plastered all over the boats and jerseys. You’ll never convince people to stop making money.
This shows the difference between doing your best to win and winning at all costs. I always say, if you want to learn a man's character, go fishing with him.
Totally spot on ffs should be banned. I remember when Shaw Grigsby accidentally drove too fast in a no wake zone. Was doing very well in the tournament. He turned his own self in and disqualified himself. They don't make honest fisherman like that anymore in the young generation
All they do now is blame the guy that caught em doin it instead of manning up and saying "yep, I screwed up and it's no one's fault but my own." The most disgusting thing is all the people that say " those old guys won't leave those kids alone" even though they're not kids and they're clearly violating the rules. It's hard to watch really.
Randy the statement you made here around the 5:50 Mark is one of the best quotes I have heard! About the stage these young anglers are on and the amazing and tremendous anglers on this earth we have all looked up to that this new breed need to follow and understand where they are now. Just incredible men that paved our way to what sport we all love. Most of us non professional fisherman actually act and follow these rules and would have loved to had that chance. No one has to like you but they surely need to at least listen and respect what you say as a man who has already seen, heard and done this whole process for alot of years. Truly hope this is not our new direction for the sport of fishing we all love.
If the rules say you must pass the polygraph test then that's that. Might not mean he actually "cheated" but if he can't pass the poly test, he should be disqualified.
In my opinion probably 75% or more of the anglers do the same thing!!! It’s the age of technology and information is readily available at the touch of a button.
Randy A lot of young folks are doing the same thing in their lives. I see many times where they don't agree with rules so they just do what they think or want. A lot of it is cause by their parents allow them to do what ever while they grew up. I got drafted in the 60es and that tough me a lot about rules.
@@brian9670 I gave you a thumbs up, even though back in the 60's (I'm now 77) I did lay around, get high, and waste a lot of time. But by the late 60's I did get my shit together and wound up leading a good and prosperous life. So I guess I'm a "HIP-ocrite!" About young fishing professionals: they're part of the "entitlement" generation, the ones that feel the rules of life are actually only suggestions to be considered when deciding what to do. I find that type of self-centered rebellion very hard to accept or relate to.
@@johnparsons4332 that’s why we need to make America great again. Instead of a secondary where we let anybody do what they wanna do because of Liberal laws and judges.
90% of them would be out in a year. These kids haven’t work for their boats cause dad bought it all. They’ve never worked hard for nothing so buying waypoints doesn’t seem out of the ordinary to them. Just give it to me cause I have dads money.
I agree 100% Randy, 95% of this this rookie group would not be on tour if it was not for FFS and I believe that most of them have had everything handed to them. They did not have to work to get where they’re at like you and a lot of other pros had to, working in bait shops, cutting grass, doing carpenter work just to get to the next tournament and if you did not play in the money, you would worry about how you would get home or get to the next tournament. This group knows nothing about that. They’re just enjoying everything gifted them only silver platter and it shows, it’s a huge black hole fishing scene
Luke Dunkin's most recent podcast his wife Marissa let it slip that a Elite series rookie received waypoints from a MLF boat offical, he siad you were not supposed to say that! then he said i guess there will a polygraph then changed subject!
It’s just not the same anymore for me and also for most all my fishing buddies! And I agree 1,000% with what Randy said, take away FFS and we would have never even heard of most all these younger guys!
I agree with you Randy ffs has ruined bass fishing. I no longer watch any tournaments on TV and I have bad feelings for bass and crappie fishing in the coming years.
“No one should be judged by the worst mistake they have made.” Truth. Love the idea about a very thorough orientation to be on the Elites. In all reality, I don’t know how waypoint sharing can be dealt with as long as we’re using gps on our units.
You need to take the results of a polygraph test with a grain of salt. If something that cannot be held up in a court room because of its inconsistency it should result in a disqualification. maybe a penalty but not disqualification. Need to find actual proof before calling someone guilty of something.
He bought the way points from a MLF official! Give me break, they’ve sunk brush, bought way points all year, broken multiple rules, visit each other on the water to help each other catch fish. This is a generational problem when they are raised to be this way. Mom and dad have helped these kids be trained and when they were raised they were trained by local guides, great teachers, etc. There are so many other issues than what’s in the public.
For what it's worth, Bassmaster stated that he failed specific questions in regards to specific rules. Per Bassmaster: "The truth verification exam was administered during the event Friday, and Thompkins failed to pass exam sections that pertain to Rule C3 ii a and Rule C3 (xiv)." My interpretation of this statement leaves no doubt that he passed other questions that were asked on this "exam," but he specifically failed "sections" that pertain to the specific rules listed. Objectively speaking, this is exactly what we would expect to see if there was deception. (consistently failing sections pertaining to specific rules) If the test wasn't accurate, we would expect to see other questions failed as well, correct?
I agree bout the polygraph test but I will say this it's NOT supposed to be used in court of law well I'm here to tell you BULLSHIT they will 100 percent look at it and use it not just let you know I was there have had it happen to me personally almost went to prison cuz of it I'll tell everybody I know NEVER EVER TAKE ONE PERIOD!
I had said on Facebook that the rookie class would not be doing what they are doing without FFS. A guy literally told me that these young rookies were "mentally and physically in their prime"!?!? It wasn't a week later that Trey forgot what time it was. They are obviously not mentally in their prime.
My wife teaches at the college level. Faculty everywhere are contending with unprecedented levels of cheating. This generation doesn’t know where their abilities end and outside benefits via technology start. Integrity is a mysterious abstraction to them. Fishing is not alone in this.
@@stevesteve4350 In my opinion, it’s your opinion that he’s been doing something all season. I watched but I don’t have a wild guess to give. You better tell me! Or don’t, either way.
He was disqualified for buying waypoints from an MLF official who was there recently from what I hear. Not verified yet, we will have to see what BASS says. I am sure the crap will hit the fan over this whole deal. If that is true it could cost him dearly. Just pure stupidity !!
When I was a High School Fishing team boat captain, I used to asked the anglers if they knew about Ray Scott, Bill Dance, Roland Martin etc. The HS anglers said no. I asked did they want any old back copies of Bassmaster Magazine to read about tournaments and techniques. The HS anglers said no. All they wanted to do was fish and get quick 3 minute snippets of fishing information from their cell phones.
So what about the wonderful guys that send in friends to fish after practice is over to help them locate fish...there are many in the 30yr old ranges...when $$ is involved, cheating will follow. I used to love fishing 😔🤦♂️
Randy, I just cancelled my membership with BASS. I am angry with them over FFS. The magazine they put out is not near it was years ago. It is no more than a Badcock furniture flyer. Now they want $18.00 for a year subscription. I am sorry, but these new rookies and their FFS is no more than a computer game at home. They were brought up that way so it is easy for them. I blame BASS for letting this happen. The historic PROs that you mentioned didn't have those electronics. In reality, I believe they can use these things on practice days only and taken off their boats on tournament days. That is my position. Great video.
Here is the answer, no practice and the same in the old days, golf course style on lakes. No wave points, only to and from routes. Schedule will be posted as dates only. Lake will be off limits during the season. Your a pro, you don't need a practice day and no sharing information or lures with anyone.
💯 i followed Millikin for years. He didn’t start catching 10 lb bass til he added FFS and moved to texas. His last video he made a comment about how it doesn’t take skill to work a shoreline for bass 🖕🏻🖕🏻
Breaking the rules is a choice not an accident. I think they should either not allow FFS or split the Elite series. One series that allows it and one that doesn't. I love to fish but I love the excitement of looking for structure and not knowing what might happen if I cast to it. But I'm 65 so I'm old school I guess,but I'm not really a techy guy either. I love the suspense of fish blind ,the maybe , the not knowing , what do they want. Even if I had the REDICULOUS amount of money that FFS costs I still wouldn't buy it. Thanks for the video 👋
The rookies should be on a probationary period their first year. If they get caught violating the rules, they should be banned for that season. And if they come back the next year and are caught again, lifetime ban. He just got DQ'ed from that tournament. Thats not enough. He needs to spend the year at home thinking about what he has done. Personal Integrity is the most important thing there is in the sport. Without that, the sport is nothing. Just an old timer who spent 5 years on the Board of Directors for the NC BASS Federation in the 90's talking. This is not a video game where you just restart it if you fail, its real life. If you violate the law, you can go to jail for it. Should be the same in the sport. That is the only way to preserve the integrity of the sport. I feel like Ray Scott would agree.
That’s a big conclusion from very little facts. I think I’d be nervous taking a polygraph especially back when I was young. I will withhold my opinion until facts are shared. I do agree that FFS has changed the game and not for the better but they all have it
@@vernonduryii9224 With the amount of money at steak nowadays, the temptation to "stretch" the rules is greater than ever. Especially with some of these arrogent young kids. Having very harsh penalties in place discourages that behavior. And forced discipline leads to self discipline. Thats how we do it in the military. Remember when Iocanellli got DQed during the classic? I sure do. He threw a fit about it. But later, he owned up to it and took responsibility.
This alleged incident about JT will be swept under the rug in a week. The leagues openly tell us how they are not here to hurt anyone’s career. When will an angler actually be held accountable? I know from experience that the only way to get a major fine & be barred from a league is to actually call out the league or its CEO for the BS that is said & call them out for the conflict of interest. You’d be amazed how another big named angler or two got to where they are from shady shit they pulled when coming through the ranks! You’d burn their signature series shit in the parking lot!
I couldn’t agree more. There should be a Bass master rookie league where they have to prove their self without LS before jumping into, say the elites. (Beings LS is not getting band on the tour.)
there should be one or two tournament in the circuit where it will just be raw skills solely no sonars just good intuition and compilation of personal experience...hence the BMElite once you qualify to this level in the circuit I think this should just be one that should require raw skills alone. Imagine how much more prestigious it would make it and how much more "worthy" and or well deserving of the title it would be. Like it would set BMElite from and as the best of the best not because of technology but by skills acquired from the days, weeks, years on the water. It would really separate and filter out the best anglers out there cause finding where the bass are at using your senses to feel your environment and narrow down your casts makes for the skilled hunter/angler... how far off the points, or looking for the areal predators to find where the baitfish are, the currents and where in the water have active biodiversity, feeling the bottom composition using your weights alone etc. those things are canceled with forward facing sonar and yet they are so essential as one would find when they don't have technology to do half the battle.
Followed bassmaster many years now but never knew about this rule in particular. I knew about polygraphs in different leagues. I can see the slight worry too cause he ran a 100+ miles to another spot which could seem a little sketchy too but... Was he untruthful or not? Polys aren't always right but maybe their was more to this story? I sure hope he was playing fair. I hope they all are. We are def living in the age of technology. Its getting hard to keep up sometimes. Lol.. Just put in the time on the water and it will pay off. Fish on fellas and ladies!
I enjoyed this sport in the early 2000's, when ESPN hosted the Bassmasters elite series with Jerry McGinnis and Tom Sanders. Today, it seems kind of "corny" with the Boom-shaka-laka weigh-in announcer along with other characters in this sport.
Rule violation in a unintentional way is one thing but to do it intentionally knowing its knowing it to be so is completely unexcusable. But I'll also say there's probably not a single solitary sole who has violated a rule sometime or another.
Randy, all someone has to tell you is the hotspots and you show up with the scope. In my opinion they all have scouts. That’s how you win. Somebody was out there right before you got there. He’ll call you later. Tell you where the fish are that’s all you need to know
There are tons of rumors of the rookies that room together and share waypoints lures and even work as a team and split winnings, something should be done
I wonder what JT did for a living before fishing? Not exactly sure but I'm going to say probably nothing. If he was born dirt-poor he would not be where he is.
His dad is a pro bass fisherman who fished the opens and either qualified for the elites or was runner up for qualifying for elites but his dad is very wealthy and they own a ton of rental property in myrtle beach
people who arent spoiled going into the sport and learning everything the hard way and or have to rely on traditional methods as anglers usually have the utmost respect for the sport. Technology as with everything else it touches spoils the journey which carries so much lessons into maturity and that's in everything in life
here is the problem Randy it’s not even just the anglers. We need to go after Bassmaster and MLF. is there loose interpretation of the rules and or agenda to rake in the cash. They have as much responsibility as the anglers do and based on what I’m seeing and how the positioning themselves they need to correct themselves or they’re going to get corrected in the marketplace.
@@brian9670 Yeah, but now they're armed to the Gills like they're going into combat.. Every electronic known to man, every advantage that PRO FISHERMAN should not have. It's an episode right out of Disney, should be called WALL-E Fishing.
@@brian9670 yea, randy and guys like him in the 80s not even having enough money to sleep in a motel room on tour, living in their trucks going from tourney to tourney were certainly privileged lmao. if you cant catch fish without ffs just say so
FFS is here to stay regardless if you like it or not. Move on past this all the time. It's a part of the sport and isn't going anywhere until something better comes out in the next few Years and it will.
We can’t pin the success of the rookie class specifically on Live Scope; we have had this debate since the flasher came out in the 90’s…. But yes, they all need to learn a lot about the rules and the history of the sport.
I recently saw a video from a young pro angler named Cody Huff and he was talking about how "it's really not that complicated' and he's got his head bent down looking at his Livescope. At one point he says one of his best tactics is to drop an "old school worm" down to the fish, I thought it was SO IRONIC coming from a livescoper.
Fished a tournament yesterday. Small river, nobody uses electronics. Now, one guy just got a cheater box. Middle of the road, every now and then, he does good. First tournament with the cheat box? Wins the tournament, with big fish.
Younger generation don’t have the morals of the older guy’s or haven’t been taught that in their upbringing nowadays. That can only change in the homes but I do agree that FFS is ruining the sport and is not fair to the guy’s that have spent most of their lives perfecting their methods of fishing! I think these guys watching these screens should be watching these goats 🐐 and learning instead of playing video games! 💪🏻
I won’t fish a coastal trout or redfish tournament unless they polygraph at least the top 3. I seen it time and time again to where with out it people get brave and do things they normally wouldn’t do. We were only fishing for 5 to 7 grand. I can’t imagine what people would do for 75,000 or 150,000. If I was paying the entry fees these guys were paying it would be a must for the top 50 to take a polygraph. I have taken several test and they are nerve racking to say the least. Even if you don’t do anything wrong they still rattle your nerves. I know they are not the most accurate test but at least it helps keep people in check. And from my own experience when people did fail them many of us had suspected they were breaking the rules. You have to have them even if they are not allowed in court. This is a court room it is fishing. And with fish and money involved people can’t help but cheat.
Talent vs. technology. I don't see pro fishing doing away with FFS since the big companies pay sponsor money. I wonder what Randy thinks about MLF's potential rule change (yet another...sigh, Boyd/Gary) about turning off FFS units for P2?
I love the sport and respect the shoulders we all stand on, but if you think that the OGs did not skirt the line like these youngsters (ie. get waypoints, creek locations, cut down trees, place gas tanks along the bank to give a distance advantage) then you’re delusional. Write better updated rules.
Quiet the punishment for a "failed polygraph" something that's not admissible in a court of law, I personally don't like taking polygraph test not that I'm trying to hide something but if it or the one giving the test is wrong you ruin a guy's reputation
The people who administer polygraph tests can be as professional as ever, but the subject decides the result. There's a reason polygraphs are not admissible in court. They can be cheated very easily, AND, failed very easily ( stress and outside surcumstances). You have this guy convicted based on a polygraph? It is an antiquated rule. I'm convinced polygraphs are used in the sport to give some sense of fairness because there isn't anything else. As far as FFS, these "young people" are just taking advantage of the technology that is available to everyone. Now adays, kids come out of the womb able to navigate a cell phone. I watched his explanation, seems at least as sincere as a polygraph. When it comes right down to it, this is a job and you are working for an organization. It is right to hold those that came before you with reverence, but like any job, the individual decides his fate.
yeah, you can’t fish inside the locks in Florida or generally it’s considered to be off-limits who told what to who? Again the angler or the term of Director or the organization not being clear about where where you can fish know who is about right😁
Just about the entire field is Cheating with their Video game Cheater Box , getting spots from others is considered cheating but allowing the anglers to use this New Tech is not , well I call BS , ban the cheater box fishing
You need to go back to fishing tournaments again even if it's buddy tournaments wish I was near you and had a bigger boat .I have bass fished for 35 years lived in flordia for 16 years now back in Ohio. If they made it easier for non pro to fish I would jump at the opportunity opportunity
When you have 9 young anglers qualifying for the Elites for no other reason than their use of FFS, this what you're gonna end up with. They paid no dues whatsoever, and they absolutely didn't earn it. This class of anglers went through the opens fishing 100% of the time throwing to marks on FFS screens. When they knew they qualified they used the time they had to aquire all the info they could. They bought numbers, info and hired guides. It boils down to this as long as you have FFS this is going to continue period. They have literally no foundation of bass fishing skills and if you take FFS away from them they couldn't catch a cold.
Intentionally breaking the rules is not a mistake. It's a choice and not an accident.
Randy, we are in the age of where information is at the click of a button (purchasing waypoints). Now combine that with an angler that has the monetary means (comes from wealth), has all the time in the world (no familial responsibilities), and you have the greatest leap to the top of the ladder. I know we can’t blame someone for being born under theses amazing circumstances that most of us wish we had, but when you fully know your life advantages and still decide to bend the rules, that’s when the problems start.
The reality is it takes time on a certain body of water to learn where the fish go at any given time of the year. Now you expect people to believe a 18-21 year old has all that info from every elite series lake from time on the water? Just do the math. This polygraph is only the tip of the iceberg.
Born on 3rd and think they hit a triple, what a joke, you’ve never been to a body of water, are 21 years old, and you just hop in your boat and catch 25 pound bags 4 days strait 🙄
The wealth advantage in tournament bass fishing has absolutely destroyed the sport !!
There’s 16 yr old boys being dropped off at the ramp on tournament mornings every weekend in 130k rigs by their dads. How TF do you expect a kid who has never worked for anything to follow rules that have been in affect for 50 yrs.
The sport will be fkd until new regulations have been established to stop the wealth advantage on electronics spending…
Anyone who thinks a 18-21 yr kid is literally out fishing men that have been doing it for 40-50 yrs is delusional….
Thanks for the insight on this FFS crap Randy much respect. I have been a fan of yours since you first started on the FLW scene brother and I enjoy your commentary 100%.Keep up the great work brother 🎣🏆🎣
Randy, thank you for say this ! It's sad when your veterans are talking about quitting. A couple of them are very disrespectful to the Veterans.
McKinney is in 3rd after day three on a body of water he only practiced on for a few hours one evening (in his own words on the Bassmaster website). He is surrounded in the standings by the Johnston’s who have fished the SLR for years.
Make it make sense.
hes just that good😉
@@squonto47 if you watch day three rewind, you see a Spro boat cut Trey off as if making a very clear statement “You arent supposed to be here”. I’m 100% convinced there is info leaked to him regarding where the spots are. His roommate is JT for crying out loud.
Look when your daddy buys you everything and you haven’t worked for it. Then buying waypoints with dad’s money is nothing out of the ordinary for these kids.
@@NineteenEighty8not a chance in hell a kid out fishes all the pros all year long without help. You don't "find the juice" at every single tournament. He's not that good that he knows every spot in America
@@NineteenEighty8 or you can come to realize whether you see it or not it's impossible to be that good that fast. KVD is the best to ever do it and he never did that . Keep smoking the pipe and believing a 19 year old just "knows the juice" everywhere they go. Practice months ahead of time means nothing. The fish move all year long. So if you believe a guy found fish months in advance in the winter and those fish were in same spot In spring I have ocean front property for you in Arizona. And also when you're 19 and don't work and live off mommy and daddy money you can fish everyday unlike everyone else . If I had mommy daddy money I'd be a professional too there keyboard warrior
You know at first I was I was getting annoyed by the OG complaining about lives cope because they weren’t cashing checks but now I would like to apologize. After watching live on the tournament going on now I would have to say it is so boring I mean seriously I have more enjoyment watching the weights and seeing what place the anglers are in then watching live. Here lately I watch elite tournaments on UA-cam from back in the day and seeing how much entertaining it was and thinking man I wish it was like that now.
It’s become such a spectacle at the top levels now. I still fish local tournaments but I just can’t watch it anymore
The sport is going to go the direction of the money. Period. New viewers want to see fish caught. FFS gives you that. It looks like NASCAR on water with all the sponsors plastered all over the boats and jerseys. You’ll never convince people to stop making money.
All deeper water tournaments are boring. Always have been. Not nearly as interesting as frog bites.
This shows the difference between doing your best to win and winning at all costs. I always say, if you want to learn a man's character, go fishing with him.
Totally spot on ffs should be banned. I remember when Shaw Grigsby accidentally drove too fast in a no wake zone. Was doing very well in the tournament. He turned his own self in and disqualified himself. They don't make honest fisherman like that anymore in the young generation
All they do now is blame the guy that caught em doin it instead of manning up and saying "yep, I screwed up and it's no one's fault but my own." The most disgusting thing is all the people that say " those old guys won't leave those kids alone" even though they're not kids and they're clearly violating the rules. It's hard to watch really.
Randy the statement you made here around the 5:50 Mark is one of the best quotes I have heard!
About the stage these young anglers are on and the amazing and tremendous anglers on this earth we have all looked up to that this new breed need to follow and understand where they are now. Just incredible men that paved our way to what sport we all love. Most of us non professional fisherman actually act and follow these rules and would have loved to had that chance. No one has to like you but they surely need to at least listen and respect what you say as a man who has already seen, heard and done this whole process for alot of years. Truly hope this is not our new direction for the sport of fishing we all love.
If the rules say you must pass the polygraph test then that's that. Might not mean he actually "cheated" but if he can't pass the poly test, he should be disqualified.
In my opinion probably 75% or more of the anglers do the same thing!!! It’s the age of technology and information is readily available at the touch of a button.
Sir Randall very professional and very well said on your view on protecting the sport
Well said. You are absolutely correct!
Randy
A lot of young folks are doing the same thing in their lives. I see many times where they don't agree with rules so they just do what they think or want. A lot of it is cause by their parents allow them to do what ever while they grew up.
I got drafted in the 60es and that tough me a lot about rules.
The 60's? You mean when a lot of hippie youth were laying around, doing drugs and wasting their lives?
@@brian9670 I gave you a thumbs up, even though back in the 60's (I'm now 77) I did lay around, get high, and waste a lot of time. But by the late 60's I did get my shit together and wound up leading a good and prosperous life. So I guess I'm a "HIP-ocrite!"
About young fishing professionals: they're part of the "entitlement" generation, the ones that feel the rules of life are actually only suggestions to be considered when deciding what to do. I find that type of self-centered rebellion very hard to accept or relate to.
@@johnparsons4332 that’s why we need to make America great again. Instead of a secondary where we let anybody do what they wanna do because of Liberal laws and judges.
This is probably the best video you have ever put out, Randy. Hit several nails right on the head.
Do a tournament with out FFS and see how these guys do. These young guys wouldn't do shit.
90% of them would be out in a year. These kids haven’t work for their boats cause dad bought it all. They’ve never worked hard for nothing so buying waypoints doesn’t seem out of the ordinary to them. Just give it to me cause I have dads money.
I agree 100% Randy, 95% of this this rookie group would not be on tour if it was not for FFS and I believe that most of them have had everything handed to them. They did not have to work to get where they’re at like you and a lot of other pros had to, working in bait shops, cutting grass, doing carpenter work just to get to the next tournament and if you did not play in the money, you would worry about how you would get home or get to the next tournament. This group knows nothing about that. They’re just enjoying everything gifted them only silver platter and it shows, it’s a huge black hole fishing scene
You’re 100% right.
I see it every weekend when a dad drops his 16-18 yr old son off in a tournament in a 130k rig. This kid didn’t work for that rig.
Luke Dunkin's most recent podcast his wife Marissa let it slip that a Elite series rookie received waypoints from a MLF boat offical, he siad you were not supposed to say that! then he said i guess there will a polygraph then changed subject!
It’s just not the same anymore for me and also for most all my fishing buddies! And I agree 1,000% with what Randy said, take away FFS and we would have never even heard of most all these younger guys!
Randy, Great points! I believe expands further out the sport, is a generational issue.
I agree with you Randy ffs has ruined bass fishing. I no longer watch any tournaments on TV and I have bad feelings for bass and crappie fishing in the coming years.
Kuddos for Bass for finally doing something. Maybe MLF will follow in their footsteps.
Pros have been getting info (not a available to public) since before the wheel was round!
“No one should be judged by the worst mistake they have made.” Truth.
Love the idea about a very thorough orientation to be on the Elites.
In all reality, I don’t know how waypoint sharing can be dealt with as long as we’re using gps on our units.
I agree 💯%!!!!! Ban ffs!!! And alot problems go away. Fishing should become great again.
Yes. That makes sense, using ffs makes someone a cheater. I guess your wife having Facebook makes her a slut?
Stiffer penalties; First offense-out for a year. 2nd offense- out for 5 years.
@@williamyoung8993 I think if you fail a polygraph/get caught cheating it should be a lifetime ban.
You need to take the results of a polygraph test with a grain of salt. If something that cannot be held up in a court room because of its inconsistency it should result in a disqualification. maybe a penalty but not disqualification. Need to find actual proof before calling someone guilty of something.
He bought the way points from a MLF official! Give me break, they’ve sunk brush, bought way points all year, broken multiple rules, visit each other on the water to help each other catch fish. This is a generational problem when they are raised to be this way. Mom and dad have helped these kids be trained and when they were raised they were trained by local guides, great teachers, etc. There are so many other issues than what’s in the public.
For what it's worth, Bassmaster stated that he failed specific questions in regards to specific rules.
Per Bassmaster: "The truth verification exam was administered during the event Friday, and Thompkins failed to pass exam sections that pertain to Rule C3 ii a and Rule C3 (xiv)."
My interpretation of this statement leaves no doubt that he passed other questions that were asked on this "exam," but he specifically failed "sections" that pertain to the specific rules listed.
Objectively speaking, this is exactly what we would expect to see if there was deception. (consistently failing sections pertaining to specific rules)
If the test wasn't accurate, we would expect to see other questions failed as well, correct?
I agree bout the polygraph test but I will say this it's NOT supposed to be used in court of law well I'm here to tell you BULLSHIT they will 100 percent look at it and use it not just let you know I was there have had it happen to me personally almost went to prison cuz of it I'll tell everybody I know NEVER EVER TAKE ONE PERIOD!
He Failed, What More Do You Need! These Kid's Should Not Be There!!!! They Are Just DESERVING RICH Kid's!
@@cross_fire_is this for real?? I am seeing it on other videos too!!!
I had said on Facebook that the rookie class would not be doing what they are doing without FFS. A guy literally told me that these young rookies were "mentally and physically in their prime"!?!? It wasn't a week later that Trey forgot what time it was. They are obviously not mentally in their prime.
You nailed it, Randy! Perfectly said.
I agree 100% Randy.
My wife teaches at the college level. Faculty everywhere are contending with unprecedented levels of cheating. This generation doesn’t know where their abilities end and outside benefits via technology start. Integrity is a mysterious abstraction to them. Fishing is not alone in this.
He’s not the only rookie cheating you can believe that. They need to make an example out of him!!!
If thats the case, there is also 20 year guys cheating too.
@@wadehobaugh3542 anything’s possible
Glad he out we already got dumb livescope in tournaments and now the guides have livescope and its ruined fishing getting tougher
Agree 100%!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!!🤠👍
Imo he's been doing that all season and did the same thing in the Opens.
What has he been doing all season?
@@brian9670 Watch the video and take a wild guess man.
@@stevesteve4350 In my opinion, it’s your opinion that he’s been doing something all season. I watched but I don’t have a wild guess to give. You better tell me! Or don’t, either way.
You are right Randy.
When bassmaster goes all in on protecting the purity of the sport again.
I bet that info was shared with others he knows,
He was disqualified for buying waypoints from an MLF official who was there recently from what I hear. Not verified yet, we will have to see what BASS says. I am sure the crap will hit the fan over this whole deal. If that is true it could cost him dearly. Just pure stupidity !!
Totally agree!!
You make a lot of valid points . Why not get with some of the OG's of fishing and start a new league?
They should do away with live view. And see how good the anglers are.
ban FFS from all fishing tournaments including kayaking fish tournaments.
You did it the right way Randy ! These young guys dont have the respect for the sport they should have.
When I was a High School Fishing team boat captain, I used to asked the anglers if they knew about Ray Scott, Bill Dance, Roland Martin etc. The HS anglers said no. I asked did they want any old back copies of Bassmaster Magazine to read about tournaments and techniques. The HS anglers said no. All they wanted to do was fish and get quick 3 minute snippets of fishing information from their cell phones.
It’s across the board. This youth as a whole doesn’t care about or want to learn history.
So what about the wonderful guys that send in friends to fish after practice is over to help them locate fish...there are many in the 30yr old ranges...when $$ is involved, cheating will follow. I used to love fishing 😔🤦♂️
Not admissible in court so how can they kick him out
It's their game, so they can do what they want.
He agreed to follow their rules....one of their rules is you must pass a polygragh....so hes dqd. Simple as that
@@bobbyswain7049 yea i understand how it works. Just saying something that the law can’t get you with they should t be able to
Waiting for your post about the Gee Johnson brothers controversy.
Randy, I just cancelled my membership with BASS. I am angry with them over FFS. The magazine they put out is not near it was years ago. It is no more than a Badcock furniture flyer. Now they want $18.00 for a year subscription. I am sorry, but these new rookies and their FFS is no more than a computer game at home. They were brought up that way so it is easy for them. I blame BASS for letting this happen. The historic PROs that you mentioned didn't have those electronics. In reality, I believe they can use these things on practice days only and taken off their boats on tournament days. That is my position. Great video.
Why join a thing that does nothing
Yes they did they had hummingbird
Here is the answer, no practice and the same in the old days, golf course style on lakes. No wave points, only to and from routes. Schedule will be posted as dates only. Lake will be off limits during the season. Your a pro, you don't need a practice day and no sharing information or lures with anyone.
💯 i followed Millikin for years. He didn’t start catching 10 lb bass til he added FFS and moved to texas. His last video he made a comment about how it doesn’t take skill to work a shoreline for bass 🖕🏻🖕🏻
🖕 Milliken!!
How is he supposed to catch 10 pounders in Nebraska
I would say moving to Texas had more to do with him catching 10 lb. Bass than FFS.
@@samkeely3729 im sure theres a couple swimming around.
@@slayerstacker2074 he never caught a giant until FFS. Yes texas has giants. Look at Josh Jones. Another FFS user.
Breaking the rules is a choice not an accident. I think they should either not allow FFS or split the Elite series. One series that allows it and one that doesn't. I love to fish but I love the excitement of looking for structure and not knowing what might happen if I cast to it. But I'm 65 so I'm old school I guess,but I'm not really a techy guy either. I love the suspense of fish blind ,the maybe , the not knowing , what do they want. Even if I had the REDICULOUS amount of money that FFS costs I still wouldn't buy it. Thanks for the video 👋
The rookies should be on a probationary period their first year. If they get caught violating the rules, they should be banned for that season. And if they come back the next year and are caught again, lifetime ban. He just got DQ'ed from that tournament. Thats not enough. He needs to spend the year at home thinking about what he has done. Personal Integrity is the most important thing there is in the sport. Without that, the sport is nothing. Just an old timer who spent 5 years on the Board of Directors for the NC BASS Federation in the 90's talking. This is not a video game where you just restart it if you fail, its real life. If you violate the law, you can go to jail for it. Should be the same in the sport. That is the only way to preserve the integrity of the sport. I feel like Ray Scott would agree.
That’s a big conclusion from very little facts. I think I’d be nervous taking a polygraph especially back when I was young. I will withhold my opinion until facts are shared. I do agree that FFS has changed the game and not for the better but they all have it
@@vernonduryii9224 With the amount of money at steak nowadays, the temptation to "stretch" the rules is greater than ever. Especially with some of these arrogent young kids. Having very harsh penalties in place discourages that behavior. And forced discipline leads to self discipline. Thats how we do it in the military. Remember when Iocanellli got DQed during the classic? I sure do. He threw a fit about it. But later, he owned up to it and took responsibility.
I fished the Federation in the 90s and did very well, and Ethics, and Integrity is what we Had! Never Riding Any Gray Area!
This alleged incident about JT will be swept under the rug in a week. The leagues openly tell us how they are not here to hurt anyone’s career. When will an angler actually be held accountable? I know from experience that the only way to get a major fine & be barred from a league is to actually call out the league or its CEO for the BS that is said & call them out for the conflict of interest. You’d be amazed how another big named angler or two got to where they are from shady shit they pulled when coming through the ranks! You’d burn their signature series shit in the parking lot!
Polygraphs are not 100% accurate,really I don't like the polygraph crap..
I feel like FFS and Live scope should not be allowed in any tournament, I can see maybe in practice.. But, who am I to say what's good,lol
I couldn’t agree more. There should be a Bass master rookie league where they have to prove their self without LS before jumping into, say the elites. (Beings LS is not getting band on the tour.)
there should be one or two tournament in the circuit where it will just be raw skills solely no sonars just good intuition and compilation of personal experience...hence the BMElite once you qualify to this level in the circuit I think this should just be one that should require raw skills alone. Imagine how much more prestigious it would make it and how much more "worthy" and or well deserving of the title it would be. Like it would set BMElite from and as the best of the best not because of technology but by skills acquired from the days, weeks, years on the water. It would really separate and filter out the best anglers out there cause finding where the bass are at using your senses to feel your environment and narrow down your casts makes for the skilled hunter/angler... how far off the points, or looking for the areal predators to find where the baitfish are, the currents and where in the water have active biodiversity, feeling the bottom composition using your weights alone etc. those things are canceled with forward facing sonar and yet they are so essential as one would find when they don't have technology to do half the battle.
Well said
Followed bassmaster many years now but never knew about this rule in particular. I knew about polygraphs in different leagues. I can see the slight worry too cause he ran a 100+ miles to another spot which could seem a little sketchy too but... Was he untruthful or not? Polys aren't always right but maybe their was more to this story? I sure hope he was playing fair. I hope they all are. We are def living in the age of technology. Its getting hard to keep up sometimes. Lol.. Just put in the time on the water and it will pay off. Fish on fellas and ladies!
I enjoyed this sport in the early 2000's, when ESPN hosted the Bassmasters elite series with Jerry McGinnis and Tom Sanders. Today, it seems kind of "corny" with the Boom-shaka-laka weigh-in announcer along with other characters in this sport.
Rule violation in a unintentional way is one thing but to do it intentionally knowing its knowing it to be so is completely unexcusable. But I'll also say there's probably not a single solitary sole who has violated a rule sometime or another.
Roland Martin had guys out fishing ahead of him during and finding out patterns on the next body of water from what I have heard.
I bet if they gave trey one he fails also
He is doing one right now
And he passed it!
What does a way point go for nowadays?
Randy, all someone has to tell you is the hotspots and you show up with the scope. In my opinion they all have scouts. That’s how you win. Somebody was out there right before you got there. He’ll call you later. Tell you where the fish are that’s all you need to know
There are tons of rumors of the rookies that room together and share waypoints lures and even work as a team and split winnings, something should be done
I wonder what JT did for a living before fishing? Not exactly sure but I'm going to say probably nothing. If he was born dirt-poor he would not be where he is.
His dad is a pro bass fisherman who fished the opens and either qualified for the elites or was runner up for qualifying for elites but his dad is very wealthy and they own a ton of rental property in myrtle beach
people who arent spoiled going into the sport and learning everything the hard way and or have to rely on traditional methods as anglers usually have the utmost respect for the sport. Technology as with everything else it touches spoils the journey which carries so much lessons into maturity and that's in everything in life
here is the problem Randy it’s not even just the anglers. We need to go after Bassmaster and MLF. is there loose interpretation of the rules and or agenda to rake in the cash. They have as much responsibility as the anglers do and based on what I’m seeing and how the positioning themselves they need to correct themselves or they’re going to get corrected in the marketplace.
They should get rid of live scope, just like you said. anybody can become a bass angler.
Randy, l couldn't agree more. FFS and these young privileged anglers are destroying our sport!
"Young privleged anglers"...you do realize that is what the old guys back in the 80's were calling guys like Randy, right?
@@brian9670 Yeah, but now they're armed to the Gills like they're going into combat.. Every electronic known to man, every advantage that PRO FISHERMAN should not have. It's an episode right out of Disney, should be called WALL-E Fishing.
@@brian9670 yea, randy and guys like him in the 80s not even having enough money to sleep in a motel room on tour, living in their trucks going from tourney to tourney were certainly privileged lmao. if you cant catch fish without ffs just say so
Lmao you don't have to defend Randy's honor. He's already married, pal.
I was there Marshaling and never heard anything,I watched him launch his boat
This is Randy's "...do you think you just fell out of a coconut tree..." speech
FFS is here to stay regardless if you like it or not. Move on past this all the time. It's a part of the sport and isn't going anywhere until something better comes out in the next few Years and it will.
We can’t pin the success of the rookie class specifically on Live Scope; we have had this debate since the flasher came out in the 90’s…. But yes, they all need to learn a lot about the rules and the history of the sport.
I recently saw a video from a young pro angler named Cody Huff and he was talking about how "it's really not that complicated' and he's got his head bent down looking at his Livescope. At one point he says one of his best tactics is to drop an "old school worm" down to the fish, I thought it was SO IRONIC coming from a livescoper.
Fished a tournament yesterday. Small river, nobody uses electronics. Now, one guy just got a cheater box. Middle of the road, every now and then, he does good. First tournament with the cheat box? Wins the tournament, with big fish.
Younger generation don’t have the morals of the older guy’s or haven’t been taught that in their upbringing nowadays. That can only change in the homes but I do agree that FFS is ruining the sport and is not fair to the guy’s that have spent most of their lives perfecting their methods of fishing! I think these guys watching these screens should be watching these goats 🐐 and learning instead of playing video games! 💪🏻
If you are a young guy on the pro tours, and you rely on electronics, it is not a great leap to think that cheating to get info is A-OK.
You can watch social media, just cant talk with someone about info. logging in to a website means its not public info
I won’t fish a coastal trout or redfish tournament unless they polygraph at least the top 3. I seen it time and time again to where with out it people get brave and do things they normally wouldn’t do. We were only fishing for 5 to 7 grand. I can’t imagine what people would do for 75,000 or 150,000. If I was paying the entry fees these guys were paying it would be a must for the top 50 to take a polygraph. I have taken several test and they are nerve racking to say the least. Even if you don’t do anything wrong they still rattle your nerves. I know they are not the most accurate test but at least it helps keep people in check. And from my own experience when people did fail them many of us had suspected they were breaking the rules. You have to have them even if they are not allowed in court. This is a court room it is fishing. And with fish and money involved people can’t help but cheat.
You should see some of the messages I’ve received from elite series pros asking for Sabine River information.
I won't watch a video that features FFS. Period.
Talent vs. technology. I don't see pro fishing doing away with FFS since the big companies pay sponsor money. I wonder what Randy thinks about MLF's potential rule change (yet another...sigh, Boyd/Gary) about turning off FFS units for P2?
So True
Bassmaster tournaments are going right down the crapper
Randy, you took the word's right out of my mouth😊
Lawyer friend of mine say those test are wrong half the time
But it's right the other half
at the very least, failing to pass truth verification should be a 5 year suspension! and MLF allows the culling of dead bass!!!!
I love the sport and respect the shoulders we all stand on, but if you think that the OGs did not skirt the line like these youngsters (ie. get waypoints, creek locations, cut down trees, place gas tanks along the bank to give a distance advantage) then you’re delusional. Write better updated rules.
He shoild be thrown out anyine who fails a polygraph for cheating needs to be black listed for life😊
Quiet the punishment for a "failed polygraph" something that's not admissible in a court of law, I personally don't like taking polygraph test not that I'm trying to hide something but if it or the one giving the test is wrong you ruin a guy's reputation
Sounds like you're a cheater
I couldn't tell you any of the young be so-called pro's. That have been in the sport less then 5 years
The people who administer polygraph tests can be as professional as ever, but the subject decides the result. There's a reason polygraphs are not admissible in court. They can be cheated very easily, AND, failed very easily ( stress and outside surcumstances). You have this guy convicted based on a polygraph? It is an antiquated rule. I'm convinced polygraphs are used in the sport to give some sense of fairness because there isn't anything else.
As far as FFS, these "young people" are just taking advantage of the technology that is available to everyone. Now adays, kids come out of the womb able to navigate a cell phone.
I watched his explanation, seems at least as sincere as a polygraph.
When it comes right down to it, this is a job and you are working for an organization. It is right to hold those that came before you with reverence, but like any job, the individual decides his fate.
Take Livescope and Forward Facing Sonar out the Proffesional circut period because its not fishing its catching....!
yeah, you can’t fish inside the locks in Florida or generally it’s considered to be off-limits who told what to who? Again the angler or the term of Director or the organization not being clear about where where you can fish know who is about right😁
Just about the entire field is Cheating with their Video game Cheater Box , getting spots from others is considered cheating but allowing the anglers to use this New Tech is not , well I call BS , ban the cheater box fishing
No ethics, integrity or honesty with a few bad apples. Shameful and sad.
You need to go back to fishing tournaments again even if it's buddy tournaments wish I was near you and had a bigger boat .I have bass fished for 35 years lived in flordia for 16 years now back in Ohio. If they made it easier for non pro to fish I would jump at the opportunity opportunity
Randy does fish tourneys
When you have 9 young anglers qualifying for the Elites for no other reason than their use of FFS, this what you're gonna end up with. They paid no dues whatsoever, and they absolutely didn't earn it. This class of anglers went through the opens fishing 100% of the time throwing to marks on FFS screens. When they knew they qualified they used the time they had to aquire all the info they could. They bought numbers, info and hired guides. It boils down to this as long as you have FFS this is going to continue period. They have literally no foundation of bass fishing skills and if you take FFS away from them they couldn't catch a cold.
I agree that rookies should learn & respect the history but that’s not gonna turn a cheater honest. Cheaters will always be cheaters.
Its not just bass fishing with this younger generation,its all works of trade,they are lazy and cry anytime they have to do there job,its sad
I guess JT just wasn't good enough buddies with the boss To get it overlooked
Im real glad you didnt mention RM on that list of legends. He doesn't deserve it.
you on Crack? RM is the Goat
@@PhilipVaughn-ri8vb you don't know him.
I want to hear your thoughts on Clunn or did I miss it
Exactly. Good point.