Tucker Smith DQ Video Sparks Controversy At Fishing Tournament

• The Tucker Smith DQ video has caused controversy and sparked discussion among fishing enthusiasts.
• The violation was based on a breach of the Angler Code of Conduct, specifically Section 7 of the Bassmaster Opens Series rules.
• Tucker Smith has issued a statement regarding the incident. 

The Tucker Smith DQ video has caused controversy and sparked discussion among fishing enthusiasts.

After conducting an extensive investigation and appeals process, B.A.S.S. Officials have confirmed today that the disqualification of Tucker Smith’s Day 2 catch from the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake Eufaula will stand, resulting in the removal of his seventh-place finish. 

The violation was based on a breach of the Angler Code of Conduct, specifically, Section 7 of the Bassmaster Opens Series rules, which outlines unacceptable behavior by competitors in B.A.S.S. events, such as interfering with a fellow angler’s ability to compete.

A panel heard Smith’s appeal of three people, including an Elite Series angler, a Bassmaster Opens angler and a B.A.S.S. employee who is not part of the Tournaments Department. 

Notably, none of the three individuals competed in the 2023 Eufaula Open.

Tucker Smith has issued a statement regarding the incident. 

In his statement, Smith addressed an incident that occurred during the event, where a friend who was not fishing the competition was captured on film attempting to intimidate a fellow competitor who was fishing near Smith.

Smith admitted that he was not sure how to handle the situation at the moment and did not report the incident to B.A.S.S. Officials. Unfortunately, this resulted in his day two catch being disqualified, which consequently removed his 7th-place finish. 

He expressed regret for not reporting the incident, stating that he was unaware of the sportsmanship rules that required him to do so.

Despite rumors that the person in the video was “hole sitting” or trying to help save a spot for Smith, he was quick to clarify that this was not the case. 

He claimed to have been surprised when his friend arrived, started yelling at the other angler near him, and was unsure how to react.

Smith acknowledged that he violated the sportsmanship rules by not reporting the incident but made it clear that he did not cheat in the event.

He expressed disappointment with the outcome but accepted and respected the conclusions reached by B.A.S.S. 

Smith reiterated that he did not know the incident was going to happen and would never condone such behavior.

As a young competitor, Smith acknowledged that he has a lot to learn to become the pro angler he hopes to be. 

He expressed his gratitude for what fishing has brought him and stated that he would take this experience and move forward with greater respect for the sport of bass fishing. 

Smith vowed to work hard to become the best angler and ambassador he could be and to use this incident as an opportunity to learn and grow.

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