Cheating in a kid's tournament

[LivingLegend]

I took my son to fish the catch me if you can tournament at Halithco park in saginaw township.Some parents will do anything to see there kid's win, I watch a 3-4 year old boy fishing with parents catching fish and putting them in a bucket I really didn't think much of it because I didn't see them in line to to pay to fish the tour but when 11:00am came they were in the line to get there fish measured and when awardeds were given out they or he won first place and two poeple standing next to me saw the same thing I saw three people fishing throwing there fish in one bucket.But what got me the most is when the tounnament people thank evey one for there honesty.What a way to teach there kid sportsman ship and honesty those people are trash.

[FlyDaddy]

A true shame.

FD

[waterfoul]

I would have had trouble not telling the organizers about these people's "bucket stuffing." Off to the side of course... no sense having the kids watching the complaint.

[LivingLegend]

I would have had trouble not telling the organizers about these people's "bucket stuffing." Off to the side of course... no sense having the kids watching the complaint.I feel stuid now not saying any thing I didn't what to bring this down and cause a problem on a nice thing for kid's.They did a good jod on the tournament it was great I thank them.But it's trash parents messing it up for the kid's

[Ole Spike]

Sorry to hear about that, I know how much "Little Legend" was looking forward to competing. I bet he still had a good time whackin' gills with the old man though!

[fasteight]

ya know, its great to see the kids havin fun and all... but when it comes down to it, wouldnt a good lesson also be learned from bringin that up while everyone was around to see and hear it... not to cause problems but to hear what they say and the reasons.... just my opinion, but even maybe say something to the adults in that group with the kids present to make it known that wat they did was wrong..... gotta teach em the right way from the start or who knows how they might turn out down the road.... hope i didnt step on any toes with my opinion....

[icefishermanmark]

any time that anyone cheats in anything makes me real mad, but in a kids tournament, thats just bad. There's no real money on the line, so what's even the reason to cheat. some people need to realize that winning isn't everything. I'd much rather fish with my dad from shore, than fish in a tournament with cheaters. it's about the experience, not winning.

[FlyDaddy]

I think I would have found it tuff not to confront the cheating parent just so he knows he did not get away with anything. Cheating is one thing for lower life like this, but getting caught I would think would be just plain embarassing.

A bigger reward awaits the child down the road in being taught to do the best they can at everything they do, win, lose or draw. I feel sorry for the child he has parents like this.

FD

[Ralph Smith]

Sad to hear about that situation. I think something should have been said in a discreet manner without flaring tempers, but as said, brought out in open to show the little ones that cheating is wrong. This will lead to lieing, and stealing which are all innertwined together. Kids parents might have been brought up that way themselves, and think its normal. sometimes its better in life to maybe change something for the better if possible. Even if there were some upset people at the tournament, the lesson the kids will learn from that may change their outlook on things and their generations to come and not just follow the lead set by the ones they looked up to. Just my .02.

[waggleduck]

Cheating in a tournament meant for kids isn't right. Somebody should have said something. Just curious though, how was the fishing? I've never been to Haithco before.

[mr whiskers]

LivingLegend cheating is wrong!!!! but you and your son should hold your heads high knowing you have done the right thing! I think that you should still say something to hume ever puts on the tournament so this kind of thing is watched a little closer in the future just my thoughts!

[Jacob Huffman]

I watched it for 3 years in a row at the midland walleye tournament.This guy brings 2 of his buddies there along with his kid.The kid is maybe 8.It just so happens this kid catches more weight in the tournament than 2/3 of the adults.He won first place 3 years in a row.Every time his dad and 2 buddies are there with him....Maybe the kid is just that good but to out fish 2/3 of the field and have 3 other guys there just looked kind of ...well... fishy..sorry had to say it.

[Gone Fishing]

My dad taught me that one early in life. I was quite young and they had a month long derby at our marina. We went Bass fishing and my dad caught a 22 inch Smallmouth. I also had a very respectable fish of 19 1/2 but I asked my dad if I could have his fish measured. He explained that it was wrong and there was no way he would let me measure his fish. I pouted a bit and measured my own fish. I'll be darned if my fish didn't end up winning biggest Bass. It's been 40 years since that happened but I remember it like it was yesterday. :) I feel sorry for the kid in this story, he's the one that won the tournament but lost a very valuable lesson in life. :(

[mr whiskers]

I watched it for 3 years in a row at the midland walleye tournament.This guy brings 2 of his buddies there along with his kid.The kid is maybe 8.It just so happens this kid catches more weight in the tournament than 2/3 of the adults.He won first place 3 years in a row.Every time his dad and 2 buddies are there with him....Maybe the kid is just that good but to out fish 2/3 of the field and have 3 other guys there just looked kind of ...well... fishy..sorry had to say it.THAN we as sportsmen should let the people that run the turnament know what is going on this is for the kids :rant:

[Jacob Huffman]

mr whiskers, I did in fact say something to the people that were running the event but,like most people, I had no concrete evidence or $100 protest fee.I didnt have any kids that were in the tournament so I did not want to push it that far.All they said to me was that if I wanted to protest it pay up or shut up.That was the last time I entered that tournament.

[fasteight]

if they told ya that , pay up or shut up, basically, then i would have made a scene that would have gotten everyone stirred up and wantin to know wat was up.... sounds rude, but if the tourny committee only cares about the $100 to protest then thats sad.. considering its a kids tourny... do you have any info on the tourny to pass on that others may wanna voice an opinion?? straight and to the point......

[LivingLegend]

Cheating in a tournament meant for kids isn't right. Somebody should have said something. Just curious though, how was the fishing? I've never been to Haithco before.We got alot of small panfish I saw a woman land a 24inch largemouth bass and some other nice bass caught to the fishing seamed nice for kids alot of action.

[ArrowFlinger]

I used to take my kids to Pontiac Lake for a kids tourney. Each year this same family would be there. Mom and Dad with their poles. They would hook a fish then hand to pole over to the little one to land.