Anglers must police ourselves. This has been a mantra of FBFP since inception of NOAA.

Any written protests are held to the highest degree of fact finding responsibility. We applaud all anglers who follow the rules and determine their duty of representing the entire field for fair play and practices by presenting potential violations through the appropriate prescribed method of a written protest.

If reasonable grounds exist for the filing it proceeds to a determination stage. This protest moved to a determination stage specific to a 50 yard encroachment of an anchored boat, unsportsmanlike conduct while fishing a similar area and unsportsmanlike conduct towards non-participating bank anglers.

If a preponderance of the evidence suggests a violation(s) occurred the corresponding NOAA sanctions are applied if no polygraph is required.

The allegation of catching fish using unsportsmanlike methods by way of cutting off the filing parties was unfounded as the filing party was not anchored nor did the written allegation indicate the boats to be within "touching distance", rather within 15 yards. There additionally was no reported unsportsmanlike conduct (ie:physical/verbal altercation) as a result of both parties fishing the similar area.

The allegation of catching fish using unsportsmanlike methods was not substantially evidenced other than by verbal accounts of a third party. It was not witnessed by any filing party, rather reported to the filing parties at a later time by a father of child bank anglers.

The accused responded to this allegation by stating to have not run over any children's fishing line nor hooking into their stringer. They reported pre and post encounter communication between themselves and the father/children bank fishing a similar area. The bank anglers were reported to have given verbal permission for the accused to fish similar water. The accused reported additional positive communication between the children bank anglers and the themselves while in the area and upon their departure from the area.

There was no substantiated evidence or witnessed accounts provided to the written protest, therefore no requirement of a polygraph test to be offered. The accused accounts of this incident did not substantiate an admission of unsportsmanlike behavior.

The final binding decision of the protest was "no action".

2007 NOAA RULES USED:

12. Fishing is not allowed within 50 yards of another boat that was first anchored. A boat is anchored only if tied to an object or has a rope over the side with trolling motor out of the water. Boats are never to be within “touching distance” of each other. Please exhibit sportsmanlike and courteous positioning when fishing similar areas even if not anchored. The illegal practice known as “hole sitting” by another competitor or non-competitors boat is prohibited. Simple communication between boats can often resolve potential issues.

14. Only artificial baits with the exception of pork trailers are permitted for use. Trolling as a method of fishing is prohibited. Drifting is permitted. Only one casting or spinning rod may be in use for the purpose of catching fish, per individual. All bass must be caught in a live sporting manner with rod and reel while the participant remains inside the watercraft.

22. Any team or person found to be cheating or unsportsmanlike by officials will be banned from further participation as well as disqualified from participating event.

21. All protests must be made in writing within 10 minutes after “last call” for fish. Written protests will result in a binding decision being made. If the director is unable to resolve a dispute by substantiated evidence or admission of the accused, a polygraph will be required as instituted by the director only. The results of that polygraph will be binding. Both the filing party and the accused must post deposit to the director for the cost of testing. Refusal to post deposit by either party will result in a binding decision at that time. Deposit will be returned to the party in which the polygraph found in favor of. A decision of the protest will be governed by event officials only, unless subject to rule #18. Any participant is subject to polygraph at request of the director at any time with or without cause.  The formal written  protest as received and responded to, will be posted online at dobass.com for public review.

Rory Franks & the NOAA team