By Steve Chaconas
Bass tournament cheating is often suspected and sometimes verified. Polygraph testing protects the sport’s integrity. Rule-breaking had been curtailed with random co-anglers and monitors. But time off the water questions the credibility of professional bass fishing.
Pro circuits rely on whistle blowers and polygraph testing as judge, jury, and executioner. Several big name pros have been disqualified and their careers ended. Rebuilding reputations among anglers, fans, and sponsors takes a commitment of time and a lot of effort to regain what polygraphs take away in minutes. Many variables affect polygraph reliability, yet anglers agree to testing when they fish tournaments.
Courtroom drama viewers know polygraphs aren’t admissible in court. Polygraphs measure a person’s breathing rate, pulse, blood pressure, perspiration, and other physiological phenomena. Tests are administered where only the tester and subject are present. However, the elephant in the room is increased scrutiny of obtaining information prior to an event.
In the past, it was assumed that top pros received game-changing lure and location information. A scorched earth approach by tournament organizations placed anglers in positions of being falsely accused or by failing the biggest question asked in a polygraph, did you solicit information from a non-public source to gain a competitive advantage? Some say this is an unfair question, likely to lead to a false positive as some overthink the question, hesitate, or stumble. “Solicit”, “non-public”, and “gain competitive advantage” require analysis.
Several anglers have failed these tests and have been disqualified. Some have been reinstated as more evidence has come forward. However, there isn’t an official appeal process on the results, or the way polygraphs are conducted. Anglers are calling for access to their tests and the ability to get retested by a disinterested 3rd party. Also in question are the examiner’s credentials. Some sessions have been stretched out with several tests over 3-4 hours, with anglers waiting for hours to find their fate. Some anglers experiencing major stress immediately prior to testing, like cross country multiple day road trips, long practice days, mechanical failure, and more, feel they were in no condition to take such an impactful exam. Not to mention pressure to perform after leaving family behind for a week or two trip.
Most polygraphs focus on getting or soliciting help with fishing information. B.A.S.S., at the request of anglers, is modifying their information rules, intended to maintain fairness while giving anglers freedom to fish and chat about the sport. For 2026, as soon as the schedule is announced, there can be no purchase of fishing information. Also, a 28 day off-limits is in effect with no time on tournament waters and no soliciting or intentionally receiving information from anyone except another registered competitor in that specific event. Only publicly available sources are permitted. All conversations must not include anything that could provide a competitive edge. The tricky part is how to avoid or walk away from inadvertent information.
Elite Series pro and Angler Board of Professionals president John Crews says, “During the 2025 season, the sentiment of the anglers was that we needed a shorter window for the full scope No-Info rule.” While this may be tighter as far as the rules go, there’s still a wide open door for inadvertent information to be projected at an angler. Even an email that goes unread could be used against an otherwise compliant angler.
Information hitmen can report an angler for a violation and there’s no opportunity to confront the accuser. Nor is there a realistic time limit in all cases. Once accused, anglers must face a polygraph firing squad. Case in point, an angler was disqualified from an FLW Tour Open and banned from participation in the organization’s events for at least a year due to an alleged violation dating back several months.
The 2025 Bassmaster Elite season saw random polygraph disqualifications of three high-profile anglers. Making matters worse, organizations revealed few details like which rules were broken, what evidence was presented, and actual exam questions. This cloud left onlookers to make their worst assumptions.
In some cases, anglers have opted out of the circuits entirely. Once polygraph failure places doubt as to the angler’s integrity, other anglers, sponsors, and fans lose confidence. They leave not because they broke a rule, but they don’t trust the system that judged them.
Polygraphs are called lie detectors but have never been credited with being honesty detectors. As anglers run the gauntlet of information being thrown in their paths, the no-information rules will be difficult to enforce. The dishonest will continue to rely on illicit information, pushing their luck of the polygraph draw or their ability to weather an examiner.
Polygraph-based disqualifications are rising across B.A.S.S., MLF, and NPFL. Some pros say the real danger isn’t just cheating, but how polygraphs, wrought with flaws, lack of transparency, and limited appeals process, could cause the sport to eat its own. Increased polygraph use and unprecedented disqualifications are coming as no-information rules set anglers up to fail.
Potomac River Bassing in FEBRUARY
Water is still very cold as water temperatures drop to 40 degrees, or below! Fish are depth oriented, located in out of the current areas with steep drops. But days are getting longer.
Silver Buddy lures work well to catch cold water bass, covering depths and areas. Cast on 8 pound test GAMMA Copoly on spinning gear. Allow ½ ounce silver baits to drop and once on the bottom, slightly burp up and semi slack line down. Most bites occur on drops or fish will be there when you lift.
Work drop shot and split shot rigs with short leaders slowly down drops with frequent pauses. Try 2/0 hooks with 4 inch green pumpkin worms or swim baits.
Present avocado colored stingray grubs on ¼ ounce ball head jigs with slow lifts, glide and drop. Bites are light, so watch line.
About the Author: Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. YouTube channel NationalBassGuide.