• Tucker Smith DQ’s video has sparked controversy and sparked debate among anglers.
  • The violation was based on a violation of the Angler Code of Conduct, specifically Section 7 of the Bassmaster Opens Series Rules.
  • Tucker Smith issued a statement about the incident.

Tucker Smith DQ’s video has sparked controversy and sparked debate among anglers.

After conducting an extensive investigation and appeals process, BASS Officials 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 finisher.

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

A panel heard Smith’s appeal to three people, including an Elite Series angler, a Bassmaster Opens angler, and a BASS employee who is not part of the tournament department.

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

Tucker Smith issued a statement about the incident.

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

Smith admitted that he wasn’t sure how to handle the situation at this point and he did not report the incident to BASS Officials. Unfortunately, this resulted in his catch being disqualified on day two, removing his 7th place finish.

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

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

He claimed to be surprised when his friend arrived, started yelling at the other fisherman nearby and wasn’t sure how to react.

Smith acknowledged that he had broken sportsmanship rules by not reporting the incident, but made it clear that he was not cheating during the event.

He expressed his disappointment with the result, but accepted and respected BASS’s conclusions

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

As a young competitor, Smith recognized that he still has a lot to learn to become the professional fisherman he hopes to be.

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

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