Sealy Outdoors owner Bob Sealy and his son-in-law, Chris Bennett, have announced that an angler who competed in the Big Bass Splash Tournament over the weekend on Toledo Bend Reservoir has been arrested. Bennett explained that the angler, who was not named, turned in a bass at the weigh-in that was immediately flagged by the weight-master. Bennett said the fish was set aside and an investigation revealed that the bass had lead weights inside of it to increase its weight. Agents determined there were 2.59 pounds of lead used to illegally increase the fishes weight. We spoke with Sabine Parish Law Enforcement and confirmed that the angler was arrested and charged with a felony for fraud. Fishing contest fraud brings up to a $3,000 fine and one year in jail.
Sealy and Bennett stated that the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries detained the individual after he fled the scene. Additionally, Bob Sealy issued a statement reassuring anglers of their commitment to safeguarding integrity in the sport, emphasizing that the accused individual will face a permanent ban from all future Big Bass Splash events.
For more information check out the official press release from Sealy Outdoors and The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries report
