Early on day 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Toho, it was reported on the Bassmaster.com Opens Blog that Elite anglers Ish Monroe and Keith Poche got into an altercation in the locks.
We got word this morning of an altercation between two competitors at the lock on the south end of Lake Toho. Reportedly Keith Poche bumped into Ish Monroe’s boat in the lock. A scuffle broke out and both anglers ended up in the water. According to eyewitnesses, other competitors fished Monroe and Poche out of the water. Tournament officials are investigating.-Bassmaster Blog
Both anglers were allowed to weigh their day’s catch as B.A.S.S. officials were investigating the incident. Monroe didn’t comment on the incident while on stage, he finished with a 26-05 total.
Both anglers compete on the Elite Series tour, and could face discipline in regards to the incident if both anglers are found to be in violation of the B.A.S.S. Rules.
Rule 2 reads as follows:
2. ANGLER CODE OF CONDUCT:
Anglers participating in any B.A.S.S. sanctioned event shall observe this code of conduct and the applicable rules for the specific event in which they are participating. Anglers shall, at all times, conduct themselves in a professional manner that demonstrates integrity, honor and respect toward fellow competitors, tournament staff and general public and does not reflect unfavorably on B.A.S.S., its members, officers or representatives, tournaments or sponsors.
To this end, anglers shall use their best efforts to demonstrate professionalism and integrity in support of the sport of professional fishing. Any angler who violates any of the provisions of the Angler Code of Conduct may be subject to fines, reduction of points, forfeiture of tournament winnings, suspension from competing in individual B.A.S.S. sanctioned events, permanent ban from competition, or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by B.A.S.S.
After the event, Monroe was taken into custody on Battery Charges, according to the Osceola County Corrections website. No official statement has been made by B.A.S.S. that we are aware of at this time.
