2007 Bassmaster Classic

**NotSoSilentBob** · February 20th, 2007, 07:23 AM

Swindle may live that close to Lay, but until last week, he hadn't fished it in years. I read a comment he made last week during the pre-fish that the fish in the lake are in a completely different pattern now than they were the last time he was on the lake.

**mm38nut** · February 20th, 2007, 09:24 AM

I'm a Ike fan and I'd like to see him or KVD win...Clunn has been it for years and made over millions...He is a good fisherman but I must be the true fan and see Ike take it...(doing a breakdance and screaming in my head)LOL out loud...

**TheBeast** · February 20th, 2007, 09:35 AM

They made a really big deal about the light pole because it had an American Flag tied to it. I think any of the actions would have caused him to be dq'd.

**NotSoSilentBob** · February 20th, 2007, 10:53 AM

Steve Kennedy is a very good pick. Van Dam is always a threat. Ike has improved a great deal since his 'moment' last year.

I'm hoping KVD can take it as he is one of the best teaching fisherman out there. IMO quite possibly the best tourney fisherman ever.

**NotSoSilentBob** · February 25th, 2007, 05:29 PM

Angler Gerald Swindle, who began the second day of the 2007 Bassmaster Classic in ninth place, has been disqualified on Saturday for violating rules regarding safety and sportsmanship.

Tournament director Trip Weldon told ESPNOutdoors.com that Swindle "ran too close to boats on the water," both those of competitors and non-competitors.

The disqualification will virtually assure that the 2004 BASS Angler of the Year from nearby Warrior, Ala., will not fish Sunday's final day of the Classic.

"I don't know the exact details," said his wife, LeAnn Swindle, when reached immediately after Weldon's announcement. "I just talked to Gerald about 10 minutes ago and he was still pulling them out of the water. He's very, very upset."

The crowd favorite has been criticized in the past for perceived aggressive boating. Two years ago at a tournament on Table Rock Lake near Camden, Mo., he hassled angler Zell Rowland off a section of water under a bridge that both had been fishing the previous day.

Saturday morning at launch, Swindle was quick out of the take-off, passing several other boats on the way onto Lay Lake.

A BASS photographer called Weldon telling him that Swindle was on plane too close to boat near Randy Howell on the north end of the lake.

Bassmaster tournament director Trip Weldon said he violated rules 5i, and 6ii (Bassmaster Rules).

The offending incident can be seen at the following link (if you haven't seen the 2,135 replays on ESPN2).

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/t...ory?id=2778146