Local Angler Discovers Hidden Cages Before Major Competition
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE – The discovery of three illegal fish-holding devices in the past month has exposed a dark side of competitive bass fishing that threatens the integrity of the sport. The most recent find came just days before a high-profile tournament with a significant cash payout, raising serious questions about how widespread cheating has become in local and national bass fishing competitions.
“Where are all the cages and nets buried on Smith Mountain Lake?” asks local tournament angler who made the discoveries. “My team keeps finding these devices, and honestly, it makes you wonder how many more are out there.”
The illegal practice involves anglers planting wire cages or nets filled with bass in strategic locations before tournaments begin. During competition, cheaters return to these spots, retrieve the pre-caught fish, and claim them as legitimate catches. It’s a scheme that undermines honest competitors and damages the sport’s reputation.
A Sport in Crisis
The cheating problem extends far beyond hidden cages. According to tournament organizers, 2025 became known as the year the “no information rule” was repeatedly violated. This rule prohibits anglers from sharing details about fish locations and patterns during competitions. Violations occurred at every level—from elite professional circuits down to weekend club tournaments…