Check this out. Tournament cheater caught.

[strmwalker]

I know Darrell VanVactor of Crappie USA very well and know Paul Turner from being around him at tournaments. Paul has always seemed like a nice guy and seemed very well liked. That point is why so many from the crappie tournament community have remained very quiet. I know this is a shock to them,even the ones who might have had suspicions of cheating for some time.

Darrell VanVactor is a great person in my eyes and we’ve been friends for years. When this broke, I sent him a text to ask if a statement was coming from CrappieUSA. He said their actions were their statement. I can imagine this hurts, having to take such drastic actions against a friend. It also shows Darrells character because rules were broken and he had to take the actions he did. He acted promptly but also respectfully. He also abided by the written rules— no favors for a friend. My wife and I saw the Facebook Live as it happened and I told Vicki that Darrell is HOT! He waited a few minutes to collect his thoughts before he made the vocal statement about what had transpired. It aggravates me that some think Paul should have been escorted away in cuffs. He was shown respect but by taking his fish and leaving the stage, he admitted to his guilt. Any other legal actions against Paul will have to come from those who feel cheated.

Justin and I finished one place behind Paul at Rend Lake Crappie Masters, 5th place. Do I feel cheated? Not really because I have zero reason to think he cheated. Nobody came forward with a grievance. I have no idea why he felt compelled to cheat. There is zero doubt that he is an amazing fishing talent. He and his wife weighed in just behind us at Grenada Crappie Masters National Championship. They were the picture of a husband and wife having a great time.

Paul has now ruined his life as far as ever being allowed to compete in Crappie tournaments. All the sanction bodies will deny him to fish their circuits. He has to live with his actions.


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com

very well stated !!! You Sir show True Class !!!

[Roy]

Just plain SAD for all parties involved.

[DockShootinJack]

I jumped on here and condemned the guy pretty quickly. It has been on my mind all day. I am in now way saying any of it is right. It has to be tough to go and produce results time and time again or your sponsors will pull out and there goes some of your income. That is a tremendous pressure to put fish on the stage. That takes a sport that should be fun and turns it into as stressful of a job as I can think of. This fella has paided a steep price for his actions.

[DockShootinJack]

Troll

[BuckeyeCrappie]

Well said Doug, it’s really sad but the director handled it professionally. It is far more than a slap on the wrist and keeps it out of possible litigation. It also serves notice to others that may be doing these type of things or considering it.

[jwest4164]

I think this was handled very professional by Crappie USA, but I also can't help but think how many had he cheated in before and not got caught? Also can't help but think how many families his cheating ways beat honest guys and gals out of prize money that they dearly earned. The moral aspect of this would be hard to live with also.

[Glenn54]

I agree 100%.

Good people sometimes make poor decisions.
While I disagree with the actions it isn’t my place to judge


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com

[deltarat]

Full discloser, I do not fish tournaments. The crappie community and tournaments are very trusting and want to believe the best in people. As I understand it, most do not have boat checks and putting in various ramps. That was OK until the $$ got up. It was just a matter of time before something happened. Most crappie fishermen think of the group as family but, sometimes your family will disappoint you too. A sad day for the sport.

[skeetbum]

I enjoy fishing with friends and have seen the changes that happen when money is involved. The vast majority do things right. I’ll just keep fishing with friends and getting a bite to eat later. I also hope that those that enjoy the competition are able to continue their pursuit of a top place finish.

[Blackjeepjk]

He definitely didn't read Slab's post about random acts of kindness on Saturday morning.