Ish Monroe Statement Regarding B.A.S.S. Southern Open-Toho

[WB Staff]

Ish Monroe Statement Regarding B.A.S.S. Southern Open Lake Toho Incident


January 17, 2015 - By now you've all heard about the regrettable situation that occurred between myself and fellow Elite Series competitor Keith Poche at the first Southern Open of 2015 at Lake Toho.

I wanted to take a moment to issue an apology to B.A.S.S., the fans of the sport, my sponsors and the industry that supports professional bass fishing and the sport as a whole. I want everyone to know that the last thing I intend to do at any time is shed a bad light on the industry that has afforded me the opportunity to do what I love.



I reacted poorly in the situation after the collision and the subsequent verbal altercation that ensued. Arguments happen on the water in our business a lot, but I took it a step too far in putting myself into my competitor's boat when provoked. Although I did not strike him, I know that I stepped over the line with an unwanted touch, and regret doing so.



I am a passionate, competitive person, and that drive is what has helped me be successful on and off the water. But, as can happen, there are times that competitive nature can get carried away as it did on Friday. To make it perfectly clear, I am not making an excuse for the way I reacted, I just want everyone to know that I care deeply about the sport, and doing very well in tournaments.



I wish to offer my sincerest apologies to the organization that has provided me a venue to perform, the sponsors who have provided me the equipment and resources with which to pursue my career, and the fans of the sport who provide the audience for all of to perform for.



I will now begin to move forward, repair the damage to my boat, as well as apply my competitive nature to doing the best job I can on and off the water. I realize that this incident has put a bump on my career path, but with the ongoing support of my sponsors, my friends and family - and the fans of bass fishing - I will return to the path I have long hoped I would travel.



Thank you all for your time,



Sincerely,
Ish Monroe

[WB Staff]

Keith Poche's statement: http://www.westernbass.com/forum/post53 ... ml#p537740

[Stratos278]

Poche also released a statement to the media, it can be viewed on www.BassFan.com. More in-depth than his Facebook statement

[longshot]

If someone damages your boat you call the insurance company. You do not jump in someone's boat and assault them. I can't imagine there is any excuse for this behavior even though somehow some of us seem to think being competitive can make people violent.
you would think that if you like weed so much you name your baits after them you would be more chill but I guess not.
I don't think with his actions that he is much of a role model for our sport or youth.

[Fish-N-Fool]

If someone damages your boat you call the insurance company. You do not jump in someone's boat and assault them. I can't imagine there is any excuse for this behavior even though somehow some of us seem to think being competitive can make people violent.
you would think that if you like weed so much you name your baits after them you would be more chill but I guess not.
I don't think with his actions that he is much of a role model for our sport or youth.

While I agree that he should have not went on the others boat. It sounds to me like it was started by Keith Poche driving his boat like a madman and then being a jerk afterward, according to this witness he said, "Poche just kept egging it on and egging it on and he wouldn't quit." From what I have gathered Ish only step on the mans boat, but Poche pushed him first. They are both at fault and if anything both should get the same treatment as Poche should have been arrested as well.

[scott h]

Regardless of what happened or who's fault it was, these guys are supposed to be professionals, in every aspect, they are priveledged to be in the position they are in, I uunderstand getting upset that is a normal reaction, but they both could have been more professional in resolving the matter and went about their Buisness, my kid is heavy into fishing and watches all of the majors TV shows and looks up to these guys, this incident is truely a black eye to the sport.

[steve0806]

Fish-n-Fool said:

While I agree that he should have not went on the others boat. It sounds to me like it was started by Keith Poche driving his boat like a madman and then being a jerk afterward, according to this witness he said, "Poche just kept egging it on and egging it on and he wouldn't quit." From what I have gathered Ish only step on the mans boat, but Poche pushed him first. They are both at fault and if anything both should get the same treatment as Poche should have been arrested as well.[/quote]

So, Poche "was driving his boat like a madman." He said, in his statement, that he was on his trolling motor. Doubt he would lie about that with all the witnesses in the area.

[kraetzer]

Fish-n-Fool said:

While I agree that he should have not went on the others boat. It sounds to me like it was started by Keith Poche driving his boat like a madman and then being a jerk afterward, according to this witness he said, "Poche just kept egging it on and egging it on and he wouldn't quit." From what I have gathered Ish only step on the mans boat, but Poche pushed him first. They are both at fault and if anything both should get the same treatment as Poche should have been arrested as well.

So, Poche "was driving his boat like a madman." He said, in his statement, that he was on his trolling motor. Doubt he would lie about that with all the witnesses in the area.[/quote]

And before that he said he was idling and looking for his paperwork to lock through and that's why he crashed into ish's boat

[steve0806]

Fish-n-Fool said:

While I agree that he should have not went on the others boat. It sounds to me like it was started by Keith Poche driving his boat like a madman and then being a jerk afterward, according to this witness he said, "Poche just kept egging it on and egging it on and he wouldn't quit." From what I have gathered Ish only step on the mans boat, but Poche pushed him first. They are both at fault and if anything both should get the same treatment as Poche should have been arrested as well.

So, Poche "was driving his boat like a madman." He said, in his statement, that he was on his trolling motor. Doubt he would lie about that with all the witnesses in the area.

And before that he said he was idling and looking for his paperwork to lock through and that's why he crashed into ish's boat [/quote]

A reporter said Poche said he was idling. Poche was not quoted using those words. Only a video or reliable eye witnesses would tell the true story. In either case, whether he was on his trolling motor or idling qualifies as driving like a madman. Imo.

[mark poulson]

Whether he was motoring, idling, or on the TM, he hit a stationary boat, so it is clearly his fault. But how they both handled themselves is the issue.
There is no excuse for being rude, for going onto another boat, and for getting into a shoving match, no matter who was the instigator.
Adults work things out without resorting to violence. If they aren't adult enough to do that, they don't belong in a professional tournament.
If one of my kids did that, I'd stop him or her from fishing right now, not slap their hands and say, "Play nice".
B.A.S.S. needs to make sure they understand their personal responsibility in this, and deal with them appropriately, so the rest of the field knows that this kind of stupid behavior won't be tolerated.

[kraetzer]

Finally a little inside look from somebody that was there http://lonestarbass.com/bass-fishing/tussle-at-toho/

[jakespoon]

just because you wear a colorful jersey full of logos from companies that give you free worms, doesn't make you pro. you have to earn the title. just ask KVD, or Yelas or Nixon. Mistakes happen on the water. Once you jump into someones boat, all bets are off. you might as well wear a tshirt with nothing on it. blank. that's what your career as a "pro" will be from now on. Blank.

[sdisturber]

you guys have short memories.it seems to me ike is doing ok .these guys are together alot and not everyone gets along.also there is no such thing as bad publicity.theres a whole bunch nascar drivers that get pissed in the heat of the moment,and were talking sponsor dollar figures in the stratosphere and it only makes their fans more loyal.also kids play little league and pop warner football and watch parents get into fights.kids dont care.we will all be looking for the inside scoop for the next week or two.why cause its our little soap opera and ya might not admit it but you have already picked a side . d hill

[Robb R]

I am fairly certain everybody on this blog would react in a negative way if somebody blast's in , comes off pad , throws his trolling motor down then hits your boat .
I am also positive it would get your adrenaline pumping and probably cause you to "overreact" .
Add that to a competitive situation and the slight chance that these two guys might have had issues
before -----and BOOM.
Lastly , to the guy who blast's Ish for being a weed smoker ? Really , do you personally know him or are you just talking sh*t . And even if he does SO WHAT . I would bet you probably drink a beer now and then right ?
Go Ish !!!!
I hope you win the next tourney you fish !!! ( that kinda rhymes, might make a T-shirt out of it )
Robb R

[Roscoe]

I personally know ish and talk to him quite often. If you all notice I've been on here about this subject cause I stand behind ish. Anyone of you would stand behind a friend if he was right or wrong. Ish was wrong for getting on his boat and I talked to him and he admitted that but I have fished many local tourneys and I've seen some heated arguments before blast off. Now put yourself in his shoes and go fish for a great payday and have some moron bash into your boat, what would you say oh it's ok bro? Heck no and if the guy mouths off you all would probably do something to the extreme of doing what ish did. I can't stand someone for passing judgement on ish and you don't even know him. So what if he's rude and doesn't give you the time or day if he runs across you. Is he suppose to smile and greet everyone with open arms? When you fish all day everyday last thing you wanna do is be mr nice guy. Ish does a lot for the local tourneys and makes a lot of appearances and if you look on WB page he gives up his time to give us all pointers. And yeah if he smokes weed which he doesn't so what. It's his life and I'm sure the guy who accused him of that isn't so perfect himself. So to end my rant I'm going to stand behind a friend whether he's right or wrong and I'm sure all you passing bad judgement would do the same if your good friend was in a same situation so if you don't have anything good to say then shut it !!!

[WB Staff]

Ish, Poche - even B.A.S.S. may release more details in the future.
For now, let's take a break on this one and all go fishing.