Major League Fishing Suspends James Watson

[WB Staff]

BENTON, Ky. (March 29, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced Friday that Bass Pro Tour angler James Watson has been suspended for multiple violations of the standards outlined in the 2024 Major League Fishing Angler and League Participation Agreement and the 2024 Professional Bass Tour Talent and Promotion Agreement.

Watson’s invitation to compete on the Bass Pro Tour has been revoked and he is prohibited from fishing any Major League Fishing-sanctioned tournaments while serving his suspension. Watson’s suspension began on March 29, 2024, and will continue through Dec. 31, 2025. Watson may reapply to compete in MLF tournaments beginning with the 2026 season.

The vacancy created by Watson’s suspension from the Bass Pro Tour will not be filled. The 2024 season will continue with 79 anglers. There are no changes to the 2024 Bass Pro Tour payouts or structure.

[Bsapp206]

Sounds like some BS to me

[Mitch]

SO, what are the Violations that he violated ???

[185vsfrog]

He was selling T shirts and hats at the Classic that said “FBD” for fish boat docks or what some thought it meant “F*#% Boyd Duckett”. Apparently MLF got upset and suspended him. You can find more details online.

[jiggin4bass]

Another soap opera how original is that.

[swordfish]

Duckett has been off the rails for awhile now, favoring some anglers for different rule infractions and breaking promises to anglers he couldn't back up .Many top anglers have returned to BASS for over 5 years. He has been leaking oil and losing sponsor money for some time .Watson was basicly suspended for code of conduct violations not determined or protested by anglers. He was just too outspoken in Boyds view and yes JW is very mouthy be does have legit gripes. JW also wore the FBD hat in the last BPT event fishing boat docks, he's got a big pair of nutz and will never be PC.

[madgaffer]

#FBD

[mark poulson]

I think he forced Duckett to do something.

[swordfish]

Possibly , Watsons not afraid to poke the Bear more than once, personaly I'm not a big fan of him, but he is funny and an accomplished angler he has the respect of many pro anglers I have respect him as well . I have seen him on several podcasts and he just tells it how it is in his view . JW also is independenty wealthy, a hard worker in an honest way.

[Oh_Son]

#FBD

[monte300]

I started boycotting MLF nearly a year ago after watching some of Worldwide’s podcasts.

[swordfish]

FBD aside and I agree with that, however the Toyota Series events and the invitationals have some merit and glad they have western tournaments and props to Ken Mah and his long time bid and impressive win

[BabyMumHawg]

#FBD

[monte300]

FBD aside and I agree with that, however the Toyota Series events and the invitationals have some merit and glad they have western tournaments and props to Ken Mah and his long time bid and impressive win

Yeh it’s the bass pro tour I’m not crazy about

[birdman920]

#FBD !

[kmah]

FBD aside and I agree with that, however the Toyota Series events and the invitationals have some merit and glad they have western tournaments and props to Ken Mah and his long time bid and impressive win

Thank you and I agree the Toyota are ran great and give us something viable to compete in.

[MarkB67]

#FJW

He and all the other guys who jumped from secure spots in elites and FLW knew there were risks. Things didn't work out exactly as planned and now he's printing up hats that basically say "F the boss" !?? Duckett did exactly what he should've and sent his *** packing.

[jiggin4bass]

Mr. Watson should buy MLF if he want to talk sh!+ then he can do and say what he wants. He got just what he deserved. He'll get over it.

[Turkeyman]

If what James Watson says in podcasts is true then he has a legitimate reason to call BS. Whether you like him or hate him you got to give him credit to stand up for himself and all the other anglers that won't or can't say what they NEED to say. Boyd has been given notice and it will be interesting to see how he and MLF respond.

[mark poulson]

If what James Watson says in podcasts is true then he has a legitimate reason to call BS. Whether you like him or hate him you got to give him credit to stand up for himself and all the other anglers that won't or can't say what they NEED to say. Boyd has been given notice and it will be interesting to see how he and MLF respond.

Exactly.
I wonder if KVD saw this coming when he decide to "retire" from competitive fishing?

[birdman920]

BD and MLF will soon be FUBAR !