Big Bass Splash Angler Withdraws His 11-Pound Fish, Here’s Why

The 41st Annual Big Bass Splash with Sealy Outdoors is underway, featuring $590,000 in guaranteed cash and prizes.

READ MORE: Up-To-Date Hourly and Overall Standings of the Big Bass Splash

I've been a part of the broadcast team for most of these tournaments (since 1990), and I've seen my share of celebrations and disappointments. It's tough to watch when an angler misses a $5,000 payout because their fish was a few drops of water from being an exact weight winner.

Earlier this morning, a fish weighing 10.90 pounds was brought in. It easily won the 8 am hour and took over the overall tournament lead. A fish that large has a great chance of winning the overall top prize of a new Phoenix boat, a Dodge truck, and $10,000 cash.

However, that monster bass eventually ended up being withdrawn. It was not a case of anything malicious by the angler who caught the fish; it was simply an oversight, as explained in this video from Sealy Outdoors.

Teachable Moments From This Unfortunate Incident

Kudos to James for doing the right thing. Another angler, perhaps, may have tried to persuade the officials to overlook the infraction. He knew it was his own oversight, albeit a very costly one, and owned up to it...that's integrity.

But this goes deeper than that. Of course, James is extremely disappointed, but he keeps his chin up. James realizes that nothing good can come from dwelling on the mistake. Count your blessings and move forward...that's called character.

Thank you, James, for setting such a great example. Here's hoping you catch another monster bass, this time with a fire extinguisher in your boat.

Overall Top Five From Day One of the Big Bass Splash

1. Cole Moore - Georgetown, TX - 9.41
2. Steven Biggs - Many, LA - 9.27
3. Leonard Garner - Hammond, LA - 8.75
4. Michael Beaver - Kirbyville, TX - 8.34
5. Jathan Green - Broaddus, TX - 8.31