Violation of the “No Information” Rule

Scott Martin has been disqualified from the 2025 Champion Power Equipment Bassmaster Elite event at Lake Okeechobee due to a violation of the tournament’s no information rule. Martin self-reported the infraction after realizing he had received information about the lake from a non-competitor during the restricted period.

What Happened?

According to B.A.S.S. officials, Martin had an unauthorized conversation with a local angler about fishing conditions and locations after the no-information period had already begun. Per Rule C3.3 PRACTICE AND COMPETITION, Elite Series anglers are prohibited from receiving or soliciting fishing-related information once the cutoff date has passed.

Martin addressed the situation, stating:

“Unintentionally and inadvertently, I received information that violated the no information rule. I was rigging my boat at the marina and was engaged in a conversation with an angler and simply did not shut it down quickly enough.”

He also expressed his disappointment, saying:

“This really hurts, as this lake is special to me and I was really looking forward to the event. That said, the integrity of our sport is paramount, and I have to deal with the consequences.”

Martin’s Recent History with Rule Violations

This isn’t Martin’s first disqualification in the Elite Series. In April 2024, during the Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at Harris Chain, he was disqualified after unknowingly fishing in a prohibited area. Once he realized the mistake, he immediately reported it to tournament officials. As a result, his Day 2 catch was disqualified, and he had to forfeit his winnings from that day.

What This Means for the Elite Series

Martin remains one of the most respected anglers in the sport, known for his transparency and integrity. While these incidents have been setbacks, his willingness to self-report shows his commitment to fair play.

This disqualification serves as a reminder to all Elite Series anglers that tournament rules are strict and must be followed to the letter. Even seemingly innocent conversations can have major consequences. The integrity of the sport must always come first, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors.

What’s Next for Scott Martin?

As the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series continues, Martin will need to regroup and move forward. His ability to bounce back from setbacks has been a hallmark of his career, and fans can expect to see him back on the water competing at the highest level.

For more insight into Martin’s thoughts on the disqualification, check out his video:

🎥 Scott Martin DISQUALIFIED From Bassmaster ELITE