A Statement on the Mike Hart Situation from John “Zank” Viazanko

I’ve fished tournaments for more than half of my life in the Southern California area. At one time, I was planning to move back east and compete on the Bassmaster Tour, but due to circumstances with sponsors, was unable to do so.

As many of you know, I have been a part of the hand poured worms craft for many years; basically, I’ve been a part of the bass fishing community for most of my life. I’ve seen the ups and downs of the sport, experienced the highs and lows of it as well.

As much as I’ve seen and experienced, nothing feels lower to me than what occurred yesterday when my team partner Mike Hart was caught at the U.S. Open adding weights to the fish he presented at the scales.

Mike and I have been fishing team tournaments in Southern California for the past three years, and we’ve shared a great deal of success. But, more importantly, aside from those wins and accomplishments; Mike has been a friend for nearly 25 years.

I have no idea why Mike would have chosen to do what he did at the U.S. Open; he is a tremendous fisherman who has proven it on the water long before I started fishing with him, and after. Had I known that this was an option, I would have strongly encouraged him to reconsider.

I never knew that this was something Mike would do, in my years of fishing with him, he never asked me to participate in anything such as this, nor did I ever have any sense that there was anything less than honest competition involved in our boat, and any of our catches.

I do not like having to make such a statement, as it means having to distance myself from a friend of many years, but I did not, nor would I ever consider violating the competition rules of any tournament to gain an edge on my competition. I love to catch fish, I love the spirit of competition, and winning or losing in bass tournaments are a part of that spirit.

I love Mike as a friend and brother, but would never have taken part in any activities like this with him, and again, had I known he was considering it, would have done everything in my power to change his course. I love this sport, and the bass fishing community, and feel terribly for everyone involved; for Mike, his wife, WON Bass and the competitors of the U.S. Open, for Mike’s friends and partners who have shared a boat with him.

As a friend, I feel terrible for Mike. He loves fishing and loves to compete, and to know that it will not be an option for him as a result of his decisions is sad. For Mike, his wife and family, this is a sad day that will have consequences that will all have to settle out in the long run, but, he will have to live with that now.

These kinds of situations are never good for our sport, while things were handled properly by WON Bass, and the ultimate outcome is a public one; it will still have long last repercussions to the integrity of our sport. I know there will be a difficult and painful period ahead, but I trust that it will all turn out better in the end.