Major League Fishing has reinstated Georgia boater Aspen Martin for the 2026 BFL All-American following new disclosures that reversed his original disqualification from the 2024 Lake Murray Regional.
Martin and fellow Georgia angler Matt O’Connell were both DQ’d after an Oct. 10–11 protest alleged they violated BFL Rule No. 10, which prohibits using mobile devices to communicate about locating or catching fish during tournament hours. As part of the standard MLF investigation, both anglers were asked to take polygraphs.
Martin complied and took the initial exam, which indicated deception and led to his disqualification and loss of $8,530 in winnings. O’Connell refused to take the test and was immediately deemed ineligible for the 2025 Toyota Series Championship and suspended from MLF competition through 2026.
Texts Change the Equation
After failing the first polygraph, Martin provided MLF with text messages from O’Connell showing that O’Connell had requested information about catching fish during tournament hours, but also showing that Martin never supplied any information. Based on the new evidence, Martin paid for a second polygraph by an independent examiner agreed upon by both parties. That exam showed no deception, clearing him of providing illegal assistance.
As a result:
- Martin has been reinstated for the 2026 BFL All-American.
- His $8,530 in regional winnings will be restored.
- He will still be fined $500 for failing to report O’Connell’s violation, as required by BFL Rule No. 1.
MLF President and CEO Boyd Duckett noted the situation could have been avoided had Martin immediately notified the tournament director:
“This is an unfortunate situation that could have been avoided had Aspen immediately informed the tournament director of the rule violation by a fellow competitor,” Duckett said. “If you are aware of a rule violation, it is your duty to report it.”
O’Connell’s Suspension Extended
Following Martin’s disclosures, MLF extended O’Connell’s suspension through 2027, pushing back his eligibility to reapply until the 2028 season.
All-American Field Expands
Because the original DQs elevated William Bates and Chad Sims into qualifying positions for the 2026 All-American—and those placements will stand—the reinstatement creates an expanded field of 47 boats for the championship. To balance the field, co-angler Wayne Smelser (fourth at the Lake Murray Regional) has been added as the extra co-angler.
