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Home Fishing Lawsuits & Violations Iowa Fishing Tournament Cheaters Charged

Iowa Fishing Tournament Cheaters Charged

Walker Smith
Feb 24, 2015

According to WQAD-8, two Iowa men are facing theft charges after allegedly cheating during a fishing tournament on Clear Lake.

Aaron Lauber and Jason Schuttler competed in and won the Yellow Bass Bonanza with 50 fish weighing 15 pounds, 14 ounces. They were investigated by Iowa DNR Conservation Officer Matt Washburn and Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department for allegedly adding fish caught outside of tournament hours to their total tournament catch.

The first-place prize was valued at $1,500 and each team paid an entry fee of $75.

As a result of the investigation, the anglers have each been charged with a felony count of theft by deception according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Both men were released after being booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail.

Walker Smith

An accomplished tournament angler and former fishing guide, Walker Smith has been published in many national and regional publications for well over a decade. His articles and videos have been viewed by millions of people. He has a strong passion for teaching others about fishing while connecting with the human element of fishing as well. When he’s not fishing, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, watching the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs and hunting.