Ike #6 Hated Athlete 2024

jagdbdg reply :

In the magazine GQ Ike was right behind Kobe Bryant as most hated athlete in sports? Is it me or the people on list like these usually pretty good athletes, i think so.

JT Bagwell reply :

I wish I was one of the top 10 most hated athletes.

Can you imagine the amount of free press Ike is going

to get because of this? This list will increase his name

recognition by 1,000 times.

Nice work Ike.

JT Bagwell

jagdbdg reply :

Your right and Im sure he doesnt mind, laughing all the way

blanked reply :

thats because of his role model attitude being the way it is. its the american way to follow the people who set bad examples. lets name them.... rodman, mike tyson, darryl strawberry, anna nicole smith, etc. whatever happened to morals in our society? i still couldnt believe bill clinton lying under oath and getting caught red handed and he is the most liked president in a long time

Smalliehunter48 reply :

I think its sort like NASCAR. There is always a driver you LOVE to hate. At the races they get boo'd almost as much as they get cheered. I feel sorry for the ones nobody even glances at. Boo's can be a good thing. Also it makes the sport better and more fun to watch. I am less concerned with Ike than someone like G swindle getting all ticked off about someone fishing 300 yards away, who In my mind had just as much right to be there as he did. So he has to rev on over there and make a stink. Its all fun and games until someone gets a hook in the eye.

I never thought I'd see a pro basser break-dancing on the bow of his boat in a tourney. Thats just hilarious. Come on now...you know you were laughing.

RoLo reply :

"JT Bagwell"

Quote
Wish I was one of the top 10 most hated athletes.
Can you imagine the amount of free press Ike is going

to get because of this? This list will increase his name

recognition by 1,000 times.

Nice work Ike.

BULLSEYE!

Strange but true, controversial figures like Ike actually colorize the sport and ultimately raise the purse.

People will watch a fishing show just to see Ike, who have never watched a fishing show before.

It reminds me of what Mohammad Ali (Cassius Clay) did for the sport of boxing,

and what Bobby Fischer did for the game of Chess.

5bass reply :

.....and to top it off,Keith Olberman on the Dan Patrick radio show says "Are bass fisherman even athletes?"

abelfisher reply :

I am surprised there are enough people outside the fishing world who even know who Ike is!

basspro48 reply :

Ike is one of the kindest most approachable pro's I have ever met. I met him at Bassmaster U and he is something else man . He treated me and everyone else who was there with respect and he stayed after to sign more autographs and to answer more questions. Ike is a great angler and a great role model.

crankin_king reply :

it's ike Byron Velvick said on Basscenter this morning he's shure mike is estatic to be considered and athlete

Top reply :

I actually LIKE IKE... he seems like a really good guy, and I think he is good for the sort.... I just wish he would tone it down a bit.... catch a 10lb bass in a tourney and break dance on the bow all you want... catch a keeper and pump your fists a couple of times and maybe a woop... but dang you would think every fish was a lunker

dink reply :

Before, I couldn't stand Ike! Now, I can't help but to like him. Don't know why. I guess he just does his own thing without trying to fit in. Actually, "going Ike" is a good stress reliever (if you don't mind the stares).

SneakySnook reply :

Ike is like the Dale Earnhart 3 you love or you hate him. 3 helped the sport and Ike will help fishing. Thanks Ike! I'm one of the one's who thinks Ike is great for the sport.

guest reply :

Quote
I am surprised there are enough people outside the fishing world who even know who Ike is!

My sentiments exactly. Can you imagine??? A Bass pro making a GQ top ten list of ANYTHING is huge.

I was bass fishing when B.A.S.S. was in it's infancy. We've come a long way baby ;D

Rattletrap reply :

Hey. The Bass Pro's that don't like Ike feel intimidated and threatened by his talent.

ball_coach_1 reply :

Quote
Ike is like the Dale Earnhart 3 you love or you hate him. 3 helped the sport and Ike will help fishing. Thanks Ike! I'm one of the one's who thinks Ike is great for the sport.

Whooa now, Ike is like Earnhardt? Easy fellas, easy.

Dale didn't SAY, DANCE, SELF-PROMOTE a thing, he just WAS intimidating.

Tiger Woods does not say ANYTHING, he is intimidating.

Kevin VanDam says NOTHING, he is intimidating.

I do not HATE Iaconelli. BUT...

If you have peers/co-workers/friends that are NOT interested in fishing, they have always seen bass fishing as "good ol' boys" that were at least seen as bunkins that were well behaved, respectful, and respected others. (my experience)

I have people now asking me if people in bass fishing are "like the idiot that acts like a six year old"? Yeah, that is the type of questioning now...."is that guy serious??"

I am not judging Ike, but people that are now (who haven't before) are a lot of people that had NO judgement of bass fishing before. Just a clue, the guy may be making money (mostly for himself, a bit for others), but those outside of the sport have a tendency to think LESS of the sport because of him.

Rebbasser reply :

Quote
but dang you would think every fish was a lunker

Yeah-his "It's a giant!" is quickly moving into the same category as a Roland Martin 10-pounder.

Captain Cali reply :

The guy is doing something right so I doubt he cares. Plus free advertisement for a Bass pro in GQ? How can anyone not want that. They were even talking about him on ESPN radio yesterday and it wasn't the outdoor show. The guy fishes hard and shows a lot of emotion when he has success. What's wrong with that? Is it any different than a NFL player doing a TD celebration? No...it's just something no one has seen before so they stick their noses up at it.

Go IKE!! Don't change because of some haters!!

Cephkiller reply :

The wise : folks at ESPN obviously think they have to show some kind of crap besides good fishing in order to boost their ratings. I wish they didn't do this, but they do. That being said, I would rather see Ike scream 100 times than the displays put on last year by the "troll under the bridge" and the "grumpy old man". (That's Swindle and Bitter for those who didn't see the spectacles.) Of course, I'd rather see none of it, but in comparison, Ike gets the nod.

Rattletrap reply :

I agree Roger.

Captain Cali reply :

Quote

I do not HATE Iaconelli. BUT...

If you have peers/co-workers/friends that are NOT interested in fishing, they have always seen bass fishing as "good ol' boys" that were at least seen as bunkins that were well behaved, respectful, and respected others. (my experience)

I have people now asking me if people in bass fishing are "like the idiot that acts like a six year old"? Yeah, that is the type of questioning now...."is that guy serious??"

I am not judging Ike, but people that are now (who haven't before) are a lot of people that had NO judgement of bass fishing before. Just a clue, the guy may be making money (mostly for himself, a bit for others), but those outside of the sport have a tendency to think LESS of the sport because of him.

2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion would be my answer...is that serious enough? The guys isn't just some hack.

Do other sports champions get critized because they spray champange on each other or dump gatorade on their coaches? That to me seems a little childish but I understand the emotion involved so I don't critize it.

Those outside the sport don't understand his antics because they have probably never caught a fish or it's nothing special to them. Those people see IKE and just think "geez...it's just a fish". But to bass anglers it's not just a fish. We put a lot of hard work into catching bass so to show some emotion is good. I wont beleive anyone who says their adrenaline doesn't start pumping when a big fish is on. When that happens...let it out man!!

Rattletrap reply :

Roger. Especially when a lot of money is on the line. I have seen a lot of other Pro's scream before Ike came along. He just gets pumped and enjoys what he's doing.

Jeff_NHBA reply :

Ike was at my BMU class last year. He was one of the nicest, most approachable guys there. His class by the way was by far the most well prepared and organized. He didn't even promote products like the other pros. Misunderstood? Sure. Disliked? I guess, by misinformed people.

Captain Cali reply :

Quote
Ike was at my BMU class last year. He was one of the nicest, most approachable guys there. His class by the way was by far the most well prepared and organized. He didn't even promote products like the other pros. Misunderstood? Sure. Disliked? I guess, by misinformed people.

The problem is people judge him by the highlights which show no more than 1% of the fishing he does. They don't show all the hours spent searching for a bite so people don't get a good perspective on why he is going nuts. It's good to know he is a good person though.

Gatorbassman reply :

I think that's great. He is a great guy and he opens up fishing to a whole other type of young fisherman. They can hate him all they want. I have talked in depth with him on several occations and I think he is a stand up guy.

earthworm77 reply :

Obviously Ike has skill. I don't dislike him but I have grown tired of his antics. Pump your fish and crow when you win, not when you boat a 12 inch fish.

Madhouse27 reply :

For many people, fishing is a quiet, relaxing, contemplative endeavor. It is about getting away from the noise of the city and enjoying the serene sounds of nature. For these folks, Ike embodies exactly what they were trying to leave behind. When they see him on television screaming and breakdancing in their minds he may as well be painting graffiti on the trees and poking the bass in the eye and dropkicking them back into the lake. They consider him obnoxious and loud and it bugs them the same way that Terrell Owens selfishness does. Like many of the athletes on the list, Ike is a colorful guy who pushes the envelope for behavior in his sport. One of the keys to celebrity is to be loved hated but never ignored. Ike's shtick is certainly getting a bit played but at least he is adding some excitement and personality to a sport that will need some as it tries to become more mainstream. Without Ike, Bass fishing isn't getting meantioned in GQ magazine.

Minuteman reply :

The one Philadelphia TV station noticed that 4 of the 10 most hated have connections to Philly, including Ike, The City of Brotherly Love. At least Ike isn't notorious for legal troubles or taking fans for granted. Ike doesn't bother me at all because I don't fish near him, the "Like Ikes" that I fish near DO bother me, but most are pretty young and I just sorta chuckle inside when they start screaming.

cajun1977. reply :

people wanna hate ike cause he scfreams get a life man are you trying to compare him to athletes who use drugs and rapist come on he screams so what some people need to get off their high horse and just worry about themselves instead of finding one little issue with a person that is not even that serious and turning it into a bigdeal cause of jealousy or lack of confidense in their own life im not posting this to anyone specific im just putting it out there

SneakySnook reply :

Ike should keep doing things the way he does them. If people hate him well to bad. It doesn't look like he is going anywhere any time soon. People hate other people in every sport but you just have to deal with them. Tiger was not the most hated in GQ magazine it was Michelson. The guy that the fans love but the other golfers hate him. He was one of the top 5 most hated. So why would that be.

blanked reply :

i feel that whever someone goes he needs to fit in like the rest of the crowd. can you imagine if tiger came into golf like some gangsta rapper!!

or how about your next door neighbor... let his house go to pot

neither are breaking any laws are they???

cajun1977. reply :

Quote
i feel that whever someone goes he needs to fit in like the rest of the crowd. can you imagine if tiger came into golf like some gangsta rapper!!
or how about your next door neighbor... let his house go to pot

neither are breaking any laws are they???

FEEL LIKE SOMEONE NEEDS TO FIT IN WITH THE CROWD IM MY OWN MAN I DONT DO SOMETHING CAUSE SOMEBODY ELSE DOES IF PEOPLE DONT LIKE THAT TOUGH SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST FOLLOWERS AND IM NOT ONE NOR DO I ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO BE EITHER

JT Bagwell reply :

I am going to borrow my response from rapper

50 Cent. This is mildly edited of course, but I think

it sums it up for us.

Quote
"Go 'head switch the style up
If they hate, then let 'em hate

And watch the money pile up"

50 Cent - In Da Club

JT Bagwell

BassChaser57 reply :

If we want Bass Fishing to be a backwater, trailer trash sport, then Ike is the spokesman/personality we want. If we want respect, then we need to look to the KVD's and Clunn's of the sport. I shudder to think of Ike being on Good Morning America like KVD was and giving the average American the idea that he represents me in any way or is the norm for the sport. He simply lacks class, if that is what we want this sport to be, it is up to us! 8-)

BassChaser57 reply :

I reread the posts and it hit me that we are talking about two issues here.

#1 Ike is a great angler and I do NOT want to take that away from him.

#2 Ike is not and should not be a role model I want my child to be like.

As was said earlier, there are several sports figures who are great in their profession but show little if any class or give a reason to be respected outside of the game. If money and talent make a "good guy" then Michael Jackson and Mike Tyson are the best! 8-)

jagdbdg reply :

I have a question to the people that say they wouldnt want Ike to be a role model for their children, Why? Obviously thats your decision but i just would like real reasons other than he screams when he catches a fish and dances on his boat. Davey Hite( i think it was) was dancing on his boat in a tournament, others have screamed when they caught a fish. So whats the difference.

This is not meant to be confrontational in anyway. I just seen this in a couple of posts even before this one

dink reply :

Ike is here to stay. Love it, leave it, or CHANGE it. For anyone who claims that they are NOT a "follower"(and we all are in some way or another), then put up or shut up. But don't hate what you don't understand. Also, professional bass fishing is not some Divine sport free of corruption, crooks or schemes, so don't put it up on some pedestal like it is going to "deliver us" someday. I love it and every aspect of it, but it is still JUST FISHIN'.

Captain Cali reply :

Quote
I am going to borrow my response from rapper
50 Cent. This is mildly edited of course, but I think

it sums it up for us.

Quote
"Go 'head switch the style up
If they hate, then let 'em hate

And watch the money pile up"

50 Cent - In Da Club

JT Bagwell

That's right baby!!

Rattletrap reply :

It's cool. We Bass Fishermen now have a shot at being an athlete.

Cephkiller reply :

JT,

I'm not really sure if you are endorsing Ike or not, but nevertheless, the fact that you are quoting the renowned philosopher 50 Cent in order to justify his behavior speaks volumes about his antics.

I have nothing against Ike personally. I get the feeling he is a pretty stand-up guy. It would probably be enjoyable to hang out with him. That doesn't mean I have to like the way he acts in front of the camera.

I think we all know people who are perfectly nice and a lot of fun, but when presented with an audience they become a different, less likeable person. I bet that Ike is one of those people. His audience is just larger than most people we know.

I guess my point is that those who are defending Ike's public persona based on their personal experience with him or his angling prowess are comparing apples and oranges. It is possible to respect the latter two and not the first. This is the camp into which I fall.

Matt Fly reply :

Folks if Ike was the only the thing my kids saw compared to MTV, MTV2, and the rest of the 1000 stations available. Terrell Owens and other NFL role models, NBA, Rappers, Rock stars all probably get more TV time than Ike and Sat. morning airtime. Ikes going Ike is mild compared to the other millions of role models.

Ike or Beevis and ButtHead

Ike or T.O.

Ike or MLB and Steriods

Ike or Dennis Rodman

Ike or Ron Artest

Ike or MTV

Ike or Jerry Springer

Is what IKE doing that bad as compared to other sports and TV idols?

Sometimes he goes overboard with his small fish. But, other than that, what is he exactly doing that makes him a bad role model compared to the Brittany Spears, Mike Tyson, and others who get more air time than Mike does?

Cephkiller reply :

Matt,

I absolutely agree with you. Ike is exponentially more favorable than those you mentioned. I, however, am comparing him to KVD, Clunn, etc. It's not that he is necessarily a "bad influence", it's just that I find his behavior undignified. I think it degrades the sport.

Matt Fly reply :

It took me a long time to stomach the NFL celebrations also, it wasn't part of the game back then. Does it mean the people are bad for dancing? Not hardly, some have done some off the field stuff to make some appear to be thugs. But not all are bad. Mike has crossed a fence in a sport, just like football atheletes have done.

What this role model does is less harm to a person eyes than all the other sports.

The subject matter is "Role Models" and #6 hated" my opinion is there are a lot worse out there, and the TV market that watches Ike on his prime time hour on TV is Saturday mornings with adults and a few kids. I bet the kids watch more MTV2 or other TV shows. Whether he's really hated, I don't care, he's made the final cut like KVD, that gets you an extra day of TV exposure.

If the other competitors, who like to say Mike gets more TV air Time because of his Loud celebrations, well if they would fish better ane qualify ahead of him once in awhile, that would certainly shut down some of the EXTRA TV time and his outlandish celebrations.

Mike is doing something smart, he is appealing to a younger fishing audience than any other pro has done. He is on their(youths) level. There is nothing Mike is doing that would make your kid do drugs, steal, lie, or cheat. Why would you not want Mike to be a role model compared to Mike Tyson, Owens, Spears, Artest, and others?

To cater to the youth, you will offend some old schoolers. Mike teaches "NEVER GIVE UP".

srv1990 reply :

Well, I'm not a long time poster like many others but having read all the posts on this thread I thought I would put my two cents in... after all, it's still a free country, right? Anyway, I fall in the same camp as Matt_Fly and many others for a couple reasons. First, as a parent of two children (girl-7/boy-5) I do pay attention to the many things my kids are exposed to, TV, radio, etc., and let me tell you there is some real garbage out there. Heck, my daughter received a Black Eyed Peas CD for Christmas, the first time I heard the song My Humps I just about broke the disk in half (those who've heard it know what I mean). So, comparing Ike to many other outlets, personalities, etc., he is head and shoulders above them. I do understand, however, that his personality rubs some the wrong way, and that's their prerogative to feel that way.

Secondly, I think with Ike and the sport of fishing being talked about so much, and more importantly getting exposure on national TV and in national publications is huge. It wasn't all that long ago that only hard core, serious fisherman knew anything, or for that matter even cared, about the sport of fishing. It's when people stop talking, stop taking notice, that I would worry.

I believe some comparisons can be made with the sport of professional tennis. There was a time when tennis was very much a "gentlemens" game, everyone on their best behavior, etiquette ruled. What's wrong with that? Well, nothing, except that no one noticed or cared about tennis except for the real tennis enthusiasts. Then all of the sudden along comes Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe and Illie Nastasi. I think most of you know their stories, so I won't go there, but through the exposure they gave the sport, people noticed, people watched, tennis became HUGE. Most didn't condone their antics, and in many cases they went over the line, but it made the sport colorful and people watched. In recent years tennis has taken a step back and from what I read in sports magazines it's because there are no "colorful characters" in tennis anymore.

More power to Ike for daring to be different. And to the other anglers out there with their own personalities. As long as they are playing by the rules and giving it their all, I'm OK with them.

I appreciate this forum and the opportunity to post my views on this topic.

squid reply :

Ike does stretch out before he heads out on the lake....lol.....does that make him an Athlete? Who cares...lol...his name is now all over the place. Even people not into fishing are looking him up as we write, just to see who this 6th hated athlete is....lol. Now we can go out into the world and say we too are athletes...lol

Squid

bixbybasspro reply :

He sure deserves the sixth place spot in my mind 8-)

BassChaser57 reply :

Hmmmmm,

Has anyone else noticed that when anglers are defending Ike they say "well, are you saying he is worse than ---" and the others are deadbeats and derilects.

To reinterate; I believe Ike is a great fisherman and deserves his status for being a skilled and talented angler and do NOT hate him at all. As has been said here, he is immature as he acts like a kid. It is not just Ike, MTV is locked out of our home as well and I attempt to have adult role models for my daughter who will make her a better, more responsible, self disiplined adult. An adult (no matter who it is) acting like an out of control teenager is not a role model in our home. Are there worse role models, of course, are there better, of course. I am an airline pilot and don't think you want me to scream and do the ghetto dance when I do my job and land the plane. The coach of the Denver Broncos tells his players to act like they came to make touchdowns and are not suprised when it happens. Act like they have done this before.

I realize Ike is here to stay because he is too good of an angler and I wish I had his fishing savvy, I am just glad I don't have to act like him when I catch a fish and more importantly, I am glad the guy in the back of my boat doesn't act like that.

Matt, None of the people or shows on your list make it in my home.

Great subject and remember; If the whole world liked chocolate there would be no vanilla. 8-)

Rattlinrogue reply :

It takes all kinds to make the bassin' tours interesting.From quiet,stoic,and talented Zell Rowland to the Zany antics of Ike.At first,I wasn't too sure,but he brings something to the game that is fun.From what I'm told,Ike is a pretty down to earth guy.He's found his "sctick" and it's made him famous.Good for him.Don't forget it's not all show.He's one hail of a bassman.

5bass reply :

Quote
It takes all kinds to make the bassin' tours interesting.From quiet,stoic,and talented Zell Rowland to the Zany antics of Ike.At first,I wasn't too sure,but he brings something to the game that is fun.From what I'm told,Ike is a pretty down to earth guy.He's found his "sctick" and it's made him famous.Good for him.Don't forget it's not all show.He's one hail of a bassman.

Amen RR......and on top of all that,when he goes Ike on a fish,its getting him face-time and lots of it.And to sponsors and others that fill his pockets,that's what it's all about!

ESPN loves the fact that Ike will yell and scream when he hooks that "GIANT" dink.It's like their own little reality show in a weird sort of way.People watch just to see what he's going to do next.

And he's doing what he loves to do......I cant say that I wouldnt GO IKE if I was fishing for a living,matter of fact,it would be a distinct possibility (without the break dancing) ;D

blanked reply :

i expect more from fishermen and golfers than i do from basketball players and musicians. dont bring fishermen down to the same level as dennis rodman and marilyn manson

Matt Fly reply :

I was wondering how many of you guys read GQ? Will you admit to it? I don't have the time or desire to read GQ.

Hate is a strong word to lay on someone, GQ should have used un-popular, disliked. You would think of the threads we go through talking about role models, and we think its okay to hate someone most has never met. Teaching our youth to hate, so early. Well this is our society of today. We debate one area and think its okay in others.

Cephkiller reply :

Quote
I was wondering how many of you guys read GQ? Will you admit to it?

Based on this quote:

Quote
What is wrong with fishing in nice stuff? I usually wear a $1,000 diamond
ring (my wedding ring) and one of my expensive watches (I just got another

$700 Movado watch when I was in Grand Cayman last week). So what? That

is just my style. Some might not like it, but I do and that's all that matters.

It sounds like JT might be a subscriber ;D

Captain Cali reply :

Wasn't Zell Rowland smoking a cigarette on camera? It's funny how some wouldn't want Ike for a role model but no one mentions Zell smoking...interesting...could it be age discrepancy? Maybe he was smoking to calm his nerves...all the young guys are making him nervous. ;D

I might see this a little different but I see fishermen as beer drinking, pizza eating, truck driving, and the guy living next door type of people. While golfers seem like wine drinking, caviar eating, mercedes driving, and living in a mansion getting paid 6+ figures to do it type of people. Seriously, golf is more of an elitist sport. How many PGA tour golf courses can you play without paying thousands to their country club? Not many. Fishing is and should be more accessible to the average joe than golf.

Matt Fly reply :

It happens, and its not against the tournament rules at that time, in his boat. But you don't see it happen as much as the 70's. I'll go back and say what is so bad about any bass fishermen as a role model compared to what is available out their.

Pros aren't advocating drugs, drinking, sex, money is power, and compared to what is on TV daily, they are mild, very mild compared to the afternoon soaps, Jerry Springer.

NBR reply :

There is no question about Ike's excellant fishing skills and the hard work he must put in to understand the water, season etc. in order to be effective.

I have never met Ike so I don't know whether I like him or not but I sure have no respect for his antics. I buy nothing from his sponsers and let them know when I can. Screaming, "It's a giant the lipping a 2 pounder". Give me a break!

There have been some pretty critical comments about his conduct beyond the screaming and break dancing and if they are true I don't care to meet him.

If you don't understand the dislike of his antics, there is not time to explain the dislike in my life time.

dave reply :

I met Ike the January after his Classic win. He was sitting behind a small desk at the Bass Fishing Expo in Timonium, Maryland selling his tapes and signing (there was hardly anyone in line, actually no one) autograghed cards. I would have thought that the Classic winner would have had some representation with him. It was just him and his mom. I actually felt kind of bad for him. As the show was ending, he was walking around the floor looking for people to talk to. Ike is not the age of some of us. If you think his stature is small on camera, those who have met him will tell you that he is very slight and unassuming. We talked for a little while and he actually wanted to see the rod and other things that I had bought. He is young and still feeling out his new found fame. Give him some slack for awhile and lets see where he goes with it. As others have said, he is a bass fisherman (judging by his B.A.S.S. and FLW career stats) second to very few. He'll figure himself out.

Glenn reply :

Well, like him or not, judging by all the posts about him in these forums he's clearly the most popular by a landslide. This exact same topic comes up over and over again about every 3 weeks, and ends up being about 3-4 pages of posts long.

Clearly people love to talk about him. Call his personality what you like, hate him or love him, but obviously he's at the top of everyone's minds.

GQ missed the bus on their topic. It should have been the top ranked most talked about sports personalities. Would've been a different list, but Ike surely would have made both lists!

cowie reply :

If it could be interestring here in Italy a lot of peopel don't like Iaconelli... but i love Mike

I love the people that work with tremendous passion ... in fishing hockey football...ever

guest reply :

I like Ike. I have posted negative things about him but not related to his antics. I HATE the way he treats shorts. He throws them back like they were garbage. I think that he is probably a pretty good kid by NJ city standards. He is very driven and his explosive outbursts are by now virtually required of him. He certainly has done more to popularize the sport of tournament bass fishing since Bill Dance. Without the Ikes ESPN would lose interest pretty quickly. But he needs to show some respect for the shorts he catches. Mind you, I'm not saying that he should waste valuable time, but it takes no more time at all to gently toss a short back then it does to heave it out like dead rat. I hope as he matures he'll develop a little more respect for the fish that made him a millionaire. Even the little ones.

cwenbass reply :

Being just like Mike in regards to being from NJ, I can tell you this, not well liked here!

janalon reply :

At BMU he was way more polite than the other intructors, He was the only one that involed kids in his presentation. Yes, he was a lot different than the other instructors. He was funnier, louder and more educational, He seemed to be the only one that was trying to teach.

As far as a role model, I don't see a problem with it at all.

For those that may see a problem with him being a role model for kids, try asking some of the kids who their role models are now.

dave reply :

In regards tossing back dinks like garbage, Guy Eaker told us in a seminar at Bassarama that they do that on purpose. They believe that by tossing them, it startles thems into almost forgetting that they just got caught. When you ease them into the water after a fight, they are still stunned from the fight. With the sudden toss and landing back in the water, they quickly swim away, from what they can tell, are less affected by being caught.

Matt Fly reply :

Dave, I have never heard that reason before, but kinda sounds logical. I know I have released some that appear to be stunned for a few seconds, then they appear to wake up and tear off.

squid reply :

I toss them back, but to the other side of the boat as to not scare off anymore bass than I already did when I caught the short. I don't throw them back, just toss.

Squid

Crank_Baits reply :

ike would be fine if he didnt have that anoying thing he does when he catchs a fish

SneakySnook reply :

In the past football players didn't celebrate a touchdown but now players get all excited about a tackle. But people don't complain about them celebrating. Because that's just they way thing are now. And what Ike does is his thing but don't be surprise if you see more and more anglers doing it.

Golf will never be like fishing unless golf courses become free to play on or it becomes cheaper to play on them. I don't see how someone can say golf is like fishing when golf courses won't let you play on them because you don't have a big enough bank account or because of your race or sex. Yea that's just like fishing.

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Ike #6 Hated Athlete 2024

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