To all tournament directors...
I have a suggestion, and it may or may not work.. but here goes.
As winners of a Charity Tournament an angler "Represents" that charity, in the minds of Anglers. Winners of tournaments are KNOWN for being the winner of Such and Such a tournament. Guys brag that they WON such and such a tournament which allows them to brag and to get sponsors in some cases.
From now on put a clause in your tournament regulations that states.. AS a future representative of this tournament as the winner you agree that if you are caught cheating during the next 24 months you agree to repay all winnings to the tournament, to be distributed as the tournament organizers see fit. (IE. Charity or to the runners up of that tournament.)
Once signed it is a legal agreement. The winner agrees to represent in a positive manner the Tournament and its anglers.
(Even if he is just using it to brag)
NOW..
I realize that will not STOP most cheaters, but it will automatically increase any penalty. It is hard to prove cheating in a tournament once the rods and reels are put away and the check cashed, and the boat is sold.. BUT signing an agreement to repay all winnings should be binding and will give all cheaters or people who MIGHT cheat more to think about. It will comfort those who should have won as well, and clear the air of any stench that is attached to that tournament loss by another runner up. It also helps to remove doubt about the Tournament and Directors. (though why anyone would have doubt would be beyond me.)
Jim Dicken