Mike "Cry Baby" Icconelli

NC Buck · December 19, 2011, 07:41:09 PM

If anyone was watching the, I think it is called the "Texas Bass Challenge" or something like that, on Versus this past Sunday, they know what I am talking about. Anyway it came down to a fish off. When Mike "I'm A Little Boy" Iconelli got the word that he had just been beat he slammed his rod against the side of the boat and it went into about 5 pieces. He was left with just a two foot section of rod and a reel. He then takes that and heaves that into the lake. I would say with the rod, reel and line there went close to if not over $500 into the drink. I have never liked the dude and all I can say is that he had better be happy that he made it as a fishermen because I don't think he could survive any place else. The game warden should have issued him a ticket for dumping trash into the lake.

TNDiver · December 19, 2011, 08:37:15 PM

I saw plenty of guys like that in sports and never understood it. What ever happened to I gave it my best and I need to be a good sport and be happy for the winner! You end up looking more like a fool when you do things like that.

kidd · December 19, 2011, 08:58:49 PM

The never give up novelty is old. I would never look to an athlete as a role model and teach my son the same thing and when they make idiots of themselves on national tv it just reaffirms why I think that way.

Jomatt20 · December 20, 2011, 07:04:42 AM

I was watching the tournament also, I seen his childish act also I could understand his reason for being pissed because he was so close to $150,000 but, you don't break a freaking rod over the side of your boat! Then, throw your reel in the dang water. So, I ne'er was a fan of him also because of his unsportsmanlike ways but what I'm wondering is what his rod sponsor Abu Garcia thinks about his temper tantrum and also what bass cat thinks about him breaking a rod on the side of the boat? Either way If I was his rod sponsor, I wouldn't be to dang happy, I think he should lose his sponsorship and they should give it to someone who will appreciate it there's alot of guys on here that I'm sure could use a rod and reel sponsor like Abu! Lol.

Broskee · December 20, 2011, 07:23:55 AM

You guys have no idea do you, he brings so much attention to himself in that the companies that do sponsor him have one of the best marketing tools out there Iaconelli. I like the guy but yeah I do see that temper tantrums like that could be a little less harsh... He must be doing something right he is usually winning or at the top. You can love to hate the guy but he gets it done!

DBrooke · December 20, 2011, 07:37:38 AM

Quote from: Broskee on December 20, 2011, 07:23:55 AM
You guys have no idea do you, he brings so much attention to himself in that the companies that do sponsor him have one of the best marketing tools out there Iaconelli. I like the guy but yeah I do see that temper tantrums like that could be a little less harsh... He must be doing something right he is usually winning or at the top. You can love to hate the guy but he gets it done!

Couldn't agree more. Ex. Everyone knows he uses Abu rods

JMGullo · December 20, 2011, 07:42:22 AM

Quote from: DBrooke on December 20, 2011, 07:37:38 AM
Couldn't agree more. Ex. Everyone knows he uses Abu rods

I know several people that have met and interviewed Mike and they all say the same thing. It's all a big marketing stunt. Look it has you talking bout him and talking bout his sponsors so it must be working? Lol

coldfront · December 20, 2011, 08:35:26 AM

well, I guess if it sells more rods/boats/equipment...it's okay then.

Personally, I guess I'm hopelessly old school...where I was taught to win AND lose with grace. Same place I was taught to say 'yes sir' and 'yes ma'am'...

I like Ike...hear great things about him when he's one/one with folks...understand how things can change due to cameras, etc...

and for what it's worth, his move to fish the dam/rip rap while the other guy 'ran' was genious. Who'd have guessed you couldn't pull a 14 off the rip rap with a shaky head? that was a bitter pill I'm sure.

Then again, his 'prime spots' weren't producing late in the day...so why not do what he did?

I get/understand it all. I also hear he's in 'anger management counseling'...which is good...oh, and yes, I've seen guys toss golf clubs or wrap them around trees....it's still a childish act that really has no place in sports of any kind...

Not that this 'old school' approach is in any way 'acceptable' in today's world...

Now excuse me while I go watch Grand Torino...

DBrooke · December 20, 2011, 08:45:14 AM

Quote from: JMGullo on December 20, 2011, 07:42:22 AM
I know several people that have met and interviewed Mike and they all say the same thing. It's all a big marketing stunt. Look it has you talking bout him and talking bout his sponsors so it must be working? Lol

C'mon Jello, Everyone that knows me knows that he's my favorite.

JMGullo · December 20, 2011, 09:02:52 AM

I like him too! He isn't my favorite but I like him. How can anyone here say they wouldn do it. Have you ever been one fish from 150,000??? That's alot of money. I am a pretty good sportsman but it would be hard not to get upset about it.

~Dwight~ · December 20, 2011, 09:15:24 AM

It would be hard to not be upset, but can see where a person would get a little mad. On the other hand, I can say I have been one on one with Mike a couple times and he is nothing like what he is on TV. It is a marketing deal with all the yelling, kicking $3000 electronics, breaking rods and reels...It is to draw attention to him which in turn draws attention to his sponsors. He must have split personalities...

He's not my Favorite, but I do like him, and he does know his fishing and is very helpful and open to his theories and techniques when you ask.

coldfront · December 20, 2011, 09:17:05 AM

Quote from: JMGullo on December 20, 2011, 09:02:52 AM
I like him too! He isn't my favorite but I like him. How can anyone here say they wouldn do it. Have you ever been one fish from 150,000??? That's alot of money. I am a pretty good sportsman but it would be hard not to get upset about it.

I like Ike too...and I'm not suggesting it wouldn't be hard not to be frustrated...

but there are things professionals should do in public and there are things professionals should not do in public.

JMGullo · December 20, 2011, 09:30:21 AM

Quote from: coldfront on December 20, 2011, 09:17:05 AM
I like Ike too...and I'm not suggesting it wouldn't be hard not to be frustrated...

but there are things professionals should do in public and there are things professionals should not do in public.

I agree

-Shawn- · December 20, 2011, 09:37:07 AM

He talked about his anger issues in his Blog a few months back and said he had started thearapy to help the problem. At least he has admitted he has a problem.

I have been around him away from Fishing and he is a laid back guy that really enjoys helping others learn .

I think alot of this has to do with the ultra Type A persanality that alot of atheletes have. They are Jekyl and hyde when there in the zone.

Hate to admit it, but I have Been there........ There has been a few times Crash has wanted to hide under the console as to not be seen with me when I have a meltdown or get fed up with another boat pushing in on me.

I think everyonethat has met me on here would say I am normally pretty laid back, but I can turn.

TNDiver · December 20, 2011, 11:20:35 AM

Quote from: Broskee on December 20, 2011, 07:23:55 AM
You guys have no idea do you, he brings so much attention to himself in that the companies that do sponsor him have one of the best marketing tools out there Iaconelli. I like the guy but yeah I do see that temper tantrums like that could be a little less harsh... He must be doing something right he is usually winning or at the top. You can love to hate the guy but he gets it done!

I completely disagree. If I am the rod/reel company it looks to me that he is blaming my product for not catching fish, and on top of that, I have to replace his rod/reel. It is a buyers market for sponsors and there will always be someone with better sportsmanship who would be more appreciative of my sponsorship. It also sends the wrong message to kids, which would reflect on your product. My guess is they already chewed him out for it with a "it better not happen again!"

Jomatt20 · December 20, 2011, 12:01:32 PM

Quote from: TNDiver on December 20, 2011, 11:20:35 AM
I completely disagree. If I am the rod/reel company it looks to me that he is blaming my product for not catching fish, and on top of that, I have to replace his rod/reel. It is a buyers market for sponsors and there will always be someone with better sportsmanship who would be more appreciative of my sponsorship. It also sends the wrong message to kids, which would reflect on your product. My guess is they already chewed him out for it with a "it better not happen again!"

Exactly what I was saying, like everyone that has met him has said he is a laid back guy and knows his stuff, I was always taught to take care of what I had and to me breaking a dam good Abu was a childish move. Yes it does bring attention to him and his sponsors but Like tndiver said it sends the wrong message to kids and it is unsportsmanlike I am 21 and still look up to guys like Denny brauer, kvd, and Gary Klein and I guess its because they don't seem to change in front of a camera and don't break stuff when they get lose. I do wish mike the best of luck in the upcoming season because he is a good fisherman and works hard just like everyone that's out there but just didn't agree with that move he did.

bass1cpr · December 20, 2011, 12:05:09 PM

I'd call it just what it is unsportsman like conduct. It's annoying enough screaming and yelling about a two or three pound fish. Over reaction especially for a professional that fishes at the Elite level. Not classy at all in my book. It may be considered promotion by some but it's a tasteless behavior in my book.

Broskee · December 20, 2011, 12:10:55 PM

Quote from: Jomatt20 on December 20, 2011, 12:01:32 PM
Exactly what I was saying, like everyone that has met him has said he is a laid back guy and knows his stuff, I was always taught to take care of what I had and to me breaking a dam good Abu was a childish move. Yes it does bring attention to him and his sponsors but Like tndiver said it sends the wrong message to kids and it is unsportsmanlike I am 21 and still look up to guys like Denny brauer, kvd, and Gary Klein and I guess its because they don't seem to change in front of a camera and don't break stuff when they get lose. I do wish mike the best of luck in the upcoming season because he is a good fisherman and works hard just like everyone that's out there but just didn't agree with that move he did.

Don't be fooled by what you think these guys havent done, KVD has thrown a tantrum but not to the extent of IKE, and Denny Braurer let JVD know earlier this year that he did not like him fishing in his area. None of these guys are perfect you just get to see them on camera being perfect

coldfront · December 20, 2011, 12:43:09 PM

Quote from: Broskee on December 20, 2011, 12:10:55 PM
Don't be fooled by what you think these guys havent done, KVD has thrown a tantrum but not to the extent of IKE, and Denny Braurer let JVD know earlier this year that he did not like him fishing in his area. None of these guys are perfect you just get to see them on camera being perfect

rumor has it KVD also had 'a talk' with JVD...after that incident.

we all know what happens out there...but to not have enough personal control to contain yourself when the camera is on...that's different.

If he's 'just muggin' for the camera...that's potentially even worse...because then it's very much premeditated...and setting an incredibly poor example...

Broskee · December 20, 2011, 12:44:20 PM

Quote from: coldfront on December 20, 2011, 12:43:09 PM
rumor has it KVD also had 'a talk' with JVD...after that incident.

we all know what happens out there...but to not have enough personal control to contain yourself when the camera is on...that's different.

If he's 'just muggin' for the camera...that's potentially even worse...because then it's very much premeditated...and setting an incredibly poor example...

I would have to agree

bassn1 · December 20, 2011, 01:55:01 PM

I have to agree that it is/was a childish move. I don't know the man personally. However, after watching the way he reacts when the chips are down, I would not invite him on my team. If he wants to throw a fit (and ALL of us have at one time or another) he could do it when the cameras are turned off or in private. JMHO

NC Buck · December 20, 2011, 03:24:20 PM

Quote from: TNDiver on December 19, 2011, 08:37:15 PM
I saw plenty of guys like that in sports and never understood it. What ever happened to I gave it my best and I need to be a good sport and be happy for the winner! You end up looking more like a fool when you do things like that.

I have to agree with TNDiver, I guess I am just old fashioned or something, but as a "PROFESSIONAL" act like it and better yet act like you have been here before.

Camden · December 20, 2011, 04:22:36 PM

Aparently his tantrum worked. Here we are all talking about him

Im not big on Ike but he is doing something we arent. he is an elite angler while i sit here dreaming bout it.
I have to agree with Shawn. im a pretty timid guy but when i get on the water im a different person. have i ever broke a rod before because of a fish................Yes........ but people also tell me im to competitive

RushFan · December 20, 2011, 05:15:25 PM

just because he's supposedly a "Pro" doesn't buy him class...if this was an isolated incident then he'd get a pass. We all do dumb stuff but this is just makes him look like an ASS. Honestly when he's getting coverage on TV I usually head to the fridge or restroom, what's that worth to ya Abu???

bass1cpr · December 20, 2011, 05:53:05 PM

Most of the talk though is in a negative light it seems. Not much respect going on here.