Bassmaster Elite Pro Faces Allegation of Fraud in Fishing Tournaments

On By Littum

Breaking Story: Benjamin Milliken, best known for his popular YouTube channel, Milliken Fishing, and his status as a Bassmaster Elite angler, was arrested Thursday in Nacogdoches County and charged with freshwater fishing fraud.

The charges stem from Milliken’s submission of a Legacy Class ShareLunker largemouth bass he caught at Lake Naconiche in February 2024. Texas Parks and Wildlife officials said Milliken falsified his contest form.

According to a redacted Nacogdoches County Sherrif’s Office booking summary photo, Milliken, 35, of New Caney, Texas, surrendered on the misdemeanor charge and was released just 29 minutes after he was brought in.

Nacogdoches County Sherrif's Office booking summary for Benjamin Milliken

Nacogdoches County Sherrif’s Office Booking Summary for Benjamin Milliken / Nacogdoches County Sherrif’s Office | The Daily Sentinel

As reported by The Nacogdoches Daily SentinelMaggie Berger, spokesperson for Texas Parks and Wildlife said in an email, “During the due diligence process this fall, prior to the presentation of program awards at the Toyota ShareLunker Banquet, it was discovered that Milliken did not have a valid fishing license at the time the fish was caught and knowingly falsified the competition/ tournament form.”

Berger told the Daily Sentinel Milliken has been disqualified from the program and cited for fishing without a valid license.

To qualify for the Legacy Class ShareLunkers program, a bass must weigh more than 13 pounds and be caught during the spawning period from January through March. The angler who made the catch can then loan the bass to Texas Parks and Wildlife for use in the state’s breeding programs. Those anglers are eligible to receive prizes in excess of $10,000, Berger said.

Ben Milliken will begin his second year competing in the Bassmaster Elite series.

Ben Milliken will begin his second year competing in the Bassmaster Elite series. / BASS

Late Friday afternoon, as news of the arrest began to surface online, Milliken issued a multi-part statement on his Facebook page, Milliken Fisheriesand said his arrest was “due to a complete misunderstanding” and not related to any Bassmaster Elite tournament.

“Actually the incident occurred while I was fishing in my spare time. And not in a tournament at all. I am very much looking forward to making a video(s) explaining this entire situation. However, due to the ongoing investigation, it is best that I wait .”

“In the meantime, I will continue to work seven days a week to film and produce the best fishing content possible to help spread my love of the outdoors and promote the sport of fishing to as many people as possible. Thank you all for your patience and understanding.”