B.A.S.S. announced today that the 2nd-place team in this week’s Bassmaster Team Championship on DeGray Lake, Arkansas, has been disqualified due to the use of an illegal bait. Members of that team have been replaced by the 4th-place team for the individual portion of the event that will determine a 2015 Bassmaster Classic berth.
Tournament director Jon Stewart said the team of Brandon Gladish and Aaric Correll of Indiana was banished for violating Rule C7, which covers tackle and equipment.
The rule states, “Any umbrella-type rigging, harness, or other device designed to hold more than one lure at a time – with or without hooks - is not allowed. Such rigging, harness, or device cannot be added to a single lure as described above. Traditional twin-arm spinnerbaits or buzzbaits are allowed. Trailer hooks and plastic trailers must be on the main hook of the bait; only spinner blades can be affixed to the arms. The head on the main stem may be hinged. On these spinnerbaits or buzzbaits, no more than two wires, with a maximum length of 6 inches, may extend off the main arm or body of the lure. The ‘head and hook’ portion of the lure must trail behind the blade or blades. B.A.S.S. officials have the sole authority to determine whether a lure is considered a single lure as defined above.”
The team of Brandon Gray and Todd Massey of North Carolina moved into 2nd place, and the 4th-place team of Jon Griffith and John Stewart Jr. of Arizona moved to 3rd.
Members of the Top 3 teams – including champions Flannagan Fife and Royce Davis of Arkansas – returned to the water today to compete individually for the Classic slot.
