Mike Kernan’s day-1 weight at the Sabine River Elite Series has been disqualified, BassFan has learned, thereby denying him a spot among the Top 53 anglers fishing today.
Kernan today told BassFan his three fish for 10-01 was wiped from the leaderboard after another competitor protested that he navigated through non-posted private water Thursday to reach his fishing area. Kernan’s 8-04 from day 2 will be allowed to stand, but he dropped from 12th to 77th in the standings after his day-1 total was zeroed. Dennis Tietje benefited from Kernan’s misfortune as he was the first angler out of the cut in 54th after Friday’s round and moved up a slot to qualify for Saturday.
Below is a post from Kernan’s Facebook page from early Saturday morning:
B.A.S.S. released the following statement regarding Kernan's situation:
Friday night B.A.S.S. officials disqualified pro Mike Kernan’s Day 1 catch in the Elite Series at Sabine River presented by STARK Cultural Venues due to violation of Bassmaster Elite Series rules.
B.A.S.S. officials determined Kernan violated the following rules:
C6 (iii) All competitors are bound by the prevailing statutes and regulations of the various states within which they fish. Competitors are responsible for research of fishing and boating regulations.
C13 Tournament waters shall be established by the Tournament Director for each tournament. Each competitor must obtain this information from the B.A.S.S. Tournament Department. Any water within these boundaries posted “off-limits” or “no-fishing” by state or federal agencies will be off limits and will be announced at the tournament briefing. Only that water open to all public fishing will be considered tournament waters. Waters deemed off-limits by authorities or tournament officials should be treated like a wall. No boats or casting behind that boundary while fishing.
On Saturday afternoon, Kernan added a comment to his Facebook post indicating he has appealed his disqualification.
"I have filed my formal request to appeal," Kernan wrote. "I will keep everyone posted of the results when I learn them. I will support the results and ask that everyone support the results as well. Thanks!"
Per B.A.S.S. rules (Rule C22), a three-person committee comprised of one B.A.S.S. employee not affiliated with the Tournament Department and two anglers who are not competitors in the event in question will review the appeal. The appeal hearing is to take place within seven (7) business days of receipt of the written appeal and all parties must make themselves available at the prescribed hearing time. Further, decisions of the appeals committee shall be final.
BassFan will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
