Mike Kernan’s Day 1 catch was disqualified due to a violation of Bassmaster Elite Series rules — in this case for fishing in private waters.
Kernan’s Day 1 catch consisted of three fish for 10 pounds, 1 ounce. He was sitting in 12th place after Day 2. Because of the DQ Kernan didn’t make the cut for Day 3. The DQ means Dennis Tietje, who was in 54th place after two days, did make the cut and fished on Saturday. Here are the relevant rules below:
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.
Anglers have 48 hours to file an appeal.