Kernan’s Day 1 catch reinstated

Mike Kernan’s Day 1 catch in the Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River presented by STARK Cultural Venues, which was disqualified for a rules violation, has been reinstated.

Mike Kernan’s Day 1 catch in the Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River presented by STARK Cultural Venues, which was disqualified for a rules violation, has been reinstated.

Kernan of Wylie, Texas, was in 12th place after Day 2 of the four-day tournament, but tournament officials disqualified his first-day catch for violating rules that prohibit fishing in an off-limits area. He was unable to compete on Day 3 of the event, when the field was cut to the Top 53 anglers.

Kernan appealed the decision, which was reviewed by a three-member panel, including two professional anglers not involved in the tournament and a B.A.S.S. employee not connected with the B.A.S.S. Tournament Department.

Chris Bowes, B.A.S.S. senior tournament manager and moderator of the appeals hearing, wrote Kernan: “The Appeals Committee unanimously agreed that your disqualification and resulting loss of weight on Day 1 of the 2015 Bassmaster Elite Series Event on the Sabine River should be overturned. As a result of this decision, the Day 1 weight of 10 pounds and 1 ounce will be reinstated.  In addition, you will be awarded the points and money associated with a 12th place finish.”

Kernan’s reinstatement does not affect any other angler’s ranking, points or earnings.