CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Kevin VanDam, the top-ranked angler on the Bassmaster Elite Series Power Index, has been disqualified from the third stop of the 11-event Bassmaster Elite Series, "The Santee-Cooper Showdown", for violating rule 12, BASS announced today.
BASS officials were notified that VanDam's co-angler, Jim Stawiarski, was driving VanDam's boat while the 2005 Bassmaster Classic champion was on the front deck looking for beds on Santee-Cooper Reservoir Monday, the first day of the official practice period for the tournament.
According to rule 12, "Non boaters are only allowed to drive the boat in emergency situations in both practice and competition with the exception of loading and unloading from trailers."
Additionally, Stawiarski is disqualified from the tournament for his part in the rule violation. Co-anglers are sent rules in advance of any tournament and Stawiarski confirmed receipt.
The tournament will take place March 30-April 2 and daily weigh-ins will begin at 3 p.m. at John C. Land III Landing on Greenall Road in Summerton.