Ed Loughran III had his day-1 weight disqualified at the Lake St. Clair Elite Series, according to a post on his Facebook page Thursday evening. He also said he is opting to not compete Friday, but will compete at the season at the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wis., later this month.
The Virginia pro, who entered the penultimate event on the Elite Series schedule in 93rd place in Angler of the Year points, is unlikely to requalify for the 2026 Elite Series.
On the information sheet B.A.S.S. distributed for the event, there is a section that outlines which fishing licenses are required in certain areas of the tournament waters. Walpole Island was among the areas mentioned.
"If fishing Walpole Island you must purchase a Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN) fishing license and pleasure craft license," the document reads.
Based on Loughran's post, it appears that he interpreted where he was to not be "fishing Walpole Island".