Winning angler Barron Adams has his tournament weight disqualified for failing to produce a valid fishing license for the tournament waters.

TEXARKANA, TX (Apr 23, 2022) — The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) announces that Wright Patman winning angler Barron Adams has had his weight over three days deemed ineligible for the tournament due to failure to produce a valid fishing license for the State of Texas.

“During the post tournament verification process, it was discovered that Barron Adams had competed in the event without valid fishing license,” said Brad Fuller of the NPFL. “In reference to NPFL Official Rules section 3 (referenced below), this resulted in his disqualification for the event.”

3. PAYBACK & PARTICIPATION – Payback is based on the full field of up to 130 anglers. Participation is open only to members of THE NATIONAL PFL. Any person’s participation in any tournament is at the sole discretion of THE NATIONAL PFL officials. All pros must have a valid fishing license for the waters they fish. Failure to provide proof of a valid fishing license within a reasonable amount of time when requested by the tournament director will result in disqualification for that day and any preceding days in which the license was required for the tournament.

“The League is confident that this was an inadvertent and unintentional rules violation on Barron’s behalf, and this is in no way a reflection of his integrity as an angler,” added Fuller. “Barron is a great person and a phenomenal angler, and we are proud to have him as a competitor in the National Professional Fishing League.”

That's going to sting and haunt him for days.

NPFL fumbles the ball again…… Bass and MLF would have swept it under the rug I bet. Surprised NPFL decided to take it on the chin and open themselves up to all the very legit criticism.

I’ll solve the problem

Verify insurance of every angler at start of year to make sure their policy is within the leagues rules with only 75 anglers and email this is simple.

Verify license at the pre tournament meeting, that way if there is an issue it can be corrected and it reminds everyone to get the license.

At the end of the day the angler is solely responsible, but man you would think if your gonna poly graph the winner and check the license that it would be much easier to check that box before the first tournament cast is made. Saves a lot of embarrassment for everyone associated with the league. The best angler did not win this event and that’s sad.

The idea that it’s the tournament orgs job to check license is silly.
What next they checking fire extinguishers pre tournament? Maybe tear their batteries while they’re at it?