Keith Poche DQ Responce

Photo: Keith Poche Facebook

Following the DQ of Ish Monroe and Keith Poche at the recent BASS Bass Pro Shop Southern Open in Florida, Keith has posted the following statement to his facebook fans.

Here is his statement:
I'm sure everyone is confused about what's going on. First, I would like to apologize to everyone that has followed me, my sponsors, Bassmaster and my fellow competitors for the unfortunate situation on 1-16-15. Just to clear a few things up. I was on the trolling motor when I hit Ish Monroe's boat. I misjudged the wind and current that carried my momentum into his boat. This is my fault and I'm really sorry that my trolling motor hit his rub rail. Next, Ish begin to curse at me and degrade me as a person. I apologized to him about the boat contact. He still continued to yell and saying he was going to jump in my boat and whip my butt. He then jump into my boat and pushed me overboard. I fell against the back of another boat. Hitting my side on the power poles and motor. My hip is now swollen and I'm in a lot of pain. I'm just so thankful I didn't get seriously hurt or bump my head and drown in the current and leave my daughter without a father and my wife without a husband. I've never been in this situation before, so I reported to tournament officials to get proper protocol and they mentioned 911. Just doing what I was told. I wish the best for Ish in the future.

Ish Monroe Statement Regarding B.A.S.S. Southern Open Lake Toho Incident

In light of the recent disqualification of Ish Monroe at the recent Bass Pro Shop Southern Open, Ish has penned a public letter to address the matter. Here it is in it's entirety. 

(ishmonroe.com)

January 17, 2015 - By now you've all heard about the regrettable situation that occurred between myself and fellow Elite Series competitor Keith Poche at the first Southern Open of 2015 at Lake Toho.

I wanted to take a moment to issue an apology to B.A.S.S., the fans of the sport, my sponsors and the industry that supports professional bass fishing and the sport as a whole. I want everyone to know that the last thing I intend to do at any time is shed a bad light on the industry that has afforded me the opportunity to do what I love.