Tournament Rules

Fall Tournament Rules and Regulations

• Safe boating must be observed at all times. Life jackets must be worn any time the gas engine is running. At the discretion of the Tournament Directors, tournament days may be shortened, postponed, or cancelled due to unsafe weather or water conditions. No alcoholic beverages may be consumed during fishing hours.

• Invasive species notice: It is each angler/boaters’ responsibility to abide by all DNR regulations intended to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• Inclement weather notice: Tournament director has authority to cancel, quit early with weigh in, or to continue with tournament as scheduled, at any time due to inclement weather that the director deems unsafe. It is the participants’ responsibility to call tournament director to check status of tournament. If tournament is called early with weigh in and team is not present it is considered forfeit. It is boaters’ responsibility for their own safety.

• All boats must be a minimum of 16 feet in length with a properly aerated live-well space to maintain a live tournament limit of bass. Each boat must have all required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment. All tournament boats must be cleaned of all harmful exotic aquatic plants, including milfoil and zebra mussels prior to entering the tournament waters. Live wells may be checked at any time by a Tournament Director.

• Tournaments will be limited to 50 boats.

• Entry Fees will be non-refundable if tournament director is not notified of team not attending 10 days prior to tournament.

• Persons under the age of 16 must fish with a parent or guardian. Persons under age of 18 are required to have parent or guardian also sign entry form.

• Boat draw will be drawn the Saturday after registration closes Friday night. Boat numbers will be emailed out and reminded on Sunday morning

• Bass must be caught in a conventional sporting manner. Only artificial lures may be used, with the exception of pork trailers. All Minnesota fishing regulations apply. Landing nets are permitted.

• Pre-fishing off limit starts at 8pm the day before an event.

• 5 bass limit (largemouth only) 12" minimum (mouth closed tail pinched).

• No more than 6 bass in live wells at one time. Dead fish are included in 5 fish limit and cannot be culled. No culling at access or weigh in.

• Fish weighed in at under 12" will cost your team that fish and your largest fish.

• All fish will be released after weigh-in. All boats must have a good working live well.

• Dead fish penalty will be .25lb per dead fish weighed in. Be responsible anglers, dead fish will happen, let’s not give tournaments bad names by releasing dead fish.

• One fish is allowed to be weighed for big fish, contestant must choose. A dead fish may not be weighed as your big fish.

• Late to weigh in penalty will be loss of one pound of fish for every minute late.

• Winners of tournament are determined by highest total bag weight not to exceed 5 bass.

• Ties will be broken by 1.) Number of bass (5 max). 2.) Weight of biggest bass. 3.) Coin flip. Except if there is a tie for first place a fish off will ensue, for first place and second place. The first legal bass caught will determine first place. The fish off will take place immediately after the weigh in and will last no longer than two hours. If no legal bass is caught within the two hours, a coin flip will determine first place.

• Competitors must maintain a minimum distance of 75 feet(approximately 4 boat lengths) from another competitor unless you have their permission. You must obey all buoys and signs on the lake. All Minnesota fishing and boating regulations apply.

• Full boat inspections will be done the morning of the tournament.

• Tournament director(s) decisions are final.

• Any protest made must be presented to Tournament Director(s) prior to awarding of prizes. Any disputes will be determined by teams three and seven. Tournaments director(s) will rule on any impass.

• All boats must be checked in by 7:30am the morning of the tournament.

 Anglers waiver & acknowledgement Participation Agreement:

I understand that this is a professional sporting event governed by the rules that have been established by tournament officials. I acknowledge that I have read and understand these rules and that these rules relate to the safety of all participants as well as the fair sporting conduct of this event. The Tournament Official(s) shall act as the referee in all disputes and their decision is based on their interpretations of the rules will be final and without legal appeal. I understand there are never refunds for tournament entry fees. Release of Liability: I acknowledge that I am participating voluntarily in the Granite City Fall Invitational Bass Tournament. I agree to assume all risk of injury, death, damages, theft and loss to personal property, which may result from my participation in the tournament. I recognize that loss of property, injury or death could arise from the fishing and boating activities contemplated by the tournament and the risks normally encountered in open water fishing from a boat may be enhanced by exposure to the elements and other risks inherent in outdoor competition. I warrant that I am in good physical and mental health and am physically capable of withstanding the rigors and requirements of a professional competition.

Photo & Video Release:

I understand and agree that any and all photographs, videos or films taken during the course of my participation in the tournament which includes me, my name and/or my boat maybe be used by the tournament organizers.

If completing form via printout and mail:

Make Checks Payable to Granite City Bassmasters

Mail checks to: Robert Beaman 726 8th St N Sauk Rapids, MN 56379