Three-Fish Limit Bass Fishing Tournament Rules

1. Tournament Eligibility

• Open to All Anglers: The tournament is open to amateur and professional anglers, though certain divisions (e.g., youth, senior, or pro) may be available.

• Boat & Solo Anglers: Tournaments may allow individual (solo) anglers or teams of two. If it’s a team event, both anglers must fish from the same boat.

• Age Requirements: Participants must be at least 18 years old unless accompanied by a guardian, or 16 years old for youth tournaments.

2. Fish Limit & Scoring

• Three-Fish Limit: Each angler/team may weigh in a maximum of three (3) bass during the tournament.

• Minimum Size Limit: Each bass must meet the minimum size requirement (typically 14 inches largemouth or spotted & 18 inches smallmouth, depending on local regulations and tournament rules). Fish that do not meet this size requirement must be released immediately.

• Weigh-In: Only largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass are eligible for weigh-in. Other species will not be counted.

• Scoring: The total weight of the three (3) bass will be the angler's/team's final score. In the event of a tie, the largest fish by weight will determine the winner.

3. Tournament Hours & Launch Times

• Start & End Times: The tournament will have specific hours, such as 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM (with adjustments for local conditions). Anglers must be at the official launch ramp by the set start time to begin fishing.

• No Fishing Before Official Start: Fishing before the official start time or after the end time will result in disqualification.

• Late Arrival: Anglers arriving late for the weigh-in will face penalties or disqualification. A standard penalty could be one pound subtracted for every minute late.

4. Permitted Fishing Methods

• Artificial Lures Only: No live bait allowed. Only artificial lures (e.g., soft plastics, crankbaits, jigs, spinners) are permitted.

• Hooking and Catching: Fish must be caught through fair means (i.e., no snagging or foul-hooking). Only fish that are actively caught and hooked will count.

5. Catch & Release Policy

• Live Fish Requirement: All fish brought to the weigh-in must be alive. Dead fish will be penalized, typically by subtracting 1 lb per dead fish from the total weight.

• Release of Fish: Immediately after weighing in, anglers should release fish back into the water carefully to minimize stress and injury.

6. Boat & Equipment Rules

• Permitted Boats: Boats must be properly registered and insured. All boats must be in safe, working condition.

• Safety Gear: Life jackets must be worn at all times when the boat’s engine is running. Tournament organizers may require additional safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, signaling devices, etc.

• Trolling Motors: Use of a trolling motor is permitted, but only electric trolling motors may be used. Gas-powered motors should not be used while fishing (unless during transport).

7. Checkpoints & Weigh-In

• Official Checkpoints: Anglers must check in at designated checkpoints to ensure all boats are accounted for. Failure to check in may result in disqualification.

• Weigh-In Procedure: Fish will be weighed at the designated weigh-in station. Fish will be judged by weight, and only fish brought in alive will be weighed. Weigh-in times will be strictly enforced.

• Release Procedure: After weigh-in, all fish must be returned to the water immediately.

8. Code of Conduct

• Sportsmanship: All participants must adhere to ethical fishing practices and demonstrate good sportsmanship. Unsportsmanlike conduct, cheating, or violation of tournament rules will result in disqualification.

• Respect the Environment: Anglers must respect all local laws regarding fishing seasons, fish limits, and water quality. No fishing in restricted areas or conservation zones.

• Disputes: Any disputes regarding rule violations or conduct should be reported to the tournament director. The decision of the tournament director is final.

9. Prizes & Payouts

• Prize Structure: Prizes will be awarded based on total weight of the three largest bass. The payout may vary depending on the number of participants and sponsor contributions.

• Tiebreakers: In the event of a tie in weight, the largest fish (by weight) will determine the winner.

• Entry Fees: There will be an entry fee for participation, and some portion of the fee may go toward event organization, prizes, and conservation efforts.

10. Weather & Cancellations

• Weather Delays: Tournaments may be postponed or rescheduled due to inclement weather or dangerous conditions (e.g., lightning, extreme winds).

• Cancellation: If a tournament is canceled for any reason, the entry fee may be refunded, or a makeup date may be scheduled.

Key Points Summary:

• Three-fish limit with a maximum of three bass per angler.

• Bass must meet the minimum size limit (typically 12–15 inches).

• Artificial lures only and all fish must be alive at weigh-in.

• Sportsmanship and respect for the environment are essential.

• Weigh-in will be strictly enforced, with penalties for late arrivals or dead fish.

These rules are designed to keep the tournament fun, fair, and sustainable while promoting competitive fishing and protecting local bass populations.