Category: The Rules

2010 Rule Book

The 2010 Bass Anglers Association Rule Book

  1. All anglers must have a current Ontario Sports Fishing license or be age-exempted.
  2. Your boat must be insured and have liability coverage provided on the day of the first tournament.
  3. Each angler and boat owner must sign a waiver of liability for the club and its members.
  4. Pre-fishing is prohibited 12 hrs before the day of the tournament.
  5. There will be a boat/live well inspection at the beginning of each event.
  6. Functioning live wells (or equivalent) are mandatory.
  7. No live bait is allowed. Pork rinds are allowed.
  8. No alcoholic beverages are permitted on boats.
  9. Landing nets are allowed.
  10. Tournament officials are allowed on your boat at any time during the tournament.
  11. Tournament hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on regular events and the first day of the Classic, and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the second day of the Classic.
  12. Anglers must calibrate their watches with that of the blast-off captain.
  13. In the event of heavy fog, the start of the tournament will be delayed until visibility returns to a safe level. The event end will not be extended.
  14. Life jackets must be worn while under power of the main motor.
  15. Boats must maintain a distance of 100 feet from other teams, at the risk of being disqualified.
  16. Competitors may not transfer fish or tackle between boats.
  17. No wake zones must be obeyed.
  18. A boat may not come to shore during the tournament except for thunderstorms or washroom duties. (Private property rights must be respected.)
  19. All teams must be at the weigh-in by the closing of each tournament.
  20. One pound per minute will be deducted for each minute a team is late.
  21. Up to 4 fish (large or smallmouth bass only) can be weighed in for regular events and five (5) fish for the Classic.
  22. Teams may only have four (4) fish on board while under power of the main motor during regular events and five (5) during the Classic tournament.
  23. A 12-inch minimum length is required (from tip to tip).
  24. There will be a ½ pound penalty for each dead fish.
  25. A fish must be live (able to swim away at release) to qualify for the Big Fish Prize.
  26. Only one big fish may be weighed in for each event.
  27. The Weigh Master has total and final authority over the entire weigh-in procedure.
  28. In the event of a tie, the prize money will be divided equally between the teams tied.
  29. navigable waters – ie. locking – must advise tourney director prior to event of intent to lock through – must show lock pass
  30. Unlimited Substitutes will be allowed as long as there is at least 1 member present. Except for the Classic where no substitutes will permitted
  31. Team of the year will be based on the weight of the best four
    regular season events.

FEES $350 for the season. Members may agree to an additional fee for the Classic.


BIG FISH: $10 per team per tournament voluntary contribution for those teams wishing to participate in the big fish pool.