Kayak Anglers | Event Rules and Information

Event Rules and Scoring

PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY

Participation is open to anyone 18 years of age or older; under 18 with a signed release from parent or legal guardian.
Entry fee payment must be received prior to event participation in order to officially participate in the event.
Non-Members will be required to pay an additional fee unless a joint event with other club(s) is announced prior to the event
Non-Members will not be eligible for AOY points for ANY and ALL events that were fished as a NON-Member
By paying the fee, registrant agrees to all rules for event and organization as a whole.
All participants must be prepared to present a valid state fishing license for the event.
All participants must have the appropriate launch permits where necessary.
PFD (must be worn at all times and secured properly - buckles fastened, zippers zipped, etc.), whistle, and light are required. (hand-held flash lights that give off a white light are acceptable)
PFD may be removed for adding or removing clothing (i.e. taking off a sweatshirt), angler must be stationary with no lines in the water.

EVENT TARGET SPECIES

Only Black Bass, Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted Bass are eligible for scoring.
This is a CPR event (catch, photograph, release).
No tournament participant will keep any bass for any reason.
Keeping fish of any species (other than Bass) must meet all State, Federal and Local guidelines and regulations.

PERMITTED FISHING METHODS

All fish entered must be caught from a kayak or canoe in regulation with your local state Department of Fish and Game guidelines and in accordance with any local regulations pertaining to event water and the permitted boundaries for that specific event(s). It is the angler's responsibility to know all regulations.
Bass caught while wading or walking the shoreline ARE eligible for submission. Your kayak must appear in every bass photo submitted. Please be courteous and supportive of Catch and Release by keeping your watercraft close by, preferably within a few yards, to ensure all fish are released unharmed.
All fish must be caught on casted, Reel, Line and Hook with ARTIFICIAL LURES ONLY with one line in the water at a time.
If an angler has caught a bass, a subsequent cast may not be made until that fish has been released freely to the water. That is only 1 bass is allowed to be in possession of the angler for measurement

In the case of multiple catches on the same cast (double catch on lure with multiple hooks, Alabama rig, double fluke rig, etc..) then the angler is allowed to submit all of those catches and is not considered to be in possession of more than 1 bass.

APPROVED WATERCRAFT

Only kayaks, single person canoes or SUP's are permitted

The Angler 360 and 360 Escape from Blue Sky Boatworks are permitted for use in all Kayak Angler events.

Human powered propulsion must be used. Only paddle or pedals.
Any fish submitted while using a trolling motor that has not been approved and/or without a medical release will be disqualified.
If an angler has a motor installed on their kayak, the power must be disconnected with the battery removed. This includes the AutoPilot, ePDL and any other motorized models.
For those unable to paddle or pedal for medical reasons, electric trolling motors may be used. Individuals will be required to have a GPS to ensure 3mph is not exceeded. Individual(s) will also be required to not exceed the speed of other paddlers given conditions on the day of the event. You must receive approval to use an electric trolling motor prior to the date of the event(s).
A maximum of two participants are permitted in a single watercraft. If both participants are 18 years or older, only one angler may be entered into the event and that registered angler must propel the watercraft. The second occupant is not allowed to assist in landing the fish, casting, or photographing and measuring the fish. If at least one of the participants is a youth member, both anglers may compete in the event and either participant may propel the watercraft. Youth members under the age of 16 may receive assistance landing, casting and photographing a fish from a participant in the same boat. Youth members 16 and older are not permitted to receive assistance landing the fish or casting.

Youth members (all members under 18) are permitted to receive assistance from a fellow competitor while measuring their catch. If the competitor agrees to help, he or she may take the photo while the youth member holds the fish on the board with both hands. All other measuring rules apply. The photo may be taken and submitted to the system by a device that belongs to either the junior angler or the competitor who is providing assistance.
Additional details regarding Youth members and watercraft restrictions as well as age restrictions may be viewed HERE
PLEASE NOTE: An exception is made for participants who require assistance due to a medical condition in which case the second boater (regardless of age) may propel the watercraft and assist the other participant. Such cases must be approved by the Tournament Director at least 48 hours before the event begins.

LAUNCH POINT(S)

All participants will launch from a designated launch point or points at a designated time specified prior to each event.
The launch time will be estimated but is subject to change due to conditions such as dense fog or inclement weather. The official time will be announced at the event and/or in a LIVE Captains Meeting the night before that specific event..
Off Limits, No Fishing and Out of Bounds signs or any of the LIKE are not permitted to fish during ANY and ALL Kayak-Anglers Events.
LIVE Captains Meetings will be held before an event to discuss any Changes that may have been made for that event, Safety Regulations, Clarification of the Rules, any questions that have come up for that event, the 3-Digit Code for that event, Awards Ceremony information, and any other topics that the Tournament Director feels may be beneficial for our Anglers, Sponsors and Communities.

MEASURE-IN

All fish are to be submitted to TourneyX prior to the photo submission deadline as set by the Tournament Director(s). Any signal reception issues are the angler’s responsibility to resolve. Any technical issues preventing submissions must be reported to the Tournament Director(s) BEFORE photo submission deadline.
Fish Submissions after lines out will be subject to Tournament Director and/or Co-Directors discretion.
All participants are strongly encouraged to attend the Measure-In. If something should come up that would prevent attendance, please inform your Tournament Director as soon as practicable.
The measure-in time will be estimated but is subject to change due to conditions such as dense fog or inclement weather. The official time will be announced at the event.
It is the responsibility of the Angler(s) to make sure that your fish are submitted correctly and within the approved time period

JUDGING & SCORING

The Hawg Trough and Ketch Board are the only accepted measuring device for tournaments.
Starting in 2020, All Participants must use the Event Season(s) year Kayak-Anglers Identifier with your specific name on the name line and the Event Specific 3-digit code on the code line for each and every fish submitted
The anglers name, (First or Last) and that event(s) 3-Digit code MUST be on the Identifier or a Disqualification of those fish submitted will be applied.

Kayak Anglers utilizes TourneyX.com for fish photo submissions and smart phone location service must be turned ON for TourneyX fish submittal
Initial scoring will be completed by participants and final scoring will be completed by Tournament Director(s) and/or Co-Directors
The Judges for each and every Event will judge each angler’s fish submitted for final standings.
Tournament Director(s) and/or Co-Directors) will have final say regarding final standings.

We have decided to use the PA Fish and Boat method of measurement. Please refer to the example below when scoring your fish. According to the Fish and Boat Commission, the total length of a fish is from the tip of the Closed Mouth to the longest point of the tail. Tails must be flat on the board as shown below. There is no penalty for an un-pinched tail.
Mouth must be closed and touching the bump board. The fish's length will be determined by the closest 1/4” increment at the end of the longest point of the tail. If the judges determine the mouth/jaw is open beyond the examples below, there will be a 1" deduction. There is no specific/allowed margin of error and this photo is simply a guideline. Since our rule requires the jaw/mouth to be closed, deliberately leaving the mouth open to gain length will lead to a scenario where the assigned judge will need to determine if a penalty applies. Our recommendation is to avoid putting this decision on the judges. Doing so impacts everyone in the event with a process that takes longer and could lead to a 1” deduction. Don’t lose an inch trying to gain a quarter.

Nothing can cover the fish's eye or be under the gill plate or fish will be disqualified.
Mouth must be against bump with left side of fish facing up as shown above. Additional examples can be seen below. Any fish measured incorrectly will be disqualified.

Competitors submitting their catches with incorrect length will not only take away from the live aspect of our event scoring but will annoy others and slow down the scoring process of the event. Please be aware other participants will be able to view your scored fish. Be sure to use common sense and be realistic when scoring your fish. For example, If a mouth is open, please log fish with penalty already applied.
Tournament Director(s) and/or Co-Directors) will have final say regarding scoring and protests.
Remember, there is a CULL button in the Tourney X app, please review all of your fish that have been submitted and make any corrections before the “Fish must be submitted” time period ends
Recorded lengths are not final until verified.
Each and every submission must be in your kayak and your kayak must be visible in each photo.
Photos that do not meet the requirements listed will not count.
(3) Longest verified lengths will be totaled for your score. Certain events may have a 5 fish or more limit and those events will have their respective limits listed on the TourneyX event page as well as announced in the Captains’/Pre-event meeting.
Fish under 12” will not count and should not be photographed
The participant with the highest total score is the winner, next highest is second, etc (See Tie Breaker section below for a more detailed explanation)
The participant with the single longest fish of the event will be recognized as the “Big Bass” winner.
In the Event of a “Big Bass” Tie; the pot will be split
Fish of similar lengths must be distinguishable between one another, Disqualification of one of the fish will be up to Tournament Director and/or Co-Directors if fish are indistinguishable
Rounding of fish length will be down to the nearest ¼”
A mangled or 'irregular' tail will be measured to the longest of the two tail points
Nothing is allowed to be in the fish’s mouth while being photographed besides the fish grips. A deduction of a 1” for fish photographed while "lip gripped" with Boca/Lucid/The Fish Grip or similar tool, as well as a deduction of 1” for open mouth for a total deduction of 2” for fish photographed with Boca/Lucid/The Fish Grip or similar tool. If a tool is used, the mouth must still be touching the bump of the board for the fish to count. Please be sure to take the lure/hook out of the fish’s mouth before taking the photo. This is a danger to you and the fish so please keep them out of their mouth.
Absolutely nothing can be used to hold down the fish except your hand. No stringers, no tie-downs, no tourney tags, no bungies, no restraints what-so-ever (excluding your hand). Nothing can cover the fish's eye or be under the gill plate. The fish will be disqualified.
In the rare occurrence that an agreement in judging cannot be reached, a panel will be appointed by the Officers of Kayak-Anglers.com to make a Final Decision by Majority.

EXAMPLES OF FISH MEASUREMENTS

Correctly measured and photographed fish, Bump Board, Identifier clearly present and correct angle – NO DEDUCTIONS MADE:

Incorrectly Measured fish – Fish facing the wrong direction – DISQUALIFICATION

INCORRECTLY MEASURED FISH – MOUTH NOT TOUCHING BUMP BOARD – FISH DQ:

Nothing can cover the Eye or Gill Plate- Fish DQ

Poor Camera Angle, Unable to clearly see the mouth touching the Bump Board JUDGES DISCRETION – Likely a fish DQ:

Not being able to see the mouth touching the Bump Board - Likely a DQ:

Any part of the Identifier cut off that the 3-Digit Code and your Name is cut off or if the 3-Digit Code or Your Name is not filled out on the Identifier - Fish DQ

A Bass that has what appears to be a “Dead Eye”, caused by previous damage, must record/video the release of the that Bass safely “alive”, identify the “Dead Eye” or “Dead Appearance” swimming off alive, and forward that to the Judges/Chapter Leadership to remove any questioning of that catch. - Fish DQ

TIE BREAKER

"Tourney X Default Scoring" In the event of a tie in score. The Tourney X App system software built into the Tourney X Pro App determines Final Scoring and placement onto the Leaderboard
Chapter Angler of the Year ties will be broken as follows:

Each Anglers BEST 5 Fish in inches from a Max of 5 AOY Chapter events (In That Specific Chapter where the Angers are tied) will be the Individual Chapter AOY Champion for that Chapter

Payouts

25% of each tournament entry will be donated to the charity affiliated with the chapter event you are fishing.
Payouts are based on participation- the typical structure is 60% to first place, 30% to second place and 10% to third.

SIGNATURE EVENTS AND ANGLER OF THE YEAR

What are Signature Events

Each chapter will choose an event from their schedule that will be considered a "Signature" event. At these tournaments you can expect bigger prizes and bigger payouts.

Angler of the Year

This AOY race is specific for any given chapter. We will keep track of points using this scoring system throughout each chapter's tournament schedule. The person with the most points from their top 3 events in that chapter at the end of the season will be considered that chapter's Angler of the Year. Every chapter will have the ability to send additional anglers to the Club AOY championship.There will be no points roll downs for events. If you receive 5th place points at an AOY event and the top 4 anglers are non members then you will receive 5th place points. More info on how below.

Top Female Angler of the Year

The female angler with the most points out of their 3 best event scores across all chapters will be KA's female angler of the year.

Top Junior Angler of the Year

The junior angler with the most points out of their 3 best event scores across all chapters will be KA's junior angler of the year. Must be under the age of 18.

Championship

There can only be one Kayak-Anglers champion, will it be you? The 5 chapter AOYs (WPA, EPA, LH, CNY, NEO) will each earn a guaranteed spot in the Club AOY championship.

Additional chapter spots for the Club AOY championship will be awarded based on the highest average attendance of each chapters 3 best attended events:

Average of 1-20 attendees = 1 additional angler spot

Average of 21-40 attendees = 2 additional angler spots

Average of 41-60 attendees = 3 additional angler spots

Average of 61-80 attendees = 4 additional angler spots

Average of 81-100 attendees = 5 additional angler spots

A non-disclosed location will be selected and the qualifiers will face off to compete for the title.

There will also be a Chapter Team Challenge. A team from each chapter will consist of 5 anglers. The chapter director, chapter director's choice, and the 3 highest placing anglers (who did not previously qualify to fish the club AOY championship). The (2) largest bass from each member will go to the team total of their 10 best Bass.

SPORTSMANSHIP

1. Fishing is our hobby, a pastime, and a passion. We are not retiring or even living off of any prizes. Even if we were, proper behavior or conduct is expected. If someone suspects wrongdoing or cheating they should speak to the tournament director. Bad behavior may result in disqualification and possibly be barred from future tournaments. Cheating will result in disqualification and bar you from future tournaments. The Tournament Director and/or Co-Director's decision is final. Can they be wrong, it could happen but bad behavior will not justify anything? Bad calls by referees occur in all sports but as we all know, it’s part of the game. As the saying goes, stuff happens.
What is bad behavior?

Physically attacking anyone.

Prolonged arguing beyond the judge’s call.

Attacking people verbally in person, on the Kayak Anglers site or any KA Facebook site even after the tournament.

Participants must not be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.

Please keep in mind that we are here to have fun, not earn a living. That being said, even the professionals have disagreements but keep themselves mostly in control. If you don’t like something, let’s be professional. Let’s make sure that we focus on the fun. In the end it’s all of us versus the fish.
It is the right of Kayak-Anglers.com to remove any member from our events, membership, forums, webpages for Violating the agreed to terms and conditions for any reason that are deemed harmful to the Organization, Sponsors and other Members along with the Commonwealth of which our events are held

CHEATING

Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. Any protests must be filed with the event tournament director along with evidence within 24 hours of the end of the event time. If the Tournament Director and Co-Directors cannot reach a decision, he will submit the protest to a Board of Officers for a final decision within 48 hours. A rules infraction will cause disqualification for the entire event and/or ban from Kayak-Anglers if deemed appropriate. Angler will also forfeit any prizes and/or cash. We will also notify other tournament directors and will post about the incident on every kayak fishing forum and social media outlet possible describing the incident and naming each participant who cheated. If you are not willing to comply with the above please do not fish any events for Kayak-Anglers.com.
Any instance of modifying a Hawg Trough or Ketch Board to make fish appear longer will be considered cheating and a Disqualification and/or banned from any and all future events
Any instance of measuring another individuals fish will be considered cheating

EXCEPTIONS

Individual, off-season or 'special event' tournaments may have rules different to those posted above. Rules for these 'special events' will override the above posted rules.