Rule and Regulations

Example of Tournament Times and meanings

- 6:00 am Launch and Staging(must remain in ramp vicinity

- 6:15 am Launch-May be begin traveling to your fishing spot

- 6:45 am First Cast

- 3:00 pm Fishing Ends

- 3:30 pm Fish submission Deadline

Cincinnati Kayak Fishing is a Kayak Fishing Partner. We follow all of the KBF rules Standard with the exception of a couple of addendum’s.

Cincinnati Kayak Fishing is 8″ minimum and 5 fish limit for all of their regular Bass Tournaments. Exceptions may be made for Tournament of Champions and Charity Tournaments. Please read all of the rules on TourneyX.com specific registration pages when you sign up.

Addendums to Rules:

a1. Pre-fishing allowed until 4pm day before the tournament.

a2. Identifier: The "code" specific to the tournament must be in the photo submitted in TournyX. The code can be written on anything, including identifiers from other trails.

a3. Photo Criteria: Pinching and holding of the tail is permitted, but the entire end of the tail must be visible.

1. Participation and Eligibility

Rules Revision

The following changes to the KBF Competition Rules Standard went into effect February 24, 2021.

Revision to Rule 5.B: Removed “may launch and then paddle or portage to Eligible Water” .

Clarification to Rule 4. Pre-Fishing: Pre-fishing is considered to be any activity that takes place on eligible water defined in the event-specific rules. Activity would include fishing, scouting and graphing. At the end of the pre-fishing time the angler must be off the water. Pre-fishing in eligible water is permitted on the day prior to Tournament Competition until the time specified in event-specific rules on the Event Registration Page. For KBF Challenges, Competitors may engage in pre-fishing up to competition start time. There are no restrictions regarding areas and type of watercraft used in pre-fishing. (Refer to Rule 6 regarding pre-fishing with a professional fishing guide.)

Revision to Rule 7.C. : Edited February 1, 2021 Acceptable Measuring Boards for the KBF Trail Series are the aluminum Ketch Products Measuring Board, the Ketch Karbonate and the Ketch X measuring board. The Hawg Trough is no longer an acceptable measuring board for the KBF TRAIL SERIES.
Revision to Rule 7.C. : Edited February 1, 2021 Removed the FishStik Version 2 by YakGear as an acceptable measuring board from the KBF Trail and KBF Challenge Series.

Previous Revisions—Refer to the KBF Rules Revision Log for a complete record of previous changes to the KBF Competition Rules Standard.

KBF Competition Rules Standard

The terms and conditions presented in this document apply between Kayak Bass Fishing, LLC (“KBF”) and those persons registering for and participating in KBF competitive Events (“Competitor”). “Events” include both “Tournaments” (meet-up competition) and “Challenges” (virtual, online-only competition where participants do not congregate). The pronouns “he,” “him,” “himself,” and “his” herein are used as generic, gender-neutral terms and do not restrict or confirm access on the basis of sex.

Each Kayak Bass Fishing (“KBF”) Challenge, Tournament, or Big Bass Brawl (referred to herein as “Competition”) is a CPR (Catch-Photo-Release) contest in which each Competitor catches his own fish in places, during times, and by procedures permitted in all pertinent rules and regulations, digitally photographs them according to the standards described herein, and submits the lengths and photographs for verification. These Competitions are conducted according to KBF Competition Rules found in two documents:

KBF Competition Rules Standard (this document) cover about 90% of the terms, conditions and standards common to all KBF Events.
Event-specific rules located on the KBF Event Page, which includes details such as dates, locations, times, eligible water boundaries, restrictions, and exceptions to the KBF Rules Standard,.

Together, these two documents comprise the KBF Competition Rules. As a condition of participation in any KBF Competition, the participating angler (“Competitor”) agrees to read, understand, and comply with all KBF Competition Rules. Failure to comply will result in penalty, which may range from points deductions to submission denial or disqualification.

For each Event, the KBF Event Coordinator and/or Tournament or Series Director (“TD”) will be identified on the KBF Event Page. The Tournament Director has responsibility for interpretation and enforcement of the KBF Competition Rules and may amplify or clarify them to make them more relevant or complete. Tournament Director decisions may be disputed, as described in Section 17.A. KBF management will review the Tournament Director’s decisions and revise the KBF Competition Rules appropriately. Most recent KBF Competition Rules Standard revisions will be summarized in a Revisions Log (above) and highlighted in red in the body of the rules standards. Announcement of the rule changes will also be posted as soon as possible, generally within fifteen (15) days prior to implementation in the Kayak Bass Fishing Facebook Group Page, KBF Members-only Facebook Group Page, and the Kayak Bass Fishing Facebook Company Page.

Table of Contents

1. Participation and Eligibility

A. KBF Membership

i. Unless otherwise exempted in KBF Event Rules Addenda, to participate in KBF TRAIL Tournaments, KBF Member-only Tournaments, Championships, and KBF Challenges, each Competitor must be an active KBF Member by 11:59 p.m. on the day before start-of-competition. These include but are not limited to KBF Challenges and Championships. Non-members who register and compete in KBF Member-only Events are not eligible for prizes, ranking, and rewards.

ii. If not specified as “KBF Member-only,” participation in any KBF Event is open to both KBF Members and non-members who meet all other eligibility requirements laid out on the Event Page.

B. Professional Fishing Guides may register and compete in Events providing they do not guide-for-pay on Eligible Water within 30 days prior to the Event’s start-of-competition date.

C. Event Registration — All KBF Competitions are conducted using a Tournament Management System (“TMS”). Each angler who wishes to participate in such an Event must create a TMS user account before the first day of competition and must sign up for the Event and pay the entry fee on the TMS, as specified on the Event Page.

D. Entry Fees — Entry Fee amounts, administrative surcharges, registration deadlines, late fee exceptions, and refund or transfer restrictions are specified on the Event Page for each Competition.

No Satisfaction Guarantee — Competitor understands and agrees that payment for the Event does not secure a guarantee or promise of satisfaction.

Competitor’s failure or inability, for any reason except as otherwise provided herein, to participate in any or all of the activities of the Event does not relieve or suspend the Competitor’s obligation to make all payments required by KBF Rules on a timely basis, nor entitle the Customer to a refund or credit, except as provided below.

E. Payment — Competitor agrees that once an Event Registration is submitted, the terms and conditions of the KBF Competition Rules constitute an Agreement that is a legally binding and enforceable obligation of Competitor.

F. Competitor’s Right to Cancel — Any competitor wishing to cancel an Event Registration may do so by submitting a request using KBF’s Withdraw & Refund Request online form.

Unless otherwise specified on the Event Page, registration cancellations dated more than 15 days prior to the Event incur no administrative fee, and any registration cancellation dated 15 days or fewer before the Event shall result in an administrative fee equal to the lesser of $25 or 25% of the Event Registration Fee.

For Challenges, if cancellation is dated more than 1 day (24 hours) prior to the Event, no administrative fee will be charged. Any cancellation dated 1 day or less before the Event shall result in a per person administrative fee equal to 25% of the Event Registration Fee.

Once an Event has started, no cancellations will be accepted, and no refunds will be provided.

KBF is not responsible for any refunds of expenses related to travel or lodging reservations or other payments involving third parties.

G. Pre-Tournament Check-in — Each Tournament Competitor is responsible for reviewing the Schedule of Events on the Event Page for pre-event check-in times and location. Each Competitor must check in with official KBF Competition staff at the time and place designated in the Schedules of Event for verification of eligibility, signing of waivers if required, and rules acknowledgement. Late check-in and registration process (if permitted), event-specific instructions, and Event schedule are specified on the Event Page.

H. Captains Meeting Participation —Tournament Competitors are required to attend an on-site Captains Meeting or view a recorded “Virtual” Captains Meeting Webcast, as stipulated on the Event Page. Failure to either view a Virtual Captains Meeting or attend an on-site Captains Meeting results in a Competitor’s disqualification from the Event.

2. Fish Eligibility

A. Species—For “Bass” KBF Competitions, only “black bass” are eligible for scoring. That designation includes the three most common species (Largemouth Bass – Micropterus salmoides, Smallmouth Bass – Micropterus dolomineu, and Spotted or Kentucky Bass – Micropterus punctulatus) as well as other less well-known species or varieties:

i. Shoal Bass – Micropterus cataactae
ii. Redeye Bass – Micropterus coosae
iii. Suwannee Bass – Micropterus notius
iv. Guadalupe Bass- Micropterus treculi
v. Bartram’s Bass – Micropterus bartrami
vi. Alabama Spotted Bass – Micropterus punctulatus henshalli
vii. Mean Mouth Bass – hybrid offspring of M. dolomieau and M. punctulatus

For Competitions involving other species (e.g., Hybrid Striped Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye, Catfish, Musky, Pike) the species of fish permitted for scoring will be specified on the Event Page. Submission of a photo of an ineligible species will result in denial of the photo.

B. Length—The minimum length of bass scored in competition is 12 inches. Photos of bass shorter than the minimum will be denied.

C. Condition—Fish must be hooked in the mouth or jaw. It may not appear to have snagged, snatched, or hooked only in the body or a fin. If hooked in the mouth, a second treble hook that snags a gill plate, fin, or body is considered incidental and does not eliminate that fish.

Fish must appear to be alive. If fish appears to be dead, mutilated, frozen, mangled, or otherwise damage, or it appears to have been mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered, the photo will be denied.

D. Caudal (Tail) Fin—The tip of at least one lobe of the caudal (tail) fin must be contact with the measuring board. (the Ketch cradle, is not considered to be part of the measuring board for measurement purposes) If the bass’ entire caudal (tail) fin is lifted away from the measuring board so that neither tip remains in contact with the board, the photo will be denied.

E. Eye—The fish’s left eye must be visible in photo. Violation will result in denial of the photo.

3. Competition Period

A. Competition start and end dates and times are stated on the Event Page. Any Competitor who launches (i.e., places his watercraft on the water, occupies it, and goes under way) before the stated “Earliest Launch” time or begins fishing before the official Competition Start Time on any day of competition will be disqualified from the Event. When launch site congestion prevents others from launching safely, Competitors may place their watercraft in the water, occupy them, shove off and then stage (float, drift, or anchor) in the immediate area until the official “Earliest Launch,” at which time they may proceed under way. Under no circumstance will a fish photographed outside of the official Competition Start and End times be considered for scoring.

B. Check-in—Tournament Competitors must be in the Report-in Line at Tournament HQ by the time specified on the Event Page. Failure to be in or through the Report-in Line by that time will result in disqualification from the Event.

4. Pre-fishing — Pre-fishing is considered to be any activity that takes place on eligible water defined in the event-specific rules. Activity would include fishing, scouting and graphing. At the end of the pre-fishing time the angler must be off the water. Pre-fishing in eligible water is permitted on the day prior to Tournament Competition until the time specified in event-specific rules on the Event Registration Page. For KBF Challenges, Competitors may engage in pre-fishing up to competition start time. There are no restrictions regarding areas and type of watercraft used in pre-fishing. (Refer to Rule 6 regarding pre-fishing with a professional fishing guide.)

5. Competition Area

A. Competitive fishing is allowed only on publicly accessible waters within the geographic area designated on the Event Page as “Eligible Water.” Photos of fish caught outside of eligible water boundaries will be denied.

B. Competitors may launch from any public-access shore directly onto Eligible Water. Crossing restricted property to reach Eligible Water is not permitted. Tributaries, canals, sloughs or estuaries separated from the rest of eligible water by temporary obstructions (e.g., fallen trees, log jams, beaver dams) that, if removed, could be entered by floating/paddling are considered eligible waters in which competition is permitted, and competitors are permitted to drag or portage watercraft over or around such obstructions. Those separated by obstructions of a permanent nature across or through which one cannot paddle/float (e.g., levees, earthen or concrete dams, berms, elevated roadbeds, spillways, waterfalls) are ineligible water, and competition in such areas is prohibited. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

C. Competitors are not restricted to fishing where they start out each day but are permitted to relocate to other Eligible Water during tournament hours.

D. Watercraft must not be anchored in such a position as to prevent or block access for other watercraft or powerboats. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

E. Fish caught in eligible water while wading or walking on the shore are eligible for submission under the following conditions:

i. Competitor’s watercraft must be launched before fishing from it or vacating it to catch and land fish while wading or walking on the shore or an ice field. “Launched” means placing the watercraft on liquid water, occupying it, and going underway.

ii. Competitor must pedal, paddle, or power his watercraft to the fishing location.

iii. Competitor must remain within sight of his watercraft at all times during competition, and the watercraft must be visible in every fish photo submitted. Any Competitor who goes out of sight of his watercraft for any reason (e.g., restroom break, to seek or render aid, or to report an emergency) must cease competition fishing and resume it only after re-launching the watercraft.
Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

Click for more about what makes a body of water eligible for competition

6. Cooperation and Assistance

A. Up until the end of the established pre-fishing period, competitors may fish with and receive direct assistance from other anglers and professional guides on the Eligible Water, except as restricted in Rule 6.B. and 6.C., below.

B. Within 30 days prior to the Event, a Competitor may not fish on Eligible Water with, nor receive expert advice from, a professional fishing guide who receives payment for those services. Violation will result in Competitor’s disqualification from the Event.

C. Before and during the event, competitors may (i.) share gear, tackle and equipment, (ii.) assist in photographing a fish for submission, and (iii.) communicate with and fish in proximity to other people, including other Competitors (except Professional Fishing Guides, as stipulated in Rule 6.B., above); however, Competitors may not receive assistance in catching fish that are photographed and submitted for scoring, including boat positioning, casting, retrieving, hooking, playing, or landing a fish. Violation will result in Competitor’s disqualification from the Event.

D. Competitors may not submit photos of fish if, at any time from cast to landing of the fish, the competitor or watercraft was in physical contact with another watercraft or person, except an observer occupying the competitor’s boat. Violation will result in denial of the photo.

7. Fishing Tackle, Equipment, and Methods

A. All fish submitted for score must be caught live by the Competitor who submits them for scoring using only equipment and legal methods that comply with all sportfishing statutes and regulations of the states and body of water in which they are taken. Competitors are responsible for research of and compliance with all applicable fishing and boating regulations. Snatching or snagging fish is not permitted. When visually fishing a bed for spawning bass, to be admissible all bass must be hooked inside the mouth. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

B. All fish must be caught by the Competitor on rod, reel, line and hook with artificial lures only. No traps, snares, set lines or other methods of fishing other than rod, reel and line are permissible, even if legal under state game laws. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

C. Acceptable measuring boards:
• KBF Challenge Series include the Hawg Trough manufactured by Hagen’s, the aluminum Ketch Products Measuring Board, the Ketch Karbonate and the Ketch X measuring board.
• KBF Trail Series include the aluminum Ketch Products Measuring Board, the Ketch Karbonate and the Ketch X measuring board.

Measuring boards may be shortened only by removing inches from the upper end (opposite the fence). For example, one may cut off the end of a measuring board at the 26-inch mark in order for it to fit crossways between a watercraft’s gunwales. However, it may not be broken, snapped, or cut apart and then reassembled at any point between the two ends. Violation will result, at minimum, in denial of photo.

A crack that does not separate the measuring board into pieces and does not affect the measuring board’s accuracy may be repaired and reinforced for use.

A slight flex in a measuring board resulting from a fish’s weight is allowed; however, Competitors are prohibited from deliberately flexing or deforming a measuring board by exerting pressure or reshaping it. Any modification of a measuring board that results in misrepresentation of a fish’s actual length is grounds for a competitor’s disqualification from the event and may result in subsequent sanctions and penalties as described in Rule 11.

D. Competitors may share measuring boards.

E. A break of the measuring board’s fence may be mended for use if the repair is rigid, flat and at a right angle to the measuring surface. The mended measuring board must be submitted to the Tournament or Series Director, personally or by two or more emailed photographs that clearly show (i.) the mended area and (ii.) a side view of the measuring surface and the fence. Violation will result in denial of photo.

F. Each competitor must use a mobile phone with camera or a digital camera or video camera capable of producing still photos with memory card and/or download cable to submit digital photographs.

When a Competitor’s smart phone becomes inoperable or is lost, he may share smart phones with other Competitors, provided each Competitor logs into his own TMS account in order to submit photos of fish he caught. Competitor under the same circumstances may share digital cameras, provided each Competitor can clearly and positively identify photos of the fish he caught. Violation will result in denial of photo.

G. Only artificial lures and biodegradable artificial lures may be used. No live bait, preserved bait, or prepared bait will be permitted during competition, with the exception of pork strips or rinds. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

H. Only ONE casting, spin-casting, spinning, or fly rod and reel may be in use at any one time. A rod and reel is considered to be “in use” when a lure attached to it by a line is in or on the water. A hung lure (one snagged in an overhanging tree) that is not in or on the water is not considered in use and the attached rod and reel may be set aside while another is in use.

I. Nets and grippers (e.g., Fish Grip, Boga-Grip) may be used for landing fish during tournament competition, but grippers must not remain attached to the fish in photos. Violation will result in denial or disqualification of the photo.

J. If a Competitor breaks his line while setting the hook or retrieving a fish, he is allowed to make an attempt with the rod being used or by hand to secure the line and land the fish to be counted as legal. He may NOT hook the line with another lure, rod and reel, or other device. If a Competitor loses his rod and reel while landing a fish he MAY use another rod and reel to retrieve the lost outfit. If after retrieval, the fish is still hooked, it may be landed, photographed, and submitted as a legal fish. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

8. Watercraft & Propulsion

A. Watercraft acceptable for use in KBF Competition are those manufactured and marketed as canoes, kayaks, or SUPs for which paddling is the primary means of propulsion. Any other watercraft must be submitted to KBF Administration for review and approval prior to use in competition. Watercraft specifically approved as exceptions in advance of competition by KBF Management are:
• Blue Sky Boatworks 360 Angler
• Biyak
• Greentop Enterprise Creek Boats
• Solo Skiff
• Beavertail Stealth

Unless approved as exceptions by KBF Management, the following watercraft may not be used in competition:

a. Gas- or liquid-fueled motorized or hybrid fuel/electric powerboats or personal watercraft
b. Sailboats
c. Jon boats
d. Pirogues, coracles, and rowboats
e. Dinghies and skiffs
f. Float tubes, inflatable rafts, and rigid inflatable boats (e.g., Zodiac)
g. Pontoon boats, pontoon-style pond boats, twin-hull watercraft, or similar.

Use of watercraft in competition other than those listed above as acceptable or exceptions will result in disqualification from the Event.

B. Watercraft propulsion is restricted to paddle, pedal, pole, or electric motor.

C. Unless specifically prohibited on the Event Page, use of a single electric propulsion unit per watercraft in KBF-sanctioned competition is approved with the following restrictions:

i. Competitors must comply with all boating regulations pertaining to motorized kayak/electric-propulsion watercraft registration, use, and operating restrictions for the designated fishing area. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

ii. Electric motor used to propel a watercraft:

a. must be attached to the kayak in a safe manner for operation, and

b. may not exceed the lesser of (a.) manufacturer’s labeled Maximum HP/Thrust Capacity, (b.) 3 HP, or (c.) 155 foot-pound thrust. Violation of either condition will result in disqualification from the Event. (This does not pertain to wattage capacity.)

Manufacturers’ Watercraft Capacity/Restriction Notes: [NuCanoe Website] [NuCanoe Caution Sticker] [Hobie PA Advisory Email PDF] [Motor Ratings Hobie Kayaks PDF]

D. Towing, transport or relocation assistance from another watercraft, including “mothershipping,” is NOT permitted except in cases of emergency, as when pulling a kayak from a danger zone or restricted area. Once the emergency has ended, the Competitor may resume fishing only if the watercraft was pulled no more than 100 yards from the danger zone. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

E. Trolling (i.e., lure(s) attached to a single rod and towed behind a watercraft while underway) is permitted in KBF Competition.

9. Photo Standards—Digital photographs of each fish submitted to judges for scoring must meet these criteria:

A. Unique—Each digital photo submitted in each Event must be of a different fish. Subsequent digital photos of the same fish submitted by the same Competitor in an Event will be denied.

B. Visible/Legible—Each photo must be in sharply focused and clear enough for a judge to:

i. Verify the correct Identifier Form and Event ID Code. Inability of the judge to verify will result in denial of photo.

ii. Verify the fish’s condition. Violation will result in denial of photo.

iii. Verify the fish’s length. Judge will score fish at the greatest length of which he is certain.

iv. Verify whether the bass’ jaw or lip is in contact with the measuring board fence. Inability of the judge to verify will result in a penalty of 1 inch.

v. Except where covered by hand or fingers, the entire fish, from its mouth/jaw to the tip of its caudal (tail) fin, must be visible in photos. If either end is covered or cropped off, the photo will be denied.

C. Centered—Camera lens positioned directly over the center of the fish’s body, which contributes to accurate measurement by judges. Photos taken at a low angle so as to obscure an open mouth may be denied or penalized at the Tournament Director’s discretion.

D. First-generation—Each digital photo must be a first-generation image (not a photo or screen-shot of another photo). Violation will result in denial of photo.

Photos submitted for scoring that, in judges’ opinions, contain evidence of a possible disqualifying infraction—including photos that appear to have been cropped or modified (e.g, image enhanced or filtered) in such a way as to obscure infractions—will be accepted with a score of 0.01″ and a note indicating the nature of the infraction is emailed to the Competitor. The Tournament Director will review all such photos and will make any disqualification ruling. The Tournament Director may also contact Competitors to request submission of original un-cropped, un-filtered photos for further review and verification. Failure by Competitors to respond or refusal to submit the original photo will result in denial of the photo.

E Identifiable—Official KBF Identifier Form above, below, or beside the fish (not covering any portion of the fish, unless attached to the Competitor’s hand or arm). Neither a hand-drawn form nor an image of the KBF Identifier Form on a smart phone are permissible. Violation will result in denial of photo.

F. Background—Competitor’s watercraft clearly visible in the photograph. Violation will result in denial of photo.

G. Hand Position.

i. In bass competition, hand or finger(s) may be in contact with the caudal peduncle (fleshy, scaled part of the bass’ body at the base of the caudal fin) but not covering or touching any portion of the caudal (tail) fin. Violation will result in a 1-inch deduction in score.

KBF bass no-touch no-cover zones 5-10-2020

ii. No portion of a hand or finger may be under the fish’s operculum (gill flap or cover). Violation will result in denial of photo.

H. Mouth

i. Bass’ lip or jaw must be in contact with measuring board fence (bump board, upright), and the fence must be visible in the photo. Violation will result in denial of photo.

ii. In bass fishing competition, a closed mouth is preferred for uniformity of measurement. If judge considers the mouth to be open 1/4 inch or more, even if it is structurally unable to close, a one-inch penalty will be assessed.

I. Not “In-possession.” In most states, though not all, unless a fish is secured by a restraint device or is placed in a holding container, state regulatory agencies do not consider it to be “in possession” by Competitors, so states’ minimum length regulations do not apply for photo submissions. If Event takes place in a state where photographing a fish constitutes “possession,” and a photo is submitted of a fish that does not comply with state size limits, the photo will be denied. (Refer to regulatory compliance, Rule 7.A.)

10. Scoring

A. Fish length is determined by its caudal fin (tail fin) touching or crossing the manufacturer’s quarter-inch mark (e.g., ridges, grooves) on the measuring board. If it falls short of a 1/4-inch factory mark, the length is rounded down to the next lower 1/4-inch mark that the bass’ caudal fin actually touches or crosses. In reviewing photographs, judges will visualize as accurately as possible where a 1/4-inch factory mark would be if it extended the full width of a board and use that imaginary line to determine a fish’s length.

B. If any portion of a bass’ caudal (tail) fin extends off the edge of a Measuring Board surface, the score will be determined by the highest 1/4-inch measurement reached or crossed by the portion of caudal fin on the Measuring Board. Any portion of the caudal fin extending off the edge of a Measuring Board is not considered in scoring. Alignment aids and attachments to a KBF-approved measuring board (e.g., a cradle attachment for the Ketch measuring board) will not be considered part of a Measuring Board surface when determining a fish’s length.

C. Tournament ranking, contingency awards, Angler of the Year Points, Challenge Points, and Championship qualification shall be determined by the aggregate length of each Competitor’s photos remaining on the Leader Board when judging has concluded and the Dispute Period has closed. Unless otherwise stipulated on the Event Page:

i. In one-day tournaments the scores of the five longest fish on the Leader Board when judging is complete will be combined to determine the aggregate score.

ii. In two-day tournaments, the scores of the five longest fish of Day 1 and the five longest fish on Day 2 on the Leader Board when judging is complete will be combined to determine the aggregate score.

D. If a Competitor’s photo is denied by a judge after end-of-competition, it may be automatically replaced by a previously submitted and auto-culled photo; however, no Competitor may submit a replacement photo after end-of-competition time.

E. In the event of a tie in score, the tied competitors’ longest (highest-scored) fish are compared, and the tie breaks in favor of the competitor with the longest (highest-scoring) fish. If the longest fish are equal, the second-longest fish are compared and determine which competitor wins the tie. If the second-longest are identical, the process repeats for each of the remaining fish. If all of the tied competitors’ highest scoring fish are identical, then the tie breaks in favor of the competitor whose last Leader Board photo was uploaded earliest.

F. KBF judges apply the following scoring criteria to adjust measurements, approve or deny photos, and to penalize photos by deducting points (length) or disqualifying a Competitor.

Item	Photo Scoring Criteria	Penalty
a. Photo	Blurry photo/length unclear: scored at the highest mark of which there is no doubt	n/a
b. Photo	Blurry photo; completely unable to judge	Deny
c. Photo	Appears to be second-generation (e.g., screen shot, photo of photo)	Deny
d. Photo	EXIF data and other evidence substantiates photo taken outside of Eligible Water boundaries	Deny
e. Photo	EXIF data, other evidence substantiates photo was taken outside of competition hours	Deny
f. Photo	Multiple digital photos submitted of the same fish; unintentional violation	Deny
g. Photo	Multiple digital photos submitted of the same fish; evidence indicates intentionally	Ban
h. Photo	Competitor’s watercraft not visible in photo background	Deny
i. Photo	Entire fish not in picture	Deny
j. Orientation	Fish positioned with right side of body toward camera; head pointing right and caudal fin left	Deny
k. Orientation	Fish positioned with dorsal fins at bottom of photo, pelvic and anal fins upward	Deny
l. Identifier	Official identifier Card missing, counterfeit, or incorrect for event	Deny
m. Identifier	Identifier Card is lying on or covering any portion of the fish	Deny
n. Identifier	Incorrect Event ID Code for Event or illegible Event ID Code	Deny
o. Fish	Secured by restraining device (e.g., stringer, tape, or clip attached to fish)	Deny
p. Fish	Photo violates state regulations regarding possession	Deny
q. Species	Photo of any species or variety of fish other than that approved for the Competition	Deny
r. Body	Photo Bass caudal (tail) fin tip fails to reach 12.00″ line on measuring board	Deny
s. Body	Any portion of a hand or fingers under the fish’s operculum (gill flap or cover )	Deny
t. Body	Finger(s) or hand touching or covering a bass’ caudal (tail) fin	1.00″
u. Body	Entire caudal (tail) fin entirely lifted away and out of contact with the measuring board	Deny
v. Body	Left eye covered; not visible in photo	Deny
w. Body	Fish appears to have been snagged, snatched, or hooked in the body rather than mouth	Deny
x. Body	Fish appears to be dead, mutilated, frozen, mangled, or otherwise damaged	Deny
y. Body	Fish appears to have been mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered to increase its length	Deny
z. Mouth	Bass lip or jaw clearly not touching measuring board fence (upright end plate)	Deny
aa. Mouth	Unable to ascertain with certainty that bass lip or jaw is touching measuring board fence	1.00″
ab. Mouth	Mouth open 1/4 inch or more, even if it appears to be structurally unable to close completely.	1.00″

11. Penalties

A. In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament or Director may impose such penalties as deemed appropriate, including without limitation, the following:

i. Reduction of score (length) as described above or determined by the Tournament or Series Director

ii. Loss of catch for the day or up until the violation has been remedied

iii. Disqualification from the tournament in question

iv. Any additional penalties determined by the Tournament or Series Director including but not limited to monetary fines and/or reduction of Competitor of Year points.

Subject to the dispute and appeal processes set forth below, the Tournament Director’s decisions on violations are final.

B. Following a review of evidence, a determination by the KBF Tournament Director and/or Chief Operations Officer of cheating or conviction of fraud will result in permanent revocation of KBF Membership, suspension from all Kayak Bass Fishing competition and KBF-affiliated Events, and series, and revocation of all KBF Social Media privileges. The findings will be published on a password-protected KBF Members-only web page.

C. Competitor acknowledges that (i.) the use of polygraph tests may be necessary to verify compliance with rules and to settle disputes and (ii.) entry constitutes acceptance of this requirement and agreement to abide by its conclusion. Refusal by a Competitor to submit to a polygraph test is grounds for immediate disqualification from the KBF Event and prohibition against future participation in any KBF-affiliated Event. Results of a polygraph test will not be the sole determining factor in a KBF Management Review of a Competitor’s eligibility for awards and qualification for future participation but may be one of several factors considered in such review.

D. KBF Tournament or Chief Operations Officer shall

i. Have the discretion to determine the need for a Polygraph examination.

ii. Be responsible for (i.) selecting an independent expert to administer the polygraph test, (ii.) establishing, in consultation with the expert administrator, the scope of the questions that may be asked during the test examination, and (iii.) interpreting the results.

iii. Have sole responsibility selecting the location, date, and time of the test nearest KBF headquarters with respect to all concerned parties schedule and travel cost.

E. The Competitor shall:

i. Make himself/herself available at the location selected by the Tournament Director or Chief Operations Officer.

ii. Cooperate in all respects with such test.

F. Competitors may be selected at random to undergo polygraph examinations during or following KBF competitive Events.

12. Awarding of Prizes

A. Prizes and numbers of positions paid out are addressed on the Event Page. Amounts paid per rank are subject to change based on participation (lower value for fewer entries and higher value for more entries) and sponsor provision.

B. Prizes will be processed after all photos submitted for scoring have been judged, the results reviewed by a separate panel, and disputes have been resolved.

C. Product prizes (e.g. kayaks, paddles, propulsion units) may require additional processing or delivery time. This allows competitors some flexibility in selection of model, color or style. Product selection may be limited to specific features and models.,

Recipients of sponsor product awards must fill out and submit a Prize Claims Form, found on the KBF Website.

13. Taxes — Competitors are responsible for all applicable taxes on both cash and merchandise awards. Failure to meet those obligations may result in disqualification from all future KBF events. All prize recipients whose cumulative total for the year adds up to $600 or more must fill out and submit a substitute IRS Form W-9 including name, address, social security number, signature and date. These are used to prepare IRS 1099 forms for distribution in January.

14. Sale of Prizes — No prizes won participating in KBF Events may be advertised or promoted for sale on KBF Facebook pages for a period of one full year. Violation of this rule will result in ineligibility for all future events and forfeiture of qualification status.

15. Safety

A. During competition, every Competitor must have all required Coast Guard safety equipment, (e.g., light source, whistle or other audible signal device, Coast Guard-approved, chest-type life preserver [PFD]). See www.uscgboating.org/.

B. PFD Usage — At all times while actively engaged in competition, except as described below (Rule 15.C. PFD Wear Exceptions), Competitor must wear a fastened USCG-certified vest-style PFD (inherent flotation or inflatable) or float jacket. A belt-style PFD, even one that deploys as a vest, is not permitted during Competition. When an infraction, as described above, is verified by the Tournament Director, the Competitor is disqualified from participation in the Event.

C. PFD Wear Exceptions — Competitor assumes responsibility for all consequences of removing his PFD. Competitor may cease competition and remove the PFD while his watercraft is beached, anchored or adrift only if doing so creates no unsafe condition. Competitor must put on and securely fasten the PFD before going underway or resuming competition.

If all of the following conditions exist, Competitor may briefly remove his PFD while afloat (anchored or adrift) in order to change, add or remove articles of clothing:
i. No fishing lines are in the water; and
ii. The watercraft is not underway; and
iii. Weather and water conditions permit one to do so safely; and
iv. Competitor is over the age of 12.

When finished changing his attire, Competitor must immediately put the PFD back on before going underway, fishing, or engaging in any other competition-related activity.

Read Crystal Keill’s article on wearing of PFDs.

D. The Tournament Director has the right to postpone or cancel the start of an official tournament day because of adverse weather conditions or other factors that would jeopardize Competitors’ safety. Tournament waters may also be restricted at any time because of bad weather.

E. In the event of weather emergencies that pose an imminent threat to Competitors, the Tournament Director may terminate Competition before the scheduled end-of-competition time. An Early Termination Announcement with an adjusted end-of-competition time will be broadcast to Competitors via email and group text messaging and will also be posted on the TMS site and social media sites. The Announcement will also specify an adjusted report-in time and location. If safe to do so, upon receiving the Announcement, Competitor should make his way to the specified location at that time.

Competitor is required to stop fishing as soon as he receives the Early Termination Announcement. No photos of fish caught after the adjusted end-of-competition time may be submitted for scoring; however, to accommodate those seeking shelter immediately, Competitor has up to 15 minutes after the Adjusted End Time to submit a photo of any bass caught before the adjusted end-of-competition time/photo submission deadline.

F. In the event of an emergency situation, Competitor should call 911 first and then notify tournament officials as soon as possible.

G. Use of alcohol or drugs (other than those purchased over the counter or prescribed by a licensed physician) by any Competitor during an Event will not be tolerated and will be cause for automatic disqualification from this and all future KBF tournaments. No alcoholic beverages or other non-prescription stimulants or depressants shall be allowed in watercraft during competition days. Chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of a felony or other crimes involving moral turpitude, or other conduct reflecting unfavorably upon efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship, fair competition and compliance with tournament rules, shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation and/or for disqualification after circumstances are reviewed by KBF’s Chief Operations Officer. Any disqualification, suspension from, or other disciplinary action regarding any tournament or fishing organization, shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation in a KBF tournament, and/or disqualification from a KBF tournament, after circumstances are reviewed by the KBF Chief Operations Officer.

H. Night Tournaments that take place between April 1 and September 30, in which boats leave or return after 10:30 P.M., must comply with the following six stipulations in order for the event(s) to be eligible for Event Liability Insurance coverage provided through the North American Tournament Association’s policy.

i. All participant boats must be equipped with working Coast Guard-approved running lights. Running lights must remain on in accordance with the governing state regulations. [Note: Kayaks are categorized by USCG as “oar-driving craft” and meet USCG requirements by having “at hand” an “electric torch” (a.k.a. flashlight) that can be used to signal other boaters. While anchored, all watercraft must display a 360-degree white light. Some states impose additional requirements.]

ii. The KBF Tournament Director shall have predetermined the availability of cell phone or radio coverage to assure reasonable communications in the event of an emergency. [Note: All competitors should make sure their cell phone numbers are entered in the TMS and the Tournament Director should have a list of all competitors with cell phone numbers for texting or calls.]

iii. The KBF Tournament Director shall have on hand the contact information for emergency rescue and medical services and must maintain the ability to make contact at all times during the tournament.

iv The governing authority, as required by law or ordinance, shall be notified of the tournament date and hours.

v. Competitors are restricted to an on-the-water speed limit of not more than 35 miles per hour between sunset and sunrise.

vi. The Tournament Director shall have in place a system of accounting for the return of all participants. [Note: This includes not only an end-of-competition check-in but also a way for competitors who leave early to notify the KBF Tournament Director.]

16. Competitor Conduct — Competitors participating in any KBF sanctioned event must observe the applicable rules for the Competition and must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that reflects favorably on the sport of kayak bass fishing, KBF, its members, officers or representatives, tournaments or sponsors. Competitors are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, integrity, safety and conservation in support of the sport of kayak bass fishing, especially when in the vicinity of non-Competitors who may be on or beside Eligible Water. Any Competitor who violates these principles, intentionally violates KBF Competition Rules or regulations (attempts to commit fraud) or behaves in ways the reflect unfavorably up KBF efforts to promote fisheries conservation, clean waters and courtesy, may forfeit tournament winnings, face suspension from future KBF sanctioned events, be permanently banned from competition, or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by KBF.

17. Disputes and Appeals

A. If a Competitor wishes to dispute a rules violation penalty, a judge’s scoring decision, a Tournament Director’s decision or other action that materially affected the Competitor’s ranking or prize eligibility, he must use the KBF Dispute & Appeal Form on the KBF Website [www.kayakbassfishing.com/kbf-dispute-appeal/] to submit a dispute within 24 hour (one full day) following completion of Event judging. The dispute must include the following:

i. Event title, location, and date
ii. Description or identification of penalty imposed, or condition being disputed
iii. Reference to pertinent rule
iv. Reason for dispute and requested action

Except for situations involving fraud or other law violation, any disputes submitted after the 24-hour dispute deadline will be reviewed without affecting the outcome of an event. No change in rank or reward will result from disputes submitted after the deadline. Only Competitors in the Event where the disputed action occurred may submit disputes. Disputes must be handled privately. All parties directly involved will be provided a copy of the dispute. The Tournament Director (for judge’s rulings) or Chief Operating Officer (for Tournament Director rulings) will review the Competitor’s claims, thoroughly investigate the disputed decision, and issue a ruling.

B. The Competitor who filed the dispute may appeal the dispute results. Appeals of dispute results must be presented to the KBF Chief Operations Officer (for Tournament Director’s dispute rulings) or President (for COO’s dispute rulings) using the KBF Dispute & Appeal Form within 24 hours from the time and date of ruling. An Appeals Processing Fee of $100 must be paid to KBF through the KBF Online Store. The KBF executive handling the appeal will impanel an appeals committee comprised of one KBF staff member not involved directly in directing or judging the Event and two KBF Members who were not Competitors in the Event. Appeals hearings shall take place within seven (7) business days from the date of receipt of the written appeal, and all parties must make themselves available at prescribed time of hearing. The appeals committee will submit its findings and recommendations to the KBF Executive handling the appeal, whose decisions are final. If the final ruling is in the Competitor’s favor and reverses or nullifies a dispute ruling, then the entire Appeal Processing Fee will be refunded; however, if the ruling stands, then the Fee is forfeited.

18. Public Comments

A. The favorable public reputation of KBF as a sanctioning organization in the sport of kayak bass fishing, the integrity of its officials, and the reputation of its media channels are valuable assets and tangible benefits for KBF. Accordingly, it is an obligation of Competitors to refrain from comments in public forums and social media or to the news media that unreasonably attack or disparage the integrity of Kayak Bass Fishing tournaments, tournament officials, sponsors, fellow members, fellow Competitors or the KBF organization. Competitors are encouraged to express themselves and have the right to question the rules officials. Responsible expressions of legitimate disagreement with KBF policies are encouraged, as opposed to attacks upon the integrity of the rules or officials. However, public comments that a Competitor knows, or should reasonably know, will harm the reputation of Kayak Bass Fishing LLC, KBF officials, KBF members or sponsors, may result in disciplinary action.

B. Sponsor contributions will not be devalued by disputes or disagreements in public forums or social media platforms.

C. Publicly disputing a judge’s ruling or any dispute or appeal decision by a KBF Tournament Director, Series Director or KBF Executive will result in participant receiving a warning for a first offense. A repeat of the offense will result in disciplinary action up to disqualification from the current Event and permanent termination of eligibility for future KBF Events, even if previously qualified. This provision is not intended to discourage legitimate disputes but to ensure that a fair and unbiased approach is used, and the approved challenge and appeals processes are followed in determining the best possible outcome.

19. Unavailability and Force Majeure — KBF will use reasonable efforts to hold the Event; however, under no circumstances will KBF be held responsible for unavailability caused by circumstances beyond KBF’s control, including flood, fire, hurricanes, earthquakes or other “acts of God,” acts of government, civil unrest, acts of terror, strikes or labor problems nor will any Event Registration be cancelled, altered or amended once the Event has commenced on the basis of circumstances beyond KBFs reasonable control.

20. Compliance with Laws — This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee. All rights and obligations of the KBF and the Competitor under this Agreement are subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. These terms and conditions shall be deemed revised to conform to applicable statutes, rules and regulations. KBF may modify the terms and conditions stated herein at any time in its sole and absolute discretion. Competitor shall be bound by the modified Agreement and agree that no other modifications shall be enforceable. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties, whether written or oral. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. The waiver of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.

21. Waivers and Releases

A. Name and Likeness Release — By registering for this Kayak Bass Fishing Event, the Competitor grants to Kayak Bass Fishing, LLC and Kayak Bassin TV the right to use all photographs, likenesses, stories, accounts, details of Competitor contributions, exploits, interviews, bloopers, and information pertinent to the Kayak Bass Fishing Event, as well as any video footage, photographs gathered at the Event, for marketing and promotional purposes. This release is granted without expectation for additional compensation upon submission of Event Registration.

B. Waiver and Release of Liability — As a condition of participation in a Competition, and by virtue of registering for the Competition, each Competitor agrees to accept the terms and condition of the Kayak Bass Fishing Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement (below). This Agreement absolves Kayak Bass Fishing, LLC, its officers, staff, and volunteers from responsibility and threat of litigation in the case of injury, loss, or death sustained by a Competitor in the Event. Registrants under the age of 18 must have their waiver/release form signed by the parent or adult guardian who will accompany them throughout competition. A printed copy of the Kayak Bass Fishing Waiver and Release Form (below) is available at the Event HQ Check-in Table and must be signed and on file with Kayak Bass Fishing, LLC before a registrant is eligible to compete.

1. Participation and Eligibility

A. KBF Membership

ii. If not specified as “KBF Member-only,” participation in any KBF Event is open to both KBF Members and non-members who meet all other eligibility requirements laid out on the Event Page.

B. Professional Fishing Guides may register and compete in Events providing they do not guide-for-pay on Eligible Water within 30 days prior to the Event’s start-of-competition date.

D. Entry Fees — Entry Fee amounts, administrative surcharges, registration deadlines, late fee exceptions, and refund or transfer restrictions are specified ion the Event Page for each Competition.

No Satisfaction Guarantee — Competitor understands and agrees that payment for the Event does not secure a guarantee or promise of satisfaction.

F. Competitor’s Right to Cancel — Any competitor wishing to cancel an Event Registration may do so by emailing the Tournament or Series Director at the email address provided on the Event Page.

For Challenges, if cancellation email is dated more than 1 day (24 hours) prior to the Event, no administrative fee will be charged. Any cancellation dated 1 day or less before the Event shall result in a per person administrative fee equal to 25% of the Event Registration Fee.

Once an Event has started, no cancellations will be accepted and no refunds will be provided.

KBF is not responsible for any refunds of expenses related to travel or lodging reservations or other payments involving third parties.

G. Pre-Tournament Check-in — Each Tournament Competitor is responsible for reviewing the Schedule of Events ion the Event Page for pre-event check-in times and location. Each Competitor must check in with official KBF Competition staff at the time and place designated in the Schedules of Event for verification of eligibility, signing of waivers if required, and rules acknowledgement. Late check-in and registration process (if permitted), event-specific instructions, and Event schedule are specified on the Event Page.

2. Fish Eligibility

For Competitions involving other species (e.g., Hybrid Striped Bass, Striped Bass, Sea Trout, Flounder, Redfish, Walleye, Catfish, Musky, Pike) the species of fish permitted for scoring will be specified on the Event Page. Submission of a photo of an ineligible species will result in denial of the photo.

B. Length—The minimum length of bass scored in competition is 12 inches. Photos of bass shorter than the minimum will be denied.

For KBF Redfish Competition, the acceptable slot is 16 to 27 inches. Photos in which the tip of a redfish’s caudal fin (tail) touches the 16.00” line or that extends to between the 16.00” line and the 27.00” line on an approved measuring board are of acceptable length. Those that fall short of the 16.00” line and those that touch or pass the 27.00” line are outside of the acceptable slot and will be denied.

C. Condition—Fish must be hooked in the mouth or jaw. It may not appear to have snagged, snatched, or hooked only in the body or a fin. If hooked in the mouth, an second treble hook that snags a gill plate, fin, or body is considered incidental and does not elimiate that fish.

Fish must appear to be alive. If fish appears to be dead, mutilated, frozen, mangled, or otherwise damage, or it appears to have been mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered, the photo will be denied.

D. Caudal (Tail) Fin—For bass, the tip of at least one lobe of the caudal (tail) fin must be contact with the measuring board. If the bass’ entire caudal (tail) fin is lifted away from the measuring board so that neither tip remains in contact with the board, the photo will be denied.

For redfish must be measured with caudal fin pinched and both lobe tips on the measuring board and not extending over the sides; that is, no fanning or spreading of the caudal fin to shorten the length. Failure to pinch the redfish’s caudal fin score is determined by the location of the caudal (tail) fin’s upper lobe tip on the measuring board. Whether or not the lower lobe of the redfish’s caudal (tail) fin is in contact with the board, the top lobe of the redfish’s caudal (tail) fin must be contact with the measuring board. If it is lifted away from the measuring board or hangs over the measuring board edge so that the upper lobe tip is no longer in contact, the photo will be denied.

E. Eye—The fish’s left eye must be visible in photo. Violation will result in denial of the photo.

3. Competition Period

B. Check-in—Tournament Competitors who have already submitted digital photos by upload to the TMS must be in the Judges’ Check-in Line at Tournament HQ by the time specified on the Event Page.Failure to be in or through the Judges’ Check-in Line by that time will result in disqualification from the Event.

C. Early Check-in—Tournament Competitors who could not or did not upload their photo submissions to the TMS must report to the Judges’ Check-in Line at an “Early Check-in Time” specified on the Event Page and turn in their digital media (i.e., memory card), camera, or camera phone with USB cable in order for judges or tournament staff to download them to a computer and then manually upload them to the TMS for subsequent evaluation and scoring.

4. Pre-fishing — Practice in Eligible Water is permitted on the day prior to Competition until the time specified in event-specific rules on the KBF Event Page . If no pre-fishing deadline is stated on the Event Page, then practice may continue up until six hours prior to competition start time. There are no restrictions regarding areas, type of watercraft, or types of bait used in pre-fishing. Fishing on the event’s eligible water after the specified prefishing deadline will result in disqualification from the Event. (Refer to Rule 6 regarding pre-fishing with a professional fishing guide.)

5. Competition Area

A. Competitive fishing is allowed only on publicly-accessible waters within the geographic area designated on the Event Page as “Eligible Water.” Photos of fish caught outside of eligible water boundaries will be denied.

B. Competitors may launch from any public-access shore directly onto Eligible Water or may launch and then paddle or portage to Eligible Water. Crossing restricted property to reach Eligible Water is not permitted. Tributaries, canals, sloughs or estuaries separated from the rest of eligible water by temporary obstructions (e.g., fallen trees, log jams, beaver dams) that, if removed, could be entered by floating/paddling are considered eligible waters in which competition is permitted, and competitors are permitted to drag or portage watercraft over or around such obstructions. Those separated by obstructions of a permanent nature (e.g., levees, earthen or concrete dams, berms, roadbeds, spillways, waterfalls) are ineligible water, and competition in such areas is prohibited. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

C. Competitors are not restricted to fishing where they start out each day but are permitted to relocate to other Eligible Water during tournament hours.

D. Watercraft must not be anchored in such a position as to prevent or block access for other watercraft or powerboats. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

E. Fish caught in eligible water while wading or walking on the shore are eligible for submission under the following conditions:

ii. Competitor must pedal, paddle, or power his watercraft to the fishing location.

Click for more about what makes a body of water eligible for competition

6. Cooperation and Assistance

D. Competitors may not submit photos of fish if, at any time from cast to landing of the fish, the competitor or watercraft was in physical contact with another person or watercraft. Violation will result in denial of the photo.

7. Fishing Tackle, Equipment, and Methods

C. Acceptable measuring boards include the Hawg Trough manufactured by Hagen’s (pictured below), a FishStik Version 2 (with Bump Board Arrows and Lock Slide) and the Ketch Co Measuring Board. Measuring boards may be shortened by removing inches from the upper end (opposite the fence) For example, one may cut a measuring board off at the 26 inch mark in order to fit crossways between a watercraft’s gunwales. However, it may not be broken, snapped, or cut apart and then reassembled at any point between the two ends. A crack that does not separate the measuring board into pieces and does not affect the measuring board’s accuracy may be repaired and reinforced for use. Violation will result in denial of photo.