Rules 2026

1. Membership & Dues

Membership is open to any angler in good standing with Bassmaster that is willing to abide by club rules and ethics.
Annual dues shall be paid before the first tournament is fished.
Membership is $75 with $50 going to TN BASS Nation and $25 towards the end of year fish off.
Guests may fish with a club member for a maximum of one tournament per year, and must pay the entry fee and abide by club rules.

The club shall hold annual meetings to conduct business, elect officers, and review rules.
The Board of Directors / Tournament Committee has the authority to interpret rules, assess penalties, and resolve protests; their decisions are final.
Any proposed rule change must be presented at a regular meeting and voted on by the membership (e.g., 2/3 majority) to become effective.

Only members in good standing (dues paid) may enter club tournaments.
Entry fees for each tournament will be $40 per person.
The club may have categories such as “Big Bass”, “Angler of the Year”, etc., with additional optional jackpots or funds allocated accordingly.
Format: Tournaments may be individual or team-based.
Launch/check‑in time, take‑off order, and weigh‑in time will be scheduled and published in the tournament notice.

All participants must comply with federal, state, and local fishing and boating laws (licenses, size/creel limits, closed areas).
A Coast Guard approved life‑jacket must be worn anytime the engine is running or the boat is on plane. Kill‑switch must be used if equipped.
Alcohol or drugs (other than legal medications) are strictly prohibited during tournament hours. Violation may result in immediate disqualification.
Boats must be correctly insured/licensed and in safe operating condition. The tournament director may inspect boats before take‑off.

Tackle: Only artificial lures may be used unless otherwise specified in a special event. Live or dead bait, or trolling with the combustion motor, is generally prohibited.
Rod/Line: Only one rod may be in use at any one time unless the tournament format allows otherwise.
Species: Only bass species specified by the club (e.g., largemouth, smallmouth, spotted) may be weighed in.
Minimum size/length: Fish must meet the minimum length required by state law or by the club (if more restrictive). Any fish weighed that fails to meet the minimum may incur a penalty (e.g., loss of that fish or weight deduction).
Bag limit: Each angler/team may weigh in no more than the established limit (for example, five bass) unless the club specifies a different number.
Dead‑fish penalty: A penalty (weight deduction or disqualification) may be applied for dead fish presented for weigh‑in.
Fishing location: Fishing is allowed only within the designated tournament waters and hours.
Tennessee A Rig is allowed.
Forward facing sonar is allowed.

Conservation: All reasonable effort must be made to ensure the livewell and the fish’s health (oxygenation, cooling, handling).
Conduct: Anglers must conduct themselves with sportsmanship, respect toward others, and in a manner that reflects positively on the club and the sport. Harassment, cheating, or unsportsmanlike behavior may lead to disciplinary action including disqualification or expulsion.

All fish must be brought to weigh‑in alive. The weigh‑in site, time, and procedures will be announced in advance.
At weigh‑in, the tournament director or designated official will measure/verify fish length, inspect livewell, and assess any penalties.
Dead bass penalties: A predetermined weight‑or‐point penalty will apply for each dead bass (e.g., a fixed weight deduction or loss of points).
Short fish penalties: If a fish is under the legal length, penalties apply (e.g., loss of the fish and/or weight deduction).
Ties: In case of ties for tournament awards, the tie‑breaker shall be the largest single bass weight, then number of fish weighed, then total weight across the season (or as decided).
Points or weight system: The club will determine how standings are calculated (e.g., total weight for season, points for placings, bonus for big bass). The method will be published in advance.

Tournament payout: The prize distribution (Payout schedule is posted on another page).
Big Bass award: A separate award may be given for the largest bass weighed in during a tournament or season (Must fish ½ the tournaments).

Angler of the Year: Awarded to the angler/team with the best performance across the season (based on total points). Eligibility may require participation in a minimum number of tournaments (½ of the tournaments).

Big stringer of the year award: A separate award may be given for the largest bag weighed in during a tournament or season (Must fish ½ the tournaments).
Disqualification or penalties incurred may affect eligibility for awards.

Any violation of these rules may incur penalties: weight deduction, loss of fish, disqualification from the tournament, loss of eligibility for awards, or expulsion from the club.
All protests must be submitted in writing (or on a club‑approved form) to the tournament director within a specified time after weigh‑in (e.g., within 15 minutes) to be considered.
The tournament director and/or board will review rule infractions and determine outcomes; decisions are final.

The Board or tournament committee may interpret rules in unusual circumstances; interpretations will be final.
The club may amend rules at the annual meeting or by special session; all members will be notified of changes.
Any rule not addressed specifically by the club shall defer to applicable federal, state, and local fishing and boating laws.

Anglers should arrive at the ramp early, launch efficiently, respect other members’ space, avoid disturbing other boats, and keep wakes and noise to a minimum near fishing boats or no‑wake zones.
Members should help maintain good relationships with lake/river ramp facilities and local wildlife agencies (e.g., keep boat ramps clean, pick up litter, follow invasive species prevention rules).
Respect private property and access points; do not trespass or damage shoreline vegetation.
Promote and practice catch‑and‑release when possible, especially for undersized or spawning bass, to support long‑term fishery health.