OFFICIAL RULES OF COMPETITION
The following rules shall apply to all Wild West Bass Trail (WWBT) events. Rules for special
tournaments may differ from those contained herein. These rules may be changed by WWBT
immediately upon notice to its members. Notice may be published on the WWBT Internet site at
https://wildwestbasstrail.com. Interpretation and enforcement of these rules shall be left exclusively
to the Tournament Director or his/her designee at a tournament.
1 TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR SANCTIONS: The Tournament Director may impose actions or
rulings deemed appropriate by them, which may include the following without limitation. The
Tournament Director may seek the advisement of the Advisory Board or Rules Committee:
1. Reduction of competition hours as determined by the Tournament Director.
2. Loss of catch for the day of the violation.
3. Disqualification from the current tournament.
4. Forfeiture of prizes and entry fee.
5. Disqualification from future WWBT events, which may be a specific number of events, a
specific period of time, or lifetime disqualification.
6. Any different or additional penalties determined by the Tournament Director including but not
limited to monetary fines and/or reduction of Angler of Year Points.
2 The decision of the Tournament Director, his/her designee shall be final in all matters. In all cases
the Tournament Director and WWBT have the sole discretion to determine whether they or the
Advisory Board, and/or Rules Committee shall be responsible for adjudicating any given issue or
dispute.
Subject to the appeal process set forth in these rules. The decision of the Tournament Director,
his/her designee, or the rules committee shall be final in all matters. WWBT contestants are required
to police themselves each competition day. If contestants have a concern regarding their catch, they
should not present their catch. They must consult with tournament director immediately.
3 FISHING HOURS: Fishing hours will be posted on the Tournament Information Page or
announced at the tournament briefing.
4 PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBILITY: This tournament is open only to current members of WWBT;
who are 18 years of age or older.
5 MEMBERSHIP: WWBT membership is required to fish all WWBT Kayak Series events. Failure to
have an active/paid membership is grounds for disqualification. WWBT reserves the right to refuse
and/or revoke memberships without cause, reason and/or explanation and without recourse at our
own discretion. Membership does not guarantee the ability to enter a tournament. Memberships are
valid for tournament calendar year. Note: A tournament calendar year may start in the fall prior. The
membership fee is $60.00 per contestant per year.
6 INSURANCE/REGISTRATION: All participants operating a motor vehicle, towing a trailer, or
operating a kayak with a motor must have a current state of CA DMV registration and meet all
applicable state insurance requirements for the aforementioned items.
7 ENTRY DEADLINE: First Entry deadline (Lock-It-In) via mail/phone is 5:00pm local time or
online/APP entries until 11:59 PM Monday prior to the event to be paid in full. Any entries after COB
on this date will incur a $35 late fee. Check the WWBT website for all deadline dates. WWBT
ENCOURAGES CONTESTANTS TO UTILIZE ONLINE/APP OR PHONE METHODS TO SUBMIT
PAYMENTS. Checks will be accepted; however, it is the responsibility of each contestant to follow
up with WWBT if they have submitted an entry via USPS mail. All USPS entries must be received by
the WWBT office by the published deadline date. Contestants are encouraged to pre-sign for events
giving them priority entry and greatly helping the tournament organization with preparation details.
8 FINAL ENTRY DATE: Close of business local time the day prior to the official practice day.
9 WAIVER AND RELEASE: As a condition of participation in each tournament, each contestant
must execute a waiver and release of liability and a name and likeness release.
10 PRIZES: Prizes will be awarded after the tournament. Contestants must be present and able to
hear their names called at the official weigh-in to be eligible for contingency prizes.
11 OFF LIMITS PRACTICE: QUALIFYING EVENTS: Tournament waters shall be off-limits to all
contestants 4 days (Monday-Thursday) prior to the open practice day.
For Sunday events Tournament waters shall be off-limits to all contestants 5 days (Monday-Friday).
The open practice day (Friday for Saturday Events) shall be one day prior to the event day in all
WWBT events unless otherwise notified by WWBT.
The open practice day (Saturday for Sunday Events) shall be one day prior to the event day in all
WWBT events unless otherwise notified by WWBT. Contestants may only fish out of a kayak on the
open practice day.
Off limits for WWBT tournament waters will start at 12:01am local time on Monday through 30
minutes prior to the published sunrise time on the designated practice date.
All Contestants must be off the tournament waters by posted 4:00 PM local time. SEE WWBT
WEBSITE FOR OFFICIAL DATES FOR EACH EVENT.
CHAMPIONSHIP – Tournament waters shall be off-limits to all contestants at 12:01 AM local time 10
days prior to the first open practice date in all WWBT Championship events unless otherwise notified
by WWBT. SEE WWBT WEBSITE FOR OFFICIAL DATES FOR EACH EVENT. CHAMPIONSHIP-
There will be an open practice period immediately prior to the first competition day of the
tournament. SEE WWBT WEBSITE FOR OFFICIAL DATES FOR EACH EVENT. No contestants will
be allowed on Tournament waters after registration until the first day of competition. Unless
otherwise specified, all official times are specific to local host community. The contestant must know
and observe these dates. During both the open practice and the tournament, a contestant may not
have the assistance or advice of anyone other than another confirmed contestant for the purposes of
locating or catching bass, nor enter the tournament waters with anyone who has been on the
tournament waters during the off-limits period including, but not limited to, a professional guide, state
or federal wildlife agency employee, or any other person deemed an “expert“ on these tournament
waters by the Tournament Director, unless they are a contestant in the tournament. Flying over
tournament waters or the use of drones during the off-limits period, open practice and competition is
not allowed.
12 NO INFO RULE CHAMPIONSHIP: WWBT KAYAK HAVE A NO INFO RULE AND A STRICT
OFF-LIMITS PERIOD. REGARDLESS OF WHEN A CONTESTANT ENTERED THE EVENT, THEY
MUST HAVE ADHERED TO THE OFF-LIMITS PERIOD AND THE NO INFORMATION RULE. BY
SIGNING THE WAIVER AND ENTRY FORM EACH CONTESTANT IS ATTESTING TO ADHERING
TO THE NO INFO AND OFF-LIMITS RULE. Other than using publicly available information (e.g.,
newspaper and Internet reports) contestants cannot solicit, receive, or gather any information via
phone, electronic devices, or any other means about locating or catching fish on tournament waters.
All information must be accessed prior to official off limits periods. THERE SHALL BE NO
EXCEPTIONS. During open practice (CHAMPIONSHIP) and competition day(s) contestants cannot
solicit, receive, or gather any information from anyone other than another contestant in the
tournament. In the event of unsolicited information being offered in any fashion constants must
cease and /or discontinue such information by informing the person you are off limits for a WWBT
event.
13 FISHABLE WATERS: Fishing within 50 yards of an operating gas pump/dock or within 50 yards
of a competitor’s kayak, which is first anchored, is prohibited. Anchor rope visible, or shallow water
anchoring system deployed to be considered anchored). A safe and courteous distance (50 yards)
should be maintained at all times. Kayaks may fish anywhere except areas designated as “off limits”
or “no fishing” by Local, State or Federal officials or as posted on the Tournament Information page
or announced by Tournament Director. Tournament waters shall be established by the Tournament
Director for each tournament. Any water within these boundaries posted “Off-Limits” or “No Fishing”
by state or federal agencies will be OFF- LIMITS and will be announced at the Tournament Briefing.
Only water open to all public fishing will be considered tournament waters. Contestants may not cut,
dig, or remove obstructions requiring the use of any tools once the off-limits period begins all the
way through the conclusion of the event to access any water. Contestants may not have a non-
contestant cut, dig, or remove any obstructions once the off-limits period begins all the way through
the conclusion of the event to access any water. Contestants may not have the assistance of
another kayak, person, or apparatus (push poles are allowed) to access any water. Contestant’s
kayaks must access fishable water under its own power and only with the assistance of the anglers
assigned to that kayak. All angling must be done from the kayak. Prior to the tournament
registration, any questionable areas must be brought to the attention of tournament officials to be
considered tournament waters and may be announced in the briefing for all to hear. Contestants
must fish in an area that is accessible by WWBT staff, media, and camera personnel as deemed by
the tournament director. Generally, WWBT views this as a 20-foot fiberglass bass boat with the
motor trimmed down under its own power. If contestants have any questions, they must approach
the tournament director. Any violation of off-limits water will result in disqualification. Tournament
officials reserve the right to restrict or enhance tournament waters based on conversations with local
authorities.
14 COMPETITION DAYS: (Qualifying events) will span one (1) day with the full field.
15 CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION DAYS: WWBT will span two (2) competition days.
16 OTHER EQUIPMENT/RESTRICTIONS:
1. No floggers, underwater cameras, or similar devices will be allowed in practice or during the
events days. (Championship)
2. No spotlights or similar devices will be allowed in practice or during the events days to
located fishing locations or fish. (Championship)
3. Binoculars are not allowed in the kayak at any time.
4. Contestants must have a valid fishing license for all tournament waters.
5. No contestant may buy or barter a fishing location from any other contestant for use during
any competition day.
6. Contestants renting slips may launch kayaks and proceed immediately to slip location.
7. Testing of equipment during off-limits period is not permitted on tournament waters.
8. Testing of equipment after the weigh-in is only allowed with permission from the Tournament
Director. (Championship)
9. Scouting, pre-fishing or other “practice” related activities prior to or after weigh-in is not
allowed once the tournament has begun. (Championship)
10. During the open practice and during the tournament, a contestant may not enter or dive in
tournament waters also known as skin or scuba diving. (Championship)
11. During the official competition days of the tournament, a contestant may not use a CB radio,
a VHF marine band radio, a cellular phone, or any other type of communication device for
the purpose of locating or catching fish. Contestants are permitted to transmit by radio or
telephone only in the event of an emergency. If so equipped, contestants may listen to the
marine-band weather information.
12. In all cases where communications are initiated by a contestant, the Tournament Director
must be called prior. A voicemail or text message may constitute such communication.
13. A designated tournament official must be granted access to the contestant’s kayak at any
time during the open practice or competition days. Failure to grant such access may result in
immediate disqualification.
14. Nothing can be placed into the water to attract baitfish, any type forage. This includes but not
limited to: structure, dog food, fish habitat, bait balls or any substance that would enhance or
hold fish in a particular area once the off-limits period begins and all the way through the
conclusion of the event.
15. Any other special rule as deemed by the tournament director and announced prior to blast
off.
17 VIOLATION OR INFRACTION: EACH CONTESTANT AGREES TO REPORT TO THE
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR IMMEDIATELY ANY VIOLATION OR INFRACTION OF ANY
TOURNAMENT RULES.
18 PROTEST AND REPORTING PROCEDURE: ALL PROTESTS MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE
TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS ATTENTION VIA VERBAL NOTIFICATION AND THEN SUBMIT A
WRITTEN PROTEST WITHIN THIRTY (30) MINUTES OF THE LAST FLIGHT CHECK-IN TO THE
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR OR DESIGNATED TOURNAMENT OFFICIAL. THE PROTESTOR
ALSO AGREES THAT IF THERE IS A QUESTION WITH REGARDS TO VERIFYING THE
PROTEST, THEY MAY BE SUBJECT TO A POLYGRAPH EXAM AND AGREE TO TESTIFY IN A
COURT OF LAW IF NECESSARY.
19 POLYGRAPH: By signature on the WWBT Series participation agreement or the official entry
form, each contestant agrees to submit to a polygraph examination and abide by its conclusion
should he/she be accused of any rule violation. The WWBT Tournament Director or rules committee
or such person designated by the Tournament Director shall have the discretion to determine the
need for a polygraph examination. The WWBT Tournament Director or his/her designee shall be
responsible for selecting an independent expert to administer and interpret the results and
establishing, in consultation with the expert administrator, the scope of the questions which may be
asked during the polygraph examination. The WWBT Tournament Director or his/her designee shall
attempt to have the location of such polygraph examination as close in proximity to the angler’s
permanent address or such other mutually convenient location as possible. The contestant shall
make himself/herself available at the location selected by the Tournament Director and shall
cooperate in all respects with such examination. In the event of polygraph examination, contestants
may have tournament prizes withheld until such testing has been concluded.
20 REGISTRATION: Each contestant must register in person with official WWBT staff at the time
and place designated in the schedule of events. Any contestant who has not contacted the WWBT
Tournament Director 15 minutes after the closing of the posted on site registration, may be
disqualified from participating in the tournament and his/her entry free forfeited. It shall be each
contestant’s responsibility to check the schedule of events or registration time and location or obtain
times from the WWBT tournament department.
21 SAFETY: Safe kayak conduct must always be observed by contestants. During competition each
kayak passenger must wear a Coast Guard-approved chest-type life preserver. This preserver must
be strapped, snapped or zippered securely and maintained in that condition. Inflatable life vest
indicators should be checked daily. Violation of this rule shall be reason for disqualification. It is
suggested the contestants conduct a safety check each day prior to the launch to familiarize the
location of all safety equipment. Tournament officials have the right to delay, shorten or cancel the
start of an official tournament day because of bad weather or other factors that would endanger the
safety of the contestants. Tournament waters may also be restricted at any time because of bad
weather. Weather delays on competition days resulting in half of the tournament day being lost (flight
take-off and check-in) may result in cancellation. IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY
SITUATION, CONTESTANTS SHOULD CALL 911 FIRST AND ONCE SAFE, NOTIFY
TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. CONTESTANTS ARE ALLOWED TO
LEAVE THE KAYAK AND SEEK SAFE SHELTER IN BAD WEATHER WHERE DANGER MAY BE
IMMINENT.
22 ANGLER CODE OF CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP: Contestants participating in any
WWBT event shall abide by this code of conduct and the applicable rules for the event in which they
are participating. Contestants shall, at all times, conduct themselves in a manner becoming of a
professional that will not reflect unfavorably on WWBT, its members, sponsors, events or
representatives. The favorable public reputation of WWBT as an organization in the sport of fishing,
the integrity of its officials, and the reputation of its media properties are valuable assets and tangible
benefits for WWBT. It is an obligation of contestants to refrain from public comments that
unreasonably attacks or disparages the integrity of tournaments, tournament officials, sponsors,
fellow members, fellow contestants or the WWBT organization. Public comments that an angler
knows, or should reasonably know, will harm the reputation of WWBT, WWBT officials or sponsors
shall be considered unacceptable conduct and may result in disciplinary action, including but not
limited to, permanent removal from all WWBT events. Contestants will refrain from arguing, yelling,
demeaning, using profanity, or challenging any tournament official. Anglers will be notified of any
known rules infractions at the moment they are discovered or as soon as they are ruled upon by the
tournament director. Contestants shall demonstrate professionalism and integrity in support of the
sport of professional fishing. Any angler who violates any portion of the Angler Code of Conduct may
be subject to sanctions including but not limited to permanent disqualification.
23 PUBLIC CONDUCT, SPORTSMANSHIP AND COMPETITIVE INTEGRITY: Contestants in
WWBT tournaments are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety and
conservation. Contestant agrees that the integrity and competitive honesty of fishing contests is
paramount to any bass fishing tournament circuit’s continued existence and success. Contestants
compete in WWBT contests at the sole discretion of WWBT. The WWBT reserves the right to refuse
service to any potential contestant and enforce its tournament rules, including but not limited to this
Rule and the Angler Code of Conduct and Sportsmanship Rule, at its sole discretion.
24 ALCOHOL OR DRUGS: Use of alcohol or drugs (other than those purchased over the counter or
prescribed by a licensed physician) by any contestant during the open practice or during the
tournament will not be tolerated and shall be cause for automatic disqualification from this and all
future WWBT tournaments. No alcoholic beverages, other stimulants or depressants, prescription or
otherwise, shall be allowed in the kayaks during the open practice or competition days or when in
the weigh-in area. Any contestant(s) deemed under the influence by the tournament director may be
disqualified. Chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of a felony or 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 the Tournament Director.
25 TOBACCO PRODUCTS: The use of any tobacco products or smoking prior/during takeoff, from
check-in through weigh-in, and while cameras are present is prohibited.
26 MAXIMUM COURTESY: must always be practiced, especially regarding operation of a kayak and
angling in the vicinity of non-contestants who may be on tournament waters. Any act of a contestant
which reflects unfavorably upon efforts to promote fisheries conservation, clean waters and courtesy
shall be reason for disqualification. All contestants are bound by the prevailing statutes and
regulations of the various states within which they fish. Contestants are responsible for research of
fishing and kayak regulations.
27 DISQUALIFICATION SUSPENSION: 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 WWBT tournament and/or disqualification from a WWBT tournament after
circumstances are reviewed by the Tournament Director. A written statement may be accepted by
the tournament director from any contestant in question.
28 TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT: Only artificial lures and biodegradable artificial lures may be used.
No “live bait” or “prepared bait” will be permitted during open practice and competition, except for
pork strips or rinds. Only ONE (1) casting, spin casting or spinning rod and reel may be used at any
one time. Other rigs as specified above may be in kayak ready for use; however, only ONE is
permitted in use at any given time. All bass must be caught live and in a conventional sporting
manner on each day of competition.
29 PERMITTED FISHING METHODS: Fishing is defined as having a lure attached to a line and a
rod and reel with the rod in hand. All lures must adhere to state regulations. Alabama rigs and similar
umbrella type rigs are limited to a maximum of five wires, five lures and three hooks (single or treble)
unless state regulations are more restrictive, in which case state regulations prevail.
30 RECEIVING, ACCEPTING OR TAKING OF FISH FROM ANOTHER PERSON: during
tournament hours is strictly prohibited. Stringers, ropes, caging, barrels or use of any other type of
device to hold fish with the intent of catching or utilizing them to count for your or anyone else’s daily
catch is prohibited. Adding weight in any way to alter the natural state of any fish caught is
prohibited. Moving or “stocking” fish from one location to another is prohibited.
31 VISIBLE FISH: Anyone guilty of snatching or snagging visible fish will have their catch
disqualified. When visually fishing a bed or for bedding bass, to be counted as a legal fish, all bass
must be hooked inside the mouth.
32 TROLLING MOTOR REGULATIONS: Trolling motors may be used during open practice and
competition. Trolling motor must be specifically designed for the purpose of propelling the kayak
safely. The kayak must be registered with the DMV and properly display registration numbers.
33 NO RAISED PLATFORMS: decks, or other non-factory installed standing platform may be used
in the kayak. An electric trolling motor may be used for slow maneuvering. However, trolling as a
method of fishing is prohibited.
34 BOAT/KAYAK ELIGIBILITY:
1. Must be an individual kayak. No float tubes or u-boats will be allowed.
2. Kayak can be powered by paddle, pedal, or trolling motor (must be registered with the
DMV). No gas motors are allowed.
3. Angler weight and equipment may not exceed the specified weight capacity of the kayak.
4. Stern Light (360) is required to launch your boat prior to safe light. If no stern light, boat may
not be launched until safe light has been established.
5. Tournament Director reserves the right to determine boat eligibility.
35 BASIC KAYAK EQUIPMENT: During open practice (Championship) and competition, every
kayak must have all required Coast Guard safety equipment.
36 KAYAK IDENTIFICATION: Prior to each day’s start, each kayak may be given an inspection
check by a tournament official. Contestants will be assigned a number according to their take off
position.
37 CONTESTANTS MUST REMAIN IN KAYAK: During the competition days; contestants must not
depart the kayak to land fish or to make the kayak more accessible to fishing waters. Kayaks must
remain in tournament waters during tournament days. Contestants must leave from and return to
official checkpoints by kayak. Contestants must always remain in the kayak except in case of dire
emergency.
38 RESTROOM BREAK: In the event of a needed restroom break contestants may leave the kayak.
39 REPORT AN EMERGENCY OR BREAKDOWN: Contact a tournament official by phone or other
means or to report an emergency or breakdown, contestants must cease fishing at this point and
their catch must be verified by a tournament official in order to be counted in the tournament. If after
the emergency situation is resolved by tournament officials and enough time is left for the contestant
to resume fishing, a RESTART may be allowed, and the contestant will continue, and their catch will
be counted. This applies only to emergency situations as determined by the Tournament Director or
his designee.
40 MOVING KAYAKS: On trailers/vehicle during tournament hours is prohibited, except by the
direction of tournament officials.
41 OFFICIAL CHECKPOINT: There shall be only one official check point for check-out in the
morning, and one official check-in point in the afternoon which will be designated at the tournament
briefing. Failure to go through kayak check and check-out in the morning or failure to check-in at the
check-in point in the afternoon may result in disqualification. At the time of check-out, all contestants
and their kayaks shall be in full conformity with all rules set forth by the Tournament Director. At
check-in, all kayaks shall identify themselves by means of the numbers described in and proceed
immediately to the designated check in area.
42 SCORING: Tournament standings and final winners shall be determined by the total inches
(down to 1/4” increments) of each contestant’s catch during the competition days of the tournament.
43 THE OFFICIAL LENGTH FOR BASS: Shall be determined by the Tournament Director and
announced at the Tournament Briefing. THE OFFICIAL LENGTH FOR BASS SHALL BE 12”
MOUTH CLOSED UNLESS DICTATED OTHERWISE BY LOCAL REGULATIONS. ALL BASS WILL
BE MEASURED ON A HAWG TROUGH (YELLOW) OR KETCH BOARD MEASURING DEVICE
WITH IDENTIFIER AND MEASUREMENT MARKINGS PROMINENTLY VISIBLE.
1. Picture of fish must be on an approved Hawg Trough (Yellow) or Ketch Board measuring
device. White Hawg Trough boards are not allowed (effective 3/16/2020). Board must be
flat and not flexed.
2. Fish must be positioned with head facing left with the dorsal fin up.
3. Mouth must be closed touching the front of measuring device (mouth must be fully closed
with no board visible, fish with structural defects will be closely analyzed by multiple
judges for final determination).
4. No holding or angling of the fish tail. Natural, pinched position acceptable.
5. Hand may not be tucked under the gill plate or over the eye of the fish.
6. No fish grips or stringers holding the fish.
7. No blurry pictures must be clearly visible.
8. Tail must be touching the line to count. Measurement will be rounded down to nearest ¼ inch
if not clearly visibly touching the line.
44 BIG FISH: Each contestant will automatically be entered into the big fish option. Big fish will be
determined by the longest legal catch submitted during competition.
45 LATE PENALTY: Contestants who are not at the official check-in point, as described at the
appointed time shall be penalized at the rate of one (1) inch per minute late to be deducted from the
total length of his/her catch that day, including any inches to be counted toward a “big bass award.”
Any contestant more than 15 minutes late shall lose all credit for that day’s catch to include points
credit. There shall be no excuse for tardiness and in no case shall a contestant be allowed to make
up “lost time.” After proper recognition at the check-in point, contestants will be allowed ample time
to proceed to the weigh-in site; however, all fishing must cease upon check-in. After the tournament
begins, fishing the tournament waters is prohibited except during tournament hours. Exact starting
and check-in times will be announced at the Tournament Briefing. It is the angler’s responsibility to
confirm check-in times each day
46 RULE OF TIME KEEPING: The official time is always kept by the Tournament Director once
open practice has begun. For the rule of time keeping until the official clock reads the following
minute, contestants are not considered late for that minute in question, i.e., 3:00:59 is not considered
late. 3:01 is considered one minute late, etc.
47 250 POINT SYSTEM FOR ALL WWBT SERIES: One Point System per Place – Points for each
event will be based on a 250-point scale. All contestants will receive 50 “participation” points.
Example:
Winner receives 250 points + 50 participation points= 300 points
2nd place receives 249 points + 50 participation points= 299 points
3rd place receives 248 points + 50 participation points= 298 points etc. Balance of field, one point
each until end of field or points run out
Must weigh a legal fish per tournament to receive AOY points for that event.
50 participation points will be awarded to all contestants.
Kayak Series AOY will be determined by the highest point total for all regular season
finishes.
Ties – Refer below. Standings will reflect ties starting at place closest to first.
End of year point tiebreakers shall be total length from full field days for season.
48 CHAMPIONSHIP INVITATIONAL QUALIFICATION:
Kayak Series: The top 50 contestants based on the Angler of the Year (AOY) points from each
division will receive an invitation to that divisions Championship Invitational. There are no throw outs
for WWBT Kayak Series.
WWBT reserves the right to work down the AOY list to ensure a full field at the
Championship Invitational provided those contestants participated in the maximum number
of regular season events offered by WWBT for each respected division.
WWBT reserves the right to invite sponsor exemptions for the Championship Invitational
provided those contestants participated in the maximum number of regular season events
offered by WWBT for each respected division.
49 TIES: In regular season events will remain a tie. Monetary prizes for each contestant will be
awarded in equal amounts. Angler of the Year points will be awarded for the place of the tied
position and each contestant will be awarded equal points.
Big Fish- In the case where two contestants are tied with the weight of a big fish. WWBT will
combine the payout for those places and divide them equally by the tied contestants. I.E. If 3rd is to
be paid out $500 and 4th is to be paid out $700 and they are tied $500+$700=$1,200/2=$600 to be
paid out equally.
Plaques/trophies will be awarded based on which contestant weighed the bigger fish. If that does not
determine the awards, it will be determined by heads/tails coin toss.
CHAMPIONSHIP: In case of ties for the championship, the tiebreaker will be determined by the (1)
day one standings, (2) if the tie is not broken, it will be determined by AOY standings, If the tie is not
broken by applying the foregoing procedures, the tie will remain a tie. Monetary prizes for each
contestant will be awarded in equal amounts.
CHAMPIONSHIP: If the tie is for first place, the Tournament Director will conduct a sudden death
fish off. The parameters of the sudden death fish off will be determined at the director’s discretion.
All WWBT rules apply during the sudden death fish off.
50 RULES VIOLATIONS AND APPEALS COMMITTEE: An appeals committee will be established
by WWBT which shall be comprised of the tournament director and a minimum of 4 contestants from
the advisory board in the event in question. Appeals for penalties assessed must be presented in
writing 48 hours from the time and date of ruling to the Tournament Director. 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. If contestants admit to a rule’s
violation, they may not file an appeal of either the finding that they have violated the rules, or the
penalty imposed for the violation. Decisions of the appeals committee shall be final. Contestants
may be allowed to compete under appeal. However, penalties assessed will remain until final ruling
by Appeals Committee. Contestants may be allowed to compete under appeal for penalties
assessed until final ruling by Appeals Committee. Appeals of non-competition rulings must be
presented in writing to the Tournament Director within 48 hours from the time and date of ruling for
review.
51 MEDIA: All official contestants of an event are required to cooperate with the media personnel
that cover the event. Contestants do not have the option of not being filmed or interviewed during the
official event days. WWBT personnel must be granted access and be able to touch any contestants
kayak at will. Any act deemed by WWBT officials to have the intention of preventing media
coverage will result in disqualification from the event. Contestants must fish in an area that is
accessible by WWBT staff, media, and camera personnel as deemed by the tournament director.
Generally, WWBT views this as a 20-foot fiberglass bass boat with the motor trimmed down under
its own power. If contestants have any questions they must approach the tournament director.
52 LOGOS AND/OR SIGNAGE: Contestants are encouraged to wear their own clothing which may
bear patches, logos and other signage promoting the angler’s sponsors. WWBT may, however,
restrict the use of patches, logos, signage, etc. which are, in WWBT’s sole judgment, in poor taste.
WWBT will provide as much advance notice as possible to the contestants in such instances.
Contestants are also encouraged to wear WWBT’s logo on their tournament jerseys.
53 ADVISORY BOARD: An Advisory Board will be established by WWBT. WWBT will look to this
board for their input on various items regarding tournaments and the contestants. This Advisory
Board may be asked to help resolve appeals/protests with regards to rules violations.
54 TAXES: Participants are responsible for all applicable taxes, execution of all tax forms and rules
on both cash and merchandise awards. Various states require withholding tax on merchandise be
paid upon the awarding of certificates and contestants awarded merchandise certificates in these
various states are responsible for remitting this tax to WWBT. Failure to meet those obligations may
result in reduction of Angler of Year Points, fines and/or disqualification from all future WWBT
Events.
55 MEASUREMENT, SUBMISSION, AND SCORING OF CATCH:
1. Fish must be landed, measured, pictured and released without any assistance. Fish must be
alive at the time of the release and must swim away under its own power for it to be
considered a legal catch.
2. Scoring is done the by CPR (catch-photo-release) method. Fish will be submitted via the
designated app or by live judge scoring after check-in time. Anglers will be notified well in
advance of scoring system to be used for specific tournament.
3. All photos must contain the tournament identifier and markings must be visible. Tournament
identifier will be issued at morning check-in before the tournament once the kayak and life
jacket have been inspected.
4. All fish entries must appear to be fresh and free of any obvious mutilation or mishandling.
5. Any two fish of the same length must show noticeable signs of distinction.
6. Anglers are required to use digital camera or smartphone with a LCD screen big enough to
view photos and measurement.
7. Anglers are required to provide their own power source for smartphone or camera, unable to
provide picture due to power device failure will result in disqualification of catch.
8. Picture of fish must be on an approved Hawg Trough (yellow boards only, no white boards –
effective 3/16/2020) or Ketch Board measuring device with identifier and measurement
markings prominently visible. Board must be flat and not flexed.
9. Fish must be positioned with head facing left with the dorsal fin up.
10. Mouth must be closed touching the front of measuring device (mouth must be fully closed
with no board visible, fish with structural defects will be closely analyzed by multiple
judges for final determination). A 1” deduction will be imposed for each fish submitted with
its mouth open.
11. No holding or angling of the fish tail. Natural, pinched position acceptable.
12. Hand may not be tucked under the gill plate or over the eye of the fish.
13. No fish grips or stringers holding the fish.
14. No blurry pictures must be clearly visible.
15. Tail must be touching the line to count. Measurement will be rounded down to nearest ¼ inch
if not clearly visibly touching the line.
16. Winner will be determined by 5 qualified fish total measurement. Second place will be
determined by second longest 5 qualified fish total measurement, and so on.
17. In the event of a tie, the longest fish will determine the tie breaker. In the event of a
continued tie, the next longest fish will decide. In the event of a continued tie, the next fish
will decide. In the event of an ultimate tie, a final coin toss will decide.
56. REFUNDS – No refunds will be issued after the off-limits period starts for each event.