Rules – Minnesota Tournament Trail

Rules & Regulations

Rule Changes

These rules will remain unchanged. Interpretation of the rules is at the discretion of the tournament director, whose decisions are final. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. All rules have loopholes; contestants are reminded that the spirit of the rule will prevail in judgment cases.

Age Limit

Contestants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature, along with their own, on the entry form.

Eligibility

All participants must be current members of the Minnesota Tournament Trail. Tournament officials reserve the right to refund any entry fee if membership is not accepted for any reason.

Safety

Safe boating must be observed at all times. A Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device must be worn and securely fastened whenever the combustion engine is operating above trolling speed. The safety-stop switch must also be attached.

Boat Requirements

All boats must meet Coast Guard and state regulations. Motors may not exceed the manufacturer’s BIA rating. Boats must have an aerated livewell capable of sustaining the fish limit. Liability insurance of at least $100,000 is required. No boats over 24ft 6in. All boats must have a Marine Band Radio (permanent or handheld).

Sportsmanship

Contestants are expected to uphold high standards of safety, conservation, and sportsmanship. Alcohol and non-prescription drugs are prohibited in boats.

Partner Substitution

Teams must declare a captain and partner. Substitutes must be Minnesota Tournament Trail members and will not receive points. Substitutes cannot fish for another team unless approved by the MTT. For the championship, the substitute must have fished a prior event with the team.

Ties

In case of a tie, awards for the tied positions will be combined and divided equally among the contestants.

Tournament Entries/Cancellations

Tournament entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a $50 processing fee for transfers.

Membership

All anglers must be members of the Minnesota Tournament Trail. Membership is $50 annually, which includes a subscription to MidWest Outdoors Magazine and a membership card. $5 from each membership goes to the Championship purse.

Boat Inspection

Mandatory boat inspections will occur before every tournament start, and teams may be subject to inspection during tournament hours.

Rules and Bag Limits

Fish must be caught live, following the rules of the specific body of water. Species, bag limits, and size requirements will be outlined at each event’s rules meeting. Contestants may not contact, share information, or exchange items with other boats during tournament hours. Reserving fishing locations through another boat is prohibited.

Weigh-In

Teams must arrive at the official weigh-in site by water. One partner must sign the weigh-in slip to verify the weight. Late check-ins will result in disqualification for the day. Teams within sight and off plane at the official check-in time are considered on time.

Registration and Rules Meeting

Registration and rules meeting times will be posted by the tournament director.

Weather Conditions

Tournaments will begin only during safe weather conditions. Contestants are responsible for monitoring weather changes and may seek shelter if conditions become unsafe. Radios and phones are allowed for emergency use only.

Protests

Protests must be in writing, accompanied by a $2000 check to the Minnesota Tournament Trail, and submitted within 15 minutes of the scales closing. The burden of proof lies with the team filing the protest. If found invalid, the $2000 check will be cashed, and the protesting team will cover all associated costs. Valid protests result in the disqualified team covering the costs.

Polygraph/Voice Stress Test and Random Observer

By signing the entry form, contestants agree to submit to a polygraph or voice stress test and may have a random observer placed in their boat. After the tournament, or if a protest is filed, one team member (from the top 5 or the protested team) must submit to an examination to confirm rule compliance. If a member is deemed deceptive, the team will be disqualified. Contestants release the Minnesota Tournament Trail, the polygraph examiner, and any testing services from liability.

Point Structure

One-Day Events: 500 points total, awarded in 2-point decreasing increments. 100 points for teams not weighing fish.
Two-Day Events: 1000 points total, awarded in 5-point decreasing increments. 200 points for teams not weighing fish.
Team of the Year: Based on points from the top 5 one-day events, one two-day event, and the championship. $2500 awarded to the Team of the Year.
Championship Points: 1000 points, awarded in 5-point decreasing increments. 200 points for teams not weighing fish.

Championship Qualification

The top 75 teams by points and any team that entered 4 one-day events and one two-day event will be invited to the championship, held on September 15-16, 2022, at Lake of the Woods. Headquarters will be at Border View Lodge (1-800-PRO-FISH).