Club Information and Tournament Rules We have established this club so its members can enjoy bass tournament fishing in a friendly and competitive nature in a low key environment.  There will not be regular club meetings and we are not affiliated with any other organization. Membership: Club dues will be $50 per year.  The club will limit its number of members to 18 with a 60/40 boater to non-boater percentage. Tournament Schedule:  Seven tournaments will be scheduled throughout the season with one tournament each month from April to October.  Tournaments will be for six hours either 6-12 or 7-1 as posted per tournament. General Tournament Rules: All tournaments will be fished as individuals.  Each angler will pay $35 to be paid out as follows.  $25 from each angler goes towards the payout schedule.  The remaining $10 gets split between the angler and co-angler lunker pools. Boaters and non-boaters may pair themselves up, although it is suggested to rotate non-boaters with boaters to allow club members to fish with different members.  Club members may fish with a non-member providing there are no members available to fish with.  Non-members may fish one tournament by paying the $35 entry fee or fish as a “guest” without paying or being eligible for a payout.  Should a non-member fish as a paid participant, their finish will be skipped over for points in the standings.  No non-member may fish a second time without joining the club. Any club member or participant bringing in a dead fish shall be penalized four ounces per dead fish.  Any short fish (less than 12 inches) will be penalized 1 pound per short fish.  If requested, a courtesy check of length of one (1) bass will be done before the weigh-in. Weigh-In: Each angler may weigh in up to five fish with a minimum length of 12 inches.  When an angler has caught a sixth fish of legal length, they must (cull) release their smallest live fish right away.  Each angler’s largest fish will be weighed in separately for a possible lunker award. Only artificial lures may be used; no live bait.  Only one rod and reel may be in the water at any one time.  Trolling is prohibited. All boats must be equipped with a working live well.  Each boater will have a life vest for themselves.  It is suggested that the boater have a vest for the non-boater.  The boater should let the non-boater know in advance if they do not have an additional life vest aboard.  Life vests must be worn while running the gas motor.  In addition, the boater must carry a minimum of $100,000 liability insurance and a Connecticut state safe boating certificate. Any boater returning late to the weigh-in may be penalized eight (8) ounces per minute late.  Anyone returning more than 15 minutes late will be disqualified. Any club member or participant who attempts to weigh in a fish that he/she did not catch legally will be disqualified. Ties will be broken in the following manner: Total number of fish Weight of largest fish If still tied, anglers involved will split the points and purse. Scoring: 200 points will be awarded for first place.  190 points for second, then a decrement of five points for each place thereafter, for those members weighing in fish.  Any member fishing in a tournament who does not catch a fish will be awarded 50 points less than the lowest placing member weighing in fish. The member finishing with the highest point total based on their five best tournaments will be awarded the Angler of the Year Award plus a $100 cash award.  $50 cash awards will be presented for both the Big Bag of the Year and Lunker of the Year. Just remember to have fun and good luck!