2026 Club Rules

Big Cedar Bass Club is a recreational club, not a professional or guide-level trail. All contestants are expected to demonstrate high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, and integrity at all times.

Any questions regarding these rules should be directed to the Tournament Director prior to competition. Situations not specifically covered by these rules will be resolved at the discretion of the Tournament Director.

1. Dead Fish Rule

   • One dead fish may be weighed without penalty.

   • Two dead fish will result in disqualification from weigh-in.

2. Creel Limit

   • Five (5) fish limit consisting of largemouth, smallmouth, and/or spotted bass.

   • All fish must meet lake-specific length requirements. If uncertain, consult the Tournament Director before the tournament begins.

3. Culling

   • Culling must occur immediately when the sixth (6th) fish is brought into the boat.

   • Culling at the ramp or weigh-in area is prohibited.

4. Leaving the Boat

   • Competitors may leave the boat due to illness or restroom needs.

5. Tournament Hours

   • Tournaments will run from safe light plus eight (8) hours.

   • In cases of extreme heat, cold, or unsafe conditions, the Tournament Director may adjust tournament hours at their discretion.

6. Safety Equipment

   • By law, life jackets must be present in the boat.

   • No penalty will be enforced if an adult angler chooses not to wear one.

   • All children must wear a life jacket whenever the main motor is running.

7. Team Expenses

   • Team members are responsible for settling team-related expenses (entry fees, fuel, etc.) among themselves.

8. Classic Qualification

   • To qualify for the Classic, at least one registered team member must fish 7 of the 10 regular-season tournaments.

   • Each team is allowed up to three (3) alternates per year.

   • Any qualified team that does not fish all 10 tournaments will owe an additional $15 per missed tournament.

9. Late Weigh-In

   • There is no grace period for late weigh-in.

   • Late arrival results in automatic disqualification.

10. Early Departure

    • If a team leaves a tournament early for any reason, a club officer or Tournament Director must be notified.

    • Failure to notify will result in two (2) penalty points added to the team’s end-of-year total.

11. Angler of the Year

    • Angler of the Year points are awarded, and winners will receive plaques.

Costs

• $25 annual membership fee per person (applied to the Classic)

• $70 per tournament, broken down as follows:

  • $45 – Tournament payout

  • $10 – Big Fish payout

  • $15 – Classic payout