SPORTSMANSHIP
Besides Safety, Sportsmanship is the absolute most important rule for the South Shore Bass Open. This is a simple rule, treat everyone competing as you would want to be treated. If an angler(s) is determined to not be using good sportsmanship and is proven to have done something intentionally against what would be deemed common decency during an event, the tournament committee will vote on whether to disqualify and possibly ban the angler(s).
If an angler(s) is going down a shoreline Anglers should try not to pull in front of those anglers if at all possible. Buzzing a fishing angler is prohibited, use common courtesy, and do not run your boat at high speed within 50 feet of another angler(s) if at all possible. You cannot fish within 50 yards of an angler(s) who is anchored (Power Poles and Talons are anchors). If an angler anchors after an angler is within the 50 yard radius they must not get closer.
If an angler(s) is stranded or needs help you are encouraged to help that angler(s). If an angler is broke down or experiencing mechanical issues, we want you to help and tow a competitor into the dock. Please carefully read our rules in the event of a breakdown under “Safety” and “Angler Leaving their Boat”.
SAFETY
THE CAL SAG BASS ANGLERS ORGANIZATION, SOUTH SHORE BASS OPEN LLC, OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, SPONSORS, DONORS, TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR, VOLUNTEERS OR EMPLOYEES ARE NOT LIABLE or RESPONSIBLE FOR BODILY INJURY OR HARM OF ANY ANGLER(S) OR PARTY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. CAL SAG, BIG LAKE BASS, SOUTH SHORE BASS OPEN LLC, OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, SPONSORS, DONORS, TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR, VOLUNTEERS OR EMPLOYEES ARE ALSO NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED TO ONE OF ITS REGISTERED ANGLERS DURING OR NOT DURING TOURNAMENT HOURS. WE DO CARRY INSURANCE TO PROTECT ITS MEMBERS BUT SHALL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURY OR HARM CAUSED BY ANYONE AT ANY TIME.
Safe boating conduct must always be practiced and all no wake rules followed that are communicated by the Tournament Director and shown in Tournament Specific Rules Forms. Each competitor is required to wear a Coast Guard approved life preserver AT ALL TIMES whenever the combustion engine is running. All boats must be equipped with an ignition kill switch. A lanyard is to be attached to the boat kill switch and operator any time the combustion engine is running. Please note, if an angler(s) is not wearing their life jacket during competition, when the combustion is running; WILL result in an Angler Disqualification for that day. The Cal Sag Bass Anglers and South Shore Bass Open Inc. is recognizing multiple no wake zones. There are other areas of no wake in the many miles of river that we are not providing mapping for, these should be followed if posted. Any angler(s) deemed to be operating unsafe by the tournament committee can be disqualified at any point during any tournament. Please operate safely and be alert with all of the other boaters and barges on all tournament waters. At no time should competing anglers pass another boat (Traveling/moving) unless verbal consent/communication is exchanged.
*****In the event an Angler’s boat breaks down: they must notify the Tournament Director one hour to the start of the check-in time. Another competing angler MAY tow the individuals experiencing mechanical issues. The Angler(s) towing the other with mechanical issues may have one hour after the check in time to weigh their fish. AT NO TIME, no angler(s) broke down; may put their fish in a competitor’s live well. If an angler(s) is towed in by BOAT US, Coast Guard, Lake County Sheriff’s or a fellow competing angler; they MAY board the towing vessel for Personal safety purposes.
The competing angler(s) whose boat is inoperable MUST check in on time with their Boat (always staying in water) in order to weigh their eligible fish, or be penalized for their late arrival.*****
CELL PHONE USAGE
No Angler(s) may utilize their cell phone to contact a fellow angler(s) for competitive advantages, unless for emergency purposes. The angler(s) experiencing emergency situations relating to safety should communicate all current events to the Tournament Director immediately.
ANGLER(S) LEAVING THEIR BOAT
No angler(s) may leave their boat, unless in the event of staying aboard would result in personal injury or destruction of property. In the event an angler(s) is thrown or slips into water from their boat does not disqualify the angler from an event. The Angler(s) MUST maintain a portion of their body inside the gunnel of their boat when actively fishing. An angler may NOT leave their boat to retrieve a lure or land a fish. If an angler(s) is found to be leaving their boat within their own will or anything fishing related that allows a competitive edge will result in an immediate disqualification. If an angler(s) needs to leave their boat for medical or safety related reasons, the angler(s) must contact the Tournament Director immediately to explain the nature of the situation.
FISHING GEAR AND TACKLE
Only artificial lures may be used. No live or once living bait can be used at any point during a tournament for catching fish. Commercially prepared attractants, sprays and dips are allowed. Only one rod can be used at a time per angler, 10 feet is the maximum length of any one pole. Any competitor found to possess restricted bait, rod longer than 10 feet or any apparatus outside of what would be considered bass fishing tackle to catch fish will be disqualified for that day.
Alabama/Umbrella Rig
ILLINOIS DNR regulations states, on any “NON 2 pole and line” lakes, the Alabama Rig up to 5 hooks is legal. Lake Michigan, Chicago River, Lake Calumet and River are all “NON 2 Pole and line lakes”. INDIANA DNR regulations state only 3 hooks can be used on an Alabama Rig.
The use of jerkbaits or topwater walking style baits/rigs may not exceed 3 treble hooks. Snagging hooks are banned.
HORSEPOWER AND BOATING REQUIREMENTS
There are no minimum horsepower restrictions, however, the horsepower cannot exceed the maximum B.I.A. (Badged) requirement for the watercraft. The boat should also be in good working seaworthy safe condition. The boat must have an aerated, working running livewell of sufficient size to keep 5 bass alive for a period of 9 hours or more. The boat must be at least 14 feet in length and meet the coast guard requirements (See Indiana & Illinois Boating Safety Requirements) Please read “Penalties Summarized” carefully as Citation infractions listed and described will result in a disqualification.
All boats competing in this event shall maintain their own liability insurance with a minimum of a $300,000.00 policy during all practice and tournament fishing. Any director, official, sponsor, or any other person involved with this event shall be waived from any claims of injury and/or damage incurred in connection with this event.
CANCELLATION OF EVENTS DUE TO UNSAFE CONDITIONS/INCLEMENT WEATHER
Any cancellations for the South Shore Bass Open scheduled event due to unsafe conditions will be determined at least 12 hours in advance by the Tournament Director. NOAA wave reports will be used by the Tournament Committee as the determining factor. In the event a “Small Craft Advisory” is issued for the day, the South Shore Bass Open event will be canceled for that day. In the event of “Small Craft Advisory” for both days of the tournament, the tournament will be cancelled and all entry fees will be refunded within one week of tournament dates. If only one of the tournament days is cancelled it will be determined a one day event and all standings will be final and prizes awarded based on the one day event final standings. All updates will be communicated to participating anglers with adequate notice.
The Tournament Committee reserves the right to postpone the start time of ANY scheduled event due to unsafe/inclement weather conditions.
OFF LIMITS AND FISHING AREAS ALLOWED
Off Limits areas are designated on the maps and covered in depth at pre-tournament meeting by the Tournament Director. All off-Limits areas are clearly marked and are distinctly communicated in pre-tournament meetings by the Tournament Director. Fishing on tournament waters is permitted anywhere except those areas designated off limits on the day of the tournament or within 50 yards of another competitor’s boat which was first anchored. Competitors may not have any location reserved or saved by either another competitor or non-competitor during the event. All angling must be done from the boat.
Every Angler will sign off on their complete and full understanding of our organization’s Rules, Policies and Procedures. **
LIVE WELL CHECKS
Live well checks will be conducted by any of the following individuals at a scheduled event: Tournament Director, Co-Director(s) or volunteers prior to Blast Off. When logistical procedures permit, live well checks will be conducted PRIOR to an angler entering their boat in the water and registering for the event. The Tournament Director will outline live well check procedures prior to an event via website, social media platforms or at the pre-tournament meeting.
BOAT DRAW/BLAST OFF
Starting positions will be drawn at the mandatory pre-tournament meeting at that event. At that point exact instructions will be administered.
On day 2 of the tournament, anglers will blast off in reverse order of day 1.
We may have up to 5 flights of boats blasting off and checking in at different times on the tournament day(s). This will be determined at pre-tournament meeting.
When each number is announced by the Call Boat, the angler MUST drive their boat past the Call Boat breaking the plane of their bow with their entire boat, no matter what nautical direction the angler chooses to navigate in to order begin their tournament fishing day. In the event, an angler does not follow this procedure discussed in pre-tournament meeting; a verbal warning will be issued. A Second infraction will result in an automatic disqualification for that day. All Anglers are to STAY In numerical order prior to blast off.
When operating your boat during blast off procedures set forth by the Tournament Director, the Angler is to operate their boat STAYING in the prop-wash area, DIRECTLY BEHIND the boat number in front of them! This means not running next to or in front of. A numerical “Parade Sequence” should be maintained.
CHECK IN AREA
The Check in area will be the same as the blast off area and this will be covered in the pre- tournament meeting by the Tournament Director. There will be a 1 lb per minute penalty for those who check-in late. The team will be disqualified for that day if 15 minutes late or more for their assigned check-in time.
A Competing Team is NOT deemed “late” until the first minute of the hour or half hour begins. (Example: 3 p.m. is announced Check-In Time. Penalties do NOT begin until 3:01:00 p.m. or Example 3:30 p.m. is announced Check-in Time, penalties do NOT begin until 3:31:00 via Smartphone Satellite controlled Clock.)
Any team can check in early as long as that team checks in with the designated check in person(s).
HOW PLACES ARE DETERMINED
Tournament winners and all places for the South Shore Bass Open will be determined by the total weight of a maximum of a 10 fish limit of bass for a 2 day event or a maximum of a 5 fish limit of bass for a 1 day event with a minimum size limit of 14 inches determined by the pound and fraction of a pound of each teams catch during the day.
Only largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass will be weighed. All contestants are bound by the prevailing rules and regulations of the State of Illinois & Indiana. Fish snagged intentionally or reported to be intentionally snagged off a spawning bed while sight fishing shall not be counted.
TOURNAMENT TIE BREAKER RULES
In the event of a tie in the final standings, these rules will apply if applicable to break the tie:
1st Tie Breaker: Teams Big Bass for the tournament
2nd Tie Breaker: Teams heaviest stringer for the tournament
3rd Tie Breaker: Teams most fish weighed in for the tournament
4th Tie Breaker: Teams will split the winnings for what place they finish
PRE TOURNEY PRACTICE AND TOURNAMENT MEETING
OFF LIMITS WILL BEGIN ON FRIDAY AUGUST 2ND, 2024 AT 3PM CST. NO OFF LIMITS PRIOR TO THIS DATE AND TIME.
TOURNAMENT MEETING: AT LEAST 1 MEMBER OF EACH TEAM MUST BE PRESENT TO REGISTER AND ATTEND THE PRE-TOURNAMENT MEETING. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.
NO WAKE ZONES
No Wake Zones MUST BE followed. If you are caught running any of the announced/listed no wake zones you will be disqualified. It is the responsibility of the competing anglers to be fully aware and in full understanding of No Wake Zones. If a competing angler(s) is issued a citation by a DNR Officer or US Coast Guard in a no wake zone, the anglers will be automatically disqualified.
Competing Anglers should NOT pass one another in a designated no wake area unless communication or consent is exchanged.
PENALTIES SUMMARIZED
*Each Dead Fish will result in a ½ pound penalty to overall weight. A competing angler(s) should make every effort for best Fish Care practices when competing in the South Shore Bass Open.
*Every Angler is responsible for the care of their own fish kept for weigh-in and competition purposes. *“Fizzing” of fish must be done by the angler who catches those fish that exist in their livewell for weigh-in purposes.
*We encourage all anglers to allow competing anglers to utilize each other’s supplies for best fish care.
Anglers MAY NOT Leave their boat or administer practices to a competing anglers’ fish or their live well water. Supplies and materials MAY be shared for Fizzing, Water Treatment or Blood Coagulation as long as all anglers are following policies and procedures set forth.
*A Competing Team may NOT weigh a Dead Fish as their ‘Big Bass’.
*Late Arrival to Check-In, 1 lb per minute penalty. After a maximum 15 Minutes late to Check In, the team is disqualified for that day. A Competing Team is NOT deemed “late” until the first minute of the hour or half hour begins. (Example: 3 p.m. is announced Check-In Time. Penalties do NOT begin until 3:01:00 p.m. or Example 3:30 p.m. is announced Check-in Time, penalties do NOT begin until 3:31:00 via Smartphone Satellite controlled Clock.
*Any Angler(s) found not to be following NO WAKE ZONES rules/policies WILL be disqualified for that day.
*Any Angler(s) found not to be wearing an approved USCG approved life preserver when the Combustion Engine is running, WILL be disqualified for that day.
*Short Fish Penalty will cause you to throw that fish out and the largest fish as well.
*Culling Fish Penalty, if an angler(s) is caught running their boat or at the weigh in with more than 5 fish they will be disqualified for that day.
*Culling Dead Fish is an automatic disqualification for that day.
*Fishing in any off limit times or off limit areas/locations will result in an automatic disqualification for that day.
No Warnings!
DNR/Coast Guard Citations that will result in an automatic Disqualification for that day: A competing team who has been issued a citation for the following must notify the Tournament Director.
No Wake Zones – Must be a Citation within our announced/posted areas on Rules Maps.
A citation for any of the following: No Fishing License, Proper Battery Terminal Covers, Fire Extinguisher (not expired), US Coast Guard Approved Flares (not expired), Proper Life Preserver (per State Law/USCG), Legal Boat License/Registration and Insurance.
*Any other cheating or violation of the rules will be handled by the Tournament Director.
RIGHTS OF THE TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE
(Tournament Director, Co-Director & Weigh Master)
The Tournament Committee reserves the right for rules interpretations and rulings thereof.
Any protest must be in writing, signed by the protester(s), and filed within ten minutes after weigh-in. An investigation will be conducted by the Tournament Committee which will include a statement to be provided by the angler(s) protesting, as well as the angler(s) being protested against.
The angler(s) filing a protest or dispute should be able to provide CONCRETE EVIDENCE (Picture or Video) for claimed protest/dispute against a competing angler(s). In a possible group setting, witnesses will be able to confirm the protest/dispute. If witnesses are able to affirm the protest/dispute provided, they too will be asked to provide a written statement to the Tournament Committee.
All tournament anglers are asked to comply with the requests of the tournament committee as it relates to written disputes and investigations against fellow competitors.
Any and all rulings by the Tournament Committee shall be final. Any and all contestants are subject to a polygraph test AT ANY TIME, at the request of the Tournament Committee. If a contestant(s) fails the polygraph under any circumstances, they will forfeit the prizes earned. Any cheating will be dealt with seriously and prosecuted if needed.
The South Shore Bass Open tournament committee has the right to refuse any entry application.