TOURNAMENT RULES

I. Participants and Eligibility

• Register online at fishingchallenge.org or submit a paper form with a $200 fee to secure your spot. 
• This is a two-person boat tournament. If both are under 16, a non-fishing guardian or parent must accompany them. 
• Contestants must attend the Reel Rally on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Heritage Assembly of God, Baxter. 
• Contestants 16+ must have a valid Minnesota fishing license. 

 II. Team Sponsorship Challenge

• Submit all fundraising money to Mn Adult & Teen Challenge as soon as it’s collected. 
• Donations are 100% tax-deductible and must be submitted to MnTC before or at registration at the Reel Rally to qualify for prizes. 

III. Scoring 

• Anglers must declare their division before weigh-in. 
• Walleye: 3 fish 
• Bass: 3 largemouth 
• Pike: 2 northern pike under 30” 
• Panfish: 3 fish (bluegill, sunfish, crappie, perch) in any combo.  No rock bass, unless it is your kicker fish. 
• Mixed Bag: 1 panfish, 1 walleye, 1 bass, 1 pike under 30” 
• One rock bass is a bonus “kicker” fish, added to any division.
• Teams may weigh a species limit only once.
• Ties are settled by coin toss. 

 IV. Tournament Format

• Tournament boundaries: Gull Lake Chain. 
• Launch at any ramp or resort. 
• Contestants may be on the water but may not begin fishing until 7 a.m. (CST) on May 30, 2026 
• Weigh-in at Cragun’s Resort: scales open at 1:00 p.m. Teams must be in Steamboat Bay by 3:00 p.m. Late teams lose half their weight (up to 5 minutes) or forfeit if over 5 minutes. 
• Artificial lures and live bait are allowed. 
• Follow safe boat conduct, no-wake zones, and local navigation rules. 
• Demonstrate courtesy and sportsmanship. 
• The tournament director’s decisions are final and based on the rule’s spirit and intent  

V. Prizes

• Prizes and trophies are awarded at the Lakeside Celebration. Winners must be present or forfeit. 
• Prizes worth $600+ have tax implications. Paperwork must be submitted before leaving the event.