2011 Potomac Snakehead Tournament
Rules and Regulations

YOU MUST AGREE TO THESE TERMS PRIOR TO REGISTRATION.

Download a PDF of the Rules and Regulations


RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Participants and Eligibility: All tournament participants are required to have a valid Maryland or Virginia fishing license. There is no age limit; however, anyone under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian sign a release of liability form. All participants must sign the liability waiver form before participating in the tournament. All participants must also follow all Smallwood State Park rules and regulations. Whackfactor Outdoors Pro-staff are prohibited from entering or participating in the tournament.

2. Tackle and Equipment: All fish must be caught in a legal sporting manner. Fish may be caught by either bowfishing equipment or hook and line. Artificial or legal live bait may be used. Nets or electro-fishing equipment are prohibited during the tournament. Fishing regulations must be followed at all times according to Maryland DNR regulations pertaining to snakehead fishing.

3. Official Boats: Officials will be by and on the river/creek for boat inspections and observation during tournament hours. Each team is required to comply with all requests. Boats without proper light system cannot be in water until 15 minutes before sunrise. All boats must have the appropriate Coast Guard approved safety devices as required by law. Maximum horsepower for all outboards used in tournament competition not to exceed the horsepower limitations as set by the U.S. Coast Guard. Maximum load (individuals and gear) not to exceed maximum load set by U.S. coast guard listed on rating plate in boat. If any boat is participating between 15 minutes after sunset and 15 minutes before sunrise, it must have working navigation lights to participate.

4. Fishing: You may fish from bank or boat as long as you are fishing the tidal Potomac River. Tournament fishing is only allowed in the tidal Potomac River. Participants may launch from any site along the Potomac, as long as they are at Smallwood State Park for check-in and weigh-in. All snakeheads must be killed immediately by cutting the isthmus (gill plate). MDNR will be on hand at the registration meeting to display proper technique for this. Registration will be done according to Captain's name, regardless if you are registering as an individual or team. No fish killed prior to the tournament hours may be entered. Fish may not be altered or added to in any way to increase weight.

5. Sportsmanship: All contestants are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, and conservation. Any team who displays poor sportsmanship, violates these rules or any state or local laws or brings unfavorable publicity to the sport will be disqualified.

6. Protest: All protest must be submitted in writing before the tournament officials close the scales.

7. Individual Scoring: Only northern snakeheads will be scored. There is no limit to how many fish a contestant or team can enter for final weigh in. Any live fish submitted will result in the immediate disqualification of that individual or team. All participants are required to report to the weigh station at Smallwood State Park at 1 pm on Saturday, September 3rd. Any team returning to the checkpoint late will be penalized at the rate of 1 lb. per minute up to 10 minutes. After 10 minutes no weight will be allowed. After the 10 minute grace period, participant will be disqualified.

8. Lunker Contest: There will be a lunker contest for the largest (heaviest) fish overall. The single heaviest fish will win 'Lunker' status and 25% of entry fee pot.

9. Rankings and Prizes: The rankings will be based on total weight. If two contestants have the same weight at the end of the tournament the prize will be split. There will be three categories, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall heaviest creels (total fish) per individual or team. Cash and Prizes will be determined at tournament based on number of entries and sponsors. Cash per category will be determined by total number of entry fees. Categories are as follows: 25% to 1st place, 15% to 2nd place, and 10% to third place. In addition, 25% of entry fee pot will be given for lunker contest.

10. Overnight Parking: Should participants choose to launch at Smallwood State Park and leave their vehicle and trailer overnight, Smallwood requires that an overnight pass be filled out and displayed on dash of vehicle. These can be obtained at the boat ramp.

The event chairman and Whackfactor Outdoors reserves the rights to change or modify any rules/regulations. If any changes, the new changes would be announced at the meeting before the tournament.