Rules for all VBF tournaments

1. Participants shall observe high standard of ethics and personal conduct. Alcohol and/or drugs are strictly prohibited any time during the tournament or weigh-in. Violation of the rule is grounds for disqualification.

2. Tournament waters are defined as all public water which are accessible by boat from the tournament start site. The tournament director will announce any exception.

3. No competitor shall fish from shore    

4. Trailing a boat during tournament hours is prohibited.

5. Coast Guard approved life vests and kill switches must be worn/used anytime the main combustion engine is in gear.

6. All boat motors will be checked against the maximum rating of the boat. Any boat not in tolerance will not be allowed to participate.

7. An aerated live well for each boat is mandatory. All boats will have a live well and compartment check before the start of  the tournament by tournament officials. All tournament     competitors will support catch and release.

8. At the end of competition it is the responsibility of each participant to check in with the tournament officials.  Fishing after check in is not allowed. A 1.00 lb. penalty for each minutes late at weigh-in up to 15 minutes  will be levied. Over 15 minutes late will result in disqualification.

9. Tackle used shall be limited to artificial baits only with the exception of pork baits and rinds.

10. Only one line/fisherman is permitted to be used at any given time.

11.  A minimum fish length of 12” will be maintained. Courtesy checks will be offered if requested. 12. Any fish entered under 12” that has not had a courtesy check will be eliminated and a 1.00 lb. penalty will be assessed.

13. A maximum number of fish per boat will be announced by the tournament director.

14. 0.25 lb. will be deducted from the total weight for each dead fish entered.

15. Dead fish will not be eligible for the Lunker prize.

16. Tie breakers will be determined 1st by the greatest number of fish entered and 2nd by the weight of the largest single fish entered. If still a tie, the prizes will be split.

17. All participants must follow all Vermont State and Federal Laws during the tournament. Any violation to either are grounds for disqualification.

18. Any protest must be made verbally to a tournament official before weigh begins.

19. Boaters must have a min. of $100,000 liability insurance on their boats and a copy  will be presented with the entry form.

20. NO REFUNDS.

21. The decision of the tournament committee for all rulings will be final.