Camp Mak-A-Dream Walleye Benefit Rules and Regulations

 

  1. Eligibility.  Any fisherman properly licensed by the State of Montana may enter. The tournament is limited to the first 100 teams that enter.  Membership in Walleyes Forever or Montana PikeMasters is not required.

 

  1. Release of Liability.  By signing the tournament entry form, all participants agree to the following Release of Liability:

                                                                  

I and everyone in my boat understand that in consideration of being permitted to participate in the Camp Mak-A-Dream Walleye Benefit, for myself, heirs, successors, executors, administrators and assigns, hereby release and forever discharge any of the sponsors, committee members, participants, or any other entity from any and every claim, demand action or right of action, of any kind and nature, either in law or in equity, arising from or by reasons of any bodily injury or personal injuries, known and unknown, death or property damage resulting or to result from any accident which may occur as a part of my participation in this tournament, whether by negligence or otherwise.  I and everyone in my boat also release all officials, staff, participating sponsors, and participants from any claim whatsoever on account of first aid, treatment or services rendered me during my participation in this tournament.  Furthermore, if it is determined that any rescue or other difficulty I incur is due to my own negligence, I and everyone in my boat I will be responsible for any and all fees associated with these efforts.

 

  1. General.  Tournament judging will be limited to walleyes. All contestants must observe the fishing rules and regulations of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

     

  1. Teams.  Contestants will enter as a boat with no restrictions on number of anglers as long as the load is deemed safe by tournament officials.  Walleyes caught will be credited to the boat as a single team.

  

  1. Tournament Headquarters and Check-in Point.  Tournament Headquarters will be at the Silos Gazebo 3 at Canyon Ferry.  Official measuring of walleyes will be done at a measure station at Gazebo 3 Broadwater Bay at the Silos.

 

  1. Fishing area.  Contestants are limited to Canyon Ferry Reservoir and may not leave their boat at any time (except as allowed by specific permission of tournament officials or in the event of lightning that poses a threat to personal safety).

 

  1. Rules Meeting.  At least one (1) member of each team must be at the rules meeting.  The rules meeting will be at the Silos on Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.  ALL ENTRANTS MUST WASH BOAT AND TOW VEHICLES BEFORE TOURNAMENT TO AVOID EXPOSING CANYON FERRY TO FOREIGN DISEASES AND SUBSTANCES. 

 

  1. Tournament hours and starting procedure.  Tournament hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010.  All teams must check in by 3 p.m. whether they have fish in the standings or not.  Team cards turned in by a 3:30 p.m. deadline will be used to draw for the grand door prizes. 

 

  1. Foul Weather.  The tournament officials reserve the right to postpone or cancel competition, if in the opinion of the officials, the weather conditions exist that pose a threat to the safety of teams and tournament personnel.  Furthermore, the tournament director may declare foul weather situation due to a deteriorating weather conditions, after the competition has already begun.  In the event that a foul weather situation is declared, weigh boats and other tournament personnel may be recalled to tournament headquarters and participants must use their own judgment as to whether to seek safety or continue fishing.  Unless team members are personally notified by a tournament official, it should be assumed that the tournament hours are the same.  Participants will be required to reach the check-in point by the required time in a SAFE manner.  In the spirit of the tournament and good sportsmanship, individual responsibility and good judgment are essential to insure your own personal safety under any and all circumstances.

 

  1. Inspections.  Boats will receive an inspection before entering the water.  No boat may have any fish on board prior to the start of the tournament.  All boats must meet US Coast Guard regulations.  Boat, tackle, and equipment may be inspected at any time before, during, or after the tournament.

 

  1. Tackle.  Artificial and live bait may be used.  Each contestant must conform to the rules of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks concerning number of lines permitted and methods of taking fish on Canyon Ferry.  Spare rods and equipment may be carried in the boat.

 

  1. Boat Operations.  Each contestant is required to wear an approved Personal Flotation Device when the primary motor is running.  We suggest that it be worn at all times when in the boat.  All teams must start from the starting point under the direction of the tournament officials.  Team boats may not come within 20 feet of any other watercraft.  RECKLESS AND CARELESS BOAT HANDLING ARE GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION.

 

  1. Fishing.  Both Walleyes Forever and Montana PikeMasters advocate selective harvest and proper catch and release methods to protect and enhance our fisheries of all species.  But catch and release will be optional for participants during the tournament due to survivability of walleyes that may not survive the catch and release process and youths and families participating who may want to take fish home to eat. Tournament results will be based on the four largest walleyes only.  Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations and bag limits will apply.  Measurements for prizes for the four largest walleyes caught during the day by tourney fishermen will be made by officials at a measure station at Broadwater Bay at the Silos.  Boats are required to keep track of the number of fish they catch, the number kept and number released on their card to comply with FWP tourney requirements.

 

  1. Alcohol.  No alcoholic beverages will be allowed in contestant boats.

 

  1. Sportsmanship.   It is the intention of this tournament to promote good sportsmanship and fair play.  Unsportsmanlike conduct and cheating will not be tolerated.  Interpretation of the rules will be left up to the tournament official.  ALL DECISIONS ARE FINAL.

 

  1. Prizes.  First place to fourth place trophies and cash prizes will go to the four heaviest walleyes under the Montana inches to pounds conversion chart with a limit of one prize per boat based on the heaviest walleye caught by anglers in that boat. The grand door prize and other prizes will be awarded in a drawing among teams turning in their cards before 3:30 p.m. on the day of the tournament.  They will be presented at the awards ceremony at 4 p.m.

 

  1. ALL ENTRANTS are required to have a good time.  You are helping to make a difference in the life of a child.  So feel good and have fun.