612-961-1680

2025 Rules

1. Eligibility

  • Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a guardian.
  • The Denny’s Legacy Series reserves the right to exercise discretion regarding participation, including the rare use of a polygraph test.
  • All decisions made by tournament officials are final. If you have any concerns, text the director at (612) 961-1680 prior to weigh-in. 

2. Safety Requirements

  • USCG-approved life vests must be worn whenever the boat’s engine is running.
  • On Lake Minnetonka, adhere to the 40-mph speed limit and the 5-mph speed limit in channels.
  • All boats must be equipped with:
    • A functioning kill switch
    • Properly working running lights
    • A fire extinguisher
    • A first-aid kit

3. Legal Species and Limits

  • Only Large and Smallmouth Bass are allowed (season restrictions apply).
  • Each team is limited to a total of 6 bass.

4. Weigh-In and Tie-Breakers

  • Bass showing signs of tampering or unnatural alteration will not be accepted for weigh-in.
  • In the event of a tie:
    • 1. The number of bass caught will be considered first.
    • 2. If still tied, the largest bass’s weight will determine the winner.
    • 3. If a tie persists, the prize will be split equally.

5. Sportsmanship and Boat Distances

  • Maintain a 100-yard minimum distance from other boats, including when fishing ‘behind’ another team.
    • Exceptions include:
      • 1.Fishing for spawning bass.
      • 2.Fishing within the Lord Fletcher’s Marina area.
      • 3.Passing a team with your trolling motor (fishing is not permitted while passing; maintain a 100-foot distance).
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in penalties or disqualification.
  • If you believe another boat is breaking the rules, take a photo of the situation. The tournament coordinator will review and handle the matter. Tournament Coordinator Matt Johnson will oversee all disqualifications.

6. Off-Limits Period

  • Fishing is off-limits starting at 5:00 PM the night before the tournament until the official start time.
  • If you are waiting to trailer out in the landing area by 5:00 PM you are compliant with this rule.
  • Violations will result in immediate disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee. We ask all anglers to watch out for & report this rule violation. 

7. Team Changes

  • Notify the tournament director of any partner changes at least 48 hours before the event.
  • Substitutions are permitted if one original team member (boater or partner) participates.
  • Entirely new teams (a new boater and partner) are not eligible. All substitutions must receive approval from the tournament director.

8. Fishing Methods

  • Only artificial lures are allowed. Trolling and live bait are strictly prohibited.
  • Rods must be 8½ feet or shorter.
  • For sight fishing, bass must be hooked inside the mouth.
  • If puncture marks are observed away from the mouth, an investigation will follow and may result in disqualification.
  • If another team observes any snagging, they should report it immediately.

9. Communication

  • Please limit cell phone use to emergencies only during the tournament.
  • Communication between competitors via cell phone is strictly prohibited unless emergency assistance is required.

10. Alcohol Policy

  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited during the tournament. Violating this rule may result in disqualification.

11. Fish Release Guidelines

  • After weigh-in, release your fish into an appropriate depth of water for the season.
  • Do not release fish directly off the docks at the weigh-in site.

12. Invasive Species

  • All participants must clean, drain, and dry their boats and equipment before launching to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

13. Catch Handling and Culling

  • Bass must be kept alive in an aerated live well. Dead fish will result in a penalty of 0.25 lbs per fish
  • If 3 or more of your fish die, you must provide evidence that the cause was live well failure and not negligence; otherwise, you will be disqualified.
  • Culling must comply with state law, and at no point can participants possess more than the legal daily limit.

14. Late Check-In Penalty

  • Any team failing to return to the weigh-in area by the designated check-in time will face a penalty. If you are visibly pulling up to the docks by check-in time, you will be considered on time.
  • Over 3 Minutes Late: Automatic disqualification.
  • Under 3 Minutes Late:
    • First Offense: Warning.
    • Second Offense: Disqualification.
    • To sum it up: Don’t be late! We plan to have someone stationed at the dock to monitor and record anyone arriving after the designated check-in time.
    • Exceptions may be made in the event of a boat breakdown, provided you notify the Tournament Director & Coordinator promptly.

15. Fishing Licenses & Identification

  • Each angler must have valid Minnesota fishing licenses and appropriate identification readily available during the tournament.

16. Registration and Liability

  • If the tournament reaches capacity, a waitlist will be initiated.
  • Registration and payment signify acceptance of all tournament rules and policies, and a waiver of any liability for sponsors or organizers.

17. Pre-Tournament Inspection

  • All boats and equipment are subject to inspection by tournament officials before the start of the event to ensure compliance with state laws and tournament rules.
  • Please remember to have your live wells open for Matt to check when you arrive in the AM!

18. Cancellations

  • No refunds will be issued starting three weeks prior to each event due to our policy of 100% payouts. Late cancellations require us to cover the entry fees of teams that withdraw.