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

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.

Denny's Legacy Series Bass Tournaments