MTT Tournament Rules

Rule Changes

These rules will remain unchanged. Interpretation of these rules shall be left exclusively to the tournament director. The decision of the tournament director shall be final in all matters. Failure to comply with any rule may result in disqualification. Contestants are reminded that the spirit of the rule will prevail in all judgment cases.

Tournament Officials

An event official or officially approved media person may approach or board your boat at any time for any reason during the event. Refusal to allow an approved official on board or impeding their work may result in disqualification.

Age Limit

Contestants under 18 years of age must have the signature of their parent or legal guardian on the entry form, as well as the contestant’s signature.

Eligibility

All anglers must be members of the Minnesota Tournament Trail. Tournament officials reserve the right to refund any entry fee or decline any membership application for any reason.

Safety

Safe boating must be observed at all times. Each contestant must wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device at all times when any combustion engine operates above trolling speed. The flotation device must be securely fastened, and the safety-stop switch must be attached.

Boat Requirements

  • All boats must meet Coast Guard and State requirements.
  • Motors may not exceed the BIA rating established by the manufacturer.
  • All boats are required to carry a minimum of $100,000 liability insurance.
  • No boats over 24 ft 6 in.
  • All boats must have a Marine Band Radio (permanent mount or handheld).

Sportsmanship

All contestants are expected to follow high standards of safety, conservation, and sportsmanship. No alcoholic beverages or non-prescription drugs are allowed in the boat at any time. Contestants must maintain a sportsmanlike distance at all times.

Partner Substitution

  • Each team must declare a Captain and Partner.
  • Substitutions are allowed, but substitutes do not receive points unless utilizing an activated Premier Team Substitute.
  • Substitutes cannot be members of another team unless prior approval is granted by MTT or they are an activated Premier Team Substitute.
  • Substitutes fishing the championship must have participated in a prior event with the team.

Premier Teams

Premier Team Registration

  • Must be completed before the first event registration closes.
  • Premier teams commit to fishing five (5) or more events.
  • Premier teams are responsible for paying for all committed events, regardless of attendance. No refunds will be issued.

Premier Team Benefits

  • Designated substitutes may be used under specific conditions.
  • Guaranteed event spots.

Restrictions

  • Premier teams do not receive competitive advantages in events.
  • Abuse of substitution rules or benefits may result in disqualification or revocation of benefits.

Pre-Tournament Practice, Registration, and Competition

  • No restrictions on pre-fishing unless specified for special events.
  • All boats must be off the water by 4:00 p.m. before the rules meeting.

Ties

In the event of a tie, awards will be combined and divided equally among tied contestants.

Tournament Entries and Cancellations

  • Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • A $50 processing fee applies for entry transfers.

Membership

All anglers must be members of the Minnesota Tournament Trail. Membership can be obtained for $65 on the Minnesota Tournament Trail website.

Boat Inspection

  • Mandatory inspections will be conducted before tournament starts.
  • Livewells may not contain game fish during tournament hours but may store bait.
  • Boats returning to the weigh-in site early for any reason must contact the tournament director. Inspections will occur upon arrival.

Bag Limits

  • All fish must be caught live and according to local regulations.
  • Contestants may not:
    • Pass or receive items between boats.
    • Hold or reserve fishing locations for other boats.

Catch, Photo, Release (CPR) Rules

  • Use the Fish Donkey App for weigh-in submissions.
  • Requirements include:
    • At least one photo of each fish with mouth closed and tail pinched.
    • A “Hero Shot” (belly-to-belly orientation).
    • A video release for each fish.

Registration and Rules Meeting

  • Registration closes 48 hours before takeoff.
  • Late registrations require prior approval.
  • Fees for 2025:
    • $310 for single-day tournaments.
    • $410 for two-day tournaments.
    • $510 for the championship.
  • At least one team member must attend the rules meeting. Contact the director if unable to attend.
  • Fish Donkey App orientation will follow the rules meeting.

Weather Conditions

  • Tournaments will begin only in acceptable weather conditions.
  • Contestants are responsible for seeking shelter during unsafe conditions.

Protests

  • Must be submitted in writing with a $2,000 check made payable to the Minnesota Tournament Trail within 15 minutes after scales close.

Polygraph Testing

  • Contestants must agree to random polygraph or voice stress tests and potential observers in their boats during competition.
  • Abuse or accusations related to testing may result in disqualification.

Point Structure

  • One-day events: 500 points, with 5-point decrements.
  • Two-day events: 1,000 points, with 10-point decrements.
  • Non-weighing teams receive 100 points for one-day events and 200 points for two-day events.
  • Points for Team of the Year and special awards are based on top finishes and the championship.

Championship Qualification

Additional teams (76-100) may be invited if the field of 75 is not filled.

Top 75 teams by points who participate in four one-day events and one two-day event are invited.

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