2024 KFNW Rules Standard

Please read all the rules carefully before participating in an online or in-person tournament. It is each competitor’s responsibility to know the rules and abide by them. If you have a question about the meaning of any of the rules below, reach out to the Tournament Director.

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Dated September 7, 2024

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions presented in this document apply between Kayak Fishing Northwest (KFNW), and any person (Competitor or Angler) registering for, and participating in, competitive kayak fishing Tournaments or Events (both in-person and virtual/online) operated by KFNW, or any of its divisions. The acronym “KFNW” will always reference Kayak Fishing Northwest, LLC and any of its subdivisions: Idaho Kayak Bass Fishing (IKBF), Oregon Kayak Bass Fishing (OKBF), Washington Kayak Bass Fishing (WKBF) .

Tournament types include, but are not limited to: Opens, Tour Events, Online Challenges, Championships, Invitationals. All KFNW Tournaments are contests, where anglers compete against other anglers within a specific timeframe (date and time), within set boundaries (specific to each Tournament), and following set procedures within the rules, as specified in this document and sometimes in Special Rules listed on the Tournament Detail Page. Competitors are expected to catch, photograph, and release (CPR) all fish that they catch during competition. Photographs of the fish are uploaded to TourneyX (an online judging software application) via the TourneyX Pro app, and verified by KFNW judges. In some atypical instances, photographs may be judged on local devices including, but not limited to smart phones, and digital cameras. When a submission is judged, the judge may include comments and/or push notifications, especially if there is a deduction or denial. Always check the Notifications bell in the TourneyX app to see if you have any comments to review.

Rules that are specific to each event, and are not included in this Rules Standard, can be found on the Tournament Detail Page on kayakfishingnorthwest.com, and/or the Leaderboard Page in TourneyX. Every Tournament will have its own unique Leaderboard Page on TourneyX.

1. Interpretation, Regulations, and Enforcement

All federal, state, and local laws, rules, markings, orders, and warnings must be followed and will always supersede KFNW rules. It is the responsibility of each competitor to understand and act in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations for the area they are competing in, including, but not limited to, fishing license, fishing regulations, watercraft registration (if necessary), aquatic invasive species permits, parking permits, and any other pertinent regulations.
All violations of laws will be turned over to the proper authorities for investigation and possible prosecution. This includes, but is not limited to: cheating, fraud, harassment, wildlife violations, illegal drug use, and any other illegal activity. KFNW reserves the right to publicize confirmed cheaters via social media, news media, and email.
If KFNW becomes aware that any competitor has failed to comply with any pertinent laws and regulations, it may result in penalties or disqualification from any and all applicable Tournaments.
It is the responsibility of each competitor to read and know all the KFNW Rules. Ignorance of the rules is not a defense. Interpretation and enforcement of these rules will be left exclusively to KFNW Officials. If there’s a rule you don’t understand, reach out to the Tournament Director for clarification.
For each Tournament, the Tournament Director (TD) will be identified on the Leaderboard Page in TourneyX. The Tournament Director has responsibility for interpretation and enforcement of the KFNW Rules and may amplify or clarify them to make them more relevant or complete. Tournament Director decisions may be disputed, as outlined below.
Special Rules and amendments may be announced, added, or omitted for special circumstances or clarification at the judgement of KFNW. These amendments will be displayed on the Tournament Detail Page on kayakfishingnorthwest.com and/or the Leaderboard Page on TourneyX.
Each division of Kayak Fishing Northwest (KFNW), which includes Idaho Kayak Bass Fishing (IKBF), Oregon Kayak Bass Fishing (OKBF), and Washington Kayak Bass Fishing (WKBF) follows identical rules. All the rules listed below will apply to all divisions, except when specified otherwise.
Idaho State: Anyone who will launch watercraft in Idaho waters must buy an Idaho Invasive Species Fund sticker from Idaho Parks and Recreation. If KFNW becomes aware that any competitor has failed to comply with these regulations, it will result in disqualification from any and all applicable Tournaments. https://idfg.idaho.gov/info/boat-stickers
Washington State: Competitors in any in-person Tournament (Tour Event or Open) that includes waters in Washington MUST complete Aquatic Invasive Species Decontamination Statement. This form will be made available online, and will also be available at Check-In for each in-person Tournament. If the Competitor has operated their watercraft outside of Idaho, Oregon, or Washington within 30 days before the Tournament, they must also complete and turn in an Aquatic Invasive Species Decontamination Report. Failure to complete or provide these forms at Check-In, or failure to comply with the regulations of the form will result in disqualification from the Tournament.
Oregon State: Oregon requires all watercraft operators possess a Waterway Access Permit. For more information, visit the Waterway Access and Aquatic Invasive Species permits page on the ODFW website. If KFNW becomes aware that any competitor has failed to comply with these regulations, it will result in disqualification from any and all applicable Tournaments. https://myodfw.com/articles/waterway-access-and-aquatic-invasive-species-permits

2. Participation and Eligibility

KFNW Membership ($60 annual membership or $30 single event membership) is required for all Tournaments (online or in-person) within a single season or year, with the exception of Opens. No membership is required for Opens.
Members will have access to Members Only area of the website and provided with members only discounts and opportunities.
When each competitor registers, they will be asked to complete a Liability Agreement. This waiver is required for competition. Competitors may find the form in the Resources section of kayakfishingnorthwest.com.
Event Registration: All KFNW Competitions are conducted using TourneyX. Each angler who wishes to participate in such an Event must create a TourneyX user account at https://tourneyx.com before the first day of competition and must sign up for the Event and pay the entry fee on TourneyX.
Entry Fees: Entry Fee amounts are specified on the Leaderboard Page on TourneyX.
Certain TourneyX settings are required on smart phone, including the following:
- Location Services must be enabled so that TourneyX can receive GPS metadata for all submissions.
- Push Notifications must be enabled so that alerts and comments can be received in TourneyX.
- Phone number and emergency contact information must be entered in angler’s TourneyX profile.
For Live Events (e.g. Tour Events and Opens), the registration deadline is on the Friday one week before the Event at 11:59 pm. Late registration is available on a limited basis, and is first-come, first-served. There is a $10 service fee for late registration.
For Online Challenges, the registration deadline is on the evening before the Event at 11:59pm.
No Satisfaction Guarantee: Competitor understands and agrees that payment for the Event does not secure a guarantee or promise of satisfaction.
Competitor’s failure or inability, for any reason except as otherwise provided herein, to participate in any or all of the activities of the Event does not relieve or suspend the Competitor’s obligation to make all payments required by KFNW Rules on a timely basis, nor entitle the Customer to a refund or credit, except as provided below.
Payment: Competitor agrees that once an Event Registration is submitted, the terms and conditions of the KFNW Rules Standard constitute an Agreement that is a legally binding and enforceable obligation of Competitor.
Entry fees are refundable up until the Friday one week before the Tournament at 11:59pm, minus a $5 processing fee.
Late registration fees (received after registration deadline) are not refundable (except in the case of Event Cancellation). If for any reason, you cannot attend the event, your entry fee will be paid out to the winners of the event.
Event Cancellation: In the event of the cancellation of a live event due to extreme weather or other unforeseen obstacles, the event shall be cancelled and all competitors will receive a refund, or the event will be rescheduled and the competitors will have the option of cancellation with a full refund.
KFNW is not responsible for any refunds of expenses related to travel or lodging reservations or other payments involving third parties.
Minors 13 years of age or older are allowed to compete but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Minor and parent or guardian must each complete Liability Waivers. Parent or guardian must be in their own watercraft, adhering to the same watercraft and propulsion restrictions as the competitor, or may be in a tandem watercraft with the competitor. See section 9.E. for more rules about this exception.

3. Watercraft

Watercraft acceptable for use in KFNW Competition are those manufactured and marketed as canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) for which paddling, pedaling, or an approved electric motor is the primary means of propulsion. Any other watercraft must be submitted to KFNW for review and approval prior to use in competition. Watercraft must be at least 9’ and no more than 18’ in length.
Watercraft specifically approved as exceptions in advance of competition by KFNW are:
1. Blue Sky Boatworks 360 Angler
2. Hobie Lynx
3. NRS/STAR Inflatable Kayaks and SUPs
4. Wilderness Systems iA.T.A.K.
Use of watercraft in competition other than those listed above as acceptable or approved exceptions may result in disqualification from the Event.
The following watercraft may NOT be used in competition:
1. Gas, or liquid-fueled, motorized, or hybrid fuel/electric powerboats, or personal watercraft
2. Sailboats
3. Jon boats
4. Pirogues, coracles, and rowboats
5. Dinghies and skiffs
6. Float tubes, inflatable rafts, and rigid inflatable boats (e.g. Zodiac)
7. Pontoon boats, pontoon-style pond boats, twin-hull watercraft, or similar.

4. Propulsion

Watercraft propulsion is restricted to paddle, pedal drive, pole, or electric motor.
Electric motor systems used to propel a watercraft must be attached and used in a safe manner. All motorized watercraft used in live Tournament competition must be inspected and approved by Tournament Officials before competition begins. Officials will record inspection results on the competitor’s Waiver form and retain it on file. Competitor will be required to have their motor system inspected again whenever they change components of the motor system. Tournament officials will check the following items:
1. No more than one electric motor may be attached to a kayak regardless of combined horsepower/thrust/power rating.
2. Commercially available motor mounts are recommend. DIY mounts are allowed but must be inspected by the Tournament Director for approval.
3. Motors should ideally be mounted along the center line of the kayak (Bow-Mount, Stern Mount, Through-Mount).
4. Batteries MUST be enclosed, strapped down, and or encased on the kayak for safety.
5. Lithium batteries are recommended for motors, full size AGM or lead-acid batteries are not recommended due to their weight.
6. Motors may not exceed 3 HP, or (c.) 55 foot-pound thrust. Violation of any of these conditions will result in disqualification from the Event. (This does not pertain to wattage capacity.)
7. For all motor systems that come standard with kill switches, man-overboard switches, or remote controls, the competitor is required to wear the kill switch, man-overboard switch, or remote control on their person at all times while on the water. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
8. For motor systems that do not come standard with kill switches or man-overboard switches, KFNW STRONGLY recommends that the competitor purchase such devices or components, and install them. Violation MAY result in disqualification from Events in the future.
Competitors will be cited for any infractions in regards to motor system eligibility, and the infractions will be recorded on the Waiver form. In the event of a motor system infraction, Competitor may be asked to remove the motor and/or battery for the Event, or be disqualified. Other motor system infractions may result in a warning only, and may be required to be re-inspected before any subsequent live Tournament competition.
Towing, transport or relocation assistance to or from any other watercraft, including “mothershipping,” is NOT permitted except in cases of emergency, as when pulling a kayak from a danger zone or restricted area. Once the emergency has ended, the Competitor(s) may resume fishing. Violation will result in disqualification from the Tournament.

5. Fish Eligibility

Species: only “black bass” are eligible for scoring. That designation includes the three most common species:
1. Largemouth Bass – Micropterus salmoides
2. Smallmouth Bass – Micropterus dolomineu
3. Spotted or Kentucky Bass – Micropterus punctulatus
4. No other black bass species are known to live in Idaho, Oregon, or Washington state.
Length: The minimum length of bass scored in competition is 12 inches, unless otherwise specified on the Tournament Detail Page on kayakfishingnorthwest.com, and/or the Leaderboard Page in TourneyX. For example, the Season-Long Online Challenges, and the No Limit Online Challenge have a minimum length of 14 inches. Photos of bass shorter than the minimum will be denied.
Condition: Fish must have been hooked in the mouth or jaw. It may not appear to have snagged, snatched, or hooked only in the body or a fin. If hooked in the mouth, a second treble hook that snags a gill plate, fin, or body is considered incidental and does not eliminate that fish from contention.
Fish must appear to be alive. If fish appears to be dead, mutilated, frozen, mangled, or otherwise damaged, or it appears to have been mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered, the photo will be denied and in certain cases, the angler may be disqualified, and may be banned from future Events.
Caudal (Tail) Fin: The tip of at least one lobe of the caudal (tail) fin must be contact with the measuring board. If the fish’s entire caudal (tail) fin is lifted away from the measuring board so that neither tip remains in contact with the board, the photo will be denied.
Eye: The fish’s left eye must be fully visible and in photo. Violation will result in denial of the photo.
Measuring board must be flat. Any attempt to bend or alter a measuring board to gain advantage will result in disqualification and may result in disqualification from the Event, suspension or lifetime ban.
All fish must be safely released before casting or fishing resumes. If you are found to be holding fish while fishing, it will result in disqualification from the Event.

6. Competition Period

Pre-Tournament Check-In, Competition Launch, Competition Start (Lines In), Competition End (Lines Out), and Post Tournament Weigh-In dates and times are stated on the Event Detail Page and/or the TourneyX Leaderboard page. Any Competitor who launches (i.e., places their watercraft on the water, occupies it, and goes under way) before the stated “Earliest Launch” time or begins fishing before the official Competition Start (Lines In) on any day of competition will be disqualified from the Event. When launch site congestion prevents others from launching safely, Competitors may place their watercraft in the water, occupy the watercraft, shove off and then stage (beach, float, drift, or anchor) in the immediate area until the official launch time, at which time they may proceed under way. Competition End (Lines Out) ends on the exact time specified. For example, if the Lines Out time is 3:00 pm, any submission at or after 3:00:01 pm will be considered late and subject to denial. The angler may also be subject to disqualification if the submission is late enough so that the angler is considered to have been actively fishing after Competition End (Lines Out). Under no circumstance will a fish photographed outside of the official Competition Start and End times be considered for scoring.
Pre-Tournament Check-In and Post-Tournament Weigh-In locations and times will be determined and announced prior to each event. All anglers must personally check-in with the Tournament Director by these scheduled times. No substitutes or proxies will be accepted.
Tardiness to Pre-Tournament Check-in or Post-Tournament Weigh-In will not be tolerated. Any angler who shows up after the scheduled times will be disqualified (e.g. if the weigh-in time is 3:00 pm, anyone arriving at 3:00:01 pm or later will be disqualified). Tournament Competitors must be in attendance at the Weigh-In by the time specified on the Tournament Detail Page. Failure to check in, or be in attendance by the specified time will result in disqualification from the Event.
For all Tour Events, there will be a five-minute delay to Competition Launch time for pedal drive-propelled watercraft, and a 10-minute delay to Competition Launch time for motor-propelled watercraft. The delay times will be listed on the Tournament Detail page and/or TourneyX Leaderboard page.
It is the sole responsibility of the angler to upload their submission photos to TourneyX via the TourneyX Pro app by the Upload Deadline specific on the Tournament Detail page. In some cases, this means the competitor will need to get off the water early and travel to find cellular service or wifi in order to submit their photos. Failure to upload any photos on time will result in those submissions being ineligible. Submission through the TourneyX website browser version is NOT allowed, because the GPS metadata is incomplete in that medium.
In the event that a Competitor or Competitors is unable to upload their submission photos on time due to an error or glitch by KFNW personnel or TourneyX software, or due to other issues that the Tournament Director deems as not the fault of the Competitor(s), the Tournament Director has the authority to “make it right” using whatever means are available to judge, upload, and correct submissions until they are complete and the submissions are corrected to what “should have been” without the error or glitch.
For Online Challenges, anglers are expected to limit fishing between one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset, unless otherwise specified on the Tournament Detail Page or TourneyX Leaderboard page. Catch times will be checked and fish will be denied if not caught during the specified time.
Competitors who are participating in an online event are subject to all the rules set forth in this standard during all competition times. If a competitor wishes to go “fun fishing,” in a legal manner, outside the confines of this rules standard (for example, fishing with bait), it is the responsibility of the competitor to contact an official before they begin fishing. They should call, text, email, or message an official before they begin fishing. If they do not attempt to contact an official, and an official sees them fishing in violation of the rules, or sees evidence of them fishing in violation of the rules, they will be subject to the penalties of this rules standard.

7. Prefishing

Standard: Practice in Eligible Water is permitted prior to Tour Event competition until 11:00am the day before competition begins, unless otherwise specified on the Tournament Detail page. Competitors must be off the water by 11:00 am or they may be disqualified from the Tour Event. For Online Challenges and Opens, competitors may engage in prefishing or practice fishing up to competition start time, unless otherwise specified on the Tournament Detail page or in TourneyX. There are no additional restrictions regarding areas, type of watercraft, or types of tackle used in prefishing. Fishing on the event’s eligible water after the specified prefishing deadline will result in disqualification from a Tournament. (Refer to section 9 regarding pre-fishing with a professional fishing guide.)
Select: Certain Tour Events will be designated with an Off-Limits Period. Off-Limits Period will be in effect for approximately 4 days before the Official Practice Day. Off-Limits will begin at 11:59 pm on the Sunday before a Saturday Tour Event, and will end at sunrise on the Official Practice Day. During the Off-Limits Period, Competitors registered for the Tour Event may not fish at all, nor utilize any watercraft, within the specified boundaries of the Tour Event, or they will be disqualified from the Tour Event. Fish submissions caught by any unregistered KFNW Competitor during Off-Limits Period, within Off-Limits boundaries, and submitted to any Online Challenges will be denied. Repeat offenders may be subject to disqualification. There are no restrictions on prefishing before the Off-Limits Period.
Select: When a four-day Off-Limits period has been specified for a Tour Event, an Official Practice Day will be allowed for pre-fishing, from sunrise until 11:00 am on the day before a Tour Event (e.g. Official Practice Day on Friday for a Saturday Tour Event). Competitors must be off the water by 11:00 am or they may be disqualified from the Tour Event.
Select: Anglers who choose to participate in the Official Practice Day are only allowed to participate in watercraft allowed for competition (kayaks, canoes, etc.) — no other watercraft will be allowed. Any fish caught on Official Practice Day may be submitted to Online Challenges, as long as they fall within the rules of the Online Challenge.

8. Competition Area

Competitive fishing is allowed only on publicly accessible waters within the geographic area designated on the Tournament Detail Page as “Eligible Water Boundaries.” Photos of fish caught outside of eligible water boundaries will be denied may result in disqualification from the Tournament.
Competitors may launch from any public-access shore directly onto Eligible Water only, unless otherwise specified on the Tournament Detail Page or TourneyX Leaderboard page.
Portaging overland is not allowed unless otherwise specified on the Tournament Detail Page or the TourneyX Leaderboard page. Competitors must be able to navigate in AND out of an area with paddle, pedal, motor, or pole (while remaining inside the kayak) for it to be considered Eligible Water, unless otherwise directed by Tournament officials. Getting out of the kayak to cross land or shallow areas is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification from the Event.
The cutting of trees, bushes and/or logs after Check-In and/or the removal of official local, state or federal barricades at any time to make an area more accessible by kayak is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification from the Tournament.
Competitors are not restricted to fishing where they start out each day and are permitted to relocate to other Eligible Water during Tournament hours, except for events with a Shotgun Start. For Shotgun Start, only designated launches may be used. If using Virtual Check-In and Check-Out feature on TourneyX, competitor is expected to check out and back in when relocating.
Watercraft must not be anchored in such a position as to prevent or block access for other watercraft or powerboats. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
All fishing must be conducted from inside the kayak unless otherwise stated on the Tournament Detail Page or the TourneyX Leaderboard page.
Photos that competitors submit for scoring in every Online Challenge or Tournament must be of fish caught from Eligible Water. To be “Eligible,” the body of water must be inside the competition area boundary, not be under an Off-Limits restriction for a Tour Event, be within public-access hours, be accessible to the public, and be where fishing is permitted by local, county, state, and federal regulations.
If a community pond is posted and reserved “for residents only” so that unauthorized use would be trespassing, even if you can drive right up to a ramp and launch, that water is ineligible. Permission to use private lakes or ponds or cross private property does not make that water eligible. If a community lake provides public access to all, even though it’s surrounded by private property, it is eligible but the competitor may be asked to provide proof of public access from the land owner(s). Whether the water is under the jurisdiction of any level of government (municipal, county, state, federal), corporately-owned, or privately owned, with or without a user fee requirement, the criteria for eligibility are
1. public access and
2. regulatory approval for public fishing. Areas posted continuously as “Off Limits” or “No Fishing” by regulatory authorities or owners do not qualify as “Eligible Water.” A competitor must be able to access the water from or across publicly accessible areas or rights-of-way. They may NOT cross property where egress is not permitted to all.
3. If a pay-to-fish lake does not discriminate so that any member of the public may pay the user fee to fish it, that is considered public-access water and is eligible.
4. If a lake has posted use times, it is eligible only during the hours permitted by the owner or the regulatory body. Even if a competitor is able to reach the lake across publicly accessible property, the lake is eligible only during the posted hours.

9. Cooperation and Assistance

Competitors may fish with and receive free, direct assistance and/or information from other anglers and professional guides who are participating in an Event, before and during the event.
From the start of an Off-Limits Period through an Event, anglers participating in the associated Tour Event may not receive any assistance and/or information from anyone who is not participating in the Event. Violation will result in Competitor’s disqualification from the Event.
Within 30 days prior to the Event, a Competitor may not fish on Eligible Water with, nor receive expert advice from, a professional fishing guide who receives payment for those services. Violation will result in Competitor’s disqualification from the Event.
Before and during the event, Competitors may
1. share their gear, tackle and equipment with other registered Competitors,
2. assist in photographing the angler and fish (NOT including submission photos), and
3. communicate with, and fish in proximity to other people, including other Competitors (except Professional Fishing Guides, as stipulated above).
Competitors may not receive assistance in catching fish that are photographed and submitted for scoring, including boat positioning, casting, retrieving, hooking, playing, landing, or capturing submission photos of a fish. This includes touching, or holding another competitor’s watercraft. Violation will result in denial of submission, and potentially both Competitors’ disqualification from the Event.

10. Fishing Tackle, Equipment, and Methods

A certified bump board must be used: YakAttack Leaderboard, Ketch Karbonate, Ketch X Aluminum Board, and Original Ketch Board are the ONLY boards that will be accepted.
A spare measuring device is permitted but must be checked and approved prior to every event and may be inspected at any time by KFNW Tournament Director.
All fish submitted for score must be caught live by the Competitor who submits them for scoring using only equipment and legal methods that comply with all sportfishing statutes and regulations of the states and body of water in which they are taken. Competitors are responsible for research of and compliance with all applicable fishing and boating regulations. Snatching or snagging fish is not permitted. When visually fishing a bed for spawning fish, to be admissible all fish must be hooked inside the mouth. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event, and possibly suspension or lifetime ban.
All fish must be caught by the Competitor on rod, reel, line and hook with artificial lures only, except for commercially sold pork trailers and biodegradable soft baits. Fly fishing is allowed. No traps, snares, set lines or other methods of fishing other than rod, reel and line are permissible, even if legal under state game laws. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
Alabama rigs and similar umbrella-type rigs are considered to be one lure and are only limited by local regulations regarding hook count.
Only ONE fishing rod may be used at a time.
Trolling lures attached to a single rod and towed by a watercraft while underway is permitted in KFNW Competition.

11. Photo Standards

Anglers must be able to submit their photos in the TourneyX Pro smartphone app. Submission via browner to tourneyx.com will be denied. Digital photographs of each fish submitted to judges for scoring must meet the following criteria:

Unique: Each digital photo submitted in each Event must be of a different fish. Subsequent digital photos of the same fish submitted by the same Competitor in an Event will be denied, and in some cases, the Competitor may be disqualified, suspended, or banned from future Events if the duplicate submission is deemed intentional.
Visible/Legible: Each photo must be in sharply focused and clear enough for a judge to:
1. Verify the correct Identifier Form and Event ID Code. Inability of the judge to verify will result in denial of photo.
2. Verify the fish’s condition. Violation will result in denial of photo.
3. Verify the fish’s length. Judge will score fish at the greatest length of which they are certain.
4. Except where covered by hand or fingers, the entire fish, from its mouth/jaw to the tip of its caudal (tail) fin, must be visible in photos. If either end is covered or cropped off, the photo will be denied.
Centered: Camera lens positioned directly over the center of the fish’s body, which contributes to accurate measurement by judges. Photos taken at a low angle that obscures potential mouth opening may be denied or penalized at the Tournament Director’s discretion.
First-generation: Each digital photo must be a first-generation image (not a photo or screen-shot of another photo). Violation will result in denial of photo.
Wide-Angle: Photographs that have a pronounced fisheye or “barrel distortion” such as those from a GoPro camera are not recommended. Violation may result in denial of photo at judge or Tournament Director’s discretion.
Identifiable: Official KFNW Identifier must be above, below, or beside the fish (not covering any significant portion of the fish) at 100% size. Neither a hand-drawn form nor an image of the KFNW Identifier Form on a smart phone are permissible. Violation will result in denial of photo.
Background: Competitor’s watercraft clearly visible in the photograph. Violation will result in denial of photo.
Hand Position (see figure below)
1. Hand or finger(s) may be in contact with the caudal peduncle (fleshy, scaled part of the fish’ body at the base of the caudal fin) but not covering or touching any portion of the caudal (tail) fin. Violation will result in denial of photo.
2. No portion of hand, finger, or any object may be under the fish’s operculum (gill flap or cover), or in position where the closed gill flap would rest. Violation will result in denial of photo.
3. The competitor’s hand may be on top of the fish and/or over the operculum (gill flap or cover); but may not cover so much area of the fish that it is impossible for the judge to verify that the bass is not a duplicate submission. Ruling for this potential violation will be at the discretion of the judges and/or Tournament Director and may result in denial of photo.
4. No portion of a hand or finger may cover any part of the fish’s eye. Violation will result in denial of photo.
Eye
1. If fish has a “dead” or glossy eye, or unusual markings on the eye, it is recommended that the angler take a continuous video of that fish from the measuring board to being released, then actively swimming away. The video should be shared with the Tournament Director at the Weigh-In, before final judging is completed. Failure to to prove the fish was alive my result in denial of that submission.
Mouth
1. Fish’s lip or jaw or must be in contact with measuring board fence (bump board, upright), and the fence must be visible in the photo. Violation will result in denial of photo.
2. A closed mouth is required for uniformity of measurement. If judge and/or Tournament Director considers the mouth to be cracked or open, even if it is structurally unable to close, a .5 inch penalty will be assessed. Repeated or extreme infractions may result in fish denial, or angler disqualification.

12. Scoring

KFNW Director, Tournament Directors and Assistant Tournament Directors that are competing in any live or online Tournament do not judge their own fish.
Judging for Tour Events in one division is done by a team of judges in a neighboring division or by outside judges. Tournament Directors that are participating in a Tournament do not access GPS coordinates of other competitors during the event. The local Tournament Director may view submissions that are in question to assist in making a final judgement.
Judging for the KFNW Kayak Bass Classic is done by a team of judges that may include KFNW Director, Tournament Directors, Assistant Tournament Directors, and/or outside judges. No one participating in the KFNW Kayak Bass Classic will be involved in judging for the KFNW Kayak Bass Classic.
Fish length is determined by its caudal fin (tail fin) touching or crossing the manufacturer’s quarter-inch mark (e.g., ridges, grooves) on the measuring board. If it falls short of a 1/4-inch factory mark, the length is rounded down to the next lower 1/4-inch mark that the fish’s caudal fin actually touches or crosses. In reviewing photographs, judges will visualize as accurately as possible where a 1/4-inch factory mark would be if it extended the full width of a board and use that imaginary line to determine a fish’s length.
If any portion of a fish’s caudal (tail) fin extends off the edge of a Measuring Board surface, or up the side fence of the measuring board, the score will be determined by the highest 1/4-inch measurement reached or crossed by the portion of caudal fin on the Measuring Board. Any portion of the caudal fin extending off the edge of a Measuring Board is not considered in scoring. Alignment aids and attachments to an approved measuring board (e.g., a cradle attachment for the Ketch measuring board) will not be considered part of a Measuring Board surface when determining a fish’s length.
Tournament ranking, contingency awards, Angler of the Year (AOY) Points, Challenge Points, and Championship qualification shall be determined by the aggregate length of each Competitor’s photos remaining on the Leader Board when judging has concluded and the Dispute Period has closed. Unless otherwise stipulated on the Event Page:
1. In one-day Tournaments, the scores of the five longest fish on the Leader Board when judging is complete will be combined to determine the aggregate score (unless otherwise specified on the Tournament Detail page).
2. In two-day Tournaments, the scores of the five longest fish of Day 1 and the five longest fish on Day 2 on the Leader Board when judging is complete will be combined to determine the aggregate score (unless otherwise specified on the Tournament Detail page).
If a Competitor’s photo is denied by a judge after end-of-competition, it may be automatically replaced by a previously submitted and auto-culled photo; however, no Competitor may submit a replacement photo after end-of-competition time. KFNW staff and judges always strive to judge fish as quickly as possible, however, KFNW makes no guarantee about judging fish before end-of-competition.
KFNW reserves the right to make adjustments to judging, up until the dispute period has ended (24 hours after public announcement of standings).
In the event of a tie in score, the tied competitors’ longest (highest-scored) fish are compared, and the tie breaks in favor of the competitor with the longest (highest-scoring) fish. If the longest fish are equal, the second-longest fish are compared and determine which competitor wins the tie. If the second-longest are identical, the process repeats for each of the remaining fish. If all of the tied competitors’ highest scoring fish are identical, then the tie breaks in favor of the competitor whose last Leader Board photo was uploaded earliest.

13. Scoring Criteria

KFNW judges apply the following scoring criteria to adjust measurements, approve or deny photos, and to penalize photos by deducting points (length) or disqualifying a Competitor.

A. Blurry photo/length unclear	Scored at the highest mark of which there is no doubt
B. Blurry photo; completely unable to judge	Deny
C. Appears to be second-generation (e.g., screen shot, photo of photo)	Deny
D. EXIF data PLUS other evidence substantiates photo taken outside of Eligible Water boundaries	Deny
E. EXIF data, other evidence substantiates photo was taken outside of competition hours	Deny
F. Multiple digital photos submitted of the same fish; unintentional violation	Deny
G. Multiple digital photos submitted of the same fish; evidence indicates intentional	Disqualify and Ban
H. Competitor’s watercraft not visible in photo background	Deny
I. Entire fish not in picture	Deny
J. Fish positioned with right side of body toward camera; head pointing right and caudal fin left	Deny
K. Fish positioned with dorsal fin pointed towards angler, pelvic and anal fins pointed away from angler	Deny
L. Official identifier Card missing, counterfeit, or incorrect for event	Deny
M. Identifier Card and/or Identifier Card holder is laying on or covering any significant portion of the fish	Deny
N. Incorrect Event ID Code for Event or illegible Event ID Code	Deny
O. Secured by restraining device (e.g. stringer, tape, or clip attached to fish)	Deny
P. Photo of any species or variety of fish other than that approved for the Competition	Deny
Q. Fish’s caudal (tail) fin tip fails to reach minimum on measuring board	Deny
R. Any portion of a hand, fingers, or foreign object under the fish’s operculum (gill flap or cover )	Deny
S. Finger(s) or hand touching or covering a fish’s caudal (tail) fin	Deny
T. Entire caudal (tail) fin entirely lifted away and out of contact with the measuring board	Deny
U. Left eye fully or partially covered; or not visible in photo	Deny
V. Fish appears to have been snagged, snatched, or hooked in the body rather than mouth	Deny and Disqualify
W. Fish appears to be dead, mutilated, frozen, mangled, or otherwise damaged	Deny and Disqualify
X. Fish appears to have been mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered	Deny and Disqualify
Y. Fish’s lip or jaw clearly not touching measuring board fence (upright end plate)	Deny
Z. Mouth open, even if it appears to be structurally unable to close completely.	Deduct 1/2″ or Deny

14. Penalties

In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament or Series Director may impose such penalties as deemed appropriate, including without limitation, the following:
1. Reduced score (length) as described above or determined by the Tournament or Series Director
2. Denied submissions for the day or up until the violation has been remedied
3. Disqualified from the Tournament in question as described above or determined by the Tournament or Series Director
4. Suspended from all KFNW competition for a specified amount of time as determined by the Tournament or Series Director
5. Banned from all future KFNW Events as determined by the Tournament or Series Director
6. Any additional penalties determined by the Tournament or Series Director including but not limited to monetary fines and/or reduction of AOY points.

Subject to the dispute and appeal processes set forth below, the Tournament or Series Director’s decisions on violations are final.
1. Following a review of evidence, a determination by the KFNW Tournament or Series Director of cheating or conviction of fraud will result in permanent revocation of KFNW Membership, suspension from all KFNW competition and KFNW-affiliated Events, and series, and revocation of all KFNW Social Media privileges. The findings will be published on a password-protected Kayak Bass Fishing (KBF) Members-Only web page, TourneyX Members Only web page, and on the KFNW Members-Only web page.
Competitor acknowledges that
1. the use of polygraph or voice stress analysis tests may be necessary to verify compliance with rules and to settle disputes and
2. entry constitutes acceptance of this requirement and agreement to abide by its conclusion. Refusal by a Competitor to submit to a polygraph or voice stress analysis test is grounds for immediate disqualification from the KFNW Event and prohibition against future participation in any KFNW-affiliated Event. Results of a polygraph or voice stress analysis test will not be the sole determining factor in a KFNW Management Review of a Competitor’s eligibility for awards and qualification for future participation but may be one of several factors considered in such review.
KFNW Tournament or Series Director shall:
1. Have the discretion to determine the need for a Polygraph or voice stress analysis test.
2. Be responsible for
  1. selecting an independent expert to administer the polygraph or voice stress analysis test,
  2. establishing, in consultation with the expert administrator, the scope of the questions that may be asked during the test examination, and
  3. interpreting the results.
3. Have sole responsibility selecting the location, date, and time of the test nearest KFNW headquarters with respect to all concerned parties schedule and travel cost.
The Competitor shall:
1. Make himself/herself available at the location selected by the Tournament or Series Director.
2. Cooperate in all respects with such test.
3. Competitors may be selected at random to undergo polygraph or voice stress analysis test during or following KFNW competitive Events.

15. Awarding of Prizes

Prizes and numbers of positions paid out are addressed on the Tournament Detail Page. Amounts paid per rank are subject to change based on participation (lower value for fewer entries and higher value for more entries) and sponsor provision.
Prizes will be processed after all photos submitted for scoring have been judged, the results reviewed by a separate panel, and disputes have been resolved.
Other prizes such as non-cash, sponsor donations will be distributed as seen fit by the organization, in the form of Tournament prizes and Gear Drawings.
Each participating angler has an equal chance to win Gear Drawing prizes. No additional tickets are ever sold for Gear Drawings.
Gear Drawing prizes (e.g. kayaks, paddles, propulsion units) may require additional processing or delivery time. This allows competitors some flexibility in selection of model, color or style. Product selection may be limited to specific features and models.

16. Sales of Prizes

No prizes won participating in KFNW Events may be advertised or promoted for sale on KFNW, IKBF, OKBF, WKBF Facebook pages or other KFNW social media for a period of one full year. Violation of this rule may result in ineligibility for all future events and forfeiture of qualification status.

17. Taxes

Competitors are responsible for all applicable taxes on both cash and merchandise awards. All prize recipients whose cumulative total for the year adds up to $600 or more must fill out and turn in an IRS Form W-9. An IRS Form 1099 will be issued to all Competitors who won $600 or more by January 31 of the following year.

18. Safety

During competition (live or online Events), every Competitor must have all required Coast Guard safety equipment. This includes a vest-type personal floatation device (PFD), safety whistle or horn, illuminated 360° white, overhead light (in low-light conditions), and a high-visibility flag flown on the kayak (light and flag are only required on waters that allow motorized watercraft). See www.uscgboating.org/.
1. If a competitor is seen by officials without a 360° white light at a live Event, they will be given the opportunity to either rectify the situation immediately, exit the water to rectify the situation, or beach the kayak until safe light.
2. If a competitor is seen by officials without a high-visibility flag or sound signaling device at a live event, they will be given the opportunity to either rectify the situation immediately, exit the water to rectify the situation, or withdraw from the event.
3. For in-person, live Events in Washington state, an authorized chartreuse/yellow EVENT flag MUST be flown while participating in the Event according to state permit regulations. Yellow EVENT flags should not be flown except when participating in a live Event. EVENT flag is not required for Events in Idaho or Oregon, but KFNW recommends anglers employ them, to let other anglers know you are participating in a Tournament. Yellow EVENT Flags are available for purchase at kayakfishingnorthwest.com/shop and can be picked up at any Live Event.
4. If a competitor sees another competitor who does not have the proper safety equipment outlined above, they are encouraged to advise the other competitor of the infraction, when possible and convenient. Failure to advise a fellow competitor of safety violations, may result in disqualification from the Event in certain cases.
5. In the event a competitor disregards warning(s) from Tournament Officials about incomplete safety equipment, they will be disqualified from the Event.
PFD Usage: At all times while actively engaged in watercraft maneuvering and/or competition, except as described below, Competitor must wear a fully-fastened USCG-certified vest-style PFD (inherent flotation or inflatable) or float jacket. The personal flotation device must always be worn on the outside of all clothing and visible. A belt-style PFD, even one that deploys as a vest, is not permitted during Competition. When an infraction, as described above, is verified by the Tournament Director, the Competitor is disqualified from participation in the Event.
PFD Wear Exceptions: Competitor assumes responsibility for all consequences of removing their PFD. Competitor may cease competition and remove the PFD while their watercraft is beached, anchored or adrift only if doing so creates no unsafe condition. Competitor must put on and securely fasten the PFD before going underway or resuming competition.
1. If all of the following conditions exist, Competitor may briefly remove their PFD while afloat (anchored or adrift) in order to change, add or remove articles of clothing:
  1. No fishing lines are in the water; and
  2. The watercraft is not underway; and
  3. Weather and water conditions permit one to do so safely; and
  4. Competitor is over the age of 12.
2. When finished changing their attire, Competitor must immediately put the PFD back on before going underway, fishing, or engaging in any other competition-related activity.
The Tournament or Series Director has the right to postpone or cancel the start of an official Tournament day because of adverse weather conditions or other factors that would jeopardize Competitors’ safety. Tournament waters may also be restricted at any time because of bad weather.
In the event of weather emergencies that pose an imminent threat to Competitors, the Tournament or Series Director may terminate Competition before the scheduled end-of-competition time. An Early Termination Announcement with an adjusted end-of-competition time will be broadcast to Competitors via email and group text messaging and will also be posted on TourneyX and social media. The Announcement will also specify an adjusted report-in time and location. If safe to do so, upon receiving the Announcement, Competitors should make their way to the specified location at that time.
Competitor is required to stop fishing as soon as they receive the Early Termination Announcement. No photos of fish caught after the adjusted end-of-competition time may be submitted for scoring; however, to accommodate those seeking shelter immediately, Competitor has up to 30 minutes after the Adjusted End Time to submit a photo of any fish caught before the adjusted end-of-competition time/photo submission deadline.
In the event of an emergency situation, Competitor should call 911 first and then notify Tournament officials as soon as possible.
Use of alcohol or drugs (other than those purchased over the counter or prescribed by a licensed physician) by any Competitor during an Event will not be tolerated and will be cause for automatic disqualification from Event. Competitor may be temporarily suspended or disqualified for life, at the discretion of KFNW Director. No alcoholic beverages or other non-prescription stimulants or depressants shall be allowed in watercraft during competition days. Chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of a felony, or other crimes involving moral turpitude, or other conduct reflecting unfavorably upon efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship, fair competition and compliance with Tournament rules, shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation and/or for disqualification after circumstances are reviewed by KFNW Director. Any disqualification, suspension from, or other disciplinary action regarding any Tournament or fishing organization, shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation in a KFNW Tournament, and/or disqualification from a KFNW Tournament, after circumstances are reviewed by the KFNW Director.
Smoking or vaping of nicotine is NOT allowed at the Check-In or Weigh-In/Awards during any KFNW competition. Smoking and vaping of nicotine must be done away from directors and large groups of anglers. Please be respectful of others. Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification from the event (zero tolerance), and repeat offenses may lead to suspension or a lifetime ban at the discretion of the KFNW Director.
Ingestion of all forms of marijuana or THC by any means (smoking, vaping, edible) is NOT allowed at any time immediately before, after or during competition, including the Check-in, Weigh-In/Awards, and/or on the water. If the offender is known, failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification from the event (zero tolerance), and repeat offenses may lead to suspension or a lifetime ban at the discretion of the KFNW Director. If the offender is not known but Tournament Officials are confident of the offense taking place, KFNW reserves the right to cancel the event for all Competitors at the discretion of the Tournament or Series Director.

19. Competitor Conduct

Competitors participating in any KFNW event must observe the applicable rules for the Competition and must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that reflects favorably on the sport of kayak bass fishing, KFNW, its members, officers or representatives, Tournaments or sponsors, and affiliates. Competitors are expected to follow high standards of respect, sportsmanship, courtesy, integrity, safety and conservation in support of the sport of kayak bass fishing, especially when in the vicinity of non-Competitors who may be on or near Eligible Water. Any Competitor who violates these principles, intentionally violates KFNW Competition Rules or regulations (attempts to commit fraud), besmirches the KFNW brand or its officials, or behaves in ways that reflect unfavorably towards KFNW efforts to promote fisheries conservation, clean waters and courtesy, may forfeit Tournament winnings, face suspension from future KFNW events, be permanently banned from competition, or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by the KFNW Director.

20. Disputes

If a Competitor wishes to dispute a rules violation penalty, a judge’s scoring decision, a Tournament Director’s decision, or other action that materially affected the Competitor’s ranking or prize eligibility, they must use the KFNW Dispute Form on the KFNW Website to submit a dispute within 24 hours (one full day) following the public announcement of standings for the disputed event. The dispute must include the following:
Event title, location, and date
1. Description or identification of penalty imposed, or condition being disputed
2. Reference to pertinent rule
3. Reason for dispute and requested action
Except for situations involving fraud or other law violation, any disputes submitted after the 24-hour dispute deadline will be reviewed without affecting the outcome of an event. No change in rank or reward will result from disputes submitted after the deadline.
Only Competitors in the Event where the disputed action occurred may submit disputes. Disputes must be handled privately. Failure to handle disputes privately may result in a lifetime ban from KFNW competition.
All parties directly involved will be provided a copy of the dispute. KFNW Director and a committee of other KFNW officials will carefully review the Competitor’s claims, thoroughly investigate the disputed decision, and then issue a final ruling.
The Competitor who filed the dispute may appeal the Tournament Director’s ruling. Appeals of rulings must be presented to the Kayak Fishing Northwest Director via email within 24 hours from the time and date of ruling. An appeals processing fee of $100 must be paid to Kayak Fishing Northwest via PayPal. Kayak Fishing Northwest Director will impanel an appeals committee comprised of one Kayak Fishing Northwest staff member not involved directly in directing or judging the Event, and two Tournament Directors from another kayak fishing Tournament organization. Appeals hearings shall take place within seven business days from the date of receipt of the written appeal, and all parties must make themselves available at prescribed time of hearing. The appeals committee will submit its findings and recommendations to the Kayak Fishing Northwest Director, whose will make the final ruling. If the Director rules in the Competitor’s favor and reverses or nullifies the original ruling, then the entire appeal processing fee will be refunded. However, if the ruling stands, then the Fee is forfeited.
Post appeals rulings are final and no further appeals of a ruling decision will be considered.

21. Public Comments

The favorable public reputation of KFNW as a sanctioning organization in the sport of kayak bass fishing, the integrity of its officials, and the reputation of its media channels are valuable assets and tangible benefits for KFNW. Accordingly, it is an obligation of Competitors to refrain from comments in public forums and social media or to the news media that unreasonably attack or disparage the integrity of Kayak Fishing Northwest Tournaments, Tournament officials, sponsors, fellow members, fellow Competitors or the KFNW organization. Competitors are encouraged to express themselves and have the right to question the rules officials through proper channels. Responsible expressions of legitimate disagreement with KFNW policies are encouraged, as opposed to attacks upon the integrity of the rules or officials. However, public comments that a Competitor knows, or should reasonably know, will harm the reputation of Kayak Fishing Northwest LLC, KFNW officials, KFNW members, or KFNW sponsors, may result in disciplinary action.
Sponsor contributions will not be devalued by disputes or disagreements in public forums or social media platforms.
Publicly disputing a judge’s ruling or any dispute or appeal decision by a KFNW Tournament Director, or Series Director will result in participant receiving a warning for their first offense. A repeat of the offense will result in disciplinary action up to disqualification from the current Event, and permanent termination of eligibility for future KFNW Events, even if previously qualified. This provision is not intended to discourage legitimate disputes but to ensure that a fair and unbiased approach is used, and the approved challenge and appeals processes are followed in determining the best possible outcome.

22. Unavailability and Force Majeure

KFNW will use reasonable efforts to hold all scheduled Events as planned; however, under no circumstances will KFNW be held responsible for unavailability caused by circumstances beyond KFNW’s control, including flood, fire, hurricanes, earthquakes or other “acts of God,” pandemics, acts of government, civil unrest, acts of terror, strikes or labor problems, nor will any Event Registration be cancelled, altered or amended once the Event has commenced on the basis of circumstances beyond KFNW’s reasonable control.

23. Compliance with Laws

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Oregon. All rights and obligations of the KFNW and the Competitor under this Agreement are subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. These terms and conditions shall be deemed revised to conform to applicable statutes, rules and regulations. KFNW may modify the terms and conditions stated herein at any time in its sole and absolute discretion. Competitor shall be bound by the modified Agreement and agree that no other modifications shall be enforceable. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties, whether written or oral. The invalidity or un-enforceability of any provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. The waiver of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.

24. Waivers and Releases

Name and Likeness Release: By registering for this KFNW Event, the Competitor grants to KFNW the right to use all photographs, likenesses, stories, accounts, details of Competitor contributions, exploits, interviews, bloopers, and information pertinent to any KFNW Event, as well as any video footage, photographs gathered at the Event, for marketing and promotional purposes. This release is granted without expectation for additional compensation upon submission of Event Registration.
Waiver and Release of Liability: As a condition of participation in a Competition, and by virtue of registering for the Competition, each Competitor agrees to accept the terms and condition of the Kayak Fishing Northwest KFNW Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement. This Agreement absolves Kayak Fishing Northwest LLC, its officers, staff, and volunteers from responsibility and threat of litigation in the case of injury, loss, or death sustained by a Competitor in the Event. Registrants under the age of 18 must have their waiver/release form signed by the parent or adult guardian who will accompany them throughout competition. A printed copy of the Kayak Fishing Northwest KFNW Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement is available at Event Check-in and must be signed and on file with Kayak Fishing Northwest LLC before a registrant is eligible to compete.

25. Payouts

View KFNW Fee Breakdowns & Prize Payouts for payment amounts.
Payments are made via PayPal. Competitors are required to have a PayPal account in order to receive payments.
A W-9 form will be requested for all competitors who win $600 or more within one calendar year. Payment will not be initiated until the competitor submits their completed W-9. Competitors who fail to submit a W-9 will not be allowed to compete in additional events until they have submitted a completed W-9. If a competitor fails to submit a W-9 before January 31 of the following calendar year, they will be banned from competing in Kayak Fishing Northwest events indefinitely.
Payouts are generally initiated 24-30 hours after the completion of an event (except in the event of a dispute), plus additional time for W-9 and payment processing.
Participants have up to 24 hours after the completion of an event to file a dispute. In the event of a recognized dispute, payouts will be held until the dispute is resolved.
In the event that NO fish are caught during a Tour Event or Online Challenge, the money will roll over to the next event in that series. In the event that no fish are caught on the last event of the season, the money will roll over to the division series’ Angler of the Year winnings. Any non-cash prizes for winners will be given away in a random drawing to participating anglers.
In the event that fewer anglers catch fish than the predetermined payout schedule calls for, the prizes and money will be redistributed to those anglers who caught fish. EG: If only one angler out of 30 catches a fish, all the prize money and earned placement prizes will go to that one angler.

26. Big Bass Buy-In

For each Tour Event and Online Challenge, competitors can choose to enter into a Big Bass Buy-In, which will be a separate pool of money, on top of the Tournament entry fee.
Big Fish Buy-In will be $10 per event.
The single competitor with the largest fish caught during competition, who paid into the Big Bass Buy-In, will receive 95% of the Big Bass Buy-In pot. The other 5% goes to PayPal and administrative fees.
In some cases, sponsorship funds and/or merchandise may be used to expand the Big Bass Buy-In pot.
In the event that multiple competitors are tied for Big Bass, the angler whose submitted Big Bass photo was captured first wins. For a Pick-Your-Day Online Challenge, the photo captured at the earlier time wins, regardless of which day.
In the event that more than one of the tied Big Bass photos was captured at the same moment, the winner will be decided by coin toss.

27. Angler-of-the-Year (AOY) Rules

An angler will be named Angler-of-the-Year (AOY) for both the Tour Event Series and the Online Challenge Series for each division (IKBF, OKBF and WKBF).
The Angler-of-the-Year for the Tour Event Series will be determined by adding all the points earned from the best four out of five Tour Events.
The Angler-of-the-Year for the Online Challenge Series will be determined by adding all the points earned from the best six out of seven Online Challenges.
Angler-of-the-Year points will be awarded as such:
1. 1st Place in any Tour Event or Online Challenge – 100 points; 2nd Place – 99 points; 3rd Place in any Tour Event or Online Challenge – 98 points, and so on…
2. Those that fish in a Tour Event or Online Challenge but don’t upload any approved fish, will earn 20 points less than the lowest earned placement.
3. Tour Event no-shows and those that do not fish will not receive AOY points.
4. Anglers disqualified from Tour Events or Online Challenges for any reason, including failure to appear at a required check-in or weigh-in on time, will not receive AOY points.
5. Participants of Opens will not receive AOY points.

28. AOY Tiebreakers

In the event of a tie, a score will be calculated for each competitor, totaling the final standing numbers for their four best Tour Event scores of the season (Tour Event Series) or seven best Online Challenge scores of the season (Online Challenge Series). The angler with the lowest score wins. In the event of a tie in standing score, competitor with the largest fish of the season wins. In the event of a tie in standing score and largest fish, the earliest catch time and date of the largest fish wins.

29. Online Challenge Locations

All fish must be caught in the state specified in the Online Challenge, or boundary waters (e.g. Columbia River, Snake River, etc.) between states, except for the Season-Long Regional Open, for which fish may be caught in Idaho, Oregon, or Washington. When fishing boundary waters in a Statewide Online Challenge, you may launch from either state (check your local regulations for fishing license limitations). Fish must be caught in the main waterway. Fish caught inside sloughs and tributaries of the waterway, in the bordering state will be denied.
Unless otherwise specified in the specific event details, fish must be caught ONLY on publicly accessible waters via public launches. This includes free launches, or paid launches, as long as anyone can use the launch at any time during competition. Fish caught on non-public waters or “pay-to-fish” stocked waters will be denied, and the competitor will be disqualified from the Tournament. It is the angler’s responsibility to research the areas they will be launching and fishing to make sure they are public. Apps like onX Hunt can be very useful in determining if property is public or private.
In addition, fish caught from the following waters are ineligible. Catches from these bodies of water will be denied: Lake Walcott (Idaho), Elbow Lake (Washington).
Military bases are ineligible, even if they allow public access with a pass.

30. Online Challenge Special Rules

50/50 Season-Long Online Challenge (largemouth/smallmouth)
1. Best 5 largemouth bass and best 5 smallmouth bass
2. 14 inch minimum length
3. No other species is allowed in this Challenge (hybrids will be accepted, and judges will decide in which species to categorize them)
4. Any public waters in region, public launches only
Afternoon Delight Online Challenge (Pick-Your-Day)
1. Best 5 largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass (any combination)
2. Fish must be caught from noon until one hour past sunset
3. Angler picks one day among five to fish when they register
4. Angler may can change their fishing day (select Change Fishing Day in Dashboard of browser version of TourneyX, not in the app) until the time the Tournament begins.
5. Any public waters in region, public launches only
6. Fish must be uploaded by 11:59 pm on the day they were caught

Bronzeback Online Challenge
1. Best 5 smallmouth bass only
2. Any public waters in region, public launches only
Bucketmouth Online Challenge
1. Best 5 largemouth bass only
2. Any public waters in region, public launches only
Double Trouble Online Challenge
1. Best 5 largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass per angler (any combination)
2. Two-person teams, anglers’ choice
3. One angler signs up first, creates and names the team (keep it clean)
4. The other angler can then join the team
5. Winners are selected by team score
6. AOY points are assigned by individual angler scores
7. Any public waters in region, public launches only
Lake Lunkers Online Challenge
1. Best 5 largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass (any combination)
2. Lakes and/or reservoirs over 200 acres in region only
3. Rivers and creeks are out of bounds
4. Sloughs, oxbows, backwaters and branches of a river or creek that are navigable via kayak from the main stem are out of bounds
5. Bodies of water that are disconnected from rivers or creeks are in bounds
6. When a river or creek feeds a lake or reservoir, fishing upstream from the mouth or in current, is out of bounds
7. Any qualified public waters in region, public launches only
No Limit Online Challenge (Pick-Your-Day)
1. Up to 50 of largemouth or smallmouth, or spotted bass (any combination)
2. 14 inch minimum length
3. Angler picks one day among five to fish when they register
4. Angler may can change their fishing day (select Change Fishing Day in Dashboard of browser version of TourneyX, not in the app) until the time the Tournament begins.
5. Any public waters in region, public launches only
1. Fish must be caught between one hour before sunrise, and one hour after sunset
2. Fish must be uploaded by 11:59 pm on the day they were caught
Pond Hopper Online Challenge
1. Best 5 largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass (any combination)
2. Lakes, ponds, and/or reservoirs up to 200 acres in region only
3. Rivers and creeks are out of bounds
4. Sloughs, oxbows, backwaters and branches of a river or creek that are navigable via kayak from the main stem are out of bounds
5. Bodies of water that are disconnected from rivers or creeks are in bounds
6. When a river or creek feeds a pond, lake, or reservoir, fishing upstream from the mouth or in current, is out of bounds
7. Any qualified public waters in region, public launches only
River Rat Online Challenge
1. Best 5 largemouth or smallmouth (any combination)
2. Rivers and/or creeks in region only
3. Sloughs, backwaters and branches of a river or creek that are navigable via kayak from the main stem are in bounds
4. When a river or creek feeds a pond, lake, or reservoir, fishing on the downstream side of the mouth is out of bounds
5. Bodies of water that are disconnected from rivers or creeks are out of bounds.
6. Any qualified public waters in region, public launches only

31. KFNW Kayak Bass Classic Qualifications

The KFNW Kayak Bass Classic is an invitational, regional Tournament held after the completion of the regular season for all three divisions. It includes the best anglers from IKBF, OKBF, and WKBF. In order to participate, anglers must be an annual KFNW member in good standing.
Anglers may qualify for the Kayak Bass Classic, by completing any one of the following achievements:
1. Classic Champion from the previous season is automatically qualified for the following Kayak Bass Classic, unless they are disqualified for some other reason.
2. First Place Winner of Tour Events in each division is qualified. If the first place winner has already qualified, no new angler will qualify (there will be no roll downs). The winner is simply reducing the number of qualified anglers who will compete.
3. Angler of The Year for Tour Event Series in each division is qualified.
4. Angler of The Year runner-up for Tour Event Series in each division is qualified.
5. Angler of The Year second runner-up for Tour Event Series in each division is qualified.
6. Angler of The Year for Online Challenge Series in each division is qualified.
7. Angler of The Year runner-up for Online Challenge Series in each division is qualified.
8. Season-Long Online Challenge winner in each division is qualified.

32. West Coast Championship Qualifications

Three Tour Events per division will be qualifying events for the WCC, except in the event of interdivisional Tour Events, which combine qualifiers and count as a single qualifier event.
There are two paths for a competitor to qualify for the WCC:
1. Competitors who score in the top 25% of any qualifier event, in any club/region, are qualified. (e.g. If you place 10th or higher in a field of 40 anglers, you are in.)
2. Competitors who attend and complete any three qualifier events within KFNW, or any three events in another participating club (e.g. Kayak Fishing Utah, Yak-a-Bass NorCal) automatically qualify, regardless of their standings rank.

Recent Revisions

Updated 9/7/2024

Section 2.6 Participation and Eligibility

Modified 9/7/2024

Certain TourneyX settings are required on smart phone, including the following:
- Location Services must be enabled so that TourneyX can receive GPS metadata for all submissions.
- Push Notifications must be enabled so that alerts and comments can be received in TourneyX.
- Phone number and emergency contact information must be entered in angler’s TourneyX profile

Section 3.1–2 Watercraft

Modified 2/21/2024

Watercraft acceptable for use in KFNW Competition are those manufactured and marketed as canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) for which paddling, pedaling, or an approved electric motor is the primary means of propulsion. Any other watercraft must be submitted to KFNW for review and approval prior to use in competition. Watercraft must be at least 9’ and no more than 18’ in length.
Watercraft specifically approved as exceptions in advance of competition by KFNW are:
1. Jackson Blue Sky Boatworks 360 Angler
2. Hobie Lynx
3. NRS/STAR Inflatable Kayaks and SUPs
4. Wilderness Systems iA.T.A.K.

Section 4.1–2 Propulsion

Modified 2/21/2024

Watercraft propulsion is restricted to paddle, pedal drive, pole, or electric motor.
Electric motor systems used to propel a watercraft must be attached and used in a safe manner. All motorized watercraft used in live Tournament competition must be inspected and approved by Tournament Officials before competition begins. Officials will record inspection results on the competitor’s Waiver form and retain it on file. Competitor will be required to have their motor system inspected again whenever they change components of the motor system. Tournament officials will check the following items:
1. No more than one electric motor may be attached to a kayak regardless of combined horsepower/thrust/power rating.
2. Commercially available motor mounts are recommend. DIY mounts are allowed but must be inspected by the Tournament Director for approval.
3. Motors should ideally be mounted along the center line of the kayak (Bow-Mount, Stern Mount, Through-Mount).
4. Batteries MUST be enclosed, strapped down, and or encased on the kayak for safety.
5. Lithium batteries are recommended for motors, full size AGM or lead-acid batteries are not recommended due to their weight.
6. Motors may not exceed 3 HP, or (c.) 55 foot-pound thrust. Violation of any of these conditions will result in disqualification from the Event. (This does not pertain to wattage capacity.)
7. For all motor systems that come standard with kill switches, man-overboard switches, or remote controls, the competitor is required to wear the kill switch, man-overboard switch, or remote control on their person at all times while on the water. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
8. For motor systems that do not come standard with kill switches or man-overboard switches, KFNW STRONGLY recommends that the competitor purchase such devices or components, and install them. Violation MAY result in disqualification from Events in the future.
Competitors will be cited for any infractions in regards to motor system eligibility, and the infractions will be recorded on the Waiver form. In the event of a motor system infraction, Competitor may be asked to remove the motor and/or battery for the Event, or be disqualified. Other motor system infractions may result in a warning only, and may be required to be re-inspected before any subsequent live Tournament competition.

Section 6.5 Competition Period

Modified 2/21/2024

It is the sole responsibility of the angler to upload their submission photos to TourneyX via the TourneyX Pro app by the Upload Deadline specific on the Tournament Detail page. In some cases, this means the competitor will need to get off the water early and travel to find cellular service or wifi in order to submit their photos. Failure to upload any photos on time will result in those submissions being ineligible. Submission through the TourneyX website browser version is NOT allowed, because the GPS metadata is incomplete in that medium.

Section 7.1-4 Prefishing

Modified 5/10/2024

Standard: Practice in Eligible Water is permitted prior to Tour Event competition until 11:00am the day before competition begins, unless otherwise specified on the Tournament Detail page. Competitors must be off the water by 11:00 am or they may be disqualified from the Tour Event. For Online Challenges and Opens, competitors may engage in prefishing or practice fishing up to competition start time, unless otherwise specified on the Tournament Detail page or in TourneyX. There are no additional restrictions regarding areas, type of watercraft, or types of tackle used in prefishing. Fishing on the event’s eligible water after the specified prefishing deadline will result in disqualification from a Tournament. (Refer to section 9 regarding pre-fishing with a professional fishing guide.)
Select: Certain Tour Events will be designated with an Off-Limits Period. Off-Limits Period will be in effect for approximately 4 days before the Official Practice Day. Off-Limits will begin at 11:59 pm on the Sunday before a Saturday Tour Event, and will end at sunrise on the Official Practice Day. During the Off-Limits Period, Competitors registered for the Tour Event may not fish at all, nor utilize any watercraft, within the specified boundaries of the Tour Event, or they will be disqualified from the Tour Event. Fish submissions caught by any unregistered KFNW Competitor during Off-Limits Period, within Off-Limits boundaries, and submitted to any Online Challenges will be denied. Repeat offenders may be subject to disqualification. There are no restrictions on prefishing before the Off-Limits Period.
Select: When a four-day Off-Limits period has been specified for a Tour Event, an Official Practice Day will be allowed for pre-fishing, from sunrise until 11:00 am on the day before a Tour Event (e.g. Official Practice Day on Friday for a Saturday Tour Event). Competitors must be off the water by 11:00 am or they may be disqualified from the Tour Event.
Select: Anglers who choose to participate in the Official Practice Day are only allowed to participate in watercraft allowed for competition (kayaks, canoes, etc.) — no other watercraft will be allowed. Any fish caught on Official Practice Day may be submitted to Online Challenges, as long as they fall within the rules of the Online Challenge.

Section 8.8 Competition Area

Modified 2/21/2024

Photos that competitors submit for scoring in every Online Challenge or Tournament must be of fish caught from Eligible Water. To be “Eligible,” the body of water must be inside the competition area boundary, not be under an Off-Limits restriction for a Tour Event, be within public-access hours, be accessible to the public, and be where fishing is permitted by local, county, state, and federal regulations.

Section 9.1–2

Modified 2/21/2024

Competitors may fish with and receive free, direct assistance and/or information from other anglers and professional guides who are participating in an Event, before and during the event.
From the start of an Off-Limits Period through an Event, anglers participating in the associated Tour Event may not receive any assistance and/or information from anyone who is not participating in the Event.

Section 10.1

Modified 7/17/2024

A certified bump board must be used: YakAttack Leaderboard, Ketch Karbonate, Ketch X Aluminum Board, and Ketch Aluminum Board are the ONLY boards that will be accepted.

Section 18.1-2 Safety

Modified 2/21/2024

During competition (live or online Events), every Competitor must have all required Coast Guard safety equipment. This includes a vest-type personal floatation device (PFD), safety whistle or horn, illuminated 360° white, overhead light (in low-light conditions), and a high-visibility flag flown on the kayak (light and flag are only required on waters that allow motorized watercraft). See www.uscgboating.org/.
1. If a competitor is seen by officials without a 360° white light at a live Event, they will be given the opportunity to either rectify the situation immediately, exit the water to rectify the situation, or beach the kayak until safe light.
2. If a competitor is seen by officials without a high-visibility flag or sound signaling device at a live event, they will be given the opportunity to either rectify the situation immediately, exit the water to rectify the situation, or withdraw from the event.
3. According to state permit regulations, an authorized chartreuse/yellow Event Flag MUST be flown by each Competitor during in-person, live Events in Washington state. Event Flag can replace your usual high-visibility flag. Event Flags should not be flown except when participating in a live Event. Event Flags are not required for Events in Idaho or Oregon, but KFNW recommends anglers employ them, to let other anglers know you are participating in a Tournament. Yellow EVENT Flags are available for purchase at kayakfishingnorthwest.com/shop and can be picked up at any Live Event.
4. If a competitor sees another competitor who does not have the proper safety equipment outlined above, they are encouraged to advise the other competitor of the infraction, when possible and convenient. Failure to advise a fellow competitor of safety violations, may result in disqualification from the Event in certain cases.
5. In the event a competitor disregards warning(s) from Tournament Officials about incomplete safety equipment, they will be disqualified from the Event.
PFD Usage: At all times while actively engaged in watercraft maneuvering and/or competition, except as described below, Competitor must wear a fully-fastened USCG-certified vest-style PFD (inherent flotation or inflatable) or float jacket. The personal flotation device must always be worn on the outside of all clothing and visible. A belt-style PFD, even one that deploys as a vest, is not permitted during Competition. When an infraction, as described above, is verified by the Tournament Director, the Competitor is disqualified from participation in the Event.

Section 18.10 Safety

Modified 2/21/2024

Ingestion of all forms of marijuana or THC by any means (smoking, vaping, edible) is NOT allowed at any time immediately before, after or during competition, including the Check-in, Weigh-In/Awards, and/or on the water. If the offender is known, failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification from the event (zero tolerance), and repeat offenses may lead to suspension or a lifetime ban at the discretion of the KFNW Director. If the offender is not known but Tournament Officials are confident of the offense taking place, KFNW reserves the right to cancel the event for all Competitors at the discretion of the Tournament or Series Director.

Section 27.3 Angler of the Year (AOY) Rules

Modified 5/8/2024

The Angler-of-the-Year for the Online Challenge Series will be determined by adding all the points earned from the best six out of seven Online Challenges.

Section 29.3 Online Challenge Locations

Modified 4/30/2024

In addition, fish caught from the following waters are ineligible. Catches from these bodies of water will be denied: Lake Walcott (Idaho), Elbow Lake (Washington).