KFNW Rules Standard

Effective: February 18, 2026

Overview

Organization: These rules apply to all Kayak Fishing Northwest (KFNW) tournaments and events, including divisions: Idaho Kayak Bass Fishing (IKBF), Oregon Kayak Bass Fishing (OKBF), and Washington Kayak Bass Fishing (WKBF).
Tournament Types: Opens, Tour Events, Online Challenges, Championships, Invitationals
Tournament Directors: For each Tournament, one or more Tournament Directors (TD) will be identified on the Leaderboard Page in TourneyX. Tournament Directors have responsibility for interpretation and enforcement of KFNW Rules and may amplify or clarify them to make them more relevant or complete. Tournament Director decisions may be disputed per Section 20.
Core Requirements: All competitors must use Catch, Photo, Release (CPR) method. Fish photos are uploaded to TourneyX Pro app for judging. Event-specific rules can be found on Tournament Detail Pages at kayakfishingnorthwest.com and TourneyX Leaderboard pages.
Judging Notifications: 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.

Headers below will link to their respective section.

1. Interpretation, Regulations, and Enforcement

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.
Federal, state, and local laws and regulations always supersede KFNW rules. Competitors must comply with fishing licenses, watercraft registration, aquatic invasive species permits, parking permits, and all other pertinent regulations.
Special Rules and amendments may be announced, added, or omitted for special circumstances or clarification at the judgment of KFNW. These amendments will be displayed on the Tournament Detail Page on kayakfishingnorthwest.com and/or the Leaderboard Page on TourneyX.
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.
Idaho State Requirements: Non-residents and residents with non-motorized watercraft must possess an Idaho Invasive Species Fund sticker from Idaho Parks and Recreation. Idaho residents with motorized watercraft are required to register their watercraft, which includes the Invasive Species Fund sticker. https://idfg.idaho.gov/info/boat-stickers
Washington State Requirements: Competitors in any in-person Tournament (Tour Event or Open) that includes waters in Washington MUST complete Aquatic Invasive Species Decontamination Statement at Pre-Event Briefing. If the Competitor has operated their watercraft outside of Idaho, Oregon, or Washington within 30 days before the Tournament, they must decontaminate their watercraft and complete an Aquatic Invasive Species Decontamination Report. Failure to complete or provide these forms at Pre-Event Briefing, or failure to comply with the regulations will result in disqualification from the Tournament. Washington residents are encouraged to register their motorized watercraft, especially if they plan to fish Federal Inland Waterways in Washington or waterways outside Washington.
Oregon State Requirements: Non-residents and residents with non-motorized watercraft must possess a Waterway Access Permit. Oregon residents with motorized watercraft are required to register their watercraft, which includes Aquatic Invasive Species permit. https://myodfw.com/articles/waterway-access-and-aquatic-invasive-species-permits

2. Participation and Eligibility

Membership Required: KFNW Membership ($65 annual) is required to participate in any KFNW Tour Events, the KFNW Kayak Bass Classic, or the KFNW Season Long 50/50 Online Challenge within a single season or year, with the exception of Opens. No membership is required for any tournaments labeled “Open.” Anglers must register for their annual membership on TourneyX at https://tourneyx.com/app/dashboard/join-membership-club/143. Members receive website access, exclusive discounts, and opportunities.
Registration Process: All KFNW competitions are conducted using TourneyX. Competitors must create a TourneyX account at tourneyx.com, register for events, and pay entry fees on TourneyX. Entry fee amounts are specified on TourneyX Leaderboard.
Registration Deadlines: Live Events (Tour Events and Opens): Friday, one week before event at 11:59 PM. Late registration is available on a limited, first-come basis with a $10 service fee. Online Challenges: Evening before event at 11:59 PM.
TourneyX Requirements: Location Services on a smart phone must be enabled for GPS metadata and TourneyX Pro app. Push Notifications must be enabled for alerts. Phone number and emergency contact information must be entered in TourneyX profile.
Refund Policy: Standard entry fees are refundable until Friday one week before event at 11:59 PM (minus $5 processing fee). Late registration fees are non-refundable except in the case of event cancellation. If a competitor cannot attend, the entry fee is paid to event winners.
Event Cancellation: If a live event is cancelled due to extreme weather or unforeseen obstacles, all competitors receive a full refund, or the event will be rescheduled with a full refund option. KFNW is not responsible for third-party travel/lodging expenses.
Minor Participation: Competitors age 13 and older are allowed with parent/guardian present (parent/guardian not required to compete). Both must complete Liability Agreements. Parent/guardian must be in separate watercraft following same rules. Parent/guardian may not assist minor with positioning, landing fish, or taking photos.
Liability Agreements: All competitors must complete an annual liability agreement online before participating in any KFNW events. Link available at kayakfishingnorthwest.com and TourneyX. At Live Event Pre-Event Briefings, competitors must show valid photo ID and sign check-in sheet confirming completion of liability agreement.
No Satisfaction Guarantee: Payment does not guarantee satisfaction. Failure or inability to participate does not entitle competitor to refund except as specified in Section 2.E and 2.F.
Prior Disciplinary Action: 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.
Legal Agreement: Event registration submission constitutes legally binding agreement to KFNW Rules.

3. Safety

Required Safety Equipment: During competition (live or online events), every competitor must have all required Coast Guard safety equipment. This includes a vest-type personal flotation 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.
Safety Equipment Violations at Live Events: 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. 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. If a competitor disregards warning(s) from Tournament Officials about incomplete safety equipment, they will be disqualified from the event.
Washington State EVENT Flag Requirement: 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 competitors 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.
Peer Safety Monitoring: 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.
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. 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: (i) No fishing lines are in the water; and (ii) The watercraft is not underway; and (iii) Weather and water conditions permit one to do so safely; and (iv) Competitor is over the age of 12. 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.
Weather-Related Postponement or Cancellation: 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.
Early Termination Due to Weather Emergency: 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.
Emergency Situations: In the event of an emergency situation, competitor should call 911 first and then notify Tournament officials as soon as possible.

4. Watercraft

Approved Watercraft Types: 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.
Pre-Approved Exceptions: Blue Sky Boatworks 360 Angler, Hobie Lynx, NRS/STAR Inflatable Kayaks and SUPs, Wilderness Systems iA.T.A.K.
Prohibited Watercraft: Motorboats (gas/liquid-fueled/hybrid), sailboats, jon boats, pirogues, coracles, rowboats, dinghies, skiffs, float tubes, inflatable rafts, rigid inflatable boats (e.g., Zodiac), pontoon boats, and twin-hull watercraft.
Use of non-approved watercraft may result in disqualification.

5. Propulsion

Allowed Propulsion: Paddle, pedal drive, pole, or electric motor.
Number of Motors: Each competitor’s watercraft may only have one (1) electric motor. If you have two motors, you will need to uninstall one before competition begins.
General Safety and Capacity: The motor and battery system must not exceed the watercraft manufacturer’s labeled maximum motor and weight capacity. All batteries must be properly secured. All manufacturer-supplied safety devices (such as kill switches, remote lanyards, or man-overboard functions) must be used while on the water and must be securely attached to the competitor’s person. Violation may result in disqualification.
Stern-Mount / Transom / Pod-Style Kayak Motors: Examples include Newport NK-Series, Torqeedo Travel/Ultralight, Bixpy, Old Town Autopilot, Garmin Force Current, and traditional transom-mount trolling motors. These motors must meet all of the following requirements: Maximum power of 3 horsepower (HP) or less, or 1300 watts input or less, as labeled by the manufacturer. Maximum system voltage of 36V nominal battery system or less. Mounting position must be stern, transom, or pod location (not bow-mount trolling motor).
Bow-Mount Trolling Motors with Spot-Lock / Anchor Functions: Examples include Minn Kota Terrova, Lowrance Recon, and PowerPole Move. Bow-mount trolling motors on kayaks must meet all of the following requirements: Maximum system voltage of 24V nominal or less (36V bow-mount systems not permitted). Maximum thrust of 90 pounds of thrust or less (manufacturer-labeled at 24V).
Motor Inspection for Live Tournaments: Competitors using OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or commercially-manufactured motor mounts with common motors (such as those listed in Sections 5.D and 5.E) do not require inspection. Competitors using DIY (do-it-yourself) motor mounts or custom installations must have their motor system inspected and approved by Tournament Officials before competition begins.
Center Line Mounting: Motors should ideally be mounted along the center line of the kayak (Bow-Mount, Stern Mount, Through-Mount).
Battery Storage: Batteries MUST be enclosed, strapped down, and or encased on the kayak for safety.
Battery Types: Lithium batteries are recommended for motors, full size AGM or lead-acid batteries are not recommended due to their weight.
Remotes and Kill Switches: 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. 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.
Prohibited Propulsion and Transport Assistance: Towing, transport, or relocation assistance to or from any other watercraft, including mothershipping, is NOT permitted except in emergencies (such as pulling a kayak from a danger zone or restricted area). Once the emergency has ended, the competitors may resume fishing. Violation will result in disqualification from the tournament.

6. Fish Eligibility

Eligible Species: Black bass only – Largemouth (*Micropterus salmoides*), Smallmouth (*Micropterus dolomieu*), Spotted/Kentucky (*Micropterus punctulatus* – certain instances only).
Minimum Length: 12 inches unless event-specific rules specify otherwise (for example, KFNW 50/50 Season Long Online Challenge has a 14 inch minimum). Submissions shorter than minimum will be denied.
Fish Condition: Fish must appear alive, not dead, frozen, mutilated, or damaged. Violations result in denial and possible disqualification/ban.
Hook Placement: Fish must be hooked in mouth or jaw. Incidental second hook on body/fin acceptable if primary hook is in mouth.
Release Requirement: All fish must be safely released before casting or fishing resumes. Holding fish while fishing results in disqualification.

7. Pre-Event Briefing, Competition Period, and Awards

Mandatory Times and Attendance: Pre-Event Briefing, Competition Launch, Competition Start (Lines In), Competition End (Lines Out), and Post-Tournament Awards dates/times stated on Tournament Detail Page and TourneyX Leaderboard. Launching before Earliest Launch time or fishing before Lines In results in disqualification. Fishing after Lines Out results in disqualification. Submissions at or after exact Lines Out time (e.g., 3:00:01 PM if Lines Out is 3:00 PM) considered late and subject to denial/disqualification in certain circumstances.
Launch Staging: When congestion prevents safe launching, competitors may place watercraft in water and stage (beach, float, drift, or anchor) in immediate area until official launch time. Competitors must remain in the immediate launch area and may not drift, paddle, or propel away from the launch site. Leaving the launch area before official launch time will result in disqualification.
Pre-Event Briefing Requirements: All competitors must personally check in with Tournament Staff at Pre-Event Briefing. Competitors must show valid photo ID and sign check-in sheet confirming they have completed their annual liability agreement. A Pre-Event Briefing video is published before the event covering specific details. A certified bump board is required; board check is performed (boards must be clean and dry). Motor inspection is performed if applicable (DIY mounts only per Section 5.F). Questions are answered before the meeting is adjourned.
Pre-Event Briefing Absence: Absence due to work or unavoidable obligation requires TD approval in advance. If approved, another competitor must bring competitor’s bump board on their behalf to Pre-Event Briefing. The absent competitor must complete the online liability agreement before the Pre-Event Briefing. Upon arrival at the Awards, absent competitor must show valid photo ID and sign check-in sheet. Failure to complete these steps results in disqualification.
Awards Attendance: Mandatory attendance at Post-Tournament Awards. Arrival after scheduled time results in disqualification (e.g., arriving at 3:00:01 PM or later if Awards time is 3:00 PM).
Human-Powered Head Start: Five-minute early launch for human-powered watercraft (paddle/pedal) at Tour Events. Motor-propelled watercraft launch at standard Competition Launch time.
Photo Upload Deadline: It is the sole responsibility of the competitor to upload submission photos to TourneyX Pro app by the Upload Deadline specified on the Tournament Detail Page. This may require leaving the water early to find cell service/wifi. Late uploads are ineligible. Browser version uploads NOT allowed (incomplete GPS metadata).
Upload Issues: If competitor is unable to upload due to KFNW/TourneyX error or issue deemed not competitor’s fault, TD has authority to correct submissions and make necessary adjustments, using whatever means are available to the TD to make things right.
Online Challenge Fishing Hours: Fishing is limited to one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset unless specified otherwise on Tournament Detail Page or TourneyX Leaderboard. Catch times are checked; violations are denied.
Online Challenge Compliance: Competitors participating in online events are subject to all rules during competition times. If a competitor wishes to fun fish outside the rules (e.g., using bait), they must contact an official before fishing begins (call, text, email, or message). Failure to contact an official may result in penalties if the competitor is seen fishing in violation of rules.

8. Off-Limits Period and Official Practice Period

Applicability: Off-Limits Period and Official Practice Period apply to Tour Events and Classic only.
Off-Limits Period Duration: Three weeks before event (two-week duration). Exact dates/times on Tournament Detail Page.
Off-Limits Restrictions: Registered competitors may not fish or use watercraft within tournament boundaries or within one mile of boundaries on connected navigable waters. Violations result in disqualification. Unregistered competitors’ catches during Off-Limits Period within boundaries denied from Online Challenges (repeat offenders subject to disqualification).
Official Practice Period Duration: One week before tournament following Off-Limits Period, ending day before competition. Approximately 30 minutes before sunrise for approximately 9 hours. Exact times on Tournament Detail Page.
Official Practice Period Restrictions: Competitors must be off eligible water except during specified Official Practice Period hours or face disqualification. Only approved watercraft allowed (per Section 4). Fish caught during Official Practice Period not eligible for Online Challenges (encourages not landing fish during practice).
Opens and Online Challenges: Pre-fishing and practice fishing allowed up to competition start time unless specified otherwise.

9. Competition Area

For Live Events:

Competition area boundaries specified on Tournament Detail Page and TourneyX Leaderboard. GPS metadata is used to verify competitor’s location.

For Online Challenges:

Geographic Requirements: Fish must be caught in Idaho, Oregon, or Washington on public waters only, unless otherwise specified on Tournament Detail Page or TourneyX Leaderboard. Prohibited waters: Lake Walcott (Idaho), Elbow Lake (Washington), military bases (even with public access passes).
Public Waters Only: Fish must be caught on publicly accessible waters via public launches (free or paid, accessible to anyone during competition). Fish from non-public waters, pay-to-fish stocked waters will be denied and result in disqualification.
Research Responsibility: Competitors must research launch and fishing areas to verify public access. Apps like onX Hunt recommended.

10. Cooperation and Assistance

Allowed Assistance from Other Competitors: Competitors may fish with and receive free, direct assistance and/or information from other competitors who are participating in the same event, before and during the event. This includes sharing gear, tackle, and equipment with other registered competitors, assisting with non-submission photographs of the competitor and fish, and communicating with and fishing in proximity to other competitors, provided the competitor who got there first allows it.
Prohibited Assistance from Non-Competitors: From the start of an Off-Limits Period through the end of an event, competitors participating in the associated Tour Event or Classic may not receive any assistance and/or information from anyone who is not participating in the event. Violation will result in disqualification from the event.
Professional Guide Restriction: Consultation with, or use of, professional guide services during Off-Limits Period, Official Practice Period, or Competition Period results in disqualification.
Prohibited Assistance with Catch and Submission: Competitors may not receive assistance in catching fish that are photographed and submitted for scoring. This includes boat positioning, casting, retrieving, hooking, playing, landing, capturing submission photos of a fish, or touching/holding another competitor’s watercraft. Violation will result in denial of submission and potentially disqualification of both competitors from the event.

11. Fishing Tackle, Equipment, and Methods

Allowed Tackle and Techniques: Artificial lures and flies only. Single hook, double hook, or treble hook permitted. Techniques allowed include casting, trolling, jigging, and other legal methods that comply with Section 11.B.
Prohibited Methods: Live bait, prepared bait. Snagging or foul-hooking (for example, when visually fishing beds, fish must be hooked inside the mouth). Chumming. Fishing from shore or wading. Traps, snares, set lines, or other methods besides rod, reel, and line.
Equipment: Rod, reel, and line with no restrictions. Net use optional. Fish grippers/holders allowed for fish handling. Only ONE fishing rod may be used at a time.

12. Photo Standards

Submission Method: Via TourneyX Pro app only. GPS metadata must be enabled. Submission via browser to tourneyx.com will result in denial of submission. Photos judged by KFNW officials. Check TourneyX notifications for judge comments/deductions.
Unique Fish: 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. In some cases, the competitor may be disqualified, suspended, or banned from future events if the duplicate submission is deemed intentional.
Measuring Board Requirements: KFNW-approved/certified bump board required (YakAttack Leaderboard, Ketch Karbonate, Ketch X Aluminum Board, Original Ketch Board). Board must be flat and unaltered. Attempting to bend or alter measuring board results in disqualification and possible suspension or lifetime ban.
Fish Position – Mouth: Fish’s lip or jaw must be in contact with measuring board fence (bump board upright), and the fence must be visible in the photo. Mouth/jaw pinched closed at measuring board’s zero point. If judge considers the mouth to be cracked or open, even if structurally unable to close, a 0.5 inch penalty will be assessed. Repeated or extreme infractions may result in fish denial or competitor disqualification.
Fish Position – Tail Fin: At least one lobe tip of caudal (tail) fin must contact measuring board. If entire tail fin lifted away from board, photo denied.
Fish Position – Eye: Left eye fully visible. If left eye not visible or covered (fully or partially), photo denied.
Fish Position – Body Orientation: Fish positioned with left side of body toward camera (lying on right side, left eye visible on top). Violation will result in denial of submission.
Photo Quality – Visibility: Clear, in-focus, well-lit. Entire fish and measuring board visible and legible. Entire fish from mouth/jaw to tip of caudal fin must be visible (except where covered by hand or fingers). If either end is covered or cropped off, photo will be denied. Portrait Mode may result in denial of submission.
Photo Quality – Camera Position: Camera lens positioned directly over center of fish’s body contributes to accurate measurement by judges. Photos taken at a low angle that obscures potential mouth opening may affect scoring or result in denial at discretion of judges and/or Tournament Director.
Photo Quality – First Generation: Each digital photo must be a first-generation image (not a photo or screenshot of another photo). Violation will result in denial of photo.
Photo Quality – Distortion: Photographs with pronounced fisheye or barrel distortion (such as from GoPro cameras) are not recommended. Violation may result in denial of photo at discretion of judges and/or Tournament Director.
Identifier Requirements: Official KFNW Identifier must be visible in photo, positioned 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 smartphone are permissible. Identifier must show correct Event ID Code. 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 – Tail Fin: Hand or finger(s) may be in contact with the caudal peduncle (fleshy, scaled part of fish body at base of caudal fin) but not covering or touching any significant portion of the caudal (tail) fin. Violation will result in denial of photo.
Hand Position – Gill Flap: 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. The competitor’s hand may be on top of the fish and over the closed operculum. Hand should 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.
Hand Position – Eye: No portion of a hand or finger may cover any part of the fish’s eye. Violation will result in denial of photo.
Restraining Devices: Fish may not be secured by restraining device in submission photo (e.g., fish grippers, stringer, tape, or clip attached to fish). Violation will result in denial of submission.
Video Documentation: If fish has glossy/damaged eye, appears dead, or has odd markings, competitor should record video evidence. Video should show fish on measuring board with identifier, fish being placed back in water, and fish actively swimming away. Provides proof of legal catch and live release. Encouraged for all submissions to avoid disputes. Video should be shared with Tournament Director upon request at Awards before final judging is completed. Failure to prove fish was alive may result in denial of submission.

13. Scoring

Format: Scoring based on aggregate length. Competitors’ longest fish (typically 5 per event) are totaled.
Judging Process: Officials review photos for eligibility and accuracy. Deductions may be applied for photo quality issues or fish position errors. Photos are denied for ineligible fish or rule violations. Comments and notifications are sent via TourneyX.
Auto-Cull and Replacements: Competitors may submit more than the event-specified limit (typically 5 fish). TourneyX automatically displays the competitor’s best fish on the leaderboard and “culls” smaller fish. If a competitor’s photo is denied by a judge during or after the Upload Deadline, it will automatically be replaced by the next longest submission that was auto-culled. However, no competitor may submit a replacement photo after the Upload Deadline. KFNW staff and judges strive to judge fish as quickly as possible, but KFNW makes no guarantee about judging fish before the Upload Deadline.
Measurement Method: Fish are measured to nearest 0.25 inch. If mouth is not at zero, fish is measured from actual mouth position. Judge’s decision is final (dispute process in Section 20).

14. Tiebreakers

Tournament Standings Ties: If two or more competitors have identical total scores, tie goes to the competitor with the single longest fish. If both competitors’ longest fish is also the same, tie goes to the competitor with the second longest fish, and so on. If all of the tied competitors’ highest scoring fish are identical, then the tie goes to the competitor whose latest Leader Board photo was uploaded earliest.
Big Bass Ties: For Big Bass awards, earliest submission timestamp wins. If submitted at identical time, coin toss determines winner.

15. Penalties

Penalty Determination: Tournament Director determines penalty based on violation severity, intent, and competitor history. Repeat offenders subject to escalated penalties. All penalties at TD’s discretion and may be appealed per Section 20.

16. Awarding of Prizes

Payout Structure: Prizes and number of positions paid out are specified on the KFNW website under [Resources / Payouts](https://kayakfishingnorthwest.com/resources/payouts/). Amounts paid per rank are subject to change based on participation (lower value for fewer entries, higher value for more entries) and sponsor provision. May include cash, merchandise, and sponsor prizes.
Prize Processing and Distribution: Prizes will be processed after all photos submitted for scoring have been judged and disputes have been resolved. Cash prizes will be distributed using PayPal, usually within 48 hours. Winners who have won $600 or more for the year must submit a W-9 before payment is distributed.
Merchandise and Gear Drawings: Merchandise and sponsor prizes distributed as specified by the organization. Gear Drawing prizes may require additional processing or delivery time to allow competitors flexibility in selection of model, color, or style.
Insufficient Fish Caught: If no fish are caught, or fewer fish are caught than payout positions, during a Tour Event, money will roll over to the next event in that series. If this occurs on the last event of the season, money will roll over to the division series Angler of the Year winnings. Any non-cash prizes will be given away in a random drawing to participating competitors.

17. Sales of Prizes

Sale Restriction: 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.
Notification: Winners recommended to notify KFNW for transparency.

18. Taxes

Tax Responsibility: Competitors are responsible for all applicable taxes on both cash and merchandise awards.
W-9 Requirement: 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.
1099 Forms: An IRS Form 1099 will be issued to all competitors who won $600 or more by January 31 of the following year.

19. Competitor Conduct

Code of Conduct Requirements: Competitors must respect other competitors, officials, sponsors, and the environment. Competitors are expected to demonstrate ethical fishing and sportsmanship while being conservation-minded (Catch, Photo, Release).
Discrimination, Bullying, and Harassment: KFNW does not tolerate discrimination, bullying, or harassment of any kind, neither in person nor online. Violation may result in penalties, disqualification, and/or lifetime ban from KFNW competition.
Illegal Activity: Violations of laws will be reported to authorities and may result in penalties, disqualification, and/or lifetime ban from KFNW competition. This includes, but is not limited to: cheating, fraud, wildlife violations, and any other illegal activity. KFNW reserves the right to publicize confirmed cheaters via social media, news media, and email.
Alcohol Prohibition: 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.
Nicotine Smoking and Vaping: Smoking or vaping of nicotine is NOT allowed at the Pre-Event Briefing or Awards during any KFNW competition. Smoking and vaping of nicotine must be done away from directors and large groups of competitors. Please be respectful of others. Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification from the event (zero tolerance). Repeat offenses may lead to suspension or lifetime ban at the discretion of the KFNW Director.
Marijuana and THC Use: Ingestion of all forms of marijuana or THC by any means (smoking, vaping, edible) is NOT allowed at any time immediately before, during, or after competition. This includes the Pre-Event Briefing, Awards, and on the water. If the offender is known, failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification from the event (zero tolerance). Repeat offenses may lead to suspension or 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.
Public Comments and Social Media: Competitors must refrain from comments in public forums, social media, or news media that attack or disparage the integrity of KFNW, Tournament officials, sponsors, fellow competitors, or the organization. Competitors are encouraged to express legitimate disagreement with KFNW policies through proper, private channels. Public comments that harm the reputation of KFNW, its officials, members, or sponsors may result in disciplinary action, including disqualification, suspension, or lifetime ban.
Public Disputes of Rulings: Publicly disputing a judge’s ruling or any dispute or appeal decision by a KFNW Tournament Director or Series Director will result in a warning for the first offense. Repeat offense will result in disciplinary action up to disqualification from the current event and permanent termination of eligibility for future KFNW events. Competitors must use the formal dispute process per Section 20.
Violation Reporting Requirement: All competitors must report any rule violations they have directly observed or of which they have firsthand knowledge to the Tournament Director no later than 24 hours after the public announcement of standings. Failure to report a known violation will result in disqualification and possibly additional penalties at the discretion of the KFNW Director. KFNW will investigate any rules violation reports thoroughly. If it is determined during that investigation that a competitor intentionally encouraged, enabled, or concealed a rules violation by another competitor, that competitor will be subject to disqualification from the associated event(s) and a lifetime ban from KFNW competition, at the discretion of the KFNW Director.

20. Disputes

Filing a Dispute: 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 at https://kayakfishingnorthwest.com/disputes/ to submit a dispute within 24 hours (one full day) following the public announcement of standings for the disputed event.
Required Information: The dispute must include the following: Event title, location, and date; Description or identification of penalty imposed or condition being disputed; Reference to pertinent rule; Reason for dispute and requested action.
Late Disputes: 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.
Eligibility to Dispute: 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.
Dispute Review: 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.
Appeals Process: 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.
Appeals Committee: 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.
Appeals Decision: The appeals committee will submit its findings and recommendations to the Kayak Fishing Northwest Director, who 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.
Finality: Post appeals rulings are final and no further appeals of a ruling decision will be considered.

21. Unavailability and Force Majeure

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.

22. Waivers and Releases

Liability Release: By completing the annual liability agreement online (required before participating in any KFNW events), competitors absolve KFNW, its officers, staff, and volunteers from liability for injury, loss, or death sustained during events. Minors require parent/guardian completion of liability agreement.
Name and Likeness: The annual liability agreement includes a name and likeness release granting KFNW rights to use competitors’ photos, videos, interviews, and stories for marketing and promotional purposes without additional compensation.

23. Big Bass Buy-In

Optional Entry: Available for all tournaments. Separate pool from entry fees.
Winner: Competitor with the longest fish who paid into the Big Bass Buy-In wins the pot. Sponsorships may enhance pot.
Ties: Earliest photo capture time wins. If multiple tied Big Bass photos were captured at the same moment, winner decided by coin toss.

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

Tour Event Series AOY: Best 4 out of 5 Tour Events. Scoring: 1st = 200 pts, 2nd = 199 pts, 3rd = 198 pts, decreasing by one point per place. No fish uploaded: lowest AOY score minus 20 points. No-shows and disqualified competitors: 0 points.
Exclusions: Online Challenges and Opens do not count toward AOY.
Tiebreakers: If tied on points: (1) Add placement numbers from counting events (e.g., 1st + 2nd + 5th). Lowest sum wins; (2) If still tied, largest fish of season wins; (3) If still tied, competitor who caught their largest fish first wins.

25. Online Challenge Special Rules

50/50 Season-Long Online Challenge: Best 5 largemouth + Best 5 smallmouth. 14-inch minimum length. Hybrids accepted (judge determines category). Public waters in region with public launches only.

26. KFNW Kayak Bass Classic Qualifications

Eligibility Requirement: Must be an annual KFNW member in good standing.
Qualification Path: Previous Classic Champion automatically qualifies (unless disqualified for other reason). Top 10% of any Tour Event field qualifies (rounded up). No roll-downs. If a competitor has already qualified and qualifies again, they are blocking someone else below them from qualifying.

27. West Coast Championship Qualifications

Eligibility Requirement: Must be an annual KFNW member in good standing.
Qualification Path: Top 25% of any designated WCC qualifier Tour Event qualifies (rounded up). Competitors who complete all three designated WCC qualifier Tour Events also qualify.

Contact Information

Marvin Forte, Director
Kayak Fishing Northwest LLC
marvinforte@kayakfishingnorthwest.com
(602) 410-1002

Revisions

Recent Revisions:

19.I. Violation Reporting Requirement: All competitors must report any rule violations they have directly observed or of which they have firsthand knowledge to the Tournament Director no later than 24 hours after the public announcement of standings. Failure to report a known violation will result in disqualification and possibly additional penalties at the discretion of the KFNW Director. KFNW will investigate any rules violation reports thoroughly. If it is determined during that investigation that a competitor intentionally encouraged, enabled, or concealed a rules violation by another competitor, that competitor will be subject to disqualification from the associated event(s) and a lifetime ban from KFNW competition, at the discretion of the KFNW Director. [Updated 02/18/2026]