Tournament Rules
The following tournament rules shall apply to all Sling N’ Baits catfish tournaments. These tournament rules may be changed by Sling N’ Baits at any time upon notification to all competition participants. Interpretation and enforcement of these tournament rules will be left exclusively to Sling N’ Baits.
These tournament rules were last updated: 01/01/2026
1. The use, possession or consumption of illegal drugs or alcohol during official competition, tournament hours or during pre- and post-tournament activities will be cause for automatic disqualification. Any 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.
2. All participants ages 16+ are required to have a State of Kansas issued (KDWPT) fishing license. If you're planning on using three (3) rods during the tournament, a State of Kansas issued (KDWPT) 3 pole permit/license is required.
3. All tournament participants are required to sign a Waiver & Liability Release Form in order to be eligible to participate in our catfish tournaments.
4. All local, state and federal fishing laws and regulations will apply during our catfish tournaments.
5. Each participant is allowed a three (3) rod limit per angler.
6. Each team is allowed a six (6) rod limit. No team can have more than six (6) rods in use at anytime during the tournament. Individual/Single member teams are only allowed a three (3) rod limit. No individual can have more than three (3) rods in use at anytime during the tournament.
7. This is a CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY tournament. All catfish caught during our tournaments must be release back into the lake after being scored and counted.
8. Each individual or team is allowed a five (5) catfish limit. If you catch more than five (5) catfish, you may only weigh the largest five (5) catfish but must release the rest immediately.
9. Culling is allowed, but at no time shall any individual participant or team have in their possession more than the tournament limit of five (5) total catfish, no exceptions!
10. No culling after a catfish has been weighted and scored. Meaning once your catch has been weighed and scored, then you may not swap it for another catfish.
11. No sharing catches! Anglers must catch your own catfish, and are not allowed to take fish from another team or anyone other than your own teammate. Once a catfish has been weighed and scored, we will take procession of the fish.
12. You’re only allowed to fish from the bank and/or shorelines including fishing docks. NO BOATS, KAYAKS OR WATERCRAFTS ARE ALLOWED!
13. Do not trespass on any private properties or fishing docks! Do not fish in areas where signage states Off-Limits or No Fishing by state or federal agencies.
14. You’re only allowed to fish with rod and reel only. No trot lines, jug lines, throw- lines or any other fishing methods may be used in our catfish tournaments.
15. Fish species listed as prohibited may NOT be possessed live or utilized as bait. You may use a casting net to catch your own fishing bait, but must be legally caught by appropriate methods. Please visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWPT) website to learn more: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Regulations/Legal-Bait
16. Catfish species allowed for scoring are as followed: Blue catfish, flathead catfish, channel catfish and bullhead catfish.
17. If you catch any Blue Catfish and it doesn’t meet the state’s slot limit length and size regulation requirements, it will not be counted or scored.
18. If you fail to arrive to the weigh-in scale within the designated weigh-in timeframe window, your catches will not be counted and they will not be eligible for scoring. Any catfish caught before or after official tournament competition hours will not be eligible for scoring. Late weigh-ins will result in disqualification!
19. All catfish brought to the weigh-in scales must be alive. Any dead catfish will not be counted.
20. Courtesy Rule: Maintain at least a 50 yards minimum distance from other competitors or non-competitors, unless invited closer. We ask that all participants be respectfully of one another during our tournaments. All participants deserve the right to compete and have fun in a friendly, safe, and competitive environment. Maximum courtesy must always be practiced, especially regarding tournament participants and while fishing near non-tournament participants. Any act of a participant which reflects unfavorably upon Sling N’ Baits or efforts to promote water safety, fisheries conservation, clean waters, and courtesy, will be reason for disqualification.
21. If you get caught fishing in a zone marked as a (restricted) NO FISHING ZONE, this will result in forfeiture of entry fee and disqualification from the tournament! Fishing is also permitted within 50 yards of any marina gas pump.
22. All tournament participants are required to attend our mandatory pre-tournament captains' safety and rules meeting on the day of tournament. Failure to attend will result in forfeiture of entry fee and disqualification from the tournament!
23. If your team arrives late, this will result in forfeiture of entry fee and disqualification from the tournament! No excuses for lateness!
Tournament Rules Violation & Disciplinary Action: Any participant that violates any of our tournament rules shall be reason for disqualification and you will lose your eligibility to participate in any other Sling N’ Baits tournaments or events in the future. In the event of a rule violation, Sling N’ Baits may impose such sanctions, as deemed appropriate, including, without limitation, disqualification, forfeiture of prizes and/or entry fee and forfeiture of eligibility from participation in subsequent tournaments. The decision of Sling N’ Baits tournament director shall be final in all matters. All participants should report any and all tournament rule violations to our tournament director or tournament staff.