CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
of the
TMTanglers Fishing Club
Current Version
Last Updated 06/14/2008
Click Here for Archived Versions
ARTICLE IV -- BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ARTICLE VI -- BASS AFFILIATION
ARTICLE VII -- OFFICIAL TOURNAMENTS
ARTICLE VIII -- ANGLER OF THE YEAR
ARTICLE IX -- WILDCAT TOURNAMENTS
SECTION 2: Responsibilities of the Wildcat Host
ARTICLE X -- INSHORE TOURNAMENTS
ARTICLE XI-- YEAR LONG CPR CONTEST
ARTICLE XIII -- CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
SECTION 1: NAME
The organization shall be called the TMTanglers Fishing Club, hereafter referred to as the TMTanlgers or the Club.
SECTION 2: PURPOSE
Provide a forum where anglers can engage in the sport of tournament fishing, and
Provide a means for visiting many of the premiere fishing locations in the Southeaster United States, and
Provide a means by which club members can improve their angling skills and knowledge, and
Provide a forum to meet fellow anglers.
SECTION 1: ELIGIBILITY
Prospective member should have the organizational skills necessary to schedule and host an Official Tournament. See Article VII, Official Tournaments.
Membership to the club is open to all who are approved by a majority vote of the Club's Board of Directors.
New members may be recruited at any time during the year upon payment of dues. Dues will be adjusted for members who participated as a guest in a tournament during the year in which they join the Club by the cumulative amount of guest fees they paid in a given year.
SECTION 2: REQUIREMENTS OF MEMBERSHIP
To remain a member of the Club, a person shall:
Voluntarily express a genuine interest in membership, as determined by the Club's Officers and Board of Directors.
Pay annual membership dues as determined by the Board of Directors prior to the annual organization meeting at the beginning of each tournament year. ($20 in 2008)
Pay BASS Federation Nation dues once a year ($20 in 2008)
Pay entry fees for one official tournament or two club supplemental tournaments at least once every 3 years. ($40 in 2008)
Abide by all club rules and conduct themselves in a sportsman like manner at all club functions.
Be a member of B.A.S.S.
SECTION 3: REMOVAL OF MEMBERSHIP
Members that do not meet the requirements of membership may be recommended, by any member, for a judgment of "not in good standing". Upon such recommendation, the Board of Directors will vote on whether the member in question's status should be placed as "not in good standing". Such members will be notified by a member of the board of his change in status. After a period of thirty days as a member "not in good standing" the Board of Directors may vote to dismiss the member in question.
SECTION 4: MEMBERSHIP LIMITS
Eight Boat Average Rule. If the club in a given year averages more than eight boats per tournament, there will be a moratorium on new members until the club experiences a year where the average participation is eight boats or less.
State membership Limits:
Membership in each resident state is limited as follows:
10 Members:
Alabama
8 Members:
Georgia
Mississippi
6 Members
Louisiana
Florida
South Carolina
Tennessee
4 members:
Arkansas
Kentucky
North Carolina
Texas
2 Members
All other states
The maximum membership limit may be exceeded should a member move to a different state that has already reached its maximum membership level.
SECTION 1: OFFICERS
Officers of The Club shall be:
PRESIDENT
Shall preside over club at meetings and direct all official club business.
Shall appoint all unselected committees and serve as an ex officio member of all committees.
Shall serve as club club Webmaster.
VICE PRESIDENT
Shall assist the President in all of his duties and act for the President in his absence.
Will serve as Weighmaster and direct weigh-in at official club tournaments.
SECRETARY
Shall maintain and distribute complete and accurate records including tournament records.
Will serve as a liaison with BASS.
Will assist the Vice President with weigh-in and record all weights, including creels, big fish, trash fish, Top 10 list qualifiers, and any other information requested by the club.
Will have a copy of bylaws available for review at club events.
Will ensure club weights are correct and certify that official results are accurate.
TREASURER
Shall maintain The Club's finances.
Will serve as the Club Photographer at official tournaments.
SECTION 2: ELECTIONS
Elections of Officers will occur every other year at the beginning of the tournament year. (Fall tournament to December 31st on odd numbered years)
Only members in good standing are allowed to vote.
In the event an elected office becomes vacant the President will appoint a replacement to fulfill the remainder of the term.
SECTION 3: TERMS OF OFFICE
All elected officers will serve a term of two years. newly elected officers will assume duties of their respective positions immediately following elections.
SECTION 4: DISCRETIONARY BUDGET
The Officers of The Club shall have a maximum budget of $50 to be used for club purposes at their discretion.
Discretionary expenses must be reported to the Board.
Amounts greater than $50 require board approval.
ARTICLE IV -- BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1: PURPOSE
The purpose of the Board of Directors (The Board) is to lay the necessary groundwork to establish the Club and ensure the longevity of the Club, and
Ensure that the action of the members and officers of the Club are in line with the founding purpose of the Club, and
Oversee all club business, including club finances, and
Serve as a grievance committee, and
Update , modify and approve changes to the Club Bylaws as necessary, and
Determine annual dues and tournament fees.
SECTION 2: MEMBERS, TERMS AND ELECTIONS
Three members of the club shall sit on the Board
There are no term limits to a Board position.
When a Board vacancy becomes open, then the general membership shall elect a replacement member at the next Officer elections.
SECTION 3: GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE
The Grievance Committee shall resolve all disputes or conflicts arising as a result of interpretation of these bylaws by means of a simple majority vote. Additionally, the grievance committee shall accept petitions for specific exceptions to these bylaws on a case-by-case basis. The ruling of the grievance committee is final and without appeal or recourse.
NOTE: The Board currently consist of the founding members of the club: Bo Crawford, Lance Granger, and Bill Greene. In practice, the Board delegates these responsibilities to the club at large and it's Officers. However, the board does have the right to intervene any time it deems necessary.
SECTION 1: ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
When deemed necessary by The Board, an organizational meeting shall be held at the beginning of the tournament year in order to conduct club business. Due to the logistical inconvenience of having all members present at the same location, whenever possible The Club shall make every effort ton conduct club business using web-based tools.
SECTION 2: ATTENDANCE
Attendance at club meetings shall not be mandatory for the membership at large. When necessary, attendance may be mandatory for the Officers and The Board.
ARTICLE VI -- BASS AFFILIATION
SECTION 1: REQUIREMENTS FOR AFFILIATION
Approval of the Chapter Charter by BASS.
Update BASS with chapter membership roster once each year upon receipt of current BASS roster at year's end.
Names and addresses of new members joining the chapter during the year must be submitted to BASS as they occur.
Maintain 100% BASS membership.
Must affiliate with a State Federation Nation and support its conservation and youth programs. Any additional requirements that the State Federation establishes for chapters, such as membership, dues, attendance at meetings, etc., would be necessary for chapter to participate in the State Federation qualifying tournament(s), and any other Federation Nation or sponsored events.
ARTICLE VII -- OFFICIAL TOURNAMENTS
There shall be three Official Tournaments (AKA: "Major Tournaments) per year.
A SPRING TOURNAMENT shall occur between January 1st and April 30th.
A SUMMER TOURNAMENT shall occur between May 1st and August 31st.
A FALL TOURNAMENT shall occur between September 1st and December 31st.
A HOST member will be selected for each tournament and is responsible for determining the exact date, location, and other specifics of each tournament.
The year's schedule must be approved by The Board and published no later than January 20th of each year.
At the spring tournament each year a random drawing will occur to determine who will host the following year's tournaments.
Only members in good standing may participate in the drawing.
Members may request to not participate in the drawing if they feel for any reason that they would be unable to host an official tournament the following year.
The Hosts will announce their respective locations at the fall tournament of that year.
Procedure for the drawing:
All members' names will be put into a hat or similar container.
A member's name will be drawn to determine who will host the Spring Tournament of the following year.
This member's name does not go back into that hat.
A second member's name will be drawn. This person will host the Summer Tournament.
This member's name does not go back into the hat.
A third member is chosen to host the Fall Tournament.
Alternate Hosts are then chosen.
Responsibilities of the Hosts
Tournament Organization. As Host, a member is responsible for planning every aspect of his Official tournament, including:
Location: Ideally the Host should pick a location that is fun to visit and where the fishing is good at that particular time of year.
Dates: It is the duty of the Host to pick the weekend the tournament is to be held.
Lodging: The Host must organize lodging for The Club's members.
Lodging must be reserved well in advance of the tournament date.
Appropriate lodging includes:
Waterfront campsites
Lakeside cabins, lake houses, or camps.
Motels
If guaranteed reservations are required, the Host must be certain to provide every member with instructions on what they need to do to guarantee a reservation.
Launch: the Host will choose the specific launch the club will use.
Limits: the Host will pick the rules of the game, including stringer, creel, and size limits.
Tournament Times: The Host must communicate to the membership when first cast or blast off will be, and the time and location of the weigh-in.
All information should be announced to the club at the fall tournament prior to your tournament.
Should a Host be absent from the fall tournament, he should notify the club prior to that tournament.
Missed Deadlines
Member Penalties: Should a Host member responsible for organizing tournament fail to meet the fall tournament deadline he will not be eligible to participate in the following year's Host Lottery.
Backup Plan:
If a member fails to turn in his information at the fall tournament, the first available Alternate Host will have two weeks to submit his information to the club.
Should the first alternate miss the deadline, the next available will have two weeks to submit their information to the club.
Once all Alternate Hosts are exhausted, the President will act as an Emergency Host, but must pick a location in Alabama.
Acting Tournament Director
The Host will act as the Tournament Director for his tournament. These responsibilities include:
Rule Limits: Certain variables are set by the Host of Official Tournaments, including:
Creel Limit: The Host will choose the number of bass members will weigh in. This can be any number between 1 to 10 fish, as long as it is consistent with local regulations.
Size Limits: The Host determines the minimum size limit, if any, that will be accepted at his particular tournament. Size limits must be consistent with local regulations including slot limits.
Tournament Times: The Host determines starting and weigh-in times, including inclement weather delays. The total fishing time cannot exceed 12 hours per day.
Start Format: The Host can choose between these two start formats:
Blast Off: All members start from the same location and cannot leave until the Tournament Director says "go".
Shotgun: Members may launch from anywhere they wish on the body of water.
May return to weigh-in by land or water.
Must not start fishing until "first cast" time. Self Regulated.
Postponements and Cancellations
The Host has the authority to postpone the tournament due to inclement weather or other dangerous conditions.
The tournament director has the authority to disqualify anglers who fish during a postponement.
SECTION 3: OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT RULES
Generally, Tournaments will occur over two consecutive days.
Saturday and Sunday for day tournaments, and
Friday and Saturday for night tournaments
The Host can have his tournament on different days.
Team Format
Singles are allowed.
Three man teams are allowed.
Teams may be changed at any time in-between tournaments with no penalty.
Team shuffling during a tournament has a 3 lb penalty.
Any member may bring a guest to an official tournament.
There are three contest with each tournament:
Heaviest stringer (creel) of black bass.
Heaviest black bass
Heaviest trash fish
Every effort must be made to keep bass alive through the use of a properly aerated livewell. TMTanglers recommends the use of livewell additives that promote the healthy return of bass to their natural habitat.
Winners of each category must specifically share with the rest of the club the techniques used to win.
This includes presenting specific lures for the club to visually inspect.
This includes showing the club on a map the winning location where fish were caught.
This includes answering questions regarding winning strategies in the club's "Interrogation Room" message board.
Artificial Lures Only
Trolling is prohibited
Only one rod per contestant may be used at a time.
Tournament Fees must be paid prior to fishing the tournament.
Every member has the right to inspect the livewell of fellow contestants prior to blast off.
Safety:
Each team is responsible for their own safety.
Participants are strongly encouraged to wear life jackets.
The Club, Club Officers, or Club Board of Directors shall not be held liable for any property damage and/or injury, to include death, that may occur during a tournament or function.
If a team quits early notice must be given to the Tournament Director.
Penalties:
8 oz penalty for dead fish.
1 lb per minute penalty for being late to weigh-in.
Automatic disqualification occurs when a team is 15 minutes late to weigh-in.
3 lb penalty for switching teams mid-tournament.
Size limit infraction will result in a penalty equal to the weight of the largest fish in your stinger.
2 oz penalty per infraction for leaving weighted hooks or lures in a fish's mouth at weigh-in.
Trash Fish:
A trash fish is considered to be any fish other than a black bass.
One trash fish may be weighed in per boat per day in official tournaments.
TRASH FISH DIGITAL PHOTO OPTION: For the trash fish contest only, in lieu of traditional weigh-in, anglers have the option of weighing their fish on the boat an presenting a digital photo to the Tournament Director as proof of the catch. Read carefully before using this option:
Should a team choose this option, half the weight of the fish will be counted toward the trash fish contest.
A picture must be taken showing the full length of the fish
The trash fish must be weighed using an accurate digital scale.
The Tournament Director has the right to inspect the scale at weigh-in.
Three pictures must be taken showing the scale's reading.
Angler will be given full credit for the purpose of the Top 10 Trash Fish Board.
NOTE: The President strongly discourages the use of the digital photo option. The preferred method is to transport the fish to the weigh-in. The digital photo option should only be used if the fish is so large that it will not survive in your livewell.
$80 entry fee per boat for two-day tournament.
There is a guest fee of $10 per guest.
The guest fee will be allocated to the club's general fund.
5% of the entry fees are allocated to The Club's general fund.
If 1 to 5 boats participate, payout percentages are as follows:
Winning Stringer = 70%
Big Fish = 15%
Trash Fish = 10%
If 6 to 10 boats participate:
1st Place = 50%
2nd Place = 20%
Big Fish = 15%
Trash fish = 10%
If 11 or more boats participate:
1st Place = 40%
2nd Place = 25%
3rd Place = 15%
Big Fish = 10%
Trash fish = 5%
In the event that a trash fish is not caught, the payout for trash fish will be rolled into the winning stringer. (i.e. 1st place will win a higher percentage)
Ties
In the event that there is a big fish tie, the prize will be split evenly among the tied anglers.
In the event of a trash fish tie, the prize will be split evenly among anglers.
In the event of a winning stringer tie, the prize will go to the team with the largest black bass.
SECTION 5: CANCELLATIONS
In the event of dangerous conditions, such as inclement weather, the Tournament Director (TD) has the authority to postpone and/or alter tournament fishing hours.
If the cumulative fishing time during the event equals 4 hours or more, final standings will be based on stringer weights. The tournament will not be cancelled.
If cumulative fishing time during the two day event is less than 4 hours, a vote among competitors will be held to determine which cancellation option is to be used.
Option 1: Cancellation
Participants entry fees are refunded
No Angler of the Year (AOY) points are awarded
The tournament is not rescheduled.
Option 2: Tournament Simulation
A unanimous vote among participants is required to use this option.
Under this option dice are thrown to simulate tournament weights.
One die is marked as lbs, another marked as ozs.
Teams take turns rolling dice to simulate fish weights.
In the event of a tie, dice are rolled again for a tie-breaker.
This simulation is treated as if the tournament was fished for determining payouts and AOY points.
ARTICLE VIII -- ANGLER OF THE YEAR (AOY)
SECTION 1: POINTS SYSTEM
Angler of the Year will be awarded based on the Club's points system.
The anglers who finish the year with the most points wins the coveted Angler of the Year title and bragging rights for the entire year.
The AOY season runs from the day after official fall tournament to the final day of the following fall tournament.
Regular Points: Points will be awarded based on the results of official tournaments as follows:
Winning Stringer based on 20 points system where 1st place receives 20 points, 2nd place receives 19 points, 3rd place receives 18 points, etc. This continues all the way down until the last boat weighs in or until points have diminished to 0.
Big Fish winning team receives 1 extra point each.
Trash fish winning team receives 1/2 of a point each.
Ties:
In the event of a big fish or trash fish tie, points will be divided and distributed among teams.
In the event of a winning stringer tie, the tie breaker will be the biggest black bass.
Shared Points: (effective 7/1/2006)
In the event of a tie with no fish caught, AOY points will be shared among groups of anglers.
AOY points will be divided among anglers who actually participate in a tournament and anglers who paid entry fees but did not actually participate.
Points for each tied group will be averaged and shared. (Example)
Bonus Points will be awarded to club members who contribute to the Club's success.
Supplemental Tournaments:
Hosting a successful wildcat or inshore tournament will earn the Host 1 bonus point.
At least three club members must participate.
Wildcat Host responsibilities must be followed (See Article IX, Section II)
The host must submit "story" and "results" to the Webmaster.
The winner of a wildcat or inshore tournament will earn bonus points.
At least three club members must participate.
The winner of a tournament with less than five boats will earn one bonus point.
The winner of a tournament with five or more boats will earn two bonus points.
In the event of an inshore tournament tie the bonus point will be split.
The winner of a CPR tournament will earn bonus points.
The winner of a CPR tournament will earn .5 bonus points per category.
A winner who also breaks the club's all-time record will receive and additional .5 bonus points.
Three bonus point will be awarded to a member who refers an angler to our club who subsequently becomes a member.
Conservation Projects:
One bonus point will be awarded to a member who organizes and documents a successful club conservation project.
1/2 a bonus point will be awarded to a member who participates in a club conservation project.
No points will be awarded to organizers or participants if the project is not documented in a press release style.
Youth Projects:
1 bonus point will be awarded to a member who organizes and documents a successful club youth project.
1/2 a bonus point will be awarded to a member who participates in a club youth project.
No points will be awarded to organizers or participants if the project is not documented in a press release style.
A maximum of three bonus points can be earned per season.
SECTION 2: TIES
In the event that anglers end the year with the same number of points, a tie will be declared.
There are two tiebreaker options.
One option is a FISH-OFF.
A member who is tied in points at the end of the year has the right to challenge the member(s) he is tied with to a tie breaking fish-off.
The fish-off will be conducted using standard wildcat rules.
The fish-off will occur at a mutually agreed location.
If a location cannot be mutually agreed upon, non-involved Officers will determine a location that is centrally located between parties.
The deadline to hold the fish-off is the first tournament day of the spring tournament, therefore having a fish-off on a practice day of the spring tournament is a legitimate option.
Members participating in the fish-off must choose a fellow club member as a teammate. Guests are not allowed in a fish-off tournament.
Fishing Solo is allowed.
The second tie breaker option is to use the biggest fish caught during the year as the tie breaker.
This is the default method if a fish-off challenge is not issued.
SECTION 3: PRIZES AND AWARDS
TMTangler FLY ROD -- The angler that finishes the season with the most AOY points will win the right to hold the coveted TMTangler FLY ROD for the following season.
The Board will decide at the beginning of the year what prizes, if any, will be awarded the AOY.
ARTICLE IX -- WILDCAT TOURNAMENTS
Once the Official Tournaments are announced members are encouraged to host wildcat tournaments.
Wildcat tournaments are organized and planned based on individual members' initiatives. The Officers are not responsible for developing a schedule.
Any member in good standing may host a wildcat tournament.
Participation in wildcat tournaments are completely optional for members.
SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE WILDCAT HOST
Tournament Organization
Coordinate your tournaments date with the club's schedule (posted on the club's website) to ensure it does not conflict with other scheduled club events.
You may schedule your event in advance, or notify members as late as the day before.
Please do not announce your date until that date is firm, as this may effect others who are trying to schedule an event.
All club members must be invited to attend via email.
Be sure to include your contact information in the email.
Member's email addresses are provided in the "members only" section of the website.
Host may add unique rules to their tournament, as long as they are clearly communicated to all participants in writing in advance. (For example, solo tournaments, member-guest tournaments, one-rod-only tournaments, take a kid fishing, charity events, etc...)
Failure to properly notify all members of a tournament will prevent any AOY bonus points from being awarded at the event.
If necessary, the Host is individually responsible for obtaining special event permits.
Be certain to make sure you have the following at the tournament:
Scales for weigh-in
Notepad for weigh-in
Must document participant names, creel, total weight, big fish weight, and trash fish weights.
Copy of rules
Acting Tournament Director (TD)
As TD the Host must enforce the rules consistent with the way they are written.
As TD the Host is responsible for collecting entry fees before the tournament and distributing winnings to participants after weigh-in.
The TD must be certain that guests are aware of rules, especially rules unique to TMTanglers such as the trash fish contest.
The Host must announce official tournament time prior to blast off.
The TD is responsible for determining when safe daylight has been reached.
SECTION 3: WILDCAT TOURNAMENT RULES
Size Limits -- There shall be no size limit independent of local size and slot regulations.
Creel Limits -- 5 fish
Tournament Times;
Day tournaments = SDL - 3:00
Night tournaments = 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Team Format
Singles are allowed
Three man teams are allowed
Any member may bring a guest to an official tournament.
There are three contest with each tournament:
Heaviest stringer (creel) of black bass.
Heaviest black bass
Heaviest trash fish
Every effort must be made to keep bass alive through the use of a properly aerated livewell. TMTanglers recommends the use of livewell additives that promote the healthy return of bass to their natural habitat.
Winners of each category must specifically share with the rest of the club the techniques used to win.
This includes presenting specific lures for the club to visually inspect.
This includes showing the club on a map the winning location where fish were caught.
This includes answering questions regarding winning strategies in the club's "Interrogation Room" message board.
Artificial Lures Only
Trolling is prohibited
Only one rod per contestant may be used at a time.
Tournament fees must be paid prior to fishing the tournament.
Every member has the right to inspect the livewell of fellow contestants prior to blast off.
Safety:
Each team is responsible for their own safety.
Participants are strongly encouraged to wear life jackets.
The Club, Club Officers, or Club Board of Directors shall not be held liable for any property damage and/or injury, to include death, that may occur during a tournament or function.
If a team quits early notice must be given to the Tournament Director.
Penalties:
8 oz penalty for dead fish.
1 lb per minute penalty for being late to weigh-in.
Automatic disqualification occurs when a team is 15 minutes late to weigh-in.
3 lb penalty for switching teams mid-tournament.
Size limit infraction will result in a penalty equal to the weight of the largest fish in your stinger.
2 oz penalty per infraction for leaving weighted hooks or lures in a fish's mouth at weigh-in.
Trash Fish:
A trash fish is considered to be any fish other than a black bass.
One trash fish may be weighed in per boat per day in official tournaments.
TRASH FISH DIGITAL PHOTO OPTION: For the trash fish contest only, in lieu of traditional weigh-in, anglers have the option of weighing their fish on the boat an presenting a digital photo to the Tournament Director as proof of the catch. Read carefully before using this option:
Should a team choose this option, half the weight of the fish will be counted toward the trash fish contest.
A picture must be taken showing the full length of the fish
The trash fish must be weighed using an accurate digital scale.
The Tournament Director has the right to inspect the scale at weigh-in.
Three pictures must be taken showing the scale's reading.
Angler will be given credit for the purpose of the Top 10 Trash Fish Board.
NOTE: The President strongly discourages the use of the digital photo option. The preferred method is to transport the fish to the weigh-in. The digital photo option should only be used if the fish is so large that it will not survive in your livewell.
$40 per team
If applicable, the Host will reimburse himself for special event permit or other similar costs from the pot.
Payouts:
Winning Stringer = 70%
Big Fish = 20%
Trash Fish = 10%
In the event that a trash fish is not caught, the payout for trash fish will be rolled into the winning stringer. (i.e. 1st place will win 80%)
Ties
In the event that there is a big fish tie, the prize will be split evenly among the tied anglers.
In the event of a trash fish tie, the prize will be split evenly among anglers.
In the event of a winning stringer tie, the prize will go to the team with the largest black bass.
ARTICLE X -- INSHORE TOURNAMENTS
SECTION 1: SCHEDULE
Once the Official Tournaments are announced members are encouraged to host inshore tournaments.
Inshore tournaments are organized and planned based on individual members' initiatives. The Officers are not responsible for developing a schedule.
Any member in good standing may host an inshore tournament.
Participation in inshore tournaments are completely optional for members.
SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INSHORE TOURNAMENT HOST
Tournament Organization
Coordinate your tournaments date with the club's schedule (posted on the club's website) to ensure it does not conflict with other scheduled club events.
All club members must be invited to attend via email.
Be sure to include your contact information in the email.
Be sure to include details on lodging.
Member's email addresses are provided in the "members only" section of the website.
Failure to properly notify all members of a tournament will prevent any AOY bonus points from being awarded at the event, or from Top 10 List entries from being accepted.
Be certain to make sure you have the following at the tournament:
Scales for weigh-in
Notepad for weigh-in
Copy of inshore tournament rules, including size, creel, and slot limit regulations for your area.
Acting Tournament Director (TD)
As TD the Host must enforce the rules consistent with the way they are written.
As TD the Host is responsible for collecting entry fees before the tournament and distributing winnings to participants after weigh-in.
SECTION 3: INSHORE TOURNAMENT RULES
Tournament length and times are determined by the Host.
Can be team format or individual format.
Culling is not allowed.
$20 entry fee.
Pot format divided among the Redfish Pot and the Speckled Trout Pot.
Speckled Trout Pot
At the end of tournament, angler who caught the largest speckled trout wins 50% of pot.
Anglers are encouraged to photo the fish on the boat while it colorations are greatest.
Competitors must be able to inspect the fish.
Redfish Pot
At the end of the tournament, angler who catches the redfish with the most spots wins 50% of pot.
Redfish must be within the slot limit according to local regulations.
In Louisiana, the slot size is 16'' to 27'', which a tail spread to a maximum of 8''.
In Florida, the slot size is 18'' to 27'' with a pinched tail.
Regulations may vary from location to location.
ARTICLE XI - YEAR LONG CPR CONTEST
SECTION 1: RULES
TMTanglers will run a year long Catch, Photograph, and Release (CPR) contest for the following categories of fish:
Largemouth Bass
Spotted Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Stripe
Speckled Trout
The CPR tournaments will coincide with the AOY season, which runs from the day after official fall tournament to the final day of the following fall tournament. (Starting on June 9, 2008 for the 2008 season)
Entries from the following groups are eligible:
Members
Any youth under 16 years old who is fishing in the presence of a TMTangler.
PRIZES:
.5 AOY bonus points for winning CPR contest.
.5 AOY bonus points for breaking all-time club record for respective fish as documented in corresponding Top 10 Lists.
A member must submit a photograph or photographs (digital or print) to the Secretary that allows easy verification
of the angler’s catch and an accurate weight of the LIVE fish, just prior to release. Procuring a quality image
of the fish that allows verification and good handling to ensure the survival of the fish is primarily the responsibility of
the angler who is ‘on his honor’ to follow the spirit of a good release. Every ‘reasonable’ effort will be made to verify
all entries. However, images of poor quality or exhibiting poor release techniques may be rejected at the discretion of
the judge (i.e. Secretary and President) and his rulings will be final in this matter.
Contestants must submit names and contact information of witnesses with entry.
All fish must be caught with hook and line.
Live Bait and Trolling
Live Bait and Trolling is NOT allowed for black bass contests.
Live Bait and Trolling IS allowed for stripe and speckled trout.
Public Waters only.
SECTION 1: OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT TOP 10 Lists.
TOP 10 Tournament BASS - The Webmaster and Secretary will maintain a ranking of the Top 10 Bass to have ever competed for the big fish prize.
Only black bass caught during an official tournament are eligible for entry in the club's Top 10 Bass List.
Dead fish penalty will not be applied for purpose of the Top 10 Bass List.
Photos of fish must be aesthetically pleasing as determined by the club's BOD.
TOP 10 TRASH FISH - The Webmaster and Secretary will maintain a ranking of the Top 10 Trash Fish to have ever competed for the Trash Fish prize.
Only trash fish caught during an official tournament are eligible for entry in the club's Top 10 Trash Fish List.
Dead fish penalty will not be applied for the purpose of the Top 10 Trash Fish List.
Photos of fish must be aesthetically pleasing as determined by the club's BOD.
SECTION 2: INSHORE TOP 10 FISH
TOP 10 SPECKLED TROUT - The Webmaster and Secretary will maintain a ranking of the Top 10 Speckled Trout to submitted in a club event.
Only Speckled Trout caught during an Inshore Tournament or CPR contest are eligible.
Contestants are encouraged to take a picture of the fish BEFORE it is put in an ice chest.
Entries that are not accompanied by an aesthetically pleasing photo (as determined by the clubs BOD), may not be included in the list.
Subcategories of All Tackle, Artificial Only, and Fly Rod Only will be maintained.
Contestants must carefully document method used
Insufficient documentation of catch will result in catch being eligible for "All Tackle" subcategory only. (i.e. you can't throw all fish in the same ice chest and expect to tell the difference at the end of the day. Plan accordingly.)
TOP 10 STRIPE - The Webmaster and Secretary will maintain a ranking of the Top 10 Stripe to have ever competed in a CPR tournament. These include white bass, hybrid bass, yellow bass, and saltwater stripe.
TOP 10 SPOTTED REDFISH - The Webmaster and Secretary will maintain a ranking of the Top 10 Spotted Redfish to have ever competed for the Biggest Speck prize in an Inshore tournament.
Only Redfish caught during an Inshore Tournament are eligible.
Only fish that fall within the particular state's slot are eligible.
Contestants are encouraged to take a picture of the fish BEFORE it is put in an ice chest.
Entries that are not accompanied by an aesthetically pleasing photo (as determined by the clubs BOD), may not be included in the list.
Subcategories of All Tackle, Artificial Only, and Fly Rod Only will be maintained.
Contestants must carefully document method used
Insufficient documentation of catch will result in catch being eligible for "All Tackle" subcategory only. (i.e. you can't throw all fish in the same ice chest and expect to tell the difference at the end of the day. Plan accordingly.)
SECTION 3: CPR TOP 10 LISTS
Fish caught during a Wildcat, Inshore, or CPR Tournament are eligible for their respective Top 10 Lists.
The categories will include, Largemouth, Spotted Bass, Smallmouth, Stripe, and Speckled Trout.
Must be a high quality photo as determined by the clubs BOD.
SECTION 4: OTHER TOP 10 LISTS
Other TOP 10 LISTS will be maintained for the purpose of serving as a "bragging board", to encourage friendly competition among members and their families, and to help promote fishing among youth.
"Other" Top 10 Lists will be:
Top 10 Bream
(Click here for list of eligible fish: http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/fish/bream/ )
Top 10 Crappie
Top 10 Catfish
Participation is strictly voluntary.
Only fish caught after May 21, 2008 will be accepted.
Fish caught during a TMTangler tournament are not eligible.
Entries from the following groups are eligible:
Members and their spouses.
Any youth under 16 years old who is fishing in the presence of a TMTangler.
Daughters under 22 years old ( the boys should be full members by now).
Entries from adult Guests will not be accepted.
Rules:
Fish can be caught at any time to be eligible for these Lists.
Fish must be caught on rod and reel.
Live bait and trolling IS allowed.
No restrictions for locations fished (i.e. you can fish private ponds).
Honorable mention for fish caught on fly rods.
How to submit and entry:
Entries are accepted on the honor system.
You will need the following:
A digital camera
A digital scale that measures in ounces.
Some reasonable documentation of what the fish weighed other than your memory alone.
Procedure:
Take picture of angler holding fish.
If you are fishing alone, try to take attractive picture of fish next to something to compare size.
Weigh the fish with digital scale.
Record the weight ( do not trust your memory--the rest of do not.)
Email picture to webmaster including the following information:
Fish Weight
Fish Subspecies
Anglers Name
Date Caught
Location Fished
Lure
Photos of fish must be aesthetically pleasing as determined by the club's BOD.
ARTICLE XIII -- CHANGES TO CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Any changes to the Constitution and Bylaws will be coordinated and approved by the Board of Directors and will remain in effect throughout the following tournament year. All changes must be represented to the membership at the annual organizational meeting, if applicable, and posted on the Club's website.
