Rules

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Alton Catfish Classic 2025 rules

Official Rules for the 2025 Alton Catfish Classic

Registration and Fees:

  • Entry Fee: $500 if you pre-register at Bluff City Outdoors or by mail; $520 if paid by Credit Card.
  • Refund Policy: No entry fees will be refunded within 30 days of the event. No exceptions.

Event Schedule:

  • Tournament Date: October 4th, 2025
  • Tournament Hours: 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Boats must be in the weigh-in line by 5:00 PM – NO exceptions.
  • Mandatory Captain's Meeting: One participant from each team must attend the mandatory meeting on October 4th, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 7:00PM, held at:
    • The Flock, 210 Ridge St., Alton, IL
      Note: If you cannot attend, due to work or a family emergency please contact Alex Nagy at 573-723-2127.

Takeoff and Livewell Checks:

  • Time: 4:00 AM from the Alton Amphitheater.

Trailering and Boundaries:

  • Boundaries: Once launched, there are no boundaries, with the following specifications:
  • Boat/Registration numbers will help dertime the ramp you are able to choose. (Only so many boats will be allowed at each ramp.) We will take off in flights of 20 from the Parking Lot.
    • Main Boat Ramp: Alton Marina.
      • Mississippi River: Between Downtown St. Louis, MO, and Grafton, IL.
      • Missouri River: Furthest upriver: Columbia Bottoms
      • Illinois River: Furthest north: Grafton, IL (Port of Grafton).
      • Ramps: Any accessible ramp that allows public launch is permitted.

Team Composition:

  • Teams are limited to a maximum of three people. Additional members are allowed only if they are 12 years old or younger, and if the boat's capacity is not exceeded.

Catch Regulations:

  • Fish Limit: Three (3) fish per boat. Eligible species include Blue Cat, Channel Cat, and Flathead.
  • Live Fish Only: No dead or foul-hooked fish will be accepted at weigh-in.
  • Fishing Method: Rod and reel only. A maximum of six (6) rods may be in use per boat, unless state laws restrict this further. No limit on rods in the boat.
  • Prohibited Methods: No fishing or netting outside the boat. No stringers, decoy bags, or snagging allowed.
  • Spacing: Tournament boats must maintain at least 50 yards of distance when anchored and 50 feet while drifting.
  • Culling: No culling of fish after the boat is loaded onto the trailer.

Sportsmanship and Conduct:

  • Prohibited Activities: Alcohol and drug use are prohibited during tournament activities.
  • Chumming: No chumming or baiting of fishing areas before or during the tournament.
  • Compliance: All state and federal laws must be observed, including mandatory use of PFDs and kill switches. PFDs must be worn by all anglers during takeoff.
  • Fishing and Boating Licenses: Each team is responsible for ensuring they have valid licenses.
  • Conduct: All participants must adhere to high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, and conservation. Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in disqualification. All decisions made by the tournament director are final.

Additional Rules:

  • Pre-Fishing: All boats must be off the water by 5:00 PM on Friday, October, 3rd 2025. Fishing is permitted after this time until the tournament begins.
  • Buddy Fishing: Sharing of information regarding techniques, baits, locations, etc., is strictly prohibited during tournament hours.
  • Fish Handling: Fish must be placed into weigh totes with care – no throwing or mishandling will be tolerated.
  • Polygraph Testing: All winners are subject to a polygraph test. Refusal to take the test will result in disqualification.
  • Boat Numbers: Issued based on the order of registration and payment.
  • Protests: All protests must be submitted in writing to the tournament director before the awards ceremony begins.
  • Tiebreaker: In the event of a tie, the big fish weight will serve as the tiebreaker.
  • Insurance: Liability insurance is the responsibility of the boat owner. Proof of insurance must be with the boat and cover all passengers. Random checks may be conducted. Failure to provide proof when requested will result in disqualification.
  • Weather Contingency: In case of severe weather, competitors may leave their boats to seek shelter.

Miscellaneous:

  • Social Media: Live feeds are encouraged.
  • Waiver/Release: Entry into the tournament binds participants to the waiver/release for the Alton Catfish Classic.
  • Amendments: Alton Catfish Classic reserves the right to amend or change any rule for safety or other reasons.
  • Document Status: This document is subject to change without notice.
    Last Revised: June 1st, 2025.