Each contestant is required to wear a Coast Guard approved live preserver any time the boat is on plane. Driver must have the kill switch hooked up while running the big motor. In case of mechanical breakdown, competitors may take their catch, get into another boat, and come to weigh-in. Only one rod may be used at one time, though others may be rigged and ready in the boat, but each cast must be completed before another is made. TX numbers of the offenders must be on the protest.
All contestants are subject to polygraph test.
No pooling of fish between boats. Only largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass will be weighed. Penalty will apply to total weight only. No more than five fish can be brought to the scales. A sixth fish may be held temporarily in the livewell, for culling purposes only.