Official Fish-a-thon Rules

Participation and eligibility:

Participation is open to all ages, however, minors are eligible to register and participate with a parent or guardian who also participates in the event. Minors must have the signature of his or her parent or legal guardian on the entry form. The obligation to know these rules falls upon the parent. A completed entry form and $30 minimum entry donation must be received for each participant no later than the September 9, 2009.

Awards:

Awards are based on individual angler’s catch for the day. Largest fish for each species will be awarded, as well as “highest average” for a limit of each species. Anglers are eligible to win more than award. Awards are subject to change.

“Largest Fish” Award - The Largest Fish award has two divisions; age 13 and older and age 12 and under. Anglers age 13 and older will be presented with a $50 cash prize and trophy for largest fish in each category. Anglers age 12 and under will be presented with a non-cash prize and trophy for largest fish in each category.

Largest Fish Species:

Sunfish

Crappie

Walleye

Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass

Northern Pike

Musky

Rough Fish

"Highest Average" Award - The angler must record a (state) limit of fish in a given species in order to qualify for this award. The angler who has the highest average length of a limit of fish in any eligible species will be presented with a $50 cash award and trophy. (ex. If the angler recorded 3 northerns, 1@ 22", 1@ 28", and 1@ 36", their average would be 28.666"). Largest fish winners are not allowed to "double dip", meaning they can record a limit of any species, but if their limit includes a fish that won "Largest Fish", that fish will not be included in calculating the average length.

Highest Average Species:

(3) Northern Pike

(6) Walleye

(6) Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass

Fish Measurement:

An official Casting for a Cure fish measuring stick must be used in photos for recorded fish. Recorded fish are those entered on the angling log and qualify for an award. You can pick up your measuring stick at the distribution site you indicate on the registration form after 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11th. Distribution sites include:

JM Speedstop - St. Joseph

Christopherson Bait Shop - Alexandria

Don's I-94 Convenience Store - Albany

Pine's Edge Gas and Bait - Rice

Stop Light Bait - St. Cloud

Monticello Bait and Tackle - Monticello

Sartell Hardware Hank - Sartell

Fort Ripley Store - Fort Ripley

Starting Time:

One hour before sunrise on Saturday, September 12, 2009. All participants wishing to enter fish must return their pictures/camera in to fish-a-thon headquarters (Blue Line Sports Bar and Grill, Sartell) between 5:00pm and 6:00pm on event day. You must be in line by 6:00pm, no exceptions.

Permitted Angling Methods:

All participants must have valid MN fishing licenses during the event. All fish must be taken in accordance with MN angling rules. For reference see 2009 Fishing Regulations at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/index.html. It is permissible for more than 1 participant to share the same watercraft. However, each participant must pay and compete as a single angler. Each participant must also submit their own Angling Log to be eligible for event awards. Fish may NEVER be shared among participants.

Permitted Fishing Locations:

All public accessible bodies of water in Minnesota. Angling from shore is permitted.

Photograph and Video Consent:

All registered participants consent that the tournament may use, without payment or restriction, any photographs and or promotional videos in which he or she are pictured for the benefit and promotion of Greater MN Fight for a Cure and/or Casting for a Cure.

Digital Photography:

Participants may only use digital cameras for recording fish. Photos should be taken immediately after the fish is caught. Two photos are required to record a fish; one of the fish on the Casting for a Cure fish measuring stick and one with the participant holding or standing next to the fish (if fishing by yourself, do the best you can). We encourage you to consistently take the photos in the same order (i.e. first with the measuring stick, then with you). More than one participant may share a camera. Participants must bring the Angling Log completed and the memory card from their camera to check-in or bring the download cable for their camera so that pictures may be retrieved directly from the camera. Please verify the date and time stamp on your camera prior to the event. The following media formats can be handled without a cable at check-in:

CompactFlash Type I

CompactFlash Type II

SD Card

miniSD

MultiMediaCard

RS-MMC

Memory Stick

Memory Stick PRO

Memory Stick Duo

Memory Stick PRO Duo

SmartMedia

xD

Sportsmanship:

All contestants are required to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy and conservation. The illegal use of drugs or alcohol, participation in any criminal activities, or other conduct reflecting unfavorably upon efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship, fair competition and compliance with fish-a-thon rules and the law are grounds for disqualification and/or rejection of any applicant from participation. This will also entail the return of any prizes awarded.

Release of Liability:

All participants understand that all applicable taxes will be the responsibility of each winner. Also, each angler will not hold the event hosts, fish-a-thon staff or sponsors responsible for any injuries or damages caused by others or themselves. Each angler will indemnify the event hosts, fish-a-thon staff or sponsors against any an all liability incurred during this fishing event.

Planning Committee Contact Information:

The Blue Line Sports Bar and Grill in Sartell, MN (320) 253-7825 is the fish-a-thon headquarters for the 2009 event. Fish-a-thon inquiries can contact Joe Schulte at (320) 250-1010 or email jtschulte@gmail.com. Other Casting for a Cure general inquiries can contact Tracy Schulte at (320) 250-1011.

Rule Changes:

Rule interpretation will be left exclusively to the Casting for a Cure planning committee and Director; all decisions are final in all matters and are not subject to appeal.

Protest:

Any and all protest must be submitted in writing at least 60-minutes before the official check-in period. All protests will be reviewed by members of the Casting for a Cure Planning Committee and Greater MN Fight for a Cure Director. All decisions will be final and are not subject to appeal.