Priest Bass Fishing Rules
Priest Bass Fishing Standard Rules
These Standard Rules apply to all Priest Bass Fishing (“PBF”) tournaments, series, championships, Wildcat events, and other PBF-sanctioned events.
These Standard Rules apply in addition to any rules published for a specific PBF series, championship, Wildcat tournament, or individual event. Participants are responsible for complying with both the PBF Standard Rules and all applicable series- or event-specific rules.
The inclusion of the same or similar requirement in a series or event rule does not replace, waive, or limit these Standard Rules.
By registering for, entering, or participating in any PBF event, each participant acknowledges and agrees to these Standard Rules.
1. Liability Release
Participation in any Priest Bass Fishing event is voluntary.
By registering for or participating in a PBF event, each participant releases Priest Bass Fishing (PBF), its Tournament Directors, officers, representatives, volunteers, sponsors, affiliates, property owners, ramp or marina operators, and other persons or organizations associated with the event from claims for injury, death, property damage, loss, or other damages arising from or related to participation in the event, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
This release includes claims arising from the ordinary negligence of a released party but does not waive any right or claim that cannot legally be waived under applicable law.
2. Hold Harmless
Each participant agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to hold harmless Priest Bass Fishing (PBF), its Tournament Directors, officers, representatives, volunteers, sponsors, affiliates, property owners, ramp or marina operators, and other persons or organizations associated with a PBF event from claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses resulting from the participant’s actions, conduct, equipment, boat operation, or participation in the event.
Each participant is responsible for their own actions and for the safe and lawful operation of any boat, vehicle, trailer, or equipment under their control.
3. Participation at Your Own Risk
Fishing, boating, launching, retrieving, and participating in outdoor tournament activities involve inherent risks.
These risks may include, but are not limited to, changing weather conditions, lightning, wind, waves, extreme temperatures, hazardous water conditions, submerged or floating objects, boat traffic, mechanical or equipment failure, slips and falls, collisions, drowning, injury from fishing equipment, wildlife, and other known or unknown hazards.
Each participant knowingly and voluntarily assumes the risks associated with participating in PBF events, including traveling to and from tournament locations, launching and retrieving boats, operating or riding in a boat, fishing, and participating in weigh-in or other tournament activities.
Each participant is responsible for determining whether conditions are safe for themselves, their passengers, their boat, and their equipment.
The decision to launch, remain on the water, continue fishing, seek shelter, return to the ramp, or withdraw from an event remains the responsibility of the participant.
4. Tournament Director Authority and Decisions
The Priest Bass Fishing Tournament Director has final authority over the administration, interpretation, and enforcement of PBF rules during an event.
The Tournament Director may interpret these rules, resolve disputes, address circumstances not specifically covered by the rules, assess penalties, disqualify participants when warranted, modify event procedures when reasonably necessary for safety, fairness, or tournament operations, and make other decisions necessary for the proper administration of a PBF event.
The Tournament Director may also take reasonable action when unexpected conditions, emergencies, weather, safety concerns, facility issues, or other circumstances affect an event.
All Tournament Director decisions regarding tournament administration, rule interpretation, scoring, penalties, protests, eligibility, conduct, and competition matters are final.
5. Sportsmanship and Conduct
All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a safe, respectful, honest, and sportsmanlike manner before, during, and after all Priest Bass Fishing events.
Unsportsmanlike or detrimental conduct may include, but is not limited to, cheating or attempted cheating, dishonesty, fraud, threats, harassment, fighting, abusive or disruptive behavior, intentional interference with another competitor, intentional damage to property, unsafe conduct, or behavior that negatively affects Priest Bass Fishing (PBF), its Tournament Directors, participants, sponsors, host facilities, property owners, or the reputation and integrity of the organization.
Participants are responsible for their own conduct and, when applicable, the conduct of their partner or others acting on their behalf in connection with the event.
The Tournament Director may issue a warning, assess a penalty, disqualify a participant, require a participant to leave tournament property, refuse entry into a future event, or take other reasonable action when conduct is determined to be detrimental to the safety, fairness, integrity, reputation, or operation of PBF.
Serious or repeated violations may result in suspension or permanent exclusion from future Priest Bass Fishing events at the discretion of PBF and the Tournament Director.
6. Eligibility
Participants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or have permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate.
Participants under eighteen (18) may be required to provide written permission, a completed parent or legal guardian release, or other documentation requested by PBF before competing.
All participants must also satisfy any additional eligibility requirements established for the applicable PBF series, championship, Wildcat tournament, or individual event.
PBF and the Tournament Director reserve the right to refuse or revoke entry when reasonably necessary to protect the safety, integrity, or proper operation of a PBF event.
7. TWRA Regulations
All participants must comply with all applicable Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) laws, regulations, proclamations, and requirements while participating in a PBF event.
Participants are responsible for knowing and following the laws and regulations applicable to the body of water being fished, including fishing regulations, boating regulations, fish length and possession requirements, restricted or prohibited areas, and other applicable TWRA requirements.
PBF rules do not authorize a participant to violate any federal, state, or local law or regulation.
A violation of applicable law or TWRA regulation may also result in a tournament penalty or disqualification at the discretion of the Tournament Director.
8. Fishing License Requirements
Each participant is responsible for possessing all valid fishing licenses, permits, and other credentials required by law for the waters being fished.
PBF does not provide fishing licenses and is not responsible for determining whether an individual participant possesses the proper license, permit, exemption, or other required credential.
Participants are responsible for understanding and complying with their individual licensing requirements before participating.
Failure to possess a required fishing license or permit may result in disqualification in addition to any penalties imposed by the appropriate governmental authority.
9. U.S. Coast Guard and Boating Safety Requirements
All boats used during a PBF event must comply with applicable United States Coast Guard, TWRA, and federal, state, and local boating safety requirements.
The boat operator is responsible for ensuring the vessel is legally and safely equipped and operated.
This includes maintaining all legally required safety equipment, which may include personal flotation devices, navigation lights, fire extinguishers, emergency equipment, vessel registration, and other equipment required for the vessel and waters being used.
Each boat operator is solely responsible for the condition, seaworthiness, legal operation, and safe operation of their vessel and for the safety of persons aboard that vessel.
PBF and the Tournament Director do not guarantee that water, weather, boating, or tournament conditions are safe.
Nothing in these rules requires a participant to launch or operate a boat when the participant believes conditions are unsafe.
10. Media Release
By registering for or participating in a Priest Bass Fishing event, participants grant PBF permission to photograph, record, film, livestream, or otherwise capture their name, image, likeness, voice, tournament participation, catch, weigh-in, results, awards, and related event activities.
Participants authorize PBF to use such material for legitimate PBF purposes, including the PBF website, social media, tournament coverage, promotional materials, advertisements, sponsor materials, printed materials, broadcasts, livestreams, and promotion of current or future PBF events without additional compensation.
PBF may identify participants by name in connection with tournament registrations, standings, results, photographs, videos, awards, and other legitimate tournament-related content.
For participants under eighteen (18), any media authorization requiring the consent of a parent or legal guardian shall be obtained from the participant’s parent or legal guardian.
11. Agreement and Acknowledgment
Registration for, entry into, or participation in a Priest Bass Fishing event constitutes acknowledgment that the participant has had the opportunity to review, understands, and agrees to comply with these PBF Standard Rules.
Participants further acknowledge that these Standard Rules apply in addition to all rules, requirements, procedures, and conditions established for the specific PBF series, championship, Wildcat tournament, or individual event in which they participate.
Participants are responsible for reviewing and understanding all applicable PBF, series, and event rules before competing.
The repetition of a PBF Standard Rule within a series or event-specific rule does not replace, waive, reduce, or otherwise limit the application of these Standard Rules.
By participating in a PBF event, each participant acknowledges the inherent risks associated with fishing and boating, accepts responsibility for their own safety, actions, equipment, and conduct, agrees to comply with applicable laws and regulations, and agrees to comply with the decisions and authority of the Priest Bass Fishing Tournament Director.
PBF Wildcat Tournament Rules
- Version
- Version 2
- Effective Date
- August 13, 2026
These rules establish the standard regulations for Priest Bass Fishing (PBF) Wildcat tournaments. Individual tournament announcements may include additional rules, special conditions, or event-specific requirements. When event-specific rules conflict with these standard rules, the published event-specific rules shall govern for that tournament only.
Rules
These rules establish the standard regulations for Priest Bass Fishing (PBF) Wildcat tournaments. Individual tournament announcements may include additional rules, special conditions, or event-specific requirements. When event-specific rules conflict with these standard rules, the published event-specific rules shall govern for that tournament only.
By registering for a PBF tournament, each participant agrees to comply with these rules and any instructions provided by the Tournament Director.
- Eligibility
- All anglers must complete the official tournament registration before participating.
- Membership is not required unless specifically stated for the event.
- Anglers under the age of 18 must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
- All participants fish at their own risk and agree to the PBF liability release form.
- The Tournament Director reserves the right to refuse entry or remove any participant whose conduct is detrimental to the event or Priest Bass Fishing.
- Registration
- Registration opens and closes at the times listed for each tournament.
- Entry fees must be paid before an angler is considered officially registered.
- Boat numbers will be assigned by random draw.
- All anglers must check in with tournament staff before blast-off.
- Competition Hours
- Official fishing hours will be published for each tournament.
- No fishing is permitted before the official blast-off.
- All boats must return by the official check-in time.
- Any boat arriving after the official deadline will be disqualified.
- Boats and Safety
- Every boat must comply with all U.S. Coast Guard and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regulations.
- A properly functioning emergency kill switch must be attached to the operator whenever the combustion engine is in gear.
- Coast Guard-approved life jackets must be worn and properly fastened whenever the combustion engine is running.
- Navigation lights must be used whenever required by law.
- Safe boat operation is mandatory at all times.
- Alcohol or illegal drug use during tournament competition is strictly prohibited.
- Competitors are responsible for determining whether they can safely operate their vessel under existing conditions.
- The Tournament Director may delay, shorten, postpone, or cancel an event due to unsafe weather or water conditions.
- Fishing Regulations
- Only largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass are eligible unless otherwise announced.
- All fish must be legally caught according to TWRA regulations.
- Fish must be caught on rod and reel using legal sporting methods.
- Anglers may not intentionally interfere with another competitor.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.
- All state and local fishing regulations apply at all times.
- Catch Requirements
- The minimum length is 18 inches for Smallmouth Bass, 15 inches for Largemouth Bass, and 15 inches for Spotted Bass unless otherwise announced.
- A 0.5-pound penalty will be assessed for each dead fish. More than two (2) dead fish will result in disqualification.
- Short fish will not be weighed and will result in a 1-pound penalty for each short fish presented.
- A five (5) fish limit applies unless otherwise announced by the Tournament Director.
- Big Bass awards will be determined by the single heaviest eligible bass weighed.
- Weigh-In Procedures
- Only fish presented during the official weigh-in period will be accepted.
- Fish must be brought to the scales in an approved weigh bag whenever possible.
- Scales will close 15 minutes after official tournament hours end. The Tournament Director may extend this period based on the number of participants.
- Once a fish has been weighed and released by tournament staff, the weight becomes official.
- Competitors are responsible for verifying their recorded weight before leaving the scales.
- Protests
- Any protest must be submitted directly to the Tournament Director before the official results are announced.
- The Tournament Director may investigate any alleged rules violation.
- The Tournament Director's decision is final.
- Scoring and Standings
Tournament standings are determined by the greatest total weight.
Big Bass is determined by the heaviest single eligible fish.
If two or more competitors have the same total weight, ties will be broken in the following order:
- Most Fish Weighed
- Largest Largemouth Bass
- Largest Smallmouth Bass
- Earliest Official Weigh-In
- Tournament Director Decision
Penalties and disqualifications will be applied before final standings are published.
- Payouts
- Prize payouts will be based on the published payout schedule.
- Big Bass and optional side pots will be paid according to the event announcement.
- Competitors are responsible for any taxes associated with prize winnings.
- Sportsmanship
- Competitors shall conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner.
- Harassment, abusive language, threats, cheating, or intentionally violating tournament rules may result in penalties, disqualification, suspension, or permanent removal from PBF events.
- Respect tournament staff, fellow competitors, spectators, and public property at all times.
- Tournament Director Authority
- The Tournament Director has final authority over all tournament operations.
- The Tournament Director may interpret or modify these rules when necessary to protect the fairness, integrity, and safety of the event.
- All Tournament Director decisions are final.
- Media Release
- By participating, competitors grant Priest Bass Fishing permission to photograph, record, livestream, and use their name, likeness, boat, and catch for promotional purposes without additional compensation.
- Rule Changes
- Priest Bass Fishing reserves the right to modify these rules when necessary. Any changes will be communicated to registered participants before tournament competition begins whenever reasonably possible.
Acceptance
By completing tournament registration, participants certify that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by these Official Priest Bass Fishing Tournament Rules.
Official PBF Night Series Rules
These rules govern all PBF Night Series events and the Championship. By registering for or participating in an event, all anglers agree to follow these rules.
1. Membership & Registration
- Series Membership is $20 per angler and is required before competing. Membership is valid for the current PBF Night Series season only.
- The regular-season tournament entry fee is $100 per boat, consisting of:
- $80 Tournament Purse
- $10 Big Largemouth
- $10 Big Smallmouth
- No registrations will be accepted after 6:45 PM on regular-season tournament day.
- Championship registration closes at 5:00 PM on Championship day. Only qualified teams may register.
2. Tournament Procedures
- The standard tournament schedule is:
- Registration Closes — 6:45 PM
- Blast-Off — 7:00 PM
- Official Check-In — 3:00 AM
- Weigh-In Line — 3:15 AM
- Competitors may launch from any legal public or private ramp. All boats must report to Fate Sanders Marina for the official blast-off.
- No competitor may begin fishing until officially released by the Tournament Director.
- Official check-in occurs when a competitor enters the designated no-wake buoys at Fate Sanders Marina. All competitors must be inside the buoys by 3:00 AM.
- All competitors must be in the official weigh-in line by 3:15 AM. The Tournament Director may extend this deadline based on the number of entries or other circumstances affecting the orderly conduct of weigh-in.
- Failure to meet an official deadline will result in disqualification unless excused by the Tournament Director because of a verified emergency.
3. Competition Rules
- All current TWRA regulations apply during PBF competition.
- Only artificial lures may be used. Live bait is prohibited.
- Competitors may carry an unlimited number of rods, but each angler may use only one rod at a time.
- A partner may assist in landing a fish with a landing net.
- Cell phones may be used, but competitors may not receive or provide fishing information, including fish locations, patterns, productive lures, or tournament strategy.
- Fish may not be transferred between competitors or boats.
- Fishing inside the boat slips at Fate Sanders Marina is prohibited.
4. Fish Care & Weigh-In
- The maximum weigh-in limit is five bass. Eligible species are largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.
- Minimum legal lengths are:
- Largemouth Bass — 15 inches
- Smallmouth Bass — 18 inches
- Spotted Bass — 15 inches
- A short fish will not be weighed and will result in a 1.00-pound penalty.
- One dead fish may be weighed with a 0.50-pound penalty. Dead fish may not be culled and are not eligible for Big Bass awards.
- Competitors may cull live fish at any time before official check-in.
- Official tournament scales determine all tournament weights.
5. AOY & Championship
- AOY points are awarded by finishing position:
- 1st Place — 100 points
- 2nd Place — 99 points
- 3rd Place — 98 points
- Points continue downward by one point for each finishing position.
- Official AOY standings are published on the PBF website after each completed regular-season tournament.
- Championship qualification is based solely on participation. A team must compete in at least three of the four regular-season tournaments.
- AOY position and AOY points do not determine Championship eligibility.
- The Championship does not award AOY points.
6. Tournament Payouts
- The number of regular-season places paid is based on paid boat entries:
- 1–30 Boats — 3 Places
- 31–50 Boats — 4 Places
- 51 or More Boats — 5 Places
- When three places are paid, the tournament purse is divided:
- 1st — 65%
- 2nd — 20%
- 3rd — 15%
- When four places are paid, the tournament purse is divided:
- 1st — 55%
- 2nd — 20%
- 3rd — 15%
- 4th — 10%
- When five places are paid, the tournament purse is divided:
- 1st — 50%
- 2nd — 20%
- 3rd — 15%
- 4th — 10%
- 5th — 5%
- The Championship prize fund includes Championship entry fees, all current-season Series Membership fees, and any designated sponsorship or bonus money.
- The Championship prize fund is divided:
- 1st — 50%
- 2nd — 30%
- 3rd — 20%
- Big Largemouth and Big Smallmouth are separate awards funded by the applicable Big Bass portions of each paid entry. Dead fish are not eligible.
- If two or more teams tie for Big Largemouth or Big Smallmouth, the award will be determined using the following tie-breakers, in order:
- Highest total tournament weight.
- Most legal fish weighed.
- First team to officially weigh in.
7. Sportsmanship, Penalties & Protests
- Competitors are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully before, during, and after every PBF event.
- Penalties may include a warning, weight deduction, disqualification, suspension, or membership revocation.
- A disqualified team forfeits all tournament weight, AOY points, prizes, and awards for that event.
- Protests must be made in person to the Tournament Director before the conclusion of the official weigh-in.
8. Tournament Director Authority
- The Tournament Director has final authority regarding rule interpretation, tournament administration, safety, eligibility, results, penalties, and protests.
- Situations not specifically addressed by these rules will be decided in a manner consistent with fair competition, safety, conservation, and the best interests of Priest Bass Fishing.
Official Tennessee Winter Series Rules
- Version
- Version 5
- Effective Date
- August 14, 2026
These rules govern all Tennessee Winter Series events and the Championship Fish Off. By registering for or participating in an event, all anglers agree to follow these rules.
1. Eligibility
- All anglers must complete official registration before competing.
- $25 Membership to be paid prior to the first tournament fished.
- Anglers under 18 must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
- All competitors must agree to the Tennessee Winter Series Liability Release.
- The Tournament Director may refuse or revoke entry for conduct detrimental to the event, the Tennessee Winter Series, or Priest Bass Fishing.
2. Liability Release and Hold Harmless Agreement
By registering for or participating in a Tennessee Winter Series event, each competitor acknowledges that fishing, boating, launching, trailering, weigh-in activities, and related tournament operations involve inherent risks.
Each competitor voluntarily assumes all risks associated with participation and agrees to release, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless:
- Priest Bass Fishing and PBF
- The Tennessee Winter Series
- Tournament sponsors
- Event staff, officials, directors, and volunteers
- Host facilities, ramps, marinas, and property owners
- Event partners and service providers
This release applies to claims involving injury, death, property damage, loss, accident, or other liability arising from participation in or attendance at a Tennessee Winter Series event, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Each competitor is responsible for the safe operation of their boat, vehicle, trailer, and equipment and for complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
3. Registration and Entry Fees
Registration opens and closes at the published times for each event.
Entry Fee: $175 per boat
- $100 — Tournament payout purse
- $25 — Tournament Big Bass pot
- $50 — Championship Fish Off payout fund
Entry fees must be paid before registration is complete.
Boat numbers will be assigned by random draw unless otherwise announced.
All competitors must check in before blast-off.
Entry fees are non-refundable unless an event is canceled by Priest Bass Fishing and is not rescheduled.
4. Competition Hours
Official fishing hours will be published for each event.
- No fishing is permitted before official blast-off.
- All boats must return by the official check-in deadline.
- Late arrivals are subject to penalty or disqualification.
- The Tournament Director may adjust tournament hours because of weather, water, safety, or operating conditions.
5. Boats and Safety
All boats must comply with U.S. Coast Guard, TWRA, and applicable local regulations.
- Coast Guard-approved life jackets and kill switch must be worn and fastened whenever the combustion engine is in gear.
- Navigation lights must be used when required by law.
- Alcohol and illegal drug use during tournament competition are prohibited.
- Competitors are responsible for operating their boats safely.
- The Tournament Director may delay, shorten, relocate, postpone, or cancel an event because of unsafe conditions.
Participation is voluntary. Competitors assume responsibility for determining whether they can safely participate and agree to hold harmless Priest Bass Fishing, the Tennessee Winter Series, sponsors, and event staff from claims arising from their decision to compete.
6. Fishing Regulations
- Only Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted Bass are eligible.
- Fish must be legally caught on rod and reel in accordance with TWRA regulations.
- Interference with another competitor is prohibited.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.
- All state and local fishing regulations apply.
7. Catch Requirements
Standard Minimum Lengths
- Largemouth Bass — 15 inches
- Smallmouth Bass — 18 inches
- Spotted Bass — 15 inches
Size and creel limits may vary based on the regulations for the body of water being fished. Any event-specific limits will be announced before competition.
- Five-fish limit
- One-half-pound penalty for each dead fish
- Three (3) or more dead fish will result in automatic disqualification. The team will receive zero tournament weight and zero AOY points.
- One-pound penalty for each short fish presented
Short fish will not be weighed or included in the total weight.
8. Weigh-In
Only fish presented during the official weigh-in period will be accepted.
- Fish should be brought to the scales in an approved weigh bag.
- Scales normally close 15 minutes after tournament hours end.
- The Tournament Director may extend the weigh-in period when necessary.
- Once weighed and released, recorded weights become official.
- Competitors are responsible for verifying their recorded weight before leaving the scales.
9. Tournament Scoring and Angler of the Year
Tournament standings are determined by total eligible weight after penalties.
Tournament Tiebreakers
- Most fish weighed
- Largest Largemouth Bass
- Largest Smallmouth Bass
- Earliest official weigh-in
- Tournament Director Decision
Angler of the Year Points
AOY points are awarded after each regular-season event.
- 1st — 100 points
- 2nd — 99 points
- 3rd — 98 points
- Each following place decreases by one point
- Every eligible competitor receives at least one point
AOY Tiebreakers
- Most tournament wins
- Most second-place finishes
- Most third-place finishes
- Greatest total regular-season weight
- Largest bass weighed during the regular season
- Tournament Director decision
10. Championship Fish Off Qualification
Competitors must fish at least seven (7) regular-season events of nine (9) to qualify.
Fish Off berths are non-transferable.
11. Payouts
Tournament payouts are based on the number of paid boats.
One place will be paid for every 10 paid boats (capped to 7 places)
Examples:
- 10 boats — 1 place
- 20 boats — 2 places
- 30 boats — 3 places
- 40 boats — 4 places
- 50 boats — 5 places
If 17–19 boats are entered, the tournament will pay two places. Tournaments with 1–16 paid boats will pay one place. Tournaments with 20 or more paid boats will pay according to the payout schedule above.
The tournament Big Bass winner receives the entire $25-per-boat Big Bass pot for that event.
The $50 Fish Off contribution from each tournament entry is added to the Championship Fish Off payout fund. Fish Off payouts will be announced before the event.
Competitors are responsible for any taxes associated with prize winnings.
12. Protests
Protests must be submitted to the Tournament Director before official results are announced.
The Tournament Director may investigate alleged violations and review available evidence.
All Tournament Director decisions are final.
13. Sportsmanship
Competitors must conduct themselves professionally and respectfully.
Harassment, cheating, abusive language, threats, unsafe conduct, or intentional rule violations may result in penalties, disqualification, suspension, loss of Fish Off eligibility, or removal from Tennessee Winter Series and Priest Bass Fishing events.
14. Tournament Director Authority
The Tournament Director has final authority over all tournament operations and may interpret or modify procedures when necessary to protect fairness, integrity, and safety.
All decisions are final.
15. Media Release
By participating, competitors grant Priest Bass Fishing and the Tennessee Winter Series permission to photograph, record, livestream, publish, and use their name, likeness, boat, catch, results, photographs, and video for promotional purposes without additional compensation.
16. Rule Changes
Priest Bass Fishing and the Tennessee Winter Series reserve the right to modify these rules when necessary.
Changes will be communicated before competition whenever reasonably possible.
17. Acceptance
By registering for or participating in a Tennessee Winter Series event, competitors certify that they have read, understand, and agree to follow these rules, including the Liability Release and Hold Harmless Agreement protecting Priest Bass Fishing, PBF, the Tennessee Winter Series, sponsors, event staff, officials, volunteers, facilities, and event partners.
Official Home Pond Winter Series Rules
- Version
- Version 4
- Effective Date
- August 23, 2026
These rules govern all PBF Home Pond Winter Series regular-season events and the Championship.
The PBF Standard Rules apply to all Home Pond Winter Series events in addition to these Series Rules. By registering for or participating in a Home Pond Winter Series event, all competitors agree to comply with both the PBF Standard Rules and these Series Rules.
1. Series Eligibility
All competitors must complete official tournament registration before competing.
All competitors must comply with the eligibility requirements contained in the PBF Standard Rules and any additional eligibility requirements published for an individual event.
2. Series Membership
A $20 Home Pond Winter Series Membership is required before competing in a Series event.
Membership is valid for the current PBF Home Pond Winter Series only and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Series Membership fees are reinvested into the Home Pond Winter Series for the benefit of participating anglers, including the Championship payout fund, trophies, awards, and other angler prizes.
3. Registration & Entry Fees
Registration will be available through the PBF website. Ramp registration may also be accepted until the published registration closing time for each event.
Entry Fee: $100 per boat
- $80 — Tournament Payout Purse
- $20 — Big Bass Pot
Entry fees must be paid before registration is complete.
Boat numbers will be assigned by random draw unless otherwise announced.
All competitors must check in before blast-off.
Tournament entry fees are non-refundable unless an event is canceled by Priest Bass Fishing.
4. Competition Hours
Official blast-off, fishing, weigh-in, and check-in times will be published for each event.
No fishing is permitted before the official blast-off.
All competitors must return by the official check-in deadline. Late arrival will result in disqualification.
The Tournament Director may adjust tournament hours or procedures, when necessary, due to weather, safety concerns, or other circumstances affecting the event.
5. Boats & Tournament Safety
In addition to the boating and safety requirements contained in the PBF Standard Rules:
- A U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device must be worn whenever the combustion engine is in gear.
- The engine kill switch must be properly attached to the boat operator whenever the combustion engine is in gear.
- Navigation lights must be used when required by law.
- Alcohol or illegal drug use during tournament competition is prohibited.
- Competitors are responsible for the safe operation of their boats.
The Tournament Director may delay, shorten, relocate, postpone, or cancel an event due to unsafe conditions.
6. Fishing Regulations, Catch Requirements & Fish Care
Only Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Spotted Bass are eligible for tournament competition.
Minimum Lengths
- Largemouth Bass — 15 inches
- Smallmouth Bass — 18 inches
- Spotted Bass — 12 inches
Fish must be legally caught on rod and reel in accordance with applicable regulations.
All tournaments will have a five (5) fish limit unless otherwise published for an individual event.
A one-pound (1 lb.) penalty will be assessed for each short fish presented. A short fish will not be included in the weighed catch.
A one-half-pound (0.5 lb.) penalty will be assessed for each dead fish.
Dead fish are not eligible for the Big Bass pot.
7. Weigh-In
Only fish presented during the official weigh-in period will be accepted.
Scales will close fifteen (15) minutes after the published tournament hours end unless otherwise announced by the Tournament Director based on tournament conditions or total entries.
Once a catch has been weighed and officially recorded, the recorded weight becomes official.
Competitors are responsible for verifying their recorded weight before leaving the scales.
8. Tournament Scoring
Tournament standings are determined by total official weight after all applicable penalties have been assessed.
Tournament standings are first determined by Total Weight.
If two or more teams have the same Total Weight, ties are resolved by:
- Most Fish Weighed
- Largest Largemouth Bass
- Largest Smallmouth Bass
- Earliest Official Weigh-In
- Director Decision
9. Angler of the Year
Angler of the Year (AOY) points are awarded following each eligible regular-season event.
- 1st Place — 100 points
- 2nd Place — 99 points
- 3rd Place — 98 points
- Each subsequent place decreases by one point.
- Every eligible competitor receives at least one (1) point.
AOY ties are resolved by:
- Most Wins
- Most Second-Place Finishes
- Most Third-Place Finishes
- Total Season Weight
- Largest Bass Weighed During the Season
- Director Decision
10. Championship Qualification
The Championship field consists of up to thirty (30) qualified anglers or teams.
Championship berths are earned through:
- Top 20 in the final Angler of the Year standings
- Winner of each of the eight (8) regular-season tournaments
- Angler or team weighing the single largest bass during the regular season
- Angler or team weighing the single largest Smallmouth Bass during the regular season
A competitor must fish at least three (3) regular-season events to be eligible for Championship qualification.
If a competitor qualifies through more than one method, the duplicate berth will roll down to the next highest eligible competitor in the final AOY standings.
Duplicate qualifications will continue to roll down through the AOY standings until the thirty (30) Championship positions are filled or no additional eligible competitors remain.
Championship berths are non-transferable.
11. Tournament Payouts
Tournament payouts are based on the number of paid boats.
1–30 Paid Boats — 3 Places Paid
31–50 Paid Boats — 4 Places Paid
51+ Paid Boats — 5 Places Paid
The tournament Big Bass winner receives 100% of the event Big Bass pot.
12. Championship Format & Payouts
The Home Pond Winter Series Championship will be a two-day event.
The Championship payout purse will be distributed as follows:
- 1st Place — 50%
- 2nd Place — 30%
- 3rd Place — 20%
The Championship Big Bass winner receives 100% of the Championship Big Bass pot.
Additional Championship procedures, including daily fishing hours, check-in requirements, weigh-in procedures, and other event-specific information, will be published before the Championship.
13. Official Schedule
The Home Pond Winter Series consists of eight (8) regular-season events followed by a two-day Championship.
Tournament locations, ramps, registration times, blast-off times, weigh-in times, and other event-specific information will be published for each event.
14. Protests
Any protest concerning tournament competition must be submitted to the Tournament Director before official results are announced.
The Tournament Director may investigate alleged rule violations and may request information from competitors or witnesses when necessary.
All Tournament Director decisions regarding protests and competition matters are final.
15. Series Rule Changes
Priest Bass Fishing reserves the right to modify these Series Rules when reasonably necessary for tournament operations, safety, fairness, regulatory compliance, or other circumstances affecting the Series.
Changes will be communicated to competitors before competition whenever reasonably possible.
16. Acceptance of PBF and Series Rules
By purchasing a Home Pond Winter Series Membership, registering for a tournament, or participating in a Home Pond Winter Series event, competitors acknowledge that they have had the opportunity to review, understand, and agree to comply with:
- The PBF Standard Rules
- These Official PBF Home Pond Winter Series Rules
- Any additional rules or requirements published for the individual event
The PBF Standard Rules apply to all Home Pond Winter Series events in addition to these Series Rules.
Member Acknowledgment
By submitting a PBF membership application or tournament registration, each member confirms that they have read, understand, and agree to follow the official PBF Tournament Rules.