I. Participants and Eligibility

A. Each contestant must complete, sign and submit an official entry form along with the $100 entry fee to MN Teen Challenge.  Confirmations will be mailed or emailed.

B.  Contestants may pay with check, money order or credit card.

C. Sponsorship funds (100 % tax deductible) raised to support Teen Challenge establish rankings for prize fishing trips with Al & Ron Lindner and Walleye Dan Eigen. The minimum amount to be raised is $500; there is no maximum.  In 2012, teams averaged more than $1,000 each, with the top fund-raising team collecting $29,000.  Al Lindner, Tournament Host and Honorary Tournament Director Steve Pennaz request all teams strive for the maximum amount possible.

D. Contestants over 16 must possess a valid Minnesota fishing license.

E. Any contestant who is not in good physical or mental condition and cannot freely move about the boat without assistance must have a partner who can handle those necessary tasks.

F. This is a two-person per boat fishing tournament. If both contestants are under age 16, a non-fishing guardian or parent must be present. There is no age limit.

G. News releases will indicate the church each team represents.

H. Contestants must attend the Friday, May 31, 2013 Rules Dinner at Heritage Assembly of God church in Baxter.

II. Scoring

A. Contestants may fish and enter fish in all divisions.

B. The “Mixed Bag” division may be entered, but excludes the team from entering the other divisions.  “Mixed Bag” of one panfish, one walleye, one bass and one pike must be declared at weigh-in.

C. In the panfish division, teams may weigh a maximum of three panfish (bluegill, sunfish, crappie or perch in any combination).  Teams may weigh three walleyes in the walleye division.  Teams may weigh three largemouth or smallmouth bass (in any combination) in the bass division.  Teams may weigh only one northern pike in the pike division.

D. One rock bass will be the bonus “kicker” fish and added to each species weighed (including “Mixed Bag”).

E. Weigh-in headquarters will be at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake.

F. Scales open at 1 p.m.  Teams may weigh a limit for any species only once.  For instance, if a team brought in a 13 pound pike at 1 p.m., they would not be able to bring in another pike.  They would, however, be able to fish for other species and weigh those later.

G. Ties will be settled by a coin toss.

H. Contestants will place their fish in the weigh-in bags and move to the stage/scales when directed.

I. There will be a plaque awarded to the largest dogfish, eelpout, sucker, carp and bullhead registered.

III. Tournament Format

A. Tournament boundaries: the entire Gull Lake Chain of lakes.
B. Launch at any ramp.

C. Contestants may be on the water and at their fishing destinations, but may not begin fishing until 7 a.m.

D. All boats must return to Cragun’s Resort and Conference Center no later than 3 p.m.  If boats are in line by 3 p.m., they will be considered on time. Late boats have until 3:05 p.m. to make it to the timekeeper, but will sacrifice 50 percent of their weight for each division.

E. Artificial lures and live bait are allowed.

F. Each competitor must observe safe boat conduct, no-wake zones, local navigation rules, demonstrate courtesy and act in a sportsmanlike manner at all times.

G. The tournament director will interpret rules according to the spirit and intent of the rule and his decision in all matters is final.

H. All prizes and trophies will be awarded from the weigh-in stage immediately upon completion of the tournament.  Winners must be present to collect prizes or they will be forfeited.  Each team will be entitled to win one major prize; it will be for the highest finish of all divisions entered.

IV. Sponsorship Materials

A. A packet of sponsorship materials will be provided to each contestant that will make fund-raising much easier.

B. Envelopes and materials will be provided when teams register. Mail funds raised in special envelopes to Teen Challenge, 1619 Portland Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Do this as funds are raised. On-line donations will be possible again in 2013.

C. Teams are urged to begin the process as soon as possible. Submit funds early!  Teams may continue fund-raising up to tournament time. Submit additional contributions at registration.