1. Eligibility: Must have a valid SD fishing license and be 18 years of age unless accompanied by parent or guardian.
2. Fish Limits: State regulations for amount: Can weigh-in 6 fish (only 2 fish may be over 20 inches) All fish must be presented in a bucket of fresh water. Fish must be 14" minimum. Fish CANNOT be frozen.
3. Boundaries: Lake Oahe from South point of Swan Creek and South Point of Moreau River to the North Dakota State Line. The entire Moreau and Grand River are within bounds. Anything beyond these points is out of bounds. Map enclosed.
4. Fishing Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m Both team members must pick up numbered board at the Coca Cola Bottling Co. at 9 a.m. Weigh-in at Beadles Chevrolet at 7 p.m.
5. BOTH partners MUST be present at the launch and in the Coca Cola Bottling Co. building to receive their bucket. If a team misses their number and bucket being called, that team’s bucket will be set aside. It may be picked up once the last team has left the building and both partners are present. If bucket is not picked up by 9:30 a.m., you are disqualified for prize eligibility and for your guaranteed spot in future tournaments.
6. Anglers MUST return their numbered board to either Beadles Chevrolet or the Coke plant (if no fish to weigh) by 7 p.m. (CDT). If you are late, you are disqualified. (This rule is for your safety and to ensure that we know all contestants have checked in). If your boat board is not returned at either Beadles Chevrolet or the Coke plant, you will be charged $50 for replacement of the board. If fine is not paid, your team will not be allowed to participate in future tournaments.
7. Bad Weather – if inclement weather, there will be no refunds on entry fees. Team placement prizes will be drawn for on Saturday night.
8. Anglers must be off the ice by 4 p.m. the evening of the rules meeting. Nobody on the ice until 9 a.m. Saturday. Both team members must be present at rules meeting. Must be present to win prizes. MUST have ID present to collect prizes.
9. Both team members must be within 25-yard radius of their center point or occupied shack. Distance between teams is 25 yards of an occupied shack unless right-of-way team approves. Right-of-way team would be the first team to that spot.
10. Tournament fishermen cannot fish with non-tournament fishermen. Each team can fish a maximum of eight (8) lines.
11. Stay away from bridges and pressure ridges. Know your ice thickness when navigating.
12. You may only use a standardized hook and line system with artificial bait or live bait to include: (less than 12 dozen) fathead minnows, creek chubs, white suckers, and golden shiners. If using more than 12 dozen or any other bait, you will have to have an Importation Permit from the SD GF&P. No Spearing or Snagging Fish. We will be looking at all fish.
13. You are the best marshal. We will have marshals on the ice but if you see anything suspicious, just call 605-848-2919 or 605-848-3617 and it will be checked out.
14. Four-wheelers, electronics, and ice shacks (no more than 2 shacks per team) are allowed.
15. At launch be prepared to show your ID. We will randomly be checking ID.
16. The “Golden Rule” will be used as the official tournament ruler. Fish will be measured on both sides and tails will be pinched. Any mangled, mashed, or mauled fish will be weighed at the discretion of the weigh-in official and tournament coordinator. All decisions of the measure master, weigh master and tournament coordinator are final.
17. LOTTERY WINNERS The spot that you won is a NON-GUARANTEED SPOT FOR 2024. Winners will have to enter the lottery again.
18. If an angler tests positive for COVID-19 they MUST send proof (a letter from your respective state’s DOH). If this angler is on a guaranteed team, they WILL NOT lose their guaranteed spot for the 2024 tournament. The angler who tested positive for COVID-19 may also find a substitute for the 2024 tournament and they WILL NOT lose their guaranteed spot in 2025. If a lottery team angler tests positive for COVID-19 their partner may find a substitute and continue to fish in the 2024 tournament. If no sub is found the team spot will go to a lottery alternate.
19. All teams MUST register PRIOR to 3 p.m. on Friday January 12th, for the 2024 tournament. Registration begins at the Ice Expo on January 11th from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. or January 12th from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. ID will be checked at registration.
20. No-show or Cancellation: In the event of a team “no-show” or not registering prior to 3 p.m. Friday, that team hereby forfeits the guaranteed spot.
21. The 2024 rules meeting will be closed to the public. Must have a 2024 ID tag to enter the Rules Meeting on Friday night. Must show your ID tag for any prizes won.
Participation Agreement: I understand that this is a professional sporting event governed by the rules that have been established by tournament organizers. I acknowledge that I have received a copy of these rules, read them, and understand them. In addition to terms of entry and competition, these rules relate to the safety of all participants as well as the fair sporting conduct of this event. The Chamber Executive Director/Tourism Committee shall act as the referee in all disputes and his/her decision based on his/her interpretation of the rules will be final and without legal appeal. I understand there are never refunds for tournament entry fees. The Mobridge Chamber of Commerce (MCC) reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by MCC without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. MCC may use the photograph/video in a publication or other media material produced, used, or contracted by MCC including but not limited to brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, etc. By participating in a MCC event or by failing to notify MCC, in writing, your desire to not have your photography used by MCC, you are agreeing to release, defend, hold harmless and indemnify MCC from any and all claims involving the use of your picture or likeness
