2016 LA. BASS Nation Tournament Format Changes

Louisiana B.A.S.S. Nation Tournament Format Changes – 2016

• Full year Angler / Co-Angler format
• Boaters link with Co-Anglers to guarantee ability to draw Co-Angler
• Boaters not linked run risk of pairing Boater / Boater
• Point system will remain the same for Boaters and Co-Anglers to distinguish our 20 man State Team of 10 Boaters and 10 Co-Anglers (Top three days overall)
• Continue to hold a Spring and Fall Qualifier
• Continue to alternate between North and South (Spring and Fall) in a given year for locations of events
• Will have to work with Taysys Software to develop program for this tournament format

• Angler entry fee will be $300 paid upfront for full year (both tournaments) Entry form must be completed for each event
• Co-Angler Entry will be $100 per Hope this helps the co-angler that may not be able to make both events. Entice others to join up prior to the events. Entry form must be completed for each event.
• Angler payout will be 50/50. 50% going to state team money, 50% split as payout for spring (25%) and fall (25%).
• Co-Angler payout will mirror Angler payout, 50/50 with 25% payout at spring and fall events.
• Continue to have Big Bass pot. One for angler side, one for co-angler side

• Boater creel limit to remain 5 fish
• Co-Angler creel limit should be 3 fish
• Angler pairings will remain a blind draw. We will have to make exceptions and adjustments for those Boaters not linked to a Co-Angler for Boater / Boater draw out (Will basically fall directly into our current format and rules)
• Co-Anglers will only be allowed to operate the boat in emergency or hazardous situations during the tournament
• Anglers will make all fishing decisions during tournament day as he sees fit and MUST fish from the front deck
• Co-Anglers MUST fish from the back deck
• Either angler is allowed to utilize the entire boat for LANDING fish
• Should there be a Boater / Boater draw out, both anglers are entitled to their own half of the fishing day where they will make decisions to fish their own water. Boaters can decide among themselves if they would like to share the front deck or only fish from the front deck on their half of the day (Current rules apply to this situation)
• Co-Anglers may not share Day 1 partner’s information pertaining to fishing locations with Day 2 partner
• Co-Anglers should not be EXPECTED to share expenses during competition. Expenses will be the responsibility of the Boater.
• Our current rules on official practice should be sufficient. Participants in the tournament should only be able to fish with other participants during official practice and also only receive information from other participants
• Co-Anglers may choose to scout during official practice days. Same rules as #11 apply. The co-angler is responsible for your own expenses. The boater (angler) will still make all fishing decisions during competition days. ALL other tournament rules apply.

• Simple, consistent, and familiar
• While there are some differences in Angler / Co-Angler format, the majority of the rules and format remain unchanged
• The need for Co-Anglers will allow us to bring in new anglers, younger anglers (high school/college) who may not participate now because they don’t have a boat or experience in our current format
• Increase overall La. BASS Nation membership
• Attract a new group of anglers to B.A.S.S. Nation with the Pro-Am format. Said anglers may not want to compete in a Boater / Boater style event
• Current membership pleased with Angler/Co-angler format, something the membership has been looking for.
• Continue to build a solid team with two separate events and using three point days
• Meets expectations set by B.A.S.S. on qualifying State Teams