Northwater Spring Predator Open 2026 – Competition Rules

1. General Information & Competition Format

The Northwater Spring Predator Open 2026 is organized by Northwater Angling Club as a team-based predator fishing competition. Each team consists of three anglers unless otherwise stated in the event information. The tournament follows a Catch & Release (C&R) format, meaning all fish must be carefully released alive after registration.

All participants are responsible for knowing and following local fishing laws, protected areas, and tournament regulations. The tournament organization reserves the right to interpret and enforce the rules during the competition day. Any official decisions made by tournament staff are final for the event.

2. Participation, Eligibility & Safety

All participants must meet the organizer’s participation requirements and hold valid fishing permits where required. Life jackets or approved flotation devices must be worn by everyone in the boat at all times during the competition. Alcohol, drugs, or unsafe behavior are strictly prohibited.

Each team is responsible for carrying a working mobile phone for communication and emergency contact. In emergency situations, teams may ignore competition rules if necessary to protect life or safety, but tournament officials must be informed as soon as possible.

3. Fishing Methods & Equipment

Only lure fishing (spinning gear) is allowed during the tournament. Natural bait, trolling, and multi-hook trolling systems are not permitted. Each angler may actively fish with one rod at a time, although additional prepared rods may be carried in the boat.

Fishing is only allowed from a boat or kayak approved for the event. Landing on shore is only permitted in emergency situations or for necessary personal reasons. Protected or restricted areas are completely closed to fishing and may not be entered during tournament hours.

4. Fish Registration & Scoring

Only northern pike measuring at least 60 cm are approved for scoring unless otherwise stated by the organizer. Final standings are based on the team’s five longest registered pike. Fish length is measured in whole centimeters and always rounded down to the nearest full centimeter.

All fish must be photographed on an approved measuring board with the fish’s nose clearly touching the stop plate. Manipulating the tail fin by squeezing, pinching, or holding the tail to extend length is not allowed and may result in penalties or rejected catches. Fish must be handled carefully and released quickly to minimize stress and injury.

5. Fair Play, Protests & Penalties

Teams may not fish closer than 50 meters from another competing team or their boat unless invited closer. Unsportsmanlike behavior, intentional disturbance, or unfair sharing of competition information is prohibited. Respect for fellow anglers, wildlife, and the environment is expected throughout the event.

Any protest must be submitted in writing within the official protest period after the tournament ends. Violations of tournament rules may result in penalties, score reductions, disqualification, or removal of the entire team from the competition. Decisions made by tournament management are final and cannot be changed after the event.

6. Fishy Live Registration & GPS Rules

Fishy Live is the official tournament platform and must be used for all catch registrations during the event. Every approved pike must be photographed and registered directly in the app immediately after the catch. For faster handling and smoother registration, all team members are recommended to have the app installed on their devices.

If GPS or location services are enabled, participants must allow the app to submit catch coordinates according to the app settings. This ensures that every registered catch receives a correct and verified catch position connected to the tournament entry.