2024 OFFICIAL RULES
Team Division

Effective January 1, 2024, the following rules shall apply to all NewJen Bass Team tournaments. Rules for special tournaments may differ from those contained herein. Interpretation and enforcement of these rules shall be left exclusively to the Tournament Director or his/her designee at a tournament.

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1. RULES: 

Interpretation and enforcement of NewJen Bass rules shall be left exclusively to the tournament director/s. Tournament directors may impose sanctions as deemed appropriate for rule infractions without limitation, e.g., disqualification, forfeiture of prizes, entry fee, membership fee and prohibition from participation in subsequent tournaments. Federal, state, local and lake laws and rules must be obeyed at all times and shall supersede NewJen rules when in conflict. It is the responsibility of each entrant to know and obey all rules listed below, along with any lake or river specific rules.

 

​2. PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY: 

The 2024 NewJen Bass Membership fee is required for all NewJen Bass events, unless otherwise noted on the event registration, and covers your ability to enter all 2024 Pro/Ams, and Team Series. Entry of these events without an active/paid membership is grounds for disqualification, without refund. NewJen Bass reserves the right to refuse and/or revoke memberships without cause, reason and/or explanation and without recourse at our own discretion. Membership does not guarantee the ability to enter a tournament. NewJen Bass 2024 Memberships are valid for the 2024 calendar year.

Membership is required to participate in the NewJen Bass circuit. The annual membership can be obtained for $60 per angler. Tournament eligibility and entry is open to all members in good standing with NewJen Bass. Each angler is responsible for signing a waiver absolving NewJen Bass, its employees, sponsors and volunteers from any responsibility for any damage or personal injury caused as a result of their participation in the tournament or associated activities (See Sections 10 and 12). Any angler under age 18 entered into a tournament must have written consent and release of liability from parent or guardian. In no case shall the Boater be under the age of 18.

 

3. LICENSES: 

Each contestant must have in possession a valid and current fishing license with appropriate stamps governing the fishable waters of the event. Penalty for such an offense is disqualification of the day’s catch.

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4. SPORTSMANSHIP: 

All participants in NewJen Bass tournaments must follow standards of sportsmanship, safety and conservation at all times. Displaying of poor sportsmanship and bringing unfavorable publicity to the sport of bass fishing shall be grounds for disqualification. The use of profanity or obscene gestures any time prior to, during and after the event in the host marina or headquarters will not be tolerated. If one team member is disqualified, the team shall be disqualified. Disqualifications will not count as an event attended. NewJen Bass reserves the right to revoke membership at any time without remuneration. NewJen Bass also reserves the right to refuse participation to any angler in NewJen Bass sanctioned events. NewJen Bass participants are required to cooperate with tournament officials for the purposes of boat inspection, photography, sponsor, and media requests. Anglers are highly encouraged to cooperate with media or promotions personnel by granting photography, accounts or interviews as well. Material gathered shall be used in the promotion of the NewJen Bass and its anglers. Should anyone wish to file a formal complaint against any angler, you must follow proper protocol. Completing a Formal Complaint Document (in which a detailed written complaint signed under penalty of perjury, along with a list of witnesses) will be required to initiate a formal, 3rd party investigation.

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5. APPEARANCE & DRESS: 

It is the responsibility of all contestants to dress and conduct themselves in a presentable manner at meetings & weigh-ins. Contestants approaching the weigh station barefooted or without a shirt will be required to return to the boat for proper dress.

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6. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND DRUGS: 

Use of alcohol, drugs, or any prescription medication that may cause impairment by any participant during the official practice or during the tournament will not be tolerated and shall be cause for disciplinary action. No alcoholic beverages, other stimulants or depressants, prescription or otherwise, shall be allowed in the boats during the official practice or competition days or when in the weigh-in area. Any participant(s) deemed under the influence by the tournament director may be disqualified. Chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of a felony or crimes involving moral turpitude or other conduct reflecting unfavorably upon efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship, fair competition, and compliance with tournament rules shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation and/or for disqualification after circumstances are reviewed by the Tournament Director. Any candidate for competition who, in the judgment of the Tournament Director, is impaired in such a manner as to endanger the safety or well-being of their partner, themselves, or others will be removed from the event immediately and may not be eligible to fish in future events.

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7. BOATS & MOTORS: 

All boats entered must be a minimum of 16 feet powered by an engine no less than 40hp. There is no horsepower limit; however, no engine may exceed the BIA horsepower rating for the boat in use. All boats must meet US Coast Guard and state regulations. All boats must have a working emergency kill switch and must be attached to the driver whenever the outboard motor is running. Kill switch lanyards must not be longer than forty-eight inches (4 feet). All boats must have an aerated live well suitable to sustain a tournament limit in releasable condition. All boats must be equipped with navigation lights. Extra gas tanks must be secured and must meet US Coast Guard specifications. Standing on seats, or motor or the use of ladder or raised platform for the purpose locating or fishing for bedding fish in not permitted.

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8. CONSERVATION: 

Adequate live wells are mandatory on each boat. They must provide aeration to sustain a limit of fish in a good and releasable condition as possible. Should any angler release a fish that is not neutrally buoyant (unable to swim to deep water on its own), the team may be disqualified from the event.

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9. INSURANCE AND LIABIILTY: 

It is the sole responsibility of all participant boat owners to carry and maintain the mandated, required minimum liability coverage for themselves and their passengers of $300,000.00. Anglers also need to be aware that not all insurance policies cover tournament participation, therefore all parties involved with participating in a NewJen Bass event must consult with their insurance company prior to competing in any NewJen Bass tournament.

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10. ENTRY FORM: 

The participant expressly acknowledges that by completing the membership, entry form and/or payment electronically on the web site, that he or she is relinquishing all rights, he or she may have to file a lawsuit against NewJen Bass for injuries arising out of his or her participation in any NewJen Bass events or activities. This release is intended to be interpreted as broadly as allowed under California law.

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11. ENTRY/ MEMBERSHIP/ DEPOSITS/ REFUNDS: 

There may be no refund of any monies; including the annual membership and event fees. Regularly scheduled tournaments will cost $200 per team, unless otherwise noted. An additional $100 in “Options” will be available at regularly scheduled season events with a 100% payback. Each $100 Option is disbursed as follows: 1st Place $25, 2nd Place $20, 3rd Place $15, 4th Place $10, 5th Place $7, 6th Place $5, 7th Place $3, 1st Big Fish $10, 2nd Big Fish $5.

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12. WAIVER & RELEASE AGREEMENT: 

The undersigned understands and agrees that as consideration for being allowed to participate in any NewJen Bass event, whether prior to commencement, during the actual event and/or during any post-event festivities, he or she is doing so at his or her own risk. NewJen Bass and its owners, managers, employees, agents and sponsors (collectively “NewJen Bass”), shall not be liable for any damages, claims or causes of action arising from personal injuries or property damage sustained in, on or about the premises or waterways used for any NewJen Bass event, specifically including, but not limited to, all boat launches, bodies of water, parking lots or other public or private areas used for any NewJen Bass event. The undersigned assumes full responsibility for any injuries or damages which may occur during any NewJen Bass event, however caused, regardless of whether such injuries or damages are caused by the negligence of NewJen Bass or any of its employees or agents. In the event that any Tournament Director is seriously injured or there is loss of life, all set aside funds toward the TOC, awards, trophies, etc. may be completely forfeited and the remainder of the season may be canceled.

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13. REGISTRATION/LATE FEES/PREAUTHORIZED PAYMENT METHOD: 

All anglers are required to pay entry fees and options in advance of the tournament. Electronic registration can be completed via the NewJenBass.com website and a late fee may be assessed after 5:00pm on the day preceding the start of an event. The "Start" of an event would be defined as when the "Off limits" period begins on any special event or TOC. Cash and/or checks will not be accepted, unless otherwise approved by the Tournament Director. If you wish to leave a card on file, a Preauthorization form can be requested directly from NewJen Bass and a signature will be required. Although the card may be on file, it is still your responsibility to authorize processing of your card by phone, text or email to Jennifer Price, Tournament Director, that includes the date of the event in which you choose to participate and if you want to enter “Options” or not. If you do not authorize the card directly with Jennifer within the deadline listed above, a late fee may still be assessed. If you register after the deadline, you may still be allowed to participate, and will be last to blast off and also in the first flight back to check in.

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14. SAFETY: 

It is the Director’s discretion to make any changes deemed necessary when contestant(s) safety is of concerned, including delaying tournament hours due to fog or other weather factors. Passing in speed restricted areas or during speed restricted times to gain an advantage is not permitted. Boating safety must be observed at all times during practice and competition. A U.S. Coast Guard approved chest type life-preserver (PFD) Type III or higher, must be worn and properly fastened any time the combustible engine is operative and the kill switch must be attached to the driver with a lanyard no longer than fourty-eight-48) inches. SOSpenders are allowed if approved by the Coast Guard. All contestants returning from their day on the water are required to check in with tournament officials by closing of the scales, regardless of having fish to be weighed or not. All boats must be equipped with the minimum recommended USCG safety devices. These requirements can be viewed online at www.dbw.ca.gov.

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15. START OF TOURNAMENT: 

The start of each tournament will be determined on a per event basis. On the morning of the event, you must be launched and floating at the designated blast off area at least 30 minutes prior to formal “sunrise”, as referenced on Weather.com. If you are not prepared for blast off when your team number is called by the Tournament Director, you will be moved to the end of your flight group. If you are still not prepared by that time, you will be the last boat to blast off.

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16. INFORMATION SHARING AND GUIDES: 

Once an event has started it is against the rules for any contestant to receive help or information about how/where to catch fish from someone else outside of their own boat. This includes help from another contestant. Transmittal of information via phone, radio, text messaging or other means concerning any aspect of fishing during a tournament is prohibited. Communication between contestants and/or land lines may be used for breakdowns, emergencies, business, or personal reasons. Teams may not hire guides within 30 days of any event on the body of water in which you will be competing under any circumstance. NewJen reserves the right to consider any highly qualified individual as a guide.

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17. CITATIONS: 

A contestant cited by officers for violation of local, State or Federal fishing or boating regulations may be subject to disqualification by the Tournament officials.

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18. PERMITTED FISHING WATERS: 

All fishing must be done from a previously inspected boat. No tube or wade fishing allowed. No fishing is allowed within 50 yards of an operating “Gas dock”. No fishing is allowed within 25 yards of another anchored or tied tournament boat with trolling motor out of the water, without the anchored boat’s permission. Anytime two or more docks are within the 25-yard area a contestant may only claim one side of one dock for their fishing area. Only contestants may be in the boat during the tournament hours. Having a non-contestant sit on a hole for you shall not be tolerated. Hole sitting will not be tolerated. Boats may not be trailered to weigh in during the tournament hours unless under the direction of the Tournament Director. Contestants must be able to get the boat into the fishing area without getting out of the boat. Navigable waters are the only waters to be fished during the tournament. Contestants cannot leave the boat to land a fish.

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19. SIGHTFISHING: 

This rule concerns “sight or bedding” bass and is in effect at any time either of these conditions exist and is designed to eliminate illegal snagging of bass. Intentional snagging of fish will not be allowed. A sight or bedding fish is defined as one that can be seen and watched as it approaches the lure. Fish caught under these conditions must be caught by hook and line and by the fish ingesting the lure. Any bass caught that is either a “sight” or “bed” fish must be caught “hook in mouth with the hook point entering from the inside of the mouth” – and must be verified as a legal catch by the angler’s in-boat partner. Any “sight” or “bed” fish caught by snagging or with hook starting from outside the mouth shall be deemed an illegally caught fish and must be released. This same fish may be caught again by the legal method – with the hook starting from inside the mouth. Any angler catching a fish under these conditions and not verifying the hook location with the other person in the boat may be disqualified from the tournament.

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20. CULLING FISH: 

It is the responsibility of each team to keep no more than a maximum of five (5) fish in a live well. When your sixth fish is caught, you must immediately cull a fish. If more than five (5) fish are present in the live well during the event you will be subject to disqualification. All fish must be culled before you enter the host marina; no culling is allowed in the host marina. No culling of dead fish.

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21. SCORING FISH: 

Contestants may weigh-in five (5) fish per day, a minimum of 13 inches in length unless state or lake limits are greater, measured on a flat board with mouth closed and tail compressed. Any team weighing-in a fish shorter than the legal tournament length will be assessed a one-1 lb. penalty plus the loss of the short fish. Any team bringing more than five (5) fish to the scales will be disqualified. For each legal dead bass presented to weigh-in officials, the participant shall be penalized as follows: 1 Dead fish is a .25 lbs. penalty, 2 Dead fish is .75 lbs. penalty, 3 Dead fish is 1.5 lbs. penalty, 4 Dead fish 2.5 lbs. penalty, and 5 Dead fish will have a weight of 0 lbs. Only Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted Bass will be scored. Any team returning to the checkpoint late will be disqualified. A dead fish may be weighed for “overall weight” purposes but will not be considered for purposes of “Big Fish” awards, monies or points. In order to weigh in fish, you must have checked in; on time; with the designated NewJen official. A big fish will only be weighed at the direction of the team weighing in. If the biggest fish isn’t immediately obvious, the team must have their largest fish marked.

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22. FISH TRANSPORT: 

Restricting natural movement of fish by any means such as but not limited to: use of nets, tanks or dams will result in immediate disqualification. Restricting access to waters normally accessible to anglers by any means such as but not limited to: felling of trees or placement of obstructions will result in disqualification. Transporting live fish taken in one area and releasing them in another area for the purpose of establishing a population in the new area during the practice period, during the tournament, or thirty days prior to the tournament is strictly prohibited and grounds for disqualification.

 

23. TACKLE & EQUIPMENT: 

Trolling with the aid of combustion or electric motors is not permitted. Only artificial lures may be used. No live bait or prepared bait permitted with the exception of pork rinds. Liquid fish attractants are allowed. Only one (1) rod may be used at any one time by each angler. Other rods may be in the boat and ready for use, however, every cast and retrieve must be completed before another cast is made. Rods may not exceed nine feet in length. The use of underwater cameras is allowed during practice periods. They are not allowed during competition. No SCUBA diving or snorkeling allowed 30 days prior to the event. Use of a CB or VHF marine band radio, cellular phone, or any electronic communication device for the purpose of locating or catching bass during tournament hours is strictly prohibited. Aforementioned devices may be used for emergency purposes only. Nets may not have a handle longer than seven (7) feet.

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24. BREAKDOWNS/EMERGENCIES/RESTROOM: 

In the case of a breakdown on the water, the fishing partners may accept assistance in the form of a tow from or a return ride with any other boat on the waters. While in tow or riding, those contestants accepting assistance are not permitted to continue fishing. However, other contestants, if rendering assistance, may continue fishing. Should one of the contestants decide to stay with the troubled craft, he may send his catch with his partner to the weigh-in. The contestant choosing to remain behind may not continue to fish. Contestants with fish to be taken to the weigh-in may only be transported via another tournament contestant’s boat or a method approved by the Tournament officials. In the event that contestants need to change boats during a tournament, a NewJen official must witness the exchange of fish from one boat to the next following a live well inspection of the new boat to be used. An angler is permitted to exit the boat for a bathroom break. The remaining angler IS NOT ALLOWED TO FISH until both anglers are back on the boat. At no time can anything other than toiletries be transported on or off the boat.

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25. STANDINGS/TIES: 

Final standings in any event will be determined by the heaviest cumulative weight for the prescribed tournament period. The cumulative total will reflect actual weight of fish caught, less assessed penalties, if any. Tie breakers will be determined in the following manner, in this order: 1. Big Fish, 2. Number of fish, 3. Coin toss. Any team may ask for one re-weigh of their own fish prior to taking back possession of fish from weighmaster. Regardless of the outcome, the re-weigh will become the official tournament weight.

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26. PRACTICE/OFF-LIMITS: 

There is no off-limits period (with the exception of special events, i.e. Tournament of Champions).

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27. OFFICIAL BOATS: 

Official boat(s) may be on the water for boat inspection, observation and filming during tournament hours. All entrants shall cooperate with all reasonable requests from official boats.

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28. PROTESTS: 

A written protest must be submitted in writing to the Tournament Director before official closing of the scales.

 

29. POLYGRAPH: 

All contestants are subject to random polygraph testing.  Should you choose to fish a team tournament alone and you win more than $1,000, you will be required to pass a polygraph examination prior to receiving your funds. The only exception to this rule is if the angler has recently passed a polygraph examination with an approved NewJen Bass polygraph examiner; in that case it would be left to the discretion of the tournament director to require an additional polygraph exam.

The cost of the polygraph, approximately $300, will be deducted from angler winnings or must be paid directly to polygraph examiner directly by the angler (if the prize is not monetary). A failed polygraph is grounds for disqualification and forfeiture of any winnings. Failure to submit, or a “refusal”, to any polygraph request within the required time frame is grounds for disqualification and forfeiture of any winnings.  Contestant/s will be given 14 calendar days to schedule a polygraph examination with the NewJen Bass designated examiner. The examination must be completed within 30 calendar days from the date of the event or it will be considered a “refusal”.

Any contestant who fails a polygraph test for cheating or refuses testing for a bass fishing tournament shall not be eligible to compete in NewJen Bass events.  Polygraph examinations and/or voice stress testing may be requested at the discretion of the tournament director to any angler/participant at any time.

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30. AWARDS CEREMONIES ATTENDANCE: 

While it is generally recognized that attendance at award ceremonies is an act of respect for others, it is not always possible for all to attend. Those not attending the awards ceremonies may forfeit any claim to trophies, merchandise, raffle prizes, or other miscellaneous prizes awarded at the event. Tournament Officials will electronically payout any prize monies on the first business day following the event. Another party may not accept purse monies. Prize money will be awarded to a team in a 50/50 split, electronic payment, if both members of the team participate. If only 1 team member participates in the event, they will receive 100% of the award money and 1 trophy or plaque, if earned. After 90 days from the event, any unclaimed winnings will be voided, the monies will be forfeited, and electronic payment will be cancelled.

In the event that it is absolutely impossible for an angler to accept an electronic payment, they must email a request for a paper check to gethooked@newjenbass.com and the check will include a $35 administration fee deduction from the prize monies.

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31. ANGLERS OF THE YEAR (AOY) POINTS AND AWARDS:

(a) Points will be awarded to anglers based on a 200 point scale. 200 points for 1st, 199 for 2nd down and so on. 5 points will be awarded for Big Fish; 2 points will be awarded for 2nd Big Fish. You must fish a minimum of three (3) events WITH your partner in order to maintain your "team" status and for your points to count towards your team for all five (5) events in each region, as long as your partner is not fishing in the same event. You cannot transfer points earned with one partner toward a new partnership unless unforeseen circumstances arise (i.e. death, catastrophic injury or military duty) with the approval of the Event Coordinator. We do allow a boater participating with an immediate family member/child, age 16 or under, to swap out for another immediate family member/ child, who is also age 16 or under. The team points would remain with the boater.

(b) Anglers of the Year will be determined by the total of their top 4 scores in each Region.

(c) Tie breakers for AOY will be determined by most wins. If a tie still exists, most second place finishes will be utilized and so on until tie is broken.

(d) 1st Place Anglers of the Year will be awarded custom trophies and will have their basic entry fee waived for the following 2025 season in the same region. 

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32. TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS (TOC):

(a) There are two (2) ways to qualify for the 2024 Team Tournament of Champions, as follows:

1. Teams who finish in the top 40% of AOY standings in each region with a minimum of four (4) team events fished in the Team Division, OR

2. Teams who have fished a minimum of six (6) team events, regardless of standings.

(b) The 2024 Team Tournament of Champions is scheduled for September 20, 21 and 22, 2024 at Clearlake. 

TOC Schedule of Events:

September 16 & 17, 2024: Off Limits

Clearlake is 100% off limits on Sept. 16 and 17, 2024, no exceptions. If you are renting a boat slip, boats may be launched and IMMEDIATELY docked into the rented slip on September 17, 2024. The lake is also off limits to fishing outside of official tournament hours on September 20, 21 and 22, 2024.

September 18 & 19, 2024: Official Practice

Clearlake is off limits to fishing from 6:00pm-6:00am on these days.

September 19, 2024: Mandatory Meeting

The mandatory meeting will be held in Lakeport, CA, on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 6:00pm. Location TBA.

September 20 & 21, 2024: Day 1 and 2 of the TOC

Day 1 and 2 combined weights will determine who qualifies to compete in Championship Sunday, Day 3 of the event. These weights will carry over to Day 3.

September 22, 2024: Championship Sunday

Championship Sunday will include ONLY the Top 10 teams who will qualify based on the combined weights of Day 1 and 2. These qualifying teams will be given maximum exposure and the ultimate showcase for their final day of the event. There will also be some unique changes to Day 3 including, but not limited to, Blast off order based on Day 2 standings, shortened fishing hours, etc. These will all be announced prior to opening TOC registration.

(c) TOC entry will cost $300.00 with a $100.00 Option.

(d) The winning team will be determined by total accumulated weight of all three (3) days.

(e) TOC Award with either be CASH -OR- a boat. Final details are still being worked out and you can rest assured that the decision will be based on what benefits the anglers most.