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Rules

GWC OFFICIAL RULES

2025 GWC OFFICIAL RULES

Tournament Format and Eligibility
a. The Kenogamisis Fish and Game Conservation's Geraldton Walleye Classic Tournament format is a two-person team, fishing for two days, total combined weight, live release Tournament. Teams may choose to have a third angler in the boat if the angler is a YOUTH, under the age of 18 as of January 1, 2025. Birth Year of 2007 or more recent
b. The Tournament Directors have the right to delay or shorten the Tournament, subject to weather and/or safety considerations or due to reasons deemed necessary.
c. The Tournament Directors retain the right to change and or amend these rules at their discretion without prior notification. The final approved tournament rules will be supplied to all competitors at the Friday night rules meeting.
d. The Kenogamisis Fish and Game Conservation, Geraldton Walleye Classic Tournament, it's promoters, employees, sponsors, organizers, hosts, Directors, Officers and affiliated organizations assisting the operations of any of the Tournament, their agents and/or agents and assigns are not responsible for any death, injury, damage, liability, fire, theft or loss that may result prior to, during or after the Tournament howsoever caused. ALL COMPETITORS MUST SIGN THE ENTRY AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THE WAIVER OF CLAIM, RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT.
e. Competitors must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age unless they have the permission of their parents or guardians. All participants under the age of 18 will require a WAIVER OF CLAIM, RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT signed by their parents or guardians.
f. Entry fee per Team is $400.00.
g. All Anglers must cease pre-fishing by 5:00pm Friday June 20, 2025.
h. ANGLER REPLACEMENT PROVISIONS - If, after competition has been started, a team captain or partner is unable to compete because of medical, family, or other justified reasons, the remaining team member will be given the option to replace the leaving team member with another angler.
i. The replacement angler must not have been on tournament waters during competition. The director of the tournament operations must be advised and approve of any angler replacements.If the angler chooses to continue to fish alone, they must abide by Ontario fishing regulations (they can only retain to a maximum of one fish over 46cm and three under 46cm). If the angler chooses to replace the missing angler, the replacement angler must not have been on tournament waters during competition. The Tournament Director must approve all angler replacements.

Rules Meeting
a. The rules meeting will start at 7:00 PM, Friday June 20, 2025, at MacLeod Park Beach.
b. At least one member of each team must attend the rules meeting.
c. Participation packages with boat identifiers will be passed out at this time.
d. BOTH TEAM MEMBER MUST SIGN THE ENTRY AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THE WAIVER OF CLAIM, RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT.

Live Release of Fish

Every effort must be made to keep the walleye alive using built-in or securely fastened, properly aerated or circulating livewells.
Fish, which are brought to the weight scale, must be alive to be weighed-in as part of the team's Tournament daily limit. A fish is deemed alive & weighable if the gills are consistently moving in and out (breathing). Dead fish will not be weighed but are the angler's responsibility and will count towards daily possession limits. Fish that cannot be released or dead fish may be returned to the angler.
Under no circumstances can fish be purposely altered. Any fish mauled, strung, injected with water or other fluids, containing foreign matter to add weight, or showing white gill or soft flesh that causes suspicion that it is being fraudulently entered into the Tournament can result in that team's immediate disqualification.Any participant found violating this rule, may be disqualified. Each case will be reviewed by the NOWT board.
All fish weighed must be released back into the tournament body of water by tournament officials.

Morning Equipment Inspections

Boat inspections will occur each morning at MacLeod Park Beach.
Boat inspections will start at 6:00 AM.
For easy inspection, Teams MUST open all coolers, hatches, and live wells.
Upon completion of the daily inspection, tournament officials will give the boat proof of inspection. Any boat that is not inspected or fails inspection, will be disqualified for that day.
Following inspection, boats will stage inside the designated area on the tournament body of water.
Once a team's boat is inspected, under no circumstances will a competitor's boat pull alongside another competitor's boat.

Starting Procedure

The Official Starter will release the teams one at a time using a trickle start or following host tournament procedure, beginning at 7:30 AM. Each boat will start approximately 5 seconds apart.
The Official Starter will raise the boat numbers as teams prepare to leave. One boat member must raise their hand and get the announcer's attention. Boat numbers MUST BE affixed in a location on the boat that is visible to official starter and other teams.

starting-procedure-picture

First Day Start 7:30 AM

Early Start 7:27 AM
FISHING HOURS DAY 1 - 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Boats will start one at a time. The starting order will be determined by their team number or by host tournament.

Day Two Start 7:30 AM

Early Start 7:27 AM
FISHING HOURS 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Boats will again start one at a time. The boat lineup will be determined according to DAY ONE RANKING or by host tournament.

Ties in Ranking will be determined by the earlier registration/lower team number. Host Tournaments may hand out a starting list sheet during morning inspection.

Boundaries

The tournament boundaries are outlined on the official Kenogamisis Lake Tournament Map. NO FISHING ZONE: There will be no fishing within the starting buoys next to MacLeod Park Beach.

gwc-map-2024

WEIGHING FISH/Scoring

All teams that are not in the designated finishing area on time at the end of the fishing day, will be disqualified for that day. That means the team will not be allowed to weigh in their catch for that day.
At the end of each day, anglers must stop at the host committee designated location to get your weigh-in ticket number.
Anglers will weigh-in in the order of weigh-in tickets.
Only walleye qualify for weigh-in.
No culling, measuring or weighing of fish once the boat is on the dock for weigh-ins. Teams will be asked to leave the dock. Teams will lose their spot in line and be issued a new weigh-in ticket at the end of the line.
Both members of a team must remain in their boat until a tournament official comes to the boat with a weigh-in bag. *Please double-check your bags for possible damage.
Team's fish must be presented to the Weigh Master or his/her Assistants in the bag supplied by the Tournament Organizers.
Each team is responsible for placing their fish in the weigh-in bag and carrying them to the weigh scale. Volunteers/Dock Hands can come to the aid if permission is given by one of the anglers and a witness is present. Dock hands/volunteers are never responsible for the walleye.
Only 1 min will be permitted to assess the health/condition of a fish to deem whether it is alive or dead. The gills of the fish must be moving in a consistent motion to be deemed alive. Weigh in officials are allowed at any time to refuse a walleye in a bad condition. Weigh-in official decisions are final.
A dead walleye brought to the weigh-in will be refused to be weighed. This dead fish will count towards the tournament daily limit without any other penalty. If this dead fish is over 46cm, it will count towards the tournament limit of 2 fish over 46cm.
At the end of each competition day, it is the responsibility of the team to count and place their walleyes in the official weigh-in bag. Any walleyes remaining in the livewell must be released (if releasable) before leaving the weigh-in dock or as instructed by host officials. Walleyes that are not releasable for health condition reasons are the responsibility of the team unless option to donate is available through tournament host.
If a team has weighed in during the day those fish count towards their tournament daily limit of six.
If a fishtail, while being pinched, touches the 46 cm line, the fish will be deemed an “over”. Weigh-in official decisions are final. This rule can vary depending on waterbody, always check the Ontario Fishing Regulations.
After fishing is complete each day, once an angler leaves the boat with the official weigh-in bag they are not permitted to return to the boat until that bag has been weighed. Each team will be permitted to weigh only once at the end of each day.
The daily possession limit per angler as outlined in the Ontario Fishing Regulations may be kept while angling during the day.
Every walleye close to 46cm will be measured before weighing.
All fish brought to the station are counted in the daily total weight. The Officials will not measure or weigh any fish just to verify with our equipment. The official tournament measuring device will be available the night of the rules meeting if anglers wish to check their measuring device against the tournament measuring device for accuracy/consistency.
The Weigh Master must confirm the walleyes are alive and fill out the weigh-in form appropriately.
The members of the team are responsible for making sure that the weigh scale results and the official form are the same. One team member must witness the weigh-in form recording the weight of the catch.
WEIGH-IN OFFICIAL DECISIONS ARE FINAL.
Only walleye are allowed in the boat unless a foul hook issue or the health of fish is in question. All necessary action should be taken to release all fish. Any other species kept besides walleye must be declared at the weigh-in station with an explanation, failure to do so could result in a penalty or disqualification once reviewed by the Tournament Director and/or committee.
Procedure for Weighing Fish each day
Weigh-ins with more than 1 hour of fishing time remaining each day:
Boats can approach the beach immediately.
b. Both members of the team must remain in their boat until a tournament official comes to the boat with a weigh-in bag and weigh-in form.
c. The tournament official must confirm the walleye are living and fill out the weigh-in form appropriately.
d. The team is then responsible for placing their own fish in the weigh-in bag and carrying them to the weigh scale.
e. The fish and weigh-in form are then handed to the weigh scale operators. One member of each team must verify the scale weight and sign the weigh-in form.
Weigh-ins with 1 hour or less of fishing time remaining each day:
Boats check in at pontoon boat where they are given a weigh in number on a weigh-in form. Boats are to remain on the water inside the buoys until their weigh-in number is called.
b. ONCE YOUR WEIGH-IN NUMBER HAS BEEN CALLED, PROCEED TO THE DESIGNATED AREA ON SHORE TO HAVE YOUR FISH CHECKED AND WEIGHED.
c. Both members of the team must remain in their boat until a tournament official comes to the boat with a weigh-in bag.
d. Boats will be given a weigh-in bag in the order they arrived (according to weigh in numbers).
e. The team is then responsible for placing their own fish in the weigh-in bag and carrying them to the weigh scale.
f. The fish and weigh-in form are then handed to the weigh scale operators. One member of each team must verify the scale weight and sign the weigh-in form.
Day 2 Top Ten Weigh-in
a. Those teams which are in the top ten following day one will weigh their catch following all other team weigh-ins.
b. These teams will weigh in reverse order starting from 10th place to 1st place.
c. There will be a top ten meeting Saturday night where teams will be given instructions for Sunday. This meeting is mandatory to attend.

Sportsmanship and Courtesy

Using cell phones during fishing hours to share information is prohibited (i.e. Anglers, officials, volunteers, etc.). Cell phones should be used for emergency purposes only.
It is prohibited for any competitor to give, offer, accept, or suggest the exchange of any item including weighable fish to, from, or with any competitor or non-competitor.
Maximum courtesy must be practiced, particularly about boating and fishing in the vicinity of a non-competitor.
There is "Zero Tolerance” for unsportsmanlike conduct and disqualification could result without refund if an angler is found to be acting in an unsportsmanlike way. (Unsportsmanlike conduct must not be confused with ethics). Participants will conduct themselves in a true sportsmanlike, courteous, safe, and ethical manner at all times maintaining a professional demeanor in public and communication with tournament officials. Any unfavorable conduct, speech, or action by a participant could be grounds for disqualification or rejection of entry application. Every participant is expected to participate in the marshaling of the field to maintain the highest integrity of the competition while representing themselves, the tournament, the Northern Ontario Walleye Trail, and all associated Sponsors.
All competitors must respect fellow anglers and maintain a safe distance so as not to cause issues with others angling.
No obstructing the centre passageway of any bridge on Kenogamisis Lake.

Rules(s) Violations, Protests, and Appeals

Any incidents observed during tournament hours should be reported to the Tournament Director.
Participants have the right to enter a formal protest. A protest form will be available from the Tournament Director (TD) and must be completed and presented to the TD within 1 hour of daily posted results. $150.00 protest fee must accompany the form. The fee will be returned if the protest is found to be valid or at the discretion of the tournament director.
An infraction witnessed by a competitor and reported to the Tournament Director in a formal protest will be investigated by the Tournament Director and/or a three-person Protest Committee. The committee will be appointed and approved by NOWT Executive before the Tournament.
Where a team is charged with a rule infraction by the Tournament Director which could result in disqualification of the daily catch or tournament disqualification, the team has the right to appeal the decision to the Tournament Protest and Appeals Committee. Appeals must be submitted to Tournament Director within 1 hour after that day's weigh in.
Witness(es) may be called to appear before the Protest Committee or Tournament Director to provide evidence relating to the alleged rule infraction.
The Protest and Appeals Committee will interpret the rules according to their spirit and intent. The decision of the Protest Committee and/or Tournament Director is final and not subject to review of any kind.
“SPIRIT OF THE RULE”. NOWT intends to provide an honest, sportsman-like tournament. In the interest of good sportsmanship, contestants are reminded that the “spirit of the rule” will prevail in all judgment cases.

Safety

The Tournament Director has the right to delay, shorten or lengthen the Tournament, subject to weather and/or safety considerations or due to reasons deemed necessary.
All competitors must always practice safe boating during practice and tournament fishing.
Your tether kill switch strap must be worn on plane.
Proof of boat insurance is required.
ALL TEAMS, whether weighing fish in or not, must check in with a tournament official at the end of the day. You can check out at the tournament headquarters or by calling Donna @ 807-854-7772 or Michelle @ 807-853-0814.
Every competitor must wear a fully secured Coast Guard-approved life jacket or chest-type floating device on plane.
No alcoholic beverages or controlled substances may be consumed by competitors during the tournament fishing hours. In case of intoxication, the Tournament Director has the right to refuse the team to compete until they are safe to leave. NO DRINKING & DRIVING!
In the event of a thunderstorm, lightning, or severe weather, teams may pull onto the nearest shoreline until it is safe to continue fishing.
Competitors may not leave their boats during the tournament except at the Official weigh-in site or if severe weather forces them ashore.
Only official tournament boats are allowed to tow a competitor's boat during fishing hours if the team wishes to weigh in their catch. However, those boats requiring to be towed by tournament officials are still required to check their catch before the end of day fishing time. The tournament official is not responsible to get the towed boat back in time.
A team that has a mechanical problem may use a different boat to finish the day's fishing. The switch must be made at the weigh-in station and must have an official with them for inspection. Proof of inspection will be provided before rejoining the competition.
Teams must notify a tournament official if an emergency or breakdown has occurred by calling or sending a text message toDonna @ 807-854-7772 or Michelle @ 807-853-0814.
In the Interest of Safety, we have made the following amendments to the rules:
This section refers to the town Bridge, First Bridge on the highway and Iron Bridge (train trestle).
b. Each Bridge will be a "No Wake" zone.
c. When traveling beneath the bridges, boats must travel at trolling speeds and stay to the right 10km or less.
d. SECOND BRIDGE ON HIGHWAY: When traveling between the marker buoys under this bridge, boats must travel at trolling speeds and stay to the right 10km or less. This bridge will be a “No Fishing" zone and will include all areas between the marker buoys.
e. No competitor will allow his/her bait/lure to enter the area between the marker buoys. You may fish up to the marker buoys.
f. A NO WAKE ZONE has been added to the Kenogamisis River entering at the southwest Arm. No boat shall travel more than 10 km per hour between the posted signs. The small lake is exempt from the no wake zone.

Tackle and Equipment

Live bait and artificial lures, manufactured baits, pork rind, and commercially available liquid attractants may be used.
Landing nets may be used.
The use, in live wells, of commercially available fish care chemicals is permitted.
Live transducers and underwater cameras are allowed during fishing hours

Tie Breakers

All prizes will be split equal for all position ties.

Registration Ticket Purchase
a. Registration for the 2026 tournament (June 27 & 28, 2026) will go on sale Thursday June 19, 2025. The cost is $400.00 ($350.00 + $25 NOWT fee) CAD.
b. All entries paid in full by Monday June 30, 2025, at 4 pm will go into the draw for boat ranking.

Main Starting Draw Eligibility
a. All those teams which finish in the top 90 of the 2025 GWC will automatically have an opportunity to enter the Main Starting Draw for the 2026 tournament (only one spot per team). They must however register and pay prior to Monday June 23, 2025, at 4pm eastern time to retain this privilege.
b. The remaining spots to make up the 100-boat field in the Main Starting Draw will be determined in the Supplemental Draw.
c. If two individuals enter the tournament draw separately, and then later decide to amalgamate and become one Team, the newly created single Team will receive the LOWER of the two spots initially held by each individual.
d. Any starting positions guaranteed due to the tournament registration are only guaranteed to those individuals whose names were on the original registration form submitted. Therefore at least one of the original names on the original registration form submitted must remain on the team for it to retain its starting position. If no angler from the original registration form submitted remains on the team, the team's starting position will be moved to the bottom of the starting order or to the bottom of the waiting lists, if the tournament field is full.
DRAW DATE: Specific date to be announce.

Tournament Cancellation
a. There is a $25 processing fee for those teams which withdraw from the event.
b. There is no refund for teams who withdraw from May 1st and on to the event unless the vacant spot is filled.

TOURNAMENT INTEGRITY POLICY & SAFETY:

Participants will conduct themselves in a true sportsmanlike, courteous, safe and ethical manner at all times maintaining professional demeanor in public and in communication with tournament officials. Any unfavorable conduct, speech or action by a contestant could be grounds for disqualification or rejection of entry application. Every participant is expected to participate in the marshaling of the field in order to maintain the highest integrity to the competition. Any incidents observed during tournament hours should be reported to tournament officials on an Incident Report for further investigation. Incident reports carry no fee and are appropriate for communicating issues that would require warnings but not necessarily lead to disqualification. If a team feels an incident has progressed to the point of needing protest they should move to that level of official reporting.

The Sanction NOWT tournaments, it's promoters, employees, sponsors, organizers, hosts, Directors, Officers and affiliated organizations assisting the operations of any of the Tournament, their agents and/or agents and assigns are not responsible for any death, injury, damage, liability, fire, theft or loss that may result prior to, during or after the Tournament howsoever caused.