TOURNAMENT FAQ

We operate on a 100% payout policy for entry fees. Every dollar paid by anglers goes directly back into the prize pool. While sponsors cover our operations and big-ticket prizes, your entry fees stay with the anglers. Additionally, we are headquartered at a physical, full-service marina (Cranberry Creek) with a 365-day presence, ensuring a professional environment.

The tournament kicks off officially on Friday, April 17, 2026, and runs through Sunday, May 24, 2026. This 5-week window catches the peak post-spawn walleye bite in the Central Basin.

No. While Cranberry Creek is the headquarters and weigh-in station, you may launch from other locations provided you fish within the designated boundaries and can reach the weigh-in station during open hours (Daily starting at 8:00 AM).

No. This is strictly a United States Waters event. Crossing the international boundary line into Canadian waters for any reason (including drifting) while in possession of tournament fish results in a Hard Disqualification. We reserve the right to review GPS tracks/plotters if a violation is suspected (Rule 2.1).

This means you are responsible for your boat-mates. If one person on your vessel violates a rule (e.g., snagging, over-limiting, or a safety violation), every registered participant on that vessel is disqualified. Choose your team wisely (Rule 3.1).

Yes, but with specific limits. You may fish navigable tributaries up to one (1) mile upstream from the mouth. The "mouth" is defined as the line connecting the outermost lakeward points of the river’s jetties or pier heads (Rule 2.2).

During tournament hours (Lines-In to Lines-Out), you are prohibited from soliciting or receiving specific "Location Information" (waypoints/live reports) from non-competitors. While you can post highlights to social media, using private messages to get live intel is a violation (Rule 3.2).

Only one fish per participant may occupy the live leaderboard at a time. If you catch a bigger fish later in the tournament, you can "upgrade"—your previous fish is retired and replaced by the heavier catch (Rule 4.3).

Yes, if you intend to weigh fish caught on that trip. All members on the boat 8 years old and older must be participants of the tournament for the catch to be eligible for weigh-in (Rule 4.1).

Your digital receipt or a time-stamped email confirmation serves as your "Proof of Purchase" and evidence of entry. You must be registered before the tournament begins.

We take integrity seriously to protect the 100% payout pool.

• Metal Detection: Fish are scanned for foreign density/metal.
• Inspection: We reserve the right to X-ray or surgically dissect any fish.
• Polygraph: The top 10 finishers and random selections must undergo mandatory polygraph or Voice Stress Analysis (VSA).

Any attempt at fraud will be referred to the Erie County Prosecutor's Office.