2026 Cranberry Crown Official Rules, Regulations & Participant Liability Contract

SECTION 1: REGISTRATION & ELIGIBILITY

1.1 Open Entry & Licensing

Participation is open to any person who possesses a valid Ohio fishing license. Participants are solely responsible for ensuring their license is active and in their physical possession during all tournament activities.

1.2 Right of Refusal & Revocation

The Cranberry Crown and Cranberry Creek Marina LLC reserves the absolute, unilateral right to refuse or revoke registration to any individual for any reason deemed necessary to protect the integrity of the tournament.

This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently under suspension or disqualification from any other fishing circuit, or anyone with a past conviction for wildlife or tournament-related fraud (Ohio Rev. Code § 2915.05).

1.3 Deadline & Proof of Entry

The registration deadline is April 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

The "Proof of Purchase" (digital receipt/time-stamped email) is the sole evidence of entry. Paper registrations are not valid until manually entered into the digital system prior to the deadline.

1.4 The "Observer" & Trolling Motor Rule

To maintain competitive integrity, the Cranberry Crown reserves the right to place an official Tournament Observer on any vessel at any time. If an observer is assigned, the participant must provide a USCG-approved PFD for the observer and ensure the vessel has adequate seating and capacity. Refusal or inability to safely accommodate an observer results in immediate disqualification for that day.

1. Refusal to accept an observer constitutes immediate disqualification.
2. Participants fishing alone are subject to higher scrutiny and are prioritized for observer placement or "tailing" by tournament officials.

SECTION 2: BOUNDARIES & SAFE OPERATION

2.1 International Boundary (Canadian Waters)

Cranberry Crown is a United States Waters event. Crossing the international boundary line into Canadian waters for any reason (fishing, navigating, or "drifting") while in possession of tournament fish is a "Hard Disqualification."

1. Tournament officials may request a review of an angler's GPS tracks/plotters. Failure to provide tracks upon request is grounds for disqualification.
   
   

2.2 Navigable Tributary Limits

Eligible waters include Lake Erie proper and its connected bays (e.g., Sandusky Bay).

1. Fishing is permitted in rivers and 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, pier heads, or natural breakwaters.
   
   

2.3 Major Boating & Wildlife Violations

Safety is a condition of eligibility.

1. Any participant who receives a citation from the ODNR, USCG, or local law enforcement for a "Major Violation" during tournament dates will be disqualified.
2. Major violations include but are not limited to: Operating Under the Influence (OUI/DUI), Reckless Operation, Over-limit/Double-tripping, or Possession of fish in an unlawful form (e.g., fillets while on the water). As well as failure to use a functional engine shut-off device (kill switch) when the combustion engine is in gear and on plane.

SECTION 3: TACKLE, METHODS & GROUP ETHICS

3.1 Vicarious Liability (The "Boat Captain" Rule)

Competitive fishing is a team effort regarding ethics.

1. Shared Accountability: The actions of any individual on a vessel (registered or non-registered) can result in the disqualification of all registered participants on that vessel.
2. Zero Tolerance: If one occupant violates a state game law (e.g., keeping a short fish, over-limiting, or snagging), every tournament participant on that boat is disqualified from the derby. You are responsible for the ethics of your boat-mates.
   
   

3.2 Information Integrity & The "No-Intel" Window

To ensure the tournament remains a test of individual/team skill while allowing for modern fan engagement:

1. During tournament hours (Lines-In to Lines-Out), participants are prohibited from soliciting or receiving specific "Location Information" from any non-competitor.
2. Definition: Location Information includes GPS waypoints, specific landmarks, or "live" reports of active schools.
3. Permitted Communication: Participants MAY use cellular devices for: Safety and emergencies, family/Personal communication (unrelated to fishing), general weather and lake condition updates.
4. Public Social Media: Anglers are encouraged to post highlights; however, they may not use "Private/Direct Messaging" to receive coordinates or "live" lure patterns from followers or guides.
5. Hole-Setting & Spotting: No person (registered or non-registered) may "hold" a fishing spot for a participant or use a separate vessel to "scout" or "spot" fish for a participant during tournament hours.

3.3 Sporting Gear & Electronics

1. All participants must adhere to Ohio fishing and boating laws; any state violation is grounds for immediate disqualification.
2. Use of GPS, Sonar, and Chart-plotting technology is permitted.
3. All fish must be hooked and reeled in manually. Use of "Power-Driven" reels is prohibited except for participants with a documented physical disability, which must be cleared with the Director prior to registration.

SECTION 4: THE WEIGH-IN & FISH INTEGRITY

4.1 Chain of Custody & Possession

1. The registered participant who caught the fish must maintain physical possession and "chain of custody" of that fish from the moment of the catch until the fish is presented to the Tournament Official at the scale.
2. Group coolers are permitted, but fish intended for the leaderboard must be clearly marked or tagged to identify the specific angler who caught it. If the official cannot verify which angler caught which fish, both are disqualified.
3. Participants are permitted to weigh their fish in other concurrent tournaments.
   
   

4.2 Right of Seizure & Inspection

1. The Cranberry Crown and Cranberry Creek Marina LLC reserves the unilateral right to seize, retain, and hold any fish presented for weigh-in for any duration deemed necessary for further inspection.
2. By presenting a fish at the scale, the angler grants absolute consent for tournament officials to conduct internal inspections, including "X-Ray" scanning and surgical dissection. Cranberry Crown and Cranberry Creek Marina LLC is not liable for any "loss of trophy value" resulting from an inspection.
   
   

4.3 The "Upgrade" & Leaderboard Protocol

1. Only one fish per participant may occupy the live leaderboard.
2. When a participant weighs in an "Upgrade" (a fish heavier than their current entry), the previous fish is permanently "Retired" and removed from the board. You cannot "re-activate" a previous fish if a newer one is disqualified.

4.4 Biological Mutilation & Fraud

1. Integrity Standards: Fish must be fresh, whole, and free of any "Foreign Matter."
2. Definitions of Fraud: Any signs of "freshwater injection" (using a needle to add water weight), "weighted feeding" (metal/rocks in the gullet), or "hook-scarring" indicative of snagging/foul-hooking will result in immediate disqualification.
3. Criminal Referral: In accordance with Ohio Rev. Code § 2915.05, any attempt to steal prize money through fish tampering will be referred to the Erie County Prosecutor's Office for Felony Theft/Fraud charges.
4. Cranberry Crown reserves the right to hold any fish scanned with a positive 'hit' for metal or foreign density until such time as the fish can be X-rayed or dissected.
5. Cranberry Crown reserves the right to hold any fish scanned with a positive "hit" for metal or foreign density until such time as the fish can be X-rayed or dissected. If the tournament seizes a fish, the weight and length will be recorded "Pending Inspection," and the leaderboard will be updated only after biological clearance.

SECTION 5: TRUTH VERIFICATION & POLYGRAPH

5.1 Mandatory and Random Testing

To protect the prize pool and participants, the top ten (10) overall finishers, side-pot winners, and any participant selected at the Tournament Director’s sole discretion must undergo a Polygraph or Voice Stress Analysis (VSA) examination.

1. Testing will occur in the week following the tournament's conclusion. Participants must be available for testing at the time and location designated by the Director.
   
   

5.2 The "Inconclusive" Standard

Under the terms of this contract, an "Inconclusive" result is not a passing result.

1. If an examiner returns an inconclusive result, the participant may be required to undergo a secondary examination with an independent examiner selected by the Cranberry Crown and Cranberry Creek Marina LLC.
2. The cost of any secondary "tie-breaker" examination shall be the sole responsibility of the participant. Failure to pass a secondary exam or refusal to pay the testing fee results in immediate disqualification.
   
   

5.3 Finality of Results

By entering the Cranberry Crown, the participant acknowledges that polygraph/VSA testing is a subjective tool.

1. The participant agrees that the Tournament Director’s decision—based on the examiner’s report—is final, binding, and non-appealable. No court of law shall have the jurisdiction to overturn a disqualification based on "Deception Indicated" or "Inconclusive" reports, as the participant has voluntarily waived the right to judicial review of these findings.

SECTION 6: PROTESTS & LITIGATION BAR

6.1 Formal Protest Protocol

Only a registered participant has the standing to file a protest.

1. A protest must be submitted in writing within 24 hours of the weigh-in of the fish in question, accompanied by a $500.00 cash deposit.
2. Forfeiture: If the protest is found to be unsubstantiated, the $500.00 is forfeited to The Cranberry Crown and Cranberry Creek Marina LLC to cover investigative overhead.
   
   

6.2 Anti-Litigation & Fee-Shifting Clause

The Tournament Director is the final arbiter of all rules, facts, and interpretations.

1. Covenant Not to Sue: By registering, the participant agrees that any dispute is limited to the administrative protest process.
2. Liquidated Legal Costs: If a participant files a lawsuit against The Cranberry Crown and Cranberry Creek Marina LLC, its officers, or sponsors, and the court upholds the Director's original decision, the participant agrees to pay 100% of the Cranberry Crown's and Cranberry Creek Marina LLC's attorney fees, court costs, and staff time incurred in defending the action.
3. In the event of any dispute, the participant agrees that the laws of the State of Ohio shall govern, and the exclusive venue for any legal proceeding shall be the Erie County Court of Common Pleas.

SECTION 7: OMNIBUS LIABILITY RELEASE & WAIVER

7.1 Assumption of Risk

I, the participant, acknowledge that Lake Erie is an inherently dangerous body of water. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with competitive angling, including but not limited to: severe weather, collision, equipment failure, and "acts of God."

7.2 Release of Liability and Indemnification

In consideration of being allowed to participate, I hereby RELEASE, WAIVE, AND DISCHARGE The Cranberry Crown, Cranberry Creek Marina LLC, and all tournament sponsors from any and all liability for personal injury, death, or property damage, whether caused by the negligence of the The Cranberry Crown and Cranberry Creek Marina LLC or otherwise. I further agree to INDEMNIFY The Cranberry Crown and Cranberry Creek Marina LLC against any third-party claims arising from my actions during the event.

7.3 Publicity & Media Release

I grant The Cranberry Crown and Cranberry Creek Marina LLC the unconditional, perpetual right to use my name, voice, and likeness (including video of my weigh-in and catch) for promotional purposes across all media platforms, including social media broadcasts, without further compensation.

7.4 Acceptance of Contract

I have read this entire document (Sections 1 through 7). I understand that my payment of the entry fee serves as my digital signature and total acceptance of these terms. I acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to seek legal counsel regarding this waiver before entering.