The primary objective of this event is to create an atmosphere of fellowship and camaraderie among anglers from around the Nation. Many of the participants have conversed with other anglers via the Internet and the Bass Fishing Home Page. This event will allow everyone to put faces with names and create many long time, cross-country contacts and friendships. A low key fishing competition is planned to allow maximum opportunity for all participants to meet new friends and enjoy the great fishing of Lake Fork.

The organized fishing will consist of two days (Saturday May 29th and Sunday May 30th). Each day will be a separate competition and further divided into a "Morning" and "Afternoon" session. In order to maximize interaction of participants, the Rally is designed as a "draw for partner" event for each half day of fishing. All participants MUST be in the draw for partners, with the exception of those wishing to fish with a spouse or significant other. Participants should complete the registration form as "boater", "non-boater", or "fishing with spouse". Monday will be an open, non-organized day of fishing since many people will be traveling.

General Rules

1. Organized fishing format

This event is designed as an individual angler activity. Awards will be given for:

Anglers may weigh-in one fish per fishing session. An angler's largest bass will qualify for each day's standings or the final Overall Big Bass award. An angler may weigh one fish per session (for a maximum of four fish total) for the Heaviest Total Weight Award.

Registration and weighing of fish will be held at Lake View Lodge.

Participants are required to check in at the weigh-in site after each fishing session even if they have no fish to weigh. This requirement is for safety reasons and will also make pairings for the next session go smoother. Failure to check in after fishing may result in disqualification.

2. All State, Federal, and local Lake regulations shall apply at all times

Lake Fork has a five fish daily limit which includes a "slot restriction" of 16 to 22 inches (only bass less than 16" or 22" and longer may be retained). All fish measuring 16" or longer but less than 22" must be released immediately. Of the five legal size fish outside the restricted slot, only 1 fish per angler may be 22" or more in length. Fish are measured with mouth closed and the tail extended to its maximum length.

Example: This means if an angler has a 22 inch fish in the livewell and catches a 2nd fish over 22", the angler must immediately release one of the 22 inch plus fish.

CARRY A MEASURING DEVICE IN YOUR BOAT - The Official Measuring Board for this event will be the "Gator Grip Golden Rule"

Game wardens routinely check boats and monitor weigh-ins for measurement violations. Please exercise care in your handling and measurement of all fish.

Participants should also be sure they have a valid Texas Fishing License.

3. Organized fishing hours - Saturday and Sunday

Mornings: 6:00 AM or safe light until 11:30 AM

You must check in by 11:30

Afternoon fishing: 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM

You must be check in by 6:00

NO FISHING BETWEEN 11:30 AND 1:00 TO ALLOW TIME FOR PARTNER SWITCH AND LUNCH

Fish caught in each morning/afternoon session must be weighed immediately after the respective morning/afternoon fishing session in order maximize catch and release success.

4. Only Black Bass (such as Largemouth and Spotted Bass) will be weighed.

Fishing must be done with rod and reel and artificial lures. No trolling with big motor.

5. All fish entered in this event must be caught during the event hours listed above to be eligible for awards.

Anglers must personally weigh-in their fish. No angler will allow fish caught by them to be weighed by another participant. Fish must be weighed in the session caught.

6. Safety should be a goal of all participants.

Care and caution should be exercised in all activities including boat operation. Trees and other obstructions are routinely encountered at Lake Fork. Participants must wear a Coast Guard approved life vest when the boat is running "on plane". In the event of inclement weather, participants should use good judgment in determination of safe conditions for all activities.

7. Consumption of alcoholic beverages during fishing hours is prohibited.

8. Participants take full responsibility for themselves and their equipment.

The Rally@Lake Fork serves only to make anglers aware of opportunities to participate in activities with other attendees. Each party participates in any activity at their own risk without warranty, representations, or liability by the Rally@Lake Fork, its organizers, directors, sponsors, boating partner, or Bass Fishing Home Page.

9. Conservation of the Lake Fork fishery is a goal in this event.

Anglers are encouraged to maintain their catch in good condition. Plastic weigh-in bags will be available adjacent to the weigh-in scales.

10. All fish weighed at the Rally@Lake Fork Tournament become property of the event.

Those fish in good condition will be released back into Lake Fork.

11. All applications for participation in the Rally@Lake Fork and the determination of awards shall be subject to the approval of the Organizing Committee whose decision thereon is Final.