1) You may launch from the ramp of your choice, but you must go through boat check at the official launch site and wait for take-off. Boat check will always be at the take-off/weigh-in site. Live well checks will be done both at the ramp(s), and on the water at the pontoon boat (you only have to go through one or the other, not both). If the official launch site has more than one ramp, please try to use all of them.
2) Trailering is not allowed (except in the case of bad weather, and it will always be announced prior to take-off). You may trailer to weigh your fish if you launched from the official launch/weigh-in site. This is always recommended due to crowded conditions on the water.
3) Have your team ID ready to show to our staff. Live well check will go much faster if one of you is already in the boat and ready to launch. If you come by the pontoon boat, always come by the lighted side of the pontoon boat, driver to the pontoon boat. You do not need to stop, simply idle by slowly.
4) Take-off will start at safe-light (approximately 15 minutes before official sunrise). If you do not want to miss your take-off number, be in the water at least 15 minutes before take-off. I will always call the numbers beginning at 1 and going through the last number. This procedure does not take long, and each flight will move quickly, so be ready and move forward as you see the number board changing.
5) We will not wait on a boat. If you are not at the pontoon when I call numbers, we will go on to the next number. Your take-off number is not your team number.
6) DO NOT put your boat on pad prior to being 100 yards in front the take-off boat. If you are running late, being on pad or making a wake to get to the take-off boat will not be tolerated. Show courtesy to the other boaters who did get there on time, and idle to the take-off boat.
7) If you are late, simply idle to the take-off boat and call out your number, and follow the next boat out. Being late does not mean that you can cut someone off, again show courtesy and follow in behind someone.
8) If you have questions while coming thru the check-in line, simply ask one of the staff members. Greg will always be at the trailer, and I will always be in the pontoon boat. It’s always best to go by the pontoon boat and check in, and then come to the dark side of the pontoon boat if you want to ask me a question. This will keep the line moving and not allow boats top stack up.
9) In the afternoon, you must check in with the check-in boat if you are going to weigh fish. If you do not check in, and weigh fish, you will be disqualified. Also, if you are late, you will be told how late. A late penalty will be assessed off your weight if you weigh fish.
10) Remember, not every team is as seasoned as the next team. Show courtesy, and offer assistance to those who may not know the procedures as well as you do. Have fun, be safe, show courtesy, and win some money!