R 1,000,000 AFRICA CHALLENGE
BOAT RULES - 2025

Rule 1: Participation and Eligibility

• To participate in the EBASS Africa Challenge, all competitors must be affiliated with EBASS Africa. Affiliation is free of charge and can be completed online by following the simple steps outlined at www.ebassafrica.co.za.
• 1.2 Each competing angler must have liked and followed the official EBASS Africa Facebook page.
• 1.3 A properly completed official entry form from each angler, as well as an entry fee per angler, must be received by the Ebass Africa, on or before the entry deadline date of Monday 22 September 2025.
• 1.4 Each competing boat is permitted a maximum of five persons on board, consisting of one skipper and up to four additional anglers.
• 1.5 Anglers under the age of 16 participating in the tournament must be accompanied by an adult skipper.
• 1.6 Failure to comply with any of the above sections may result in non-registration or disqualification of all competitors onboard the transgressing boat from the tournament.

Rule 2: General and Pre-Competition Cut-Off

• 2.1 The R 1,000,000 Africa Challenge will be held at Vaal River on Sunday 05 October 2025.
• 2.2 The pre-competition off-limits period for this tournament begins at midnight on Sunday, 21 September 2025, and includes the following restrictions:
• 2.2.1 Fishing on the tournament waters.
• 2.2.2 Scanning, mapping or drone footage of the tournament waters.
• 2.2.3 Receiving any fishing information on the tournament waters from a 3rd party, provided the information received was gathered by the 3rd party during the official competition off limit period.
• 2.2.4 Any team who violates any of the pre-competition off limit rules, will be disqualified from the tournament.
• 2.3 By his/her signature on the official tournament entry form, each competitor/team agrees to submit to a truth verification (polygraph) test and abide by its conclusion should he/she be accused of any rule violation. The tournament director and committee shall have the discretion to determine the need for a such a truth verification test.
• 2.4 Random truth verification tests may be conducted onsite during The R 1,000,000 Africa Challenge, including but not limited to the anglers who weigh in the three heaviest fish.

Rule 3: Live-Well and Live-Well Inspections

• 3.1 Every tournament boat must be equipped with a properly aerated live well capable of preserving all bass caught and retained on board until weigh-in at the designated weigh station.
• 3.1 Prior to the commencement of each tournament day, all live wells must be empty and checked by the weighmaster or his designate.
• 3.2 Hatches for purposes other than live-wells, coolers and other watertight containers regardless of their purpose, may also be opened for inspection.
• 3.3 Failure to have a live well inspected will lead to immediate disqualification of all competitors on the transgressing boat.
• 3.4 Any tournament official must be granted access to a competitor's boat at any time during the competition days. Failure to provide such access may result in the disqualification of all competitors on the transgressing boat.

Rule 4: Captain's Briefing

• 4.1 A mandatory on the water captain's briefing will be held on Sunday 05 October 2025 at 06h30 within the demarcated take-off area.
• 4.2 Failure to attend the captain's briefing may lead to disqualification from the tournament, of all competitors on the transgressing boat.

Rule 5: Starting Order and Procedures

• 5.1 The tournament starting position of each boat, will be determined by a draw, which will take place via Facebook live stream on the EBASS Africa page on Tuesday 30 September 2025 at 18h00.
• 5.3 All teams / boats must be within the demarcated take-off area 30 minutes before the start of each tournament day, after which the slipway will be closed until the last boat has departed.

Rule 6: Scoring and Eligible Fish - Tagged and Big Fish Tournament

• 6.1 Only live Largemouth Bass may be weighed.
• 6.2 A fish that is gilling on the weigh scales will be deemed to be alive, with the final decision at the weighmaster's discretion.
• 6.3 Each boat may weigh only its three largest fish, each exceeding 1 kg. In the event of a tie for any of the largest fish prizes, the prize money will be equally shared between the two anglers who weighed the tied fish. In such cases, the combined total of the respective prize amounts (e.g., 1st and 2nd place, or 2nd and 3rd place) will be divided equally among the tied anglers.
• 6.4 Fish that have partially ingested their prey will not be weighed until the protruding remains of such ingested prey are safely removed and not counted towards the weight.
• 6.5 The introduction of materials or devices that increase the fish's weight/mass will be deemed an act of fraud and will result in immediate disqualification from the tournament, of the angler presenting the fish to the weigh master.

Rule 7: Permitted Fishing Methods and Tournament Waters

• 7.1 Only one line per angler to be in the water at any given time.
• 7.2 Only artificial lures are permitted for use in the tournament.
• 7.3 No more than one artificial lure may be attached to a line at one time.
• 7.4 One artificial lure is defined as a single man-made device designed to attract and/or catch one fish at a time.
• 7.5 Adding trailer or treble hooks, plastic trailers, blades, etc., to a single lure is acceptable.
• 7.6 If multiple fish are caught on a single manmade lure, on a single cast, all fish are considered legal and may be presented to the weigh station.
• 7.7 No “live bait,” “dead bait,” or “prepared bait” will be permitted during the competition, except for pork strips or rinds.
• 7.8 Any umbrella-type rigging, harness, or other device designed to hold more than one lure at a time - with or without hooks - is not allowed.
• 7.9 Twin arm spinnerbaits, underspins, or buzz baits are allowed.
• 7.10 Trailer hooks and plastic trailers must be on the main hook of the bait; only spinner blades can be affixed to the arms.
• 7.11 Trolling is not allowed. Trolling is defined as having a line in the water while the main combustion engine is running.
• 7.12 No feeding areas are allowed to be prepared to attract any fish species to a specific area within the tournament waters.
• 7.13 Any violation of rule 7.1 to 7.12 will result in the disqualification of the transgressing angler/s.
• 7.14 Tournament Waters shall be established by the tournament director. Any water within these boundaries posted “Off-Limits” or “No Fishing” by provisional, conservation, or any other authority, as well as areas established by the tournament director, will be OFF-LIMITS and will be announced at the tournament briefing. Fishing outside the tournament waters will result in disqualification from the day's fishing, of all competitors on the transgressing boat.

Rule 8: Boat and Motor

• 8.1 Only boats that are 4 meters or more in length may be used during the tournament.
• 8.2 For the safety of all competitors, all boats must be equipped with an approved type of operable ignition kill switch and lanyard.
• 8.3 Each boat must be equipped with all required SAMSA safety equipment and a functional bilge pump.
• 8.4 Each boat must have a properly aerated live well capable of sustaining a limit catch of five (5) Bass.
• 8.5 Tournament officials have sole discretion in determining the adequacy of live well aeration and capacity.
• 8.6 Any violation of rules 8.1 - 8.6 will disqualify a boat and all the competitors on the transgressing boat.

Rule 9: Safety

• 9.1 Safe boat conduct must be always observed by competitors.
• 9.2 Each competitor must wear a chest-type life preserver anytime the combustion engine is in operation. This preserver must be strapped, snapped or zippered securely, and maintained in that condition until the combustion engine is shut off.
• 9.3 All anglers are obliged to have their boats fitted with a safety ignition kill switch, which must be attached to the skipper's floatation jacket any time the combustion engine is in operation.
• 9.4 When boating in low visibility situations i.e., fog, heavy rain, each skipper will personally take on the responsibility to operate their boats at a safe speed and in a safe manner, at all times. Failure to skipper a boat safely and in a responsible manner, will result in disqualification from the tournament.
• 9.5 Standard safety rules pertaining to local waters, including the “rule of the road” must be always observed:
• 9.5.1 Counterclockwise rotation on the fishing waters - shore on right-hand side, resulting in counterclockwise movement of boats, will be always observed.
• 9.5.2 When boats approach ahead, they will pass with the other boat to the left (port) at a distance and speed such that a wake will not endanger other competitors.
• 9.5.3 Overtaking in the same direction will be executed with discretion and the overtaking boat will maintain its course until well clear of overtaken boat(s). Generally, the overtaking boat should keep to the deep-water side of the other without endangering boats approaching head-on.
• 9.5.4 Boats approaching at right angles will apply the starboard-rule.
• 9.5.5 Powerboats will give way to boats under sail or hand power, irrespective of the right of way.
• 9.6 Any transgression of rules 9.1 to 9.3 and 9.5 will lead to disqualification of the transgressing team, from the day's fishing.
• 9.7 Tournament director have the right to delay, shorten or cancel the start of an official tournament day, because of bad weather, or other factors that would endanger the safety of the competitors.
• 9.8 If a participant appears incapable of safely operating his/her boat, the tournament director may exercise their right to disqualify that person for the tournament.
• 9.9 All captains must be in possession of a valid Certificate of Competence and Certificate of Fitness for their boat. (Failure to produce these documents on demand, shall be cause for automatic disqualification of a boat and all of the competitors on the transgressing boat.)

Rule 10: Sportsmanship

• 10.1 Competitors are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety and conservation. Any infraction of these fundamental sporting principles may be deemed cause for disqualification from the tournament.
• 10.2 Use of alcohol or drugs (other than those drugs purchased over the counter or prescribed by a physician) by any competitor during the tournament will not be tolerated and shall be cause for disqualification from the tournament.
• 10.3 A casting distance shall be maintained between two competing boats unless mutually agreed to maintain distance less than casting distance.
• 10.4 When a boat allows another team's boat to be within casting distance, all other boats may enter that area without having to adhere to the casting distance rule.
• 10.5 In order to show that a transgressing boat has moved into casting distance of another boat, an angler my cast across the bow or stern of the transgressing boat, provided that the cast is made with the same rod and lure the casting angler was fishing with, prior to this confirming cast being made. The casting angler may not change his fishing rod or lure in order to obtain a longer casting distance, in this regard.
• 10.6 Under no circumstances may an angler cast a lure, fishing weight or any other object onto another boat in order to show that a casting distance has not been maintained - this is considered to be dangerous conduct and will lead to disqualification from the tournament.
• 10.7 A stationary boat may not block / refuse entry / thoroughfare of another boat in a river or narrow section if the entering boat has enough space to fish beyond the stationary boat outside of its casting distance. The entering boat shall idle (no wake), in a sportsmanlike manner and with no lines in the water, past the stationary boat, which must afford them the opportunity to move pass.
• 10.8 Any violation of rules 10.1 - 10.7 may lead to disqualification of a boat and all competitors on the transgressing boat.

Rule 11: Anglers Conduct

• 11.1 Anglers must always conduct themselves professionally, demonstrating integrity, honour, and respect toward fellow competitors, tournament staff, and the general public. Their behaviour should uphold the reputation of the R1,000,000 Africa Challenge, its officials, representatives, and sponsors, ensuring no unfavourable reflection on the event.
• 11.2 Anglers are frequently in the public eye; therefore, it is imperative that tournament competitors demonstrate good sportsmanship in fishing. Sportsmanship is defined as fair play, respect for opponents and polite behaviour while competing in the sport.
• 11.3 Following are examples of unacceptable behaviour by competitors before, during or after the R 1,000,000 Africa Challenge event, which may be cause for disqualification as outlined in this document:
• 11.3.1 Heated public disagreements with tournament officials, other competitors and fans and volunteers during an event.
• 11.3.2 Public attacks through media, including social media, upon the integrity of tournament rules or officials.
• 11.3.3 Public comments that an angler knows, or should reasonably know, will harm the reputation of EBASS Africa, tournament officials, or trail sponsors.
• 11.3.4 Displays of anger and displeasure for reasons related to fishing competition where members of the public, including other anglers, spectators and the media, are present.
• 11.3.5 Publicly questioning or criticizing a tournament official or official decision, ruling or penalty except through the proper channels.
• 11.3.6 Abuse (physical, verbal, threatening or slanderous) of tournament officials, volunteers, fellow competitors or others connected with a R 1,000,000 Africa Challenge event.
• 1.3.7 Offensive or slanderous comments with racial, cultural, or sexual overtones regarding event officials, event personnel or fellow anglers.
• 11.3.8 Intentionally interfering with a fellow angler's ability to compete.
• 11.4 Any angler who violates any of the provisions of these Sportsmanship may be subject to forfeiture of tournament winnings, permanent ban from future competitions, or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by the tournament committee.

Rule 12: Competitors must Remain in Boat

• 12.1 Both competitors must remain in boat at all times, except when their boat is beached in the weigh station area.
• 12.2 During the competition, competitors may not depart the boat to land a fish or to make their boat more accessible to fishing waters.
• 12.3 Competitors are allowed to leave the boat to retrieve a lure.
• 12.4 Competitors are allowed to leave the boat to relive themselves or to seek safe shelter in bad weather where danger may be imminent.
• 12.5 Any transgression of rules 12.1 to 12.4 may lead to disqualification a boat and all of the competitors on the transgressing boat.

Rule 13: Weigh-in Procedures

• 13.1 The weigh station will be open the entire day during tournament hours and will be set up in an area that is accessible to everyone.
• 13.2 Should a team be required to weigh a fish during the day or at tournament closing time, they shall enter the weigh station area through the starting gate ONLY and adhere to a no wake zone rule.
• 13.3 For the R1,000,000 Challenge only the biggest 3 fish on a boat may be weighed.
• 13.4 All fish to be weighed must be presented to the weigh master in a weigh bag filled with water at the weigh station. Fish must then be transferred into the designated mesh weigh bags and presented to the weigh master upon call-up. Hand or direct physical contact with fish during transportation to the weigh station is strictly prohibited.
• 13.5 All fish to be weighed must be alive (gilling) at the time of fish being placed on the scale. It is at the weighmaster's sole discretion whether a fish is deemed to be dead.
• 13.6 NO dead fish shall not be eligible for weighing (this includes the tagged fish).
  The R1,000,000 tagged fish shall not be considered for the three biggest fish prizes if caught.
• 13.7 Living fish that have partially ingested their prey will not be weighed until the protruding remains of such ingested prey are safely removed and will not count towards the weight of the fish.
• 13.8 The introduction of any materials or devices that increase the fish's weight/mass will be deemed will full damage, which will result in a disqualification.
• 13.9 All fish weighed must be left with the weigh master. The weighmaster will then release the fish once weighed and accounted for.
• 13.10 Every angler MUST sign each printed weigh-slip directly after weighing their fish as acknowledgement of the weight. No exceptions will be entertained after the event/tournament, should there be discrepancies and the angler did not sign.

Rule 14: Late Weigh-in

• 14.1 Competitors are responsible for synchronizing their watches to the weighmaster clock.
• 14.2 A weigh-in tag system will be implemented for the tournament. Competitors must submit their numbered tags to the tag control boat (located in the demarcated take-off area) by the designated cut-off time. Failure to comply may result in the forfeiture of tournament winnings.
• 14.3 The cut-off time will be indicated visually or audibly at the weigh station. Any team rendering emergency assistance to another team, which results in its late arrival, may have its catch weighed if the team provides satisfactory proof of such assistance given.
• 14.4 In case of a lost tag the team must identify itself to the tag control boat and inform it of a lost tag before the dedicated cut-off time, to avoid disqualification.
• 14.5 The tournament director's cell number will be displayed or given to all anglers at the weigh station in cases of emergency.

Rule 15: Protests

• 15.1 Protest forms will be available during the tournament at the weigh station.
• 15.2 ll protest will be subject to a R 500 non-refundable protest fee.
• 15.3 A protesting team must complete a protesting form, signed by all their witnesses.
• 15.4 The protest form, including the R300 protest fee must be handed in to the tournament director not later than 30 minutes after by the designated weigh-in cut-off time.
• 15.5 Failure by the protesting angler to comply with protesting rules 15.2 - 15.4 will result in the protest to be rejected by the tournament director.
• 15.6 All parties of interest must be made aware of the pending protest by the tournament director or appointed designate.
• 15.7 Once received all the parties must attend a hearing at a place and time determined by the tournament director, who will convene the tournament committee for a protest hearing.
• 15.8 Once the outcome has been decided, penalties / disqualifications will be handed down ASAP by the tournament committee.

This document outlines the official rules for the R 1,000,000 Africa Challenge 2025 tournament. Competitors must abide by all rules and regulations to ensure fair play and sportsmanship throughout the event.