Official Rules
An introduction to how KBF competitions are governed and where to find everything you need before competing.
Each Kayak Bass Fishing (KBF) Challenge, Tournament or Event (referred to herein as "Competition") is a CPR (Catch-Photo-Release) contest in which each Competitor catches his own fish in places, during times, and by procedures permitted in all pertinent rules and regulations, digitally photographs them according to the standards described herein, and submits the lengths and photographs for verification.
KBF Competitions are conducted according to KBF Competition Rules found in two documents:
Together, these two documents comprise the KBF Competition Rules. As a condition of participation in any KBF Competition, the participating angler ("Competitor") agrees to read, understand, and comply with all KBF Competition Rules.
Document 1
The full 21-section rulebook governing all KBF events. Effective January 8, 2024.
Read Full RulesDocument 2
Published per event in the Fishing Chaos Tournament Management System. Check your event page before competing.
Open Fishing ChaosCPR Format - All KBF competitions use a Catch-Photo-Release (CPR) format. Competitors catch fish, photograph them on an official Ketch measuring board with the KBF Official ID Card visible, then release them. There is no live well, no weigh-in, and no fish die.
Tournaments vs. Challenges: "Tournaments" are in-person meet-up events where competitors gather at a specific location and fish the same body of water. "Challenges" are virtual, online-only competitions where participants fish within a defined region during a set time window without congregating.
Scoring: Fish are scored by length in inches and quarter-inches. The competitor with the greatest aggregate length of their best submitted fish wins.
Tournament Management System: All registrations, photo submissions, and leaderboards are managed through the Fishing Chaos app. Competitors must create a Fishing Chaos account before registering for any KBF event.
Minimum Fish Length
12 inches unless stated otherwise in event-specific rules.
Eligible Species
Black Bass only: Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, Guadalupe, Shoal, Bartram's, Mean Mouth, and hybrids.
Required Equipment
Ketch measuring board (aluminum, Karbonate, or Ketch X) and official KBF ID Card - mandatory in every photo.
Acceptable Watercraft
Kayaks, canoes, or SUPs where paddling/pedaling is the primary means of propulsion. Electric motors allowed up to 3 HP / 155 lbs thrust.
Artificial Lures Only
No live, preserved, or prepared bait. Exception: pork strips or rinds.
PFD Required
A fastened USCG-certified vest-style PFD must be worn at all times during competition.
Photo Requirements
Fish facing left, belly down, jaw touching bump board fence, kayak visible in background, no fingers inside gill plate.
Disputes
Disputes must be submitted via the KBF Dispute & Appeal Form within 24 hours of judging completion.
KBF Official ID Card
Required in every competition photo. Download and print before your event.
Waiver & Release of Liability
Must be on file before you're eligible to compete.
IRS W-9 Form
Required to receive cash prizes.
Rules Revision Log
History of all rule changes with effective dates.